“I thought you were warning me about something else.”
“Like what?”
Nope, not going to answer that with Sal in the room because I thought she was going to chastise me for Isaac.
“Why is he here?”
“You two know I’m standing in front of you, right?” Sal hadn’t moved an inch, a fact I was painfully aware of.
I shouldn’t have been so aware of him or his location.
“Yeah, you’re kinda hard to miss. Now.” I’d decided to sweep the whole floor just in case a small piece went somewhere I couldn’t see. Bianca climbed up onto a stool by the island and pulled her bare feet beneath her as I pushed the small pile I’d created into the dustpan.
“I choose to take that as a compliment.”
“You would.” To my surprise, Sal yanked the door to the broom closet back open as I walked over and dumped the dustpan into the trash.
Then he pulled the trash bag out, even though it wasn’t full, and disappeared outside.
“Was that a nice thing he just did?” I asked with wide eyes and a sincerely confused voice. “Did he just take out the broken glass so that we wouldn’t cut ourselves?”
Giggling, Bianca said, “He’s actually a decent guy. You just bring out the special side of him.”
“Oh, I get it.” I climbed up next her on the other stool. “Gio would kick his ass if he made you take the trash out, is that it?”
“Not even.” She hopped down, poured us each a cup of coffee, dumped enough cream and sugar in mine to make me think it wasn’t even coffee then took back her seat. “So, Isaac?”
“Yeah.” I sighed. Bianca stared at me with expectant eyes. She wanted more from me. “Everything was going fine. I saw him at the bar. We played pool then went back to his place.”
“And then?”
I glanced from her to the door then back to her. If I was going to talk about why I couldn’t bring myself to have sex with Isaac, Sal absolutely could not overhear.
“Through no fault of his, I couldn’t stay focused.” That was the stark truth. Isaac hadn’t done anything wrong. This was all on me. And that freaking man I couldn’t get my mind off as Isaac and I started to get intimate.
“Sal?” she whispered making me shrug in answer. “Interesting.”
I shook her off. There was only so much sharing I wanted to do knowing he’d be coming through that door any second.
The back door opened then closed again. My spine went pin straight and my heart kicked several notches.
“Well, I’ve got interviews to do so I’ll see you at the restaurant.” I gave Bianca’s arm a squeeze as I hopped down and headed for the door.
“Try not to sleep with all of them,” he called out earning him a harsh “Sal” from Bianca.
“Can’t promise anything,” I said while shaking my head. “I haven’t seen them yet.”
I had to get away from him. Unfortunately and uncharacteristically, his words bothered me when with anyone else I would have given the middle finger and moved on.
Asshat.
Chapter Seven
The interviews went pretty well at first. Several of the guys who applied were seniors in high school and were excited to earn some extra money on nights and weekends. We only planned to hire four on a part-time basis. And I thought I found my four on the first day.
Before making any final decisions, I wanted to go through all the notes I’d taken during the interviews but did tell each of them that they’d hear from me by the end of the week.
Dropping back into the chair in the break room with a tired sigh, the table was scattered with applications and my notes. I stretched a big one, pushing my head side to side to get every last muscle and every last crack out. It felt so good I groaned. I’d been in that damn chair for six hours without a break even for lunch and my stomach let me know it.
“Didn’t know someone so small could make such a big noise.”
Crap. I knew that voice. Why was he even here?
“You have no idea.” I kept my eyes closed and continued my methodical release of tension.
Yup, I was stalling.
“Do you always do that?” Sal asked.
“Do what?” Now I looked at him and wished I hadn’t. One of Gio and Sal’s ancestors did something really good to help create men who looked like them. I don’t think they even tried very hard but they were naturally beautiful even with their salty personalities. Very dark, messy hair, chocolate eyes, and that Mediterranean olive skin was a combination created to make women melt.
“Lace everything with innuendo?”
“Pretty much.”
My stomach groaned loudly. I needed to get something to eat and probably get away from Sal. So I stood and shoved all the paperwork into my messenger bag before my hangry attitude made me snap.
It was such a weird position to be in.
The guy was so good looking, and guys who are that good looking could be jerks. That was a fact of life. It happened. I’d even admit that might be part of the appeal.
But not with Sal.
Sal wasn’t just a jerk because he knew how good looking he was. He was an asshole, but his angrier side seemed reserved just for me. I didn’t have time for that kind of toxic relationship.
“What are you going to do now?”
“Getting something to eat. I’m so hungry I’d eat liver at this point.” Why did he want to know?
“Why liver?”
“Because it’s the most disgusting food ever. Organ meat is nasty and unhealthy.”
He snorted. “Want some company?”
That offer stopped my brain from functioning.
Yes. I loved having company when I ate because dining out alone sort of sucked. I was good at the solo thing but still sucked.
However, eating with Sal might actually be worse.
“You want to get something to eat with me?”
He nodded.
“Why?”
This time he shrugged. “I’m hungry.”
I wanted to pummel his beautiful face in frustration and made a mental note to ask Gio if Sal was in need of medication. This level of awkwardness couldn’t be normal.
He didn’t even give much of an answer. He could eat without sitting at a table across from me.
I don’t know why, but I motioned for him to follow me. When I told Bianca we were leaving, that Sal was coming with me to get something to eat, she dropped an entire uncooked pizza on the floor. Gio roared with laughter.
“Behave,” Gio called out as we left, and I wasn’t sure which of us he was referring to.
The glare Sal got would have been enough to make most people wet their pants but Sal just waved over his shoulder as he walked away.
Too tired for much effort, I led Sal the few blocks to the diner where we’d get good food and good service. They were moderately busy but we were able to slide into a booth and order rather quickly, which had been my hope. I hadn’t eaten all day and was seriously on the verge of gnawing off my own foot.
“So, why are you back in Harbor Point so soon?” I asked after the older waitress brought our drinks and promised the food would be out quickly.
The waitress had come to know the look of starvation in my eyes over the years. I’d grown up in a house just a few blocks away and the diner had been an after-school favorite since middle school.
“Is that a problem?” he asked after she left the table.
“No, it’s a free country. I’m just curious.”
“Well.” He shifted uncomfortably and looked everywhere but at me, “Gio and Gemma are the only family I have. I see Gemma pretty regularly and want to make sure Gio and I stay in touch as well. He can’t come up very often but my schedule is flexible. I can take my work with me.”
“Why can’t he go to Chicago?” A big piping plate of burger and fries was placed in front of me. “Oh, bless you, Natalie.”
Sal had ordered the same but I don’t think he expected the portions to be quite
as large as they were. Not with how big his eyes got when he first saw the plate.
“You’re going to eat all that?”
“Probably not but I will take as much as I can fit in there.”
He laughed then took a huge bite of his own burger.
“I used to be a lot smaller.” No idea why I brought that up. Why would I feel like I had to justify eating a huge burger and a butt load of fries to anyone especially Sal DeLuca?
His eyes snapped up to mine taking m, dark and menacing. The look surprised me with its intensity.
“You’re small now.”
“I’m at least fifteen pounds heavier than I used to be.” Looking back, I’d say I was far too thin in high school. I didn’t diet, exercise, or have an eating disorder to keep my eight down. I just didn’t eat much back then.
“Well, fifteen pounds looks good on you.”
“Huh… ” I smirked. “Was that a compliment?”
Sal bit his lips together and focused down onto his plate of fries.
If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was trying not to smile.
“Anyway, I think it’s an Italian thing. You guys don’t seem to mind a few extra pounds.”
“No. Most guys don’t mind a few extra pounds.”
I’d heard that before but coming from him, for some reason, I believed it.
“Gio can’t always come to Chicago because he’s made a commitment to work at Romano’s and there’s no way in hell he’s leaving Bianca every weekend to hang out with me.”
Made sense. Gio and Bianca were pretty attached.
Even though I hadn’t known Sal very long and we spent very little time together there were certain things I’d come to realize. In this particular situation, I could see there was something he wanted to say or ask by the way he’d glance at me then back at his plate over and over again. He’d also stopped talking but wasn’t really eating either.
“What?” I sighed. He didn’t budge. “Go ahead, Sal, I’m pretty much an open book, and I can only think of a handful of hurtful things you haven’t said yet.”
His jaw tightened at my words but there wasn’t anything I could do about that.
He’d been hurtful.
Intentionally hurtful as far as I could tell.
“Actually, I don’t want to piss you off right now because there’s a sharp knife within your reach,” he said with a half-smile.
I could see his point, but I laughed then slid the steak knife toward him so he’d have control. Plus I wouldn’t be able to stab him in a knee-jerk overreaction.
“Why do you do hook up with assholes?”
“They’re not assholes.”
He raised a brow at me. OK, I could see his point.
“Well, they’re not all assholes.”
“Any man who uses beautiful women just to toss them aside assholes.”
“Wait, did you just call me beautiful?” My brain fried out right there. Two compliments from Sal in such close proximity sent me reeling, but I tried to stay on topic. “Um, anyway, I don’t know sometimes there’s an itch that needs to be scratched.”
He kept staring like he wanted more explanation from me.
“Ok, well, I just don’t see the big deal,” I continued. “It’s just a moment, or two, that everything feels good and right. I don’t know if I can explain it to you. You must know what I mean.”
Sal winced. It was quick and he tried to cover it up but I definitely saw the movement.
“And you’ve never regretted any of it.”
“No. It’s not like I take home a different guy every night and so what if I did? I’ve also had a few boyfriends. My thing is I just don’t think you have to be head over heels in love with someone to enjoy sex with them. As long as everyone is a grown-up and safe, all’s good.” That was my motto anyway.
“You really believe that?”
I nodded emphatically because the big hunk of cow in my mouth prevented me from speaking.
“Why do you care?” I asked once the food was washed down with soda.
“I don’t. I was just curious.” He sat back and focused on his own plate.
We finished eating and despite all my protests, he paid the bill before we left. After walking back to Romano’s we went our separate ways, him back into the restaurant, me to my car.
I needed a shower.
A couple of hours later, Bianca sent me a message saying she was going to play pool at Bill’s and needed a fourth. I assumed that meant her, Gio, and Sal. But I didn’t send an answer her right away because I was torn.
Sal had been nice at the very early dinner we shared, but I knew he could turn on a dime and some of his jabs packed a wallop.
Finally, I sent her one back saying I’d be there because I never let a guy chase me off from hanging with my friends. No matter what.
When we first started the game, everything was fine. We played several rounds, had a few drinks, paused for something to eat then went back to playing again. I thought Bianca may have put the fear of hell into Gio that he not make another stupid bet because it never came up. Not even as a joke.
Though kissing Sal again wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
“You know, I’m thinking about going back to blonde,” I said to Bianca as I gave my hair a gentle tug. “I like your color.”
“You know your hair’s going to fall out one day, right?” Bianca said.
“Well, then I’ll rock the bald look.” She may not have been too far from the truth. But I always had my hair color changes done professionally and got great treatments so I didn’t think it was likely.
“You should stay a redhead for a while,” Gio offered which was weird because he usually stayed out of what he called ‘girl conversations’.
“Why’s that?” I asked not thinking he’d have an answer.
“Isn’t it your natural color?” he asked.
“Pretty close,” Bianca said.
“It suits your personality, that’s for sure.” Sal piped in which was even more surprising.
I didn’t stay on the topic of my hair because I didn’t want them influencing my decision and Sal giving what could be construed as another compliment might send me over the edge to the loony bin.
Trying to get around the table to take my shot, I brushed my back along Sal’s front. I didn’t make contact on purpose and there was nothing anything overly sexual in the movement. Yet my stomach clenched and a wave of attraction rippled through me.
Every freaking inch of him was hard muscle that I suddenly wanted to explore and discover. Yet he recoiled as the contact ended. A clear indication that no exploration would ever take place.
I hated that he affected me especially when I apparently repulsed him.
“So what do you guys do for Christmas? Or should I ask Bailey who,” Sal said making me miss the sweet shot I would have otherwise made.
“Don’t be a dick, Sal.” Gio jumped to my defense first.
“Don’t worry about it. Strong women make him feel emasculated. I get it.” I raised an eyebrow at Sal.
Sal’s jaw clenched together tightly. I could see the muscle back by his ear bulge out when he did that.
“Hey, Bailey, why don’t you just install a revolving door to your bedroom. Would make your life easier.”
That’s what he came back with? First, it wasn’t even a good burn and second, I could feel tears burning the backs of my eyes.
I didn’t cry.
Almost ever.
But he was pushing my anger to new levels that I wasn’t going to be able to contain.
If he thought a few jabs at my sex life were going to make me run, he was mistaken. Although the more I thought about our situation the more I had to consider that I was fighting this the wrong way. Meeting him head to head like that was giving him reason to keep going.
Fuck that.
If he didn’t want to be friends, fine. We didn’t need to be. But if he was going to be around my best friend, he was going to h
ave to figure out a way to be around me.
There were so many comebacks on the tip of my tongue but I didn’t let even one of them go. I just stared at him. Not with anger but with apathy, maybe a small about of hurt, until he shifted uncomfortably.
Sal kept his watchful eyes on me for a while before dropping his gaze to the floor.
That’s what I wanted right there. Him to feel bad for judging me, talking to me in a way that I assume he’d never allow with Gemma and certainly, Gio would never allow with Bianca.
“I think that’s my cue to go,” I said quietly.
I slid the stick back into place on the wall, every one of my movements slow and purposeful.
Before leaving, I stopped right in front of Sal to play the girl card.
If he was any kind of man, this would hit him hard enough to realize he was being a dick and make him want to correct it.
No matter what Bianca said, I would make myself scarce when he came around from this point forward. It was too tiring to be on guard all the time.
“You know, Sal, with everything I’ve done, out of everyone I’ve ever known, not one person has ever tried to make me feel like a whore. Congratulations.” Then I walked away without looking back.
At some point, I became vaguely aware of someone following me and I swore to god if it was Sal he was getting punched in the nuts. I could only hold out so long, and his Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde bullshit was reaching my limit.
“Bailey.” Bianca grabbed my shoulder. I allowed her to turn me around as we stood on the sidewalk outside of Bill’s. She wrapped her arms around herself to ward off the brisk wind. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah. I just wanted to make him feel bad.”
Bianca laughed with me.
“I mean, yeah he hurt my feelings a little because I am human and have them but going toe to toe wasn’t working. I don’t know.” I shrugged, shook my head, and sighed. “I shouldn’t care.”
“But you like him.”
Shrugging again, I tried not to let the tears burning behind my eyes surface. That wasn’t happening.
I shouldn’t like him but there were moments, little glimpses of the person he could be that I did like. Bianca warned me that Sal didn’t know how to do this sort of thing, the interacting with other people thing, but I hadn’t believed her. But again, there were moments where it seemed like he did know how to be normal.
Love by the Mile (Harbor Point Book 2) Page 6
