Before I knew what was happening, Gavin was pressed up against the side of his fancy car with an angry Sal breathing fire through his nose. “I would never hurt her, never,” he seethed with an emotion so fierce I felt it in my belly. He was hurt at the implication he’d physically harm me, deeply so.
“No,” I said as I shook my head adamantly before Sal could say anything further. “He wouldn’t do that, Gavin.”
Sal let him go with a growl and came to stand by my side, clearly trying to get a handle on himself.
“Have you been checked out?” Gavin asked quietly. His concern was utterly sincere. He stepped closer to assess my eye. Luckily my neck was covered.
“No, but I’m okay, really,” I assured him. “I really appreciate your concern, but we’ve got to get going,” I said gently.
Gavin straightened and eyed Sal with renewed interest, “You the ex?”
“I’m her man,” Sal correctly him harshly.
I inwardly groaned in frustration at his continued claiming of me.
“I’m taking care of Kat,” he added. “You don’t need to worry about her.”
Gavin nodded, his expression thoughtful as he took in Sal’s appearance. It wasn’t a judgmental look. It was more of a resigned assessment.
“Things don’t work out, you know where to find me,” he said quietly. I had to admit I was impressed he didn’t seem intimidated by Sal. “Take care of yourself, Kat.”
I smiled at him warmly. We’d been on one date and he’d come to check up on me. I genuinely appreciated it. “You too, Gavin. Thanks.” I gave him a small wave as Sal took my hand and guided me down the block.
I looked back over my shoulder once. Gavin was already getting in his car and driving away. I really hoped he’d find a nice woman. He deserved it.
When the Charger came into view, my belly did a little flip. I’d looked longingly at its shape all these months buried underneath its cover, not daring to peek underneath. I’d never cared much for cars, especially muscle cars. But when I’d started dating Sal, and he’d pulled up in his black ‘68 Charger, which he’d restored himself, I was shocked at how hot I thought it was. The car rumbled like a beast and he looked gorgeous behind the wheel. He’d let me drive it once to the store and back.
It was awesome.
He must have seen my expression because he slung his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his side. “Never looked at this car the same after the time I got between those gorgeous thighs in the backseat,” his deep voice rumbled appreciatively in my ear.
I tried to shy away from him; I didn’t want him to notice how much his words affected me.
He chuckled at my response, opening the car door for me. I’d always loved the way the black leather of the interior smelled and the way I could feel the rumble of the engine under the seat. Aside from the bike, it was the next best way to travel.
Sal was quiet on the way to his place. I didn’t know if it was the run-in with Gavin or my attack that had him brooding. Either way I left him to his thoughts, grateful for the quiet.
We arrived at his place and I took a fortifying breath. It wasn’t going to be easy for me to be under this roof again with all of the memories we’d shared here.
“Okay?” he asked, interrupting my thoughts.
I bit my lip and nodded while opening my door and climbing out. His house was a one-story stucco. The front yard had simple landscaping with stone and drought resistant bushes, a necessity in the Nevada desert. He gathered my duffel from the back and led us inside. It smelled so familiar, like Sal.
I looked around his house. It didn’t look like he’d ever left. He’d always kept it sparse with minimal personal effects. Two brown leather sofas, a coffee table, and a TV made up the living room. Hardwood floors and high, wood-beam ceilings made the space feel more open than it might otherwise. It was a nice, albeit simple place, but he could make it much more comfortable if he put a little effort in. I’d always bit my tongue against offering any suggestions.
“Is the guest room set up?” I asked. His second bedroom had always been more of an office space.
“Uh, no,” he shook his head and I could tell he hadn’t even thought of it.
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Well, if you’re so intent on me staying here, I guess you’re sleeping on the couch,” I said with a raised brow.
He looked like he was going to say something but then thought better of it. “Looks like it,” he muttered.
Chapter 8
Isituated myself in Sal’s room after Scarlet had paid a worried visit, and some of the guys had come by to check on me. I was lying in bed looking blankly up at the ceiling. Sal had given me my space and I was glad for it. Exhaustion hit me from being back in this house where we’d spent so much time together and reassuring everyone constantly I was okay. Scarlet and I hadn’t talked about much. I wasn’t in the mood, and she knew when to give me my space. But, she’d promised to come over every day. I knew I didn’t have any choice but to agree. She’d be there regardless. She was a good friend like that.
I’d spent so many nights under this roof in Sal’s bed wrapped up with him. This was after we’d had mind-blowing sex, of course. God, the sex. I closed my eyes thinking about it. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced. Sal was amazing in bed. But, not only that, it was how we were together, as though our bodies were meant to make love. We had amazing physical chemistry. And when I was with him, I’d felt more adored and safe than ever before in my life.