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She was left in a crazy-making limbo about where she and Cole stood, wondering whether the meeting was an excuse because he remembered, too, that the clock on their relationship was due to strike midnight at the end of the fund-raiser.
Still, the morning—or two—after, she hadn’t expected Sal.
She reluctantly stepped aside so he could make it over the threshold. “Sal.”
“Marisa, I need to talk to you.”
Closing the door, she turned to face her former fiancé.
“Vicki left me,” Sal said without preamble.
“I’m sorry.”
Well, this was an interesting turn of events. Marisa wrapped her arms around herself. In some ways, she should have predicted Sal and Vicki’s breakup. They appeared to have little in common, except perhaps for their joint affinity for sports stars.
Still, what did Sal want from her? A shoulder to cry on? She needed consoling herself about Cole.
Sal grimaced. “It was for the best that Vicki made for the door. I’ve been acting like an idiot.”
Marisa couldn’t disagree, but she said nothing, not wanting to hit someone when he was down.
Sal suddenly looked at her pleadingly. “I’m done with the high-flying lifestyle of pro athletes, Marisa. I thought I wanted it for myself, but I’ve tendered my resignation at the sports agency. I’m taking a job with a foundation that brings sports and athletics to underprivileged kids. I want to make a difference.”
She couldn’t argue with the admirable impulse to help kids. She worked with children every day. It was exhausting but exhilarating work. Still, while she was happy Sal appeared to be in a better place, she wondered about the road he’d taken to get there. “And Vicki leaving you led to this epiphany?”
He had the grace to look sheepish. “She wasn’t you, Marisa.”
“Of course not. Wasn’t that why you were attracted to her?”
“I was an idiot,” Sal repeated. “But I’ve done a lot of thinking in the past few days.”
She waited.
“Marisa, I still have feelings for you.”
She blinked and dropped her arms to her sides.
Sal held up his hand. “Wait, let me finish. I know it’ll be hard to regain your trust. But I hope it won’t be impossible. I’m asking you to give me another chance.” He reached for her hand. “Marisa, I love you. I’m willing to do anything, whatever it takes, to have you back.”
She didn’t know where to begin. “Sal—”
“You don’t need to say anything.” Sal gave a half laugh. “There’s nothing you can say that I haven’t already thought of. I’ve called myself every name in the book.”
She snapped her mouth closed.
“The thing is, I got cold feet with our engagement.” He shrugged. “You could say it took Vicki to make me realize the person I really want. You, Marisa.”
As a heartfelt declaration, it wasn’t half-bad. But she was no longer sure he was the right man for her.
Sal had made a mistake, by his own admission. But otherwise he was safe and predictable and what she’d thought she always wanted—until Cole had come back into her life.
Still, Cole had never shown any indication of settling down. And while she’d been falling in love with him, he hadn’t given any sign that he returned her feelings.
She cleared her throat. “Sal, I—”
“No,” he interrupted. “Don’t say anything. Think about it. I know I’ve laid a lot on you.”
“Really—”
