“I’m joking.” Willie Boy tucked his long hair behind one ear. “Why the hell is everyone so damn uptight?”
“Don’t be a dick to the ladies and show them some damn manners,” Teddy said. “And say hello to G-ma.”
Willie Boy air-pecked his grandmother’s cheek. “Mwah,” he said. “What’s for dinner, G-ma?”
Luciano slid his gaze to his grandmother.
“I invited him,” Elsa said.
“I see a shit-ton of Santini designer bags,” Willie Boy said.
“You can have mine.” Teddy handed Willie Boy his cashmere sweater.
Willie Boy pulled it on, but he was swimming in it. Teddy was twice as muscular and several inches taller. Willie Boy stared down at the sweater, then yanked it off.
“This doesn’t fit,” Willie Boy said. “Swing by the restaurant and bring me something.”
Luciano gritted his teeth. He took orders from no one, especially his lazy-ass cousin.
“La cena è pronta,” Elsa said. “Mangiamo.”
Luciano broke from the group, his gaze trained on Simone. He was drawn to her in a way he couldn’t comprehend. Might’ve been her composure. Maybe her cool aloofness. Definitely her beauty, poise, and possibly the best poker face he’d ever seen.
“Who’s the class act?” she whispered.
He had to touch her, so he ran his hand over her back.
“Lower,” she whispered.
He dropped his hand to the middle of her back.
“Almost,” she urged him on.
When he ran his hand over her ass, a purr rolled out of her. And blood rushed through his veins.
“Better?” he murmured.
Her sly smile was her only reply.
With the large salad bowl in one hand, he placed his other hand on the small of her back and guided her to the table. He set the bowl in the center, pulled out a chair for her. When she sat, he eased down at the head, across from Carrera.
“Willie Boy, will you say grace?” Elsa asked.
“Nah, I’m no good at that,” Willie Boy replied.
“I got this,” Luciano replied.
Everyone bowed their heads, but he found himself anchored on Simone.
“Heavenly Father, please bless the food we are about to eat. Thank you for our time together as a family. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Her eyes fluttered open and she raised her head. When she turned in his direction, everything became crystal clear. Their relationship had potential to become something significant. Maybe even something worth fighting for.
Dishes got passed around and plates were loaded up with food. His grandmother was her happiest when her family was together, sharing conversations over a homemade meal.
Luciano made the introduction between Willie Boy and Simone.
“Who do you know here?” Willie Boy asked her.
