“No, that’s perfect. Meet me at Sal’s?” I suggested.
“Yeah. Sal’s it is,” he replied, his voice excited.
“OK, Matteo. See you then.”
I pressed End, dropping my phone on the small counter before walking into the bathroom. I peered around the shower curtain at Cassie and became instantly aroused.
Down, boy.
“I’m having lunch with Matteo at Sal’s. I’ll text you afterward to let you know how it goes, OK?”
She turned her body to face me, embarrassment spreading pink across her cheeks. “Great. Now get out of here before you make me late for work. I know what you’re thinking, Carter.”
I loved it when she called me by my last name. Her voice always sounded extra sassy, and it turned me on even more.
“Can you blame me? Fuck, woman, look at you. Sexy as hell,” I teased, knowing I was making her uncomfortable. But she looked beautiful all naked and wet, and now all I could think about were the things I wanted to do to her.
She pressed her lips tightly against each other. “’Kay. Get out now. Bye. Thanks.”
I walked into Sal’s, the smell of pizza making my stomach growl.
“Hey! Jack! Good to see you!” Sal stood in the kitchen area, waving at me through a pass-through window. “And hey, nice game the other night.” His boisterous voice reverberated throughout the small building.
“Thanks, Sal.”
“So what can I get ya?”
“I’m going to wait until Matteo shows up, and then we’ll order something,” I said, before sitting down at one of the tables.
“Matteo’s coming? Ha! I haven’t seen that little shit in weeks!” He flung some pizza dough into the air before catching it on his fist and spinning it wildly.
“He’s not really that little.”
“No, he’s not.” He chuckled. “So, how’s he working out for you and Cassie? Everything good?” He eyed me while pressing down on the dough, creating the perfect thin crust.
“It’s all good so far. Thanks again for the recommendation.”
“No problem, no problem.” He waved a hand at me as the bells on the door chimed. Matteo walked into the pizzeria, a huge smile spread across his face.
“Matteo! Why don’t you come visit me? You don’t like my food?” Sal teased before coming out from the kitchen to greet his cousin.
I watched the two men embrace and realized in that moment how much I missed my little brother, Dean. I wished he was done with school so I could move him out here, but he probably wouldn’t leave Gran and Gramps. Dean was always the better grandkid.
“Ah, you know I love your food. I’ve just been busy.” Matteo nodded in my direction.
“I’ve heard. Busy’s good.” Sal slapped Matteo on the back. “You two let me know what you want to order, OK?”
“I’ll just take a slice, Sal.” I hesitated, patting my rumbling stomach. “Better make it two.”
“Same here,” Matteo said, following my lead.
“I’ll just make you guys a whole pie. It’s not like the two of you won’t finish it.” Sal laughed before walking back into the kitchen.
I smiled, waving Matteo over to sit with me. Once he was close enough, I reached out my hand. A quick, firm handshake later and Matteo was seated across from me. “So, I need to talk to you about something,” I started, leaning my elbows on the tabletop.
“Yeah, Mr. Lombardi mentioned that you want me to keep the car there during the games, is that right?”
“Yeah, but there’s a bit more to it than that.”
“What’s up?”
I pushed back into my chair, thinking about how to word it right. “Some fans were heckling Cassie last night at the game. And I guess the other wives are really mean and don’t do anything to help. The press is taking pictures of her and posting them online. I would really appreciate it if you would take her to the games and sit with her so she’s not alone.”
“So, you want me to drive her to the field and then stay for the game with her?”
“Yeah. But I also need you to watch out for her. And if anyone fucks with her, I need you to be OK with handling it.”
“Like a bodyguard?”
“If it comes to that, yeah.” Matteo shifted in his seat, and I added, “That’s why I wanted to talk to you. If you’re not comfortable doing this, I’ll find someone else.”
“I never said I was uncomfortable,” he responded in a sharp tone that caused my defenses to flare.
“Well, I figured I’d ask you because you’re obviously strong, and I assume people find you intimidating.”
I don’t.
He laughed. “I actually don’t have a problem with it at all. I just need to know my boundaries.”
“What do you mean?” I jerked my head toward him as my muscles tensed.
He better not be talking about his boundaries with Cass. I’ll beat his ass right here in his cousin’s restaurant.
“I just mean, what exactly do you want from me? If someone heckles her, do you want to me to knock his teeth out, get him to shut up, or do nothing?”
This was my idea and I hated it already. The thought of someone else defending my girlfriend was agonizing. I should have been the one protecting her, but I was willingly handing that job over to another guy. A guy who looked like a fucking magazine model.
“I don’t think you should cause a scene unless it’s absolutely necessary. Don’t overreact, ’cause that will only lead to more bad press.” He nodded as I continued. “I basically don’t want Cassie to be alone at the games anymore. I figured she’d make friends with the other women on the team, but since that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen… I need to make other arrangements for her safety.”