by Dania Voss
He turned away from the conversation he was having with Jake’s cousins, stomped over to Abbey, and put his arm possessively around her waist. Luke felt her stiffen. Yes, it was a Neanderthal move, but he didn’t care.
Recognition dawned on Mrs. Antonetti’s and Carlo’s faces. Carlo extended his hand. “You’re—”
Luke was in full asshole mode now. “The best man.” Yeah, that’s right dickhead, she’s mine. Don’t even think about it.
“Luke!” Abbey yelled at him and tried to pull away. Luke was having none of that either and pulled her closer. She was so soft and warm against him. And cozied up next to him was exactly where she belonged. It was time she ditched the attitude and got on board with Luke’s plans for their future.
Jake looked at Luke, disappointed shown in his eyes. Crap, Luke was making a scene. “Mrs. Antonetti, Carlo, this is Luke Stryker, from the Chicago Cobras and my best man.”
Mrs. Antonetti smiled at him and nodded. “I thought so. Welcome to Cucina Antonetti’s!”
“Luke,” Abbey warned.
Luke looked at her pleading eyes and took a deep breath. He turned back to Mrs. Antonetti with a smile and shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m looking forward to dinner tonight.”
Mrs. Antonetti beamed with pride. “Dinner will be delizioso. You no worry about that.”
Abbey nudged him and Luke turned to Carlo and extended his hand. Carlo hesitated for a second but then shook Luke’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Carlo.”
“Same here. The Antonetti family are huge fans.”
With Abbey, Cassie, and Jake watching him closely, Luke wanted to be mindful of his temper. He’d never been rude to a fan, and didn’t want to embarrass Jake or Cassie, but where Abbey was concerned, all bets were off.
Luke felt her relax beside him. He’d missed being close to her like this and felt his temper ease. “Thank you. That means everything to me and the team.” He meant it. Where would the team be without their fans?
Luke knew Abbey was looking at him. He turned to her and saw those beautiful blue eyes of hers were slightly dilated. Relief washed through him knowing he hadn’t upset her too much.
“Why don’t you sign some autographs and take a few pictures for the Antonettis?” Abbey suggested.
Luke didn’t want to leave her side, but Jake chimed in. “That’s a great idea, Abbey. We still have twenty minutes before introductions and dinner service starts. What do you say?”
Luke regarded everyone’s expectant expressions and relented. He didn’t want to be a complete ass. He nodded his head. “Of course, I’d be happy to.”
Mrs. Antonetti clapped her hands, clearly pleased. “Bene, grazie. Carlo, you go with Luke, I check the food. Andiamo.” Mrs. Antonetti started toward what Luke assumed was the kitchen. Carlo shrugged and followed. Luke glanced at Abbey, Jake, and Cassie. The three of them seemed grateful.
Crisis of his own making averted, Luke followed Carlo down a short hallway into the restaurant’s hot busy kitchen. Fortunately, Luke thought no one had noticed him during their walk to the kitchen.
The kitchen itself was a different matter. For a moment, he watched in awe as the chefs, assistants, and wait staff performed a sort of choreographed dance of among each other between prep work, cooking, baking, plating, boxing leftovers … until they noticed him.
Some of the wait staff had their phones out, snapping pictures. Luke was used to that, but he didn’t want to draw the press’s attention to his whereabouts. The amazing scents of authentic Italian cooking made his mouth water and his stomach growl so loud Carlo heard.
“Get back to work and don’t tell anyone, capire?”
Carlo’s employees shot a few more pictures, nodded, and got back to work, talking excitedly to each other but sneaking glances Luke’s way. “Antipasti per Tyler e Jayne, my office, subito.”
Carlo led Luke down another short hallway to his office. Done in the same dark wood tones as the restaurant and banquet rooms, Carlo’s office was decorated with a large mahogany desk and executive leather high-back chair. Two luxurious leather captain’s style chairs were set in front of the desk and a leather couch was placed against the back wall of the office. The walls were decorated with various pictures of the Antonetti family and their well-known Italian wine vineyards. And a picture of Carlo with the band Kiss in full makeup? There were several pictures of Carlo and who had to be his son, a younger, spitting image of his father. Luke felt the annoying pang of jealousy. If things had worked out differently, he’d most likely have little mini me’s of his own by now.
Carlo gestured for Luke to sit as he took a seat behind his desk. Luke sat down and waited, feeling awkward from his earlier Neanderthal display. “First, let me apologize for Ma. She’s been trying to marry me off since before my son CJ was born. I meant no disrespect to you or your woman. She’s beautiful, of course, but I had no intention of acting on Ma’s enthusiasm about her being single,” Carlo began. Before Luke could respond there was a knock on the door.
“Entra.”
The office door opened and Luke was surprised to see the head chef. Luke sat at attention when he saw the chef was carrying a large plate filled with Jake and Cassie’s hors d’oeuvres—mozzarella-stuffed bacon-wrapped shrimp, Italian sausage-stuffed mushrooms, and mini Italian meatballs. Luke’s stomach grumbled again and the chef and Carlo laughed.
The chef handed him the plate, a white cloth napkin, and a fork. “Mr. Stryker, I hope you enjoy this.”
Luke happily took the plate of delectable hors d’oeuvres from the chef. “Thank you, Chef. Although I’m surprised you’re bringing this in.” He speared a mini meatball with his fork and popped the entire thing in his mouth. So fucking good. He moaned as he devoured the delicious Romano cheese and herb-seasoned beef meatball. He could easily eat a dozen.
Carlo shook his head. “Don’t be fooled, Luke, he was sent by the staff.”
Luke ate a stuffed shrimp in one bite, savoring the salty bacon and warm mozzarella cheese. He could guess why the staff sent the chef in with his plate, and he would not be a jerk, especially after sampling the chef’s amazing food. “No worries, Chef, I’m happy to take a few pictures and sign autographs. Can you give Carlo and me a few minutes?”
The chef looked over to Carlo. When he nodded in agreement, the chef said, “Thank you Mr. Stryker. And don’t worry, the staff won’t take much of your time.”
“Find CJ for me and tell him to bring the camera, per favore,” Carlo said as the chef left his office.
“Will do.” The office door clicked shut.
Luke thoroughly enjoyed an Italian sausage-stuffed mushroom and looked up at Carlo apologetically. “Thank you for this, I haven’t eaten much today. It’s been nonstop busy.”
Carlo nodded his head in understanding. “You’re very welcome. Why should you miss out on cocktail hour? Again, I’m sorry about the misunderstanding with Ma and your woman.”
Luke grunted and munched on another shrimp. Everything does go better with bacon, he thought. “Abbey was my woman ten years ago.”
“Ah, the one that got away, eh?” Carlo frowned and shook his head sadly.
Carlo must have let someone get away too, from the sad but knowing expression on his face. “Yes, but I’m getting her back—this weekend. She’s not making it easy though, but I’m determined to make her come around. You’ve lost someone too, I take it?”
Carlo sighed and nodded. “Yes, years ago, when CJ was just three weeks old. He’s eighteen now.”
Well shit, Carlo wasn’t over his girl either. Luke estimated Carlo to be in his late thirties, early forties at the most. There was still plenty of time if he wanted to pursue her.
“You should reconnect with her. See if the attraction and chemistry are still there.” Now Luke felt like a total dick for being rude earlier. Carlo wasn’t interested in Abbey. He was still pining over his own long-lost love.
Carlo shrugged, sadly. “I don’t know. She had big
dreams she wanted to work toward when I last saw her. I didn’t want to stand in her way so I didn’t even tell her I loved her. I was twenty-three years old with a newborn. She was eighteen and off to beauty school and then she wanted to open a salon and spa with her sister and friends. I didn’t want to tie her down. It was for the best, I think.”
Luke felt like a complete jackass. “That was then, and this is now. It couldn’t hurt just to find her. If anything, just to catch up. Get a haircut? You could try finding her on Facebook.”
There was a sudden knock at the door and it flew open. Carlo’s son CJ bounded into the room with a camera in his hands. He went right to his father without looking in Luke’s direction. The resemblance between father and son was striking. Luke felt another pang of jealousy deep in his gut. “Hey, Dad. They said you wanted the camera?” Carlo nudged his head in Luke’s direction.
CJ’s eyes grew wide and his mouth fell open. “Holy shit! Luke Stryker!” CJ shoved the camera into Carlo’s chest and rounded the desk with his hand extended.
Luke placed his plate of mostly eaten hors d’oeuvres on Carlo’s desk and stood. He shook CJ’s hand. The young man had a strong grip. “It’s good to meet you, CJ.”
CJ’s smile was infectious. “Oh my God, did you and Brenna Sinclair get married? Are we doing your reception?” CJ was nearly bouncing out of his shoes with excitement.
Carlo put the camera on his desk and came around the desk to CJ and Luke. “No, son. Luke’s not with Brenna Sinclair anymore.” Carlo looked to Luke. “I take it that’s not common knowledge though, is it?”
Luke was beginning to like Carlo Antonetti more and more. He was a decent man. “That’s right. But please don’t say anything, okay?”
CJ nodded. “I won’t say anything, I promise. But what’s with the tuxedo?”
“I’m the best man for the Tyler and Jayne wedding here tonight.”
“Oh, great. I hope you enjoy your time with us,” CJ replied professionally. All right, Luke liked the young Antonetti too. “So the camera is for a few pictures for the restaurant?”
Luke and Carlo both nodded.
“Before we take pictures, can I run a business proposition by you, Luke?” CJ asked, a hopeful expression on his face.
Carlo’s brows furrowed. “What kind of business proposition, son?”
CJ grinned at Carlo and Luke, keeping them both in suspense. “I was thinking of a fundraising event at our three restaurants for the Cobras’ Children’s Foundation.
Luke definitely wanted to hear what CJ had in mind. He was a whore for the foundation. Whatever he could do to raise awareness for the wonderful work they did, he was all for it.
He made his way back to the banquet entry doors with a few minutes to spare before introductions were due to begin. He’d taken pictures with Carlo, CJ, and some with Carlo’s staff, and signed menus, napkins, and blank restaurant survey cards. What he was most pleased about was CJ’s idea for a fundraiser. He had a signed copy of their discussion in his pocket. They would arrange a time to get together soon with each of their attorneys to hammer out the details. Carlo was a lucky man. He had a great son. Luke hoped that one day soon, he’d have some of his own. Daughters, too. He needed to get Abbey on board. Fast.
Jake approached him with the top hat in his hand. He handed it to Luke. “Your turn.”
Luke put the top hat on and smiled. He was in a great mood. Ready to get the evening started and successfully complete Mission Abbey.
“I was just coming to find you. We’re ready to get started. You must be starved, man. You only had some fruit in Fellowship Hall.”
“Carlo had them give me a few of your hors d’oeuvres when I was in his office. Fucking awesome. But I’m ready for chicken carbonara and chicken marsala too.” Luke rubbed his stomach and laughed. “How’s Abbey? Is she pissed?”
Jake shrugged. “She doesn’t seem to be. But she’s had a couple of strong Long Island Ice Teas on an empty stomach, so make sure she eats well tonight, okay?”
Luke nodded. He intended on staying very close to his princess tonight. “I’ll take care of her, don’t worry.”
Luke and Jake joined the others already in place for the introductions. Abbey seemed calm and had a serene smile on her face. His heart swelled with a love that had endured for the last ten years.
Time to get this party started.
Chapter Seven
Abbey stood in place at the banquet room entrance doors, waiting for the evening’s festivities to begin. Young Amy would be first to enter, followed by Leah and Heath, her and Luke, and finally the happy couple. She had a little buzz going but was looking forward to dinner. She hadn’t sampled the delicious-looking hors d’oeuvres being served during cocktail hour. With nothing in her stomach but the pastries she ate earlier in the day, she was starving.
Cassie stood behind her, looking as beautiful as she had for the ceremony. The makeup bags they were each given were a godsend. She’d thank Angel again at her next hair appointment. “Oh look, Jake found Luke.” Cassie pointed down the hallway.
A few feet away Jake and Luke stood talking. Apparently, it was now Luke’s turn to wear the top hat. Abbey was annoyed at herself for thinking the top hat looked good on him. He turned to her and winked. Her traitorous body warmed, and she felt her center get wet.
Stupid body. There are plenty of other available men here tonight.
Abbey was still angry at the spectacle Luke had made of himself in front of Mrs. Antonetti and Carlo. Pulling that best man crap. He needed to give that shit a rest already.
You liked the attention though, didn’t you? Luke acting all possessive and caveman-like.
She looked away, not liking the direction her thoughts were taking. Whatever game Luke was playing, even if Cassie was right and Luke and Brenna weren’t together, Abbey wasn’t playing along. That didn’t change the fact that Luke had betrayed her. She couldn’t trust him.
Love is complicated.
What? Where did that come from? Abbey didn’t love Luke anymore. That was the alcohol talking, right? Before she could explore her thoughts a little deeper, Jake and Luke stood before them.
Luke grinned at her like he didn’t have a care in the world. “You miss me, princess?”
Yes. “Of course not. Don’t flatter yourself. Did you at least apologize to Carlo Antonetti for your childish behavior?”
Luke shrugged and waved at Amy. Amy giggled and enthusiastically waved back. “We had a good conversation. Met the head chef, took pictures with some of the staff, you know, the usual stuff. Best of all, Carlo’s son CJ had a great idea for a fundraiser we’re going to do for the children’s foundation. The Antonetti family, they’re good people. And they know how to cook!”
Despite all her misgivings and anger toward Luke, Abbey’s heart ached for him a little. Having lost his own parents at ten years old, Luke put his heart and soul into the foundation. Sometimes, she wondered if the work the foundation did for disadvantaged children meant more to him than his baseball career.
Luke reached out, took a lock of her hair, and spun it around his finger. Abbey’s heart skipped a beat and her skin warmed. How could he still have such an effect on her after all this time? And especially considering how he’d tossed their love aside ten years ago?
Luke waggled his eyebrows at her. “I think maybe you missed me a little. I don’t mind that you don’t want to admit it. I’m man enough to admit I missed you. Have for a long, long time, princess.” He leaned in closer.
Luke was going to kiss her, right there in the banquet area hallway of Cucina Antonetti’s. Abbey should have pushed him away, but she couldn’t find the will. Just one kiss wouldn’t hurt anything, right? She could be angry afterwards. It’s reboot weekend, right?
Luke was closing the distance between them and was going to kiss her when Hannah emerged from the banquet room. “All right guys, the DJ is ready to announce everyone and dinner is ready to be served.”
Abbey pulled away from
Luke, startled back to reality. She hated to admit she was a tiny bit disappointed at Hannah’s timing. It was just as well. She didn’t know which way was up where Luke was concerned.
“And you promised my wife you would relax and enjoy yourself, right?” Jake asked. It was too sweet to hear Jake refer to her Cassie as his wife now.
Hannah smiled and nodded. “Yes I did, and I will as soon as everyone’s introduced. I do find my assigned table interesting.” Hannah blushed prettily. “The DJ will announce we’re getting started and then he’ll announce each of you. Have fun!” She dashed back into the banquet room.
Luke grunted. “That was real bad timing.”
“Welcome everyone,” the DJ bellowed out. “Let’s get the evening started by introducing the bridal party.” The guests and the bridal party applauded.
“Please put your hands together for the pretty little flower girl Amy Tyler.”
The rest of the bridal party moved up in line and the guests applauded for Amy. Leah hooked her elbow with Heath’s and smiled up at him with adoration in her eyes. Abbey was surprised but pleased to see Heath smile back warmly at her. Maybe Leah and Heath will actually get together. Good for them.
“Up next we have groomsman Heath Jackson and lovely bridesmaid Leah Tyler.”
The guests erupted in applause. Abbey clapped happily for the two of them. She and Luke stepped up to where Leah and Heath had just stood.
Luke whistled and clapped. “Go Marines!”
“Go for it, Heath!” Jake shouted from behind Abbey. She turned around and found him and Cassie laughing. Jake shrugged and Cassie winked at her.
Abbey went to hook elbows with Luke, but he took a hold of her hand instead and squeezed tight. Fond memories flooded her. Years ago, they’d always held hands. Luke’s large powerful hand made her feel small and delicate. She tried to let go, the emotions too powerful. Holding his hand now shouldn’t feel so perfect, so right. He wouldn’t let go of her hand though.
