Page 28 of On the Ropes

She smiled as Mrs. Antonetti and Carlo Antonetti, her oldest son and current owner/manager of the three-restaurant chain, approached. Mrs. Antonetti, a lovely Italian-born woman in her mid-sixties, was a dead ringer for the famous Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida. Carlo was a handsome man, about six feet tall with a nice build, thick, wavy, dark-brown hair, and chocolate-brown eyes. Abbey noticed Carlo held a small white envelope in his hand.

Mrs. Antonetti double-cheek kissed Jake and Cassie. “Congratulations! Thank you for share your special day with us,” she began. Abbey found her accent and broken English adorable and smiled. Mrs. Antonetti held out a hand and Carlo placed the envelope in it. She handed it to Jake. “This is little something for you. Come back after honeymoon for date night. Bring pictures, okay? Don’t say no.” Could the woman be any sweeter?

“We won’t say no,” Cassie assured her. “We’ll come back with plenty of pictures to show you. Thank you.”

Carlo smiled at Abbey and she smiled back. She thought see saw interest in his eyes. Maybe her night was looking up. Go reboot weekend!

Mrs. Antonetti smiled and looked between Cassie and Abbey. “Your sister?” she asked Cassie.

Cassie smiled and nodded. “Yes, and she’s single too!”

“Cassie!” Abbey was mortified. She didn’t need Cassie’s help. She felt herself blush.

Mrs. Antonetti elbowed Carlo in the ribs lightly. “See? She pretty, no?”

“Ma!” Carlo blushed and shook his head. He looked up at Abbey and mouthed sorry.

Abbey noticed Luke marching over toward her with fire in his eyes. His long strides quickly ate up the space between them.

Oh shit. He’s pissed.

****

That was it. Luke was done. It was one thing to watch Abbey be hit on by some of Jake’s college buddies and a few of his co-workers, but it was another to watch as Mrs. Antonetti try to play matchmaker for her son Carlo with his Abbey. Not a fucking chance.

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.”

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