Page 13 of Love, Always and Forever
Chapter 5
Mikhail figured he needed his ass kicked for pulling a stunt like that out there in the parking lot. Maybe he’d call Jack later and ask him to perform the honors. Or better yet, Tino. The runt would be only too happy to accommodate him and a little more likely to keep his mouth shut. But only a little. Neither of his brothers would ever pass on an opportunity to hassle him. He understood that, because he did the same to them.
Besides, he didn’t regret kissing Amy. She tasted so damn sweet, but there was no mistaking her slight awkwardness out there for anything other than what it was—innocence. Or at the very least, inexperience. He had no business messing with that. Not when he had no intention of being anything other than friends with her, and he wasn’t enough of a bastard to hope she’d settle for being friends with benefits. She deserved better, and he knew it.
Luckily, a familiar bellow rang out from across the room, giving him someone else to focus his attention on.
“Hey, you dumb jarhead, where the hell have you been lately? I was beginning to think you’d forgotten the way to my door.”
A behemoth of a man came charging out from behind the counter, wiping his hands on his apron. It had probably started off the morning white and neatly ironed, but by this time of day it was stained with a little bit of everything on the menu. Mikhail had told him more than once that he could save time writing the specials on the chalkboard over in the corner if he just nailed one of his aprons up there instead. Customers could simply point at whatever splotch looked tasty.
Big Tom wrapped him in a bone-crushing hug. He was one of the few men Mikhail had ever met who made him feel small.
“Glad to see you, man. You’re looking…”—Tom hesitated to give Mikhail the once-over before adding, “better. That’s good to see. Damn good, in fact.”
Toning down his booming voice just a bit, he turned his attention to Amy. “And who is this lovely lady? Is she the reason for the new spark of life in your eyes?”
Son of a bitch, he should’ve known the idiot would read special significance into Mikhail bringing Amy with him. Trying not to be too obvious about it, he inched a little farther away from her. “Amy is my new next-door neighbor. Amy, this idiot is Big Tom himself, proud owner of this fine establishment. He and I crossed paths a few times while we were in the service. He was the best cook in the Corps. If you don’t believe me, just ask him.”
Most people had problems with the way the former marine tended to invade their personal space, but Amy stood her ground and held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
After giving it a quick shake, Tom pulled the sleeve of his T-shirt up a little higher to show her the rest of the tattoo that had been peeking out, which saidSEMPER FI.“Like Mikhail said, we were both marines. However, unlike this one, I was smart enough to learn a marketable skill while I was in the Corps. He went from one dangerous job right into another one, a regular adrenaline junkie.”
No way Mikhail wanted to have that particular discussion again, especially not now. Time to change the subject. “We’ve spent the afternoon building a fence between our houses. I thought we deserved a special treat for working so hard. I promised her some decent barbecue.”
His friend took offense, just as Mikhail intended. “Hey, my barbecue isn’t just decent, it’s miraculous. The best around. Ask anybody.”
Then he punched Mikhail on the arm hard enough to sting as he grinned down at Amy. “Well, ask anybody but this idiot. He has no taste in anything but pretty neighbors.”
Amy laughed. “I’d like to experience some of this miracle food for myself.”
Tom nodded in approval. “Come over to the counter, and I’ll fix you right up. This jarhead can eat, too, but only if he apologizes for insulting my cooking.”
Mikhail didn’t even have to look at the menu to order. “Fine, I apologize. I’ll have the Triple Treat platter with slaw and sweet potato fries for my sides. Lemonade to drink.”
Amy took a little longer. “I’ll have the pulled pork sandwich, hush puppies, potato salad, and lemonade.”
Mikhail pulled out his wallet and paid for the meal over Amy’s protests that they should at least split the bill.
As Tom counted out the change, he smiled at Amy again. “Go have a seat in the sun, and I’ll bring it all out to you.”
Mikhail sat down across from her at the rustic picnic table out back of the restaurant. “The big man must really like you. Normally he stays behind the counter and bellows the customer’s name to pick up their food themselves.”
He was glad to see they pretty much had the deck to themselves. “This place is usually packed, but it’s a little late for lunch and earlier than most people eat dinner. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tom comes and sits with us for a few minutes.”
“Do you come here a lot?”
“Not as often as I’d like. I really do love his cooking, and his wife makes the best desserts. It’s too far for me to come unless I have extra time, but I try to stop by when I can.”
She nodded in the direction of the door. “Looks like our food is already here.”
Sure enough, Tom was headed their way carrying a tray with three platters on it. Evidently Mikhail had been right about it being time for the big man’s dinner break. One of his assistants followed behind with their drinks. Mikhail leaned across the table. “Knowing him, he’s going to regale you with a lot of wild stories about my time in the marines.”
Amy kept a wary eye on their host. “So can I safely assume they’re all exaggerations or outright lies?”
Mikhail laughed and winked at her. “I never said that.”
“Okay, in that case I’ll take notes and share the better ones with your brothers and nephew the next time I see them.”
