CHAPTER 17
TAMMY
Tammy took a deep breath as Luca led her into the Chicago Chophouse. They walked through a small crowd of people waiting to be seated and approached the hostess.
“Savelli,” he informed the pretty blonde that was so mesmerized by him she hadn't even noticed Tammy. The hostess placed her hand on her chest as she stared up at Luca. She couldn't have looked away if she’d tried.
Tammy, already riddled with anxiety at the thought of seeing her mom, was losing her patience. She cleared her throat loud enough to demand the blonde’s attention. She blinked over at Tammy and whispered, “Sorry.”
“It’s fine. Happens all the time,” Tammy assured.
“I’m sure,” the hostess said in a breathy tone.
“How about a table?” Tammy asked, reminding the blonde that she had a job to do.
“Y-yes, of course. Right this way, please.”
The hostess grabbed two menus and led them up a set of stairs. She showed them to a beautifully set table in front of a large picture window. When Luca pulled out her chair, Tammy was grateful to take a seat, granting her shaky legs amnesty.
The young hostess placed two menus in front of them with her eyes still glued to Luca. At least they’d been seated and had menus. When she and Luca had first become lovers, the blatant ogling from women used to irritate her to no end. But as time passed, Tammy got used to the way women looked at him. It eventually became less of an irritant. After all, she wasn't blind. She was well aware of how over the top gorgeous Luca was. No normal heterosexual woman could resist doing a double-take. Since Luca always seemed oblivious to the effect that he had on the opposite sex, Tammy wondered if he was only pretending not to notice for her sake.
Tammy was so busy admiring the strong line of Luca’s jaw, his deep-set chocolate eyes, and his sensual full lips that she hadn't even noticed that the hostess was still standing over their table. It was only when Luca asked, “Is there anything else?” did Tammy look up.
The hostess’ breath hitched, and she appeared flustered. Tammy knew for certain that it was the woman’s response to Luca’s deep voice and Sicilian brogue because when Luca spoke, she often had the same reaction.
“Uh, no. I-I’m sorry. Your server will be right over.”
“Thank you,” Tammy interjected, afraid that if Luca spoke again, the woman might just pass out.
Tammy looked over at Luca, narrowing her eyes. “Stop encouraging the girl,” she scolded.
“And how did I do that, cara?” he asked with a sexy lopsided grin.
“You opened your mouth.”
“Is that all it takes, mon amour?”
His deep rumble warmed her core and made Tammy shift in her seat. Tammy’s own reaction was the answer to his question. She hadn't realized how tight she was clutching the napkin-wrapped cutlery until Luca placed his hand on hers. His calming touch caused Tammy’s fingers to relax. She released the utensils and placed her hand over Luca’s. His warm brown eyes were filled with concern.
“Nervous?”
“Yeah, I guess I am a little nervous,” Tammy admitted.
Luca used his free hand to caress the side of her face. He leaned into her and placed a sweet kiss to the side of her mouth. “I’ve seen how you run your business, cara. You've dealt with people a lot tougher than Beverly. It’s only dinner. And I’ll be right here, right by your side.”
Tammy smiled. Luca had been her security blanket from the very beginning.
“You promise?”
“Oui. Till death do us part.”
Tammy let out a tiny moan and melted against Luca’s hand. “I love you,” she declared.
“And I, you.”
Tammy’s state of bliss was interrupted by someone clearing their throat.
“Hello,” came a small voice standing above them.
