Throttle Me (Men of Inked, #1)(70)

“I can wait. I’m not a total fiend.” I laughed.” Did you load all the gifts?”

“Just waiting on you, sugar.”

“Okay, I’m ready.”

He held my hand and stroked it with his thumb as he drove. He looked happier than he did when we first met. He didn’t look sad back then, but the happiness didn’t radiate off of him. It made me happy to know that I had put it there.

His parents’ driveway was packed with cars as we parked on the curb. “Looks like a full house.”

“Sugar, Italians do it big. My mom cooks for an army and invites all the neighbors to dinner.”

“Oh, that’s nice of her. I didn’t get presents for everyone though.” A panicky feeling overcame me. I had met his family a couple of timed and just started to feel comfortable and now I’d have to sit in a room full of strangers.

“We do our gift opening later after everyone leaves. Stop worrying, everyone loves you as much as I do.”

City opened the door to a house of people; it looked to be bursting at the seams. His mom came toward the door with a smile on her face. She had on reindeer antlers and a cheery Christmas sweater. She looked like a mom and one that any child would’ve been lucky to have.

“Suzy, love, Merry Christmas.” She enveloped me in a hug. City cleared his throat and she chuckled in my ear and ignored him. “I’m so glad you came.”

“Thanks Mrs. G, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. It smells amazing in here.”

She held my shoulders and looked at me. “I made all the classic Italian Christmas dishes. Got to fatten you up, my dear.” She rubbed my shoulder and stopped on the bone that sat below the skin.

“Not too much, Mrs. G, but I’ll have some of everything.”

“I knew I loved you and yes, we do. Someday you’ll be carrying my grandbabies.” She smiled at me and made a face at Joey.

He choked and wrapped his arm around her to pull her off of me. “Ma, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

“Just looking toward the future, Joseph. I want little ones running around. I’m too old not to have at least one. Try and make me happy for next Christmas, will you?”

“In time, Ma. Just give me a hug and we’ll talk about it another day.” He made eyes at me over her head and I knew he was embarrassed, but I thought his mom was cute. Her words scared the piss out of me, but it was something nice to think about. I wanted him all to myself as long as possible.

“Come in and grab something to munch on before dinner’s ready. Joseph, go introduce her to everyone.”

“Yes, Ma.” He wasn’t always the most patient man, but that changed when he was around his mom. The reverence that’s paid to a mom in an Italian family was something to watch. No one f*cked with her or went against her word.

We walked around and Joey introduced me to the family members that flew from Chicago for a warmer holiday and the friends of the family. In my family, handshakes were the norm, but here hugs were expected. There was a warmth in the house and love could be felt in the chatter of the guests. I felt at home.

“Suzy,” Izzy yelled above the crowd and I could see her hand waving in the air beckoning me to join her.

“I’m going to go say hi to your sister. I’ll be back,” I said, as I reached up and kissed his cheek.

He smiled at me with loving blue eyes. “I’ll join you in a minute,” he said before turning his attention back to the neighbor. They were discussing football and the possible Super Bowl teams. Boring didn’t even begin to describe how I felt about the topic.

Izzy looked amazing like always. Her long flowing black hair framed her face perfectly. She had on a skintight dress that hugged her curves and showed off her beauty.

“Hey Iz, it’s good to see you.”

“Merry Christmas, Suzy. I’m so happy you made it. How’s my brother doing?”

“They’re talking about football. Thank you for rescuing me.” We both laughed and looked over at the two men waving their hands as they spoke.

“Boys and their sports. Did you guys exchange your gifts yet?” The look on her face told me that she knew what City had bought me and she couldn’t wait to get my take on the gift.

“Not yet, do you know what it is?” I squinted at her. I never liked surprises and maybe I could get it out of her.

“Oh, I know and my lips are sealed, babe. City would be pissed if I spoiled his surprise.”

A surprise. That means it’s something big and not a frilly dress or casual gift like we’d agreed on. I had purchased clothes and a cross pendant for him, along with new leather riding gloves. He was impossible to buy for, but I threw in some ultra sexy lingerie that would have to wait until tonight.


“I hate surprises,” I grumbled.

“This one you won’t, trust me.” She smiled and giggled and my heart began to pound in my chest.

We hadn’t discussed marriage and I don’t know what I’d do if he bought me a ring and asked me in front of his family. Breathe – You can do it.

“Hey big brother, Merry Christmas.” She wrapped her arms around Joey and they whispered in each other’s ear.

Clinking of glass caused everyone to turn toward the kitchen. His mother stood with her antlers shaking with each stroke of her hand. A hush descended over the crowd as she began to speak. “I want to thank everyone for coming today. It wouldn’t be Christmas without my family and friends. Dinner’s served – feel free to help yourself.”