Throttle Me (Men of Inked, #1)(71)

“Your mother is really is adorable,” I said to Joey as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

“Yeah, she loves the holidays. Anytime she can get people to eat, she’s a happy woman. Hungry?”

“I just ate a ton of appetizers, but I don’t want her upset so I’ll figure a way to eat more.”

“Better get used to it, sugar. Food’s the name of the game in this house,” he said as we moved toward the kitchen.

A line had already formed and he stroked my back as we waited to grab a plate. Every granite countertop in the expansive kitchen had a dish of some sort filled with food. The woman should’ve opened a restaurant with her culinary skills. Every type of pasta dish, Braciole, Chicken Parmesan, and meatballs were waiting to be consumed.

We found an open space on the lanai and chatted with the table guests until we couldn’t eat anymore. I kept eyeing the bottles of wine on the table – Gallo Vineyard. Gallo was a common Italian name and I’m sure out of pride they chose this label above the rest. I could hardly move. If they celebrated every holiday with this much food, my waistline would be in serious jeopardy.

The ladies cleaned the kitchen and I was told under no circumstances was I allowed to help. His mom wanted me enjoy myself since I was a guest while she and her sisters did the dirty work. I dozed off on Joey’s shoulder during the chit chat and screaming at the football game on the television, but was woken up for the next round of eating – dessert.

The guests left a couple of hours later after coffee was served and the football game ended. After the last person walked out his mother yelled from the foyer, “Who’s ready for gifts?”

“Anthony, get your ass in here,” Izzy yelled from the floor.

His mother sat down next to the tree and waited for everyone to take a seat. “I love you all, but I miss Thomas. I wish he could’ve been here with us this year.” The smile on her face faded as she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. I knew little of Thomas and he was the only sibling I hadn’t met. “He called this morning and spoke to your father and I. He promises he’ll be here next year.” She cleared her throat. “I’m thankful that Suzy could join us.”

She pulled a gift from under the tree and held it out to me. “For you,” she said.

I placed it on my lap and looked around, noticing that all eyes were on me. “What?”

“We all take turns, sugar.” City patted my leg.

“Oh, sorry. My family it’s more like a free for all. Not used to this, but I’ll learn.”

It took hours to open gifts. They ranged in all sizes and shapes. I watched the family in front of me with joy. I’d never experienced something as loving as the Gallo Family Christmas.

“I love everything you got me, sugar. I’ll use it all.” He kissed my cheek.

I smiled at him and whispered in his ear. “Wait until you see your last gift, but it’s at home – for your eyes only.” I bit his ear lobe and was rewarded with a deep kiss.

“Hey, I know I want grandbabies, but not right here on the couch, please. There’s one more gift under the tree and it’s for Suzy.” His mother beamed as she handed the last present to me.

The box was small, but not a ring box. City leaned back and stared at me to gage my reaction. I looked around as I undid the ribbon It’s a horrible feeling to be the one left out – to be the surprise and not the one doing the surprising.

Tucked inside was a small business card. I read it, but didn’t know what it meant. “You gave me a business card?” I asked confused.

“No, sugar. Read it. Turn it over.”

Mrs. Perkins

Florida Real Estate Specialist

I flipped the card over and recognized Joey’s handwriting.

Something to call ‘ours’





Merry Christmas, sugar





“I don’t understand,” I mumbled as I turned the card over again.

Joey grabbed my hand as he spoke. “I want to buy a house for us. I want you to pick out your dream home or we can build on my land.”

“Joey, we can’t afford that, but it’s a nice thought.” I knew his gesture was sincere even if it were a fairytale.

His mother started to giggle and the entire family laughed. I didn’t get the joke. “Tell her, Joseph,” his mother said as she sat down next to his father.

“Suzy, we can afford it. I can afford it.”

“How?” I felt like an idiot.

“Jesus Christ, son. Suzy, our family owns a vineyard in Italy. We’ve owned it for generations. Joseph doesn’t flaunt his wealth, but he has the ability to buy five homes.”

I looked from his father to Joey, who sat there with a grin. “Is he telling the truth?”

“Yes, sugar. We all own a portion of the vineyard. We run the tattoo shop because we don’t want to sit on our ass all day. We wanted something that was entirely ours and separate from what we inherited.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I felt awkward having this discussion in front of his family, but I figured they knew his reasons.

He stroked my face. “I like my little farmhouse. It was enough for me. I also don’t like people to know my business. Too many people want things when they know you have money. Sugar, you have to understand. I thought if I ever, and I didn’t think I would, found someone that I loved, I had to know they loved me for me and not my money.”