The Game Changer (The Perfect Game 2)

“Yeah. Is there any way we could meet a little bit later to go over some stuff? I’ll pay you for your time, of course. ”

“Hold on one sec. ” The phone sounded like it got tossed onto a desk. “I have a couple clients this morning, but I’m free around eleven. Is that too late?”

“No, that’s perfect. Meet me at Sal’s?” I suggested.

“Yeah. Sal’s it is,” he replied, his voice excited.

“OK, Matteo. See you then. ”

I pressed End, dropping my phone on the small counter before walking into the bathroom. I peered around the shower curtain at Cassie and became instantly aroused.

Down, boy.

“I’m having lunch with Matteo at Sal’s. I’ll text you afterward to let you know how it goes, OK?”

She turned her body to face me, embarrassment spreading pink across her cheeks. “Great. Now get out of here before you make me late for work. I know what you’re thinking, Carter. ”

I loved it when she called me by my last name. Her voice always sounded extra sassy, and it turned me on even more.

“Can you blame me? Fuck, woman, look at you. Sexy as hell,” I teased, knowing I was making her uncomfortable. But she looked beautiful all naked and wet, and now all I could think about were the things I wanted to do to her.

She pressed her lips tightly against each other. “’Kay. Get out now. Bye. Thanks. ”

I walked into Sal’s, the smell of pizza making my stomach growl.

“Hey! Jack! Good to see you!” Sal stood in the kitchen area, waving at me through a pass-through window. “And hey, nice game the other night. ” His boisterous voice reverberated throughout the small building.

“Thanks, Sal. ”

“So what can I get ya?”

“I’m going to wait until Matteo shows up, and then we’ll order something,” I said, before sitting down at one of the tables.

“Matteo’s coming? Ha! I haven’t seen that little shit in weeks!” He flung some pizza dough into the air before catching it on his fist and spinning it wildly.

“He’s not really that little. ”

“No, he’s not. ” He chuckled. “So, how’s he working out for you and Cassie? Everything good?” He eyed me while pressing down on the dough, creating the perfect thin crust.

“It’s all good so far. Thanks again for the recommendation. ”

“No problem, no problem. ” He waved a hand at me as the bells on the door chimed. Matteo walked into the pizzeria, a huge smile spread across his face.

“Matteo! Why don’t you come visit me? You don’t like my food?” Sal teased before coming out from the kitchen to greet his cousin.

I watched the two men embrace and realized in that moment how much I missed my little brother, Dean. I wished he was done with school so I could move him out here, but he probably wouldn’t leave Gran and Gramps. Dean was always the better grandkid.

“Ah, you know I love your food. I’ve just been busy. ” Matteo nodded in my direction.

“I’ve heard. Busy’s good. ” Sal slapped Matteo on the back. “You two let me know what you want to order, OK?”

“I’ll just take a slice, Sal. ” I hesitated, patting my rumbling stomach. “Better make it two. ”

“Same here,” Matteo said, following my lead.

“I’ll just make you guys a whole pie. It’s not like the two of you won’t finish it. ” Sal laughed before walking back into the kitchen.

I smiled, waving Matteo over to sit with me. Once he was close enough, I reached out my hand. A quick, firm handshake later and Matteo was seated across from me. “So, I need to talk to you about something,” I started, leaning my elbows on the tabletop.