Theo headed for his mom, who wrapped her arm around him and lifted him to her knee, shaking her head.
Chase looked at me, then Gabby, and laughed. He said something to Gabby then stood and high-fived Theo. “I’ll go get my coffee now and get back to work. Nice talking to you, Gabby. I look forward to working with you.” He walked past me, clapping me on the shoulder, still laughing.
“This is great,” he said. “Two down.”
I glared at his retreating back, then looked at Brett, who was trying not to laugh.
“What is so funny?”
“You are,” he replied. “Cool, unflappable Stefano, all worked up because your lady is having a conversation about wings with a couple of your friends.” He leaned close. “By the way, the whole time she’s been here, she’s been looking around for you, so you can pack away the jealous act. You have nothing to worry about.” Then he waved to Gabby and winked at Theo.
“Looking forward to working with you again soon, big guy.”
Theo gave him a thumbs-up, and I slumped against the door. I was behaving like Maxx did when Charly riled him up. Like a caveman. Worse.
I had just acted like an idiot. A total idiot. Gabby was no doubt furious with me now.
I straightened and met her gaze. She looked more amused than anything, which confused me.
“You ready to go, Gabby?” I asked.
She stood, taking Theo’s hand. “I suppose I should before I get anyone else in trouble.” She walked past me, and I followed her outside. She strapped Theo into his seat and came around to the driver’s side. I put my hand on the door, stopping her from opening it.
“I’m sorry,” I offered, bracing myself for her anger. “I don’t know what came over me.”
She turned, peering up at me, her dark eyes dancing. “Is that how I sounded the other night at the bar? With Lara?”
“Pretty sure I was worse,” I admitted.
“You’re kinda hot, all jealous and possessive.”
“I didn’t like them that close.”
She laughed, running a finger along my jaw. “It’s a small room, Stefano. They weren’t trying to get close. It just happens.”
She was right, but I still didn’t like it. I captured her hand and kissed it. “I wanted to be sitting there with you. Why didn’t you come see me?”
“I didn’t want to bother you.” She looked over my shoulder, suddenly shy again. “After last night…” She trailed off.
“You will never bother me. I wanted to see you.” I touched her cheek. “Especially after last night.”
“Next time.”
I grinned, lowering my head and brushing her mouth with mine. “Next time,” I agreed.
Inside the SUV, Theo groaned. “Mom, can you kiss Stefo later, like a rain check? I’m starving and I need to eat. I think my legs are gonna fall off, I’m so hungry.”
I started to laugh and opened the door. “Go feed your son, Tesoro, before he loses his legs. There’s cold pizza at home that should stop that from happening.”
She slid in and I shut the door, but not before I snagged another kiss.
“I’ll call you later,” I assured her.
“You do that.”
“Mom, does that mean Stefo is your boyfriend now?” Theo asked. “You kissed him.”
She met my eyes with a smile. “I guess so,” she responded, winking at me and making me grin.
Boyfriend. I could handle that.
She drove away, and with a sigh, I went inside. I had a feeling I’d be ordering pizza for lunch to express my apologies to Chase and Ward.
And I knew I wasn’t going to live this down.
Ever.
Saturday, I left the garage and swung by Mary’s place. She was waiting on the porch, a large picnic hamper ready for me. I hadn’t wanted to ask Charly, since she was always tired, to help me with a lunch, but Mary had been excited and volunteered to help. When I’d lived with her while looking for a place when I first arrived, we’d become close. I’d asked her advice about what food to pack, and she’d waved me off, insisting on doing it herself.
“Pasta and cutlets aren’t going to cut it, boy.”
I had chuckled. “I can handle sandwiches.”
She snorted, shaking her head. “I recall the sandwich you made me once. It fed me for a week. I’ll take care of this.”
I gave in easily since I wanted the picnic to be nice for Gabby and Theo.
I hefted the basket, lifting my eyebrow at the weight.
“Well, you’ll be eating,” she explained with a grin.
I bent and kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Mary.”
“Bring her for dinner. I want to meet this girl. Charly says she’s lovely.” She paused. “And troubled.”
I rubbed my chin. “I think I have to agree with that.”
“Single moms are a lot to take on.”
I loaded the basket into the company van I had borrowed. There wasn’t anywhere for Theo’s car seat in my Mustang, so I’d swapped out the ride for the day. I turned to Mary. “I know. I’m aware it’s not just two people in the relationship. But he’s a great kid. I like him a lot.”