Page 22 of Redeeming Bosley

Cory hip-checked me. “Hm. That sounds kind of like me.”

Stopping, I pulled him into my arms right there in the parking lot. “How did I get so lucky?” I asked.

Bumping his chest into mine, he smiled softly. “I don’t think it was luck at all. I think you’ve deserved to have some good in your life for a long time.”

“You’re unbelievable.” I pressed my lips to his, letting our kiss soothe my apprehension. The beeping of a horn startled us, and we broke apart laughing.

Cory took my hand and squeezed. “You ready to do this, Daddy?”

“Yeah, boy, with you by my side, I got this.”

Holy shit, I wasn’t at all sure I had this. I was completely lying when I said I wasn’t nervous. As much as I’d never told Omar the truth, I hadn’t lied either. Anytime I told him that I was on business, that had been the truth. When I’d told Chip at the end of our weekend together that it was because I had a new contract, that had been the truth. I was a businessman. Just not the type of business I could tell people about.

From the last time I was here, I knew that these men were aware of the mafia presence in their city. They knew who the Buccellis were. My plan to tell them that I had suddenly retired and was staying in town with Cory felt more far-fetched the closer we got to the table where I saw Omar, Nigel, Chip, and Ollie waiting.

Was I really lying, though? I wasn’t presently working as an assassin, and I wouldn’t be taking any more contracts as long as I was with Cory.Ugh. Associating with Nico’s family and doing whatever must be done was as good as being a hitman. Hell, my uncle’s job as enforcer for Nico’s grandfather had been like an assassin on steroids.

All four men stood as soon as we reached their table. I was surprised to suddenly have an arm full of Chip. “Bosley, it’s so good to see you. I hated that I missed you last time, and I wasn’t sure you’d ever be back.”

My gaze shot to Ollie, who merely chuckled while shaking his head. “He’s been excited to see you.”

I’d forgotten how cute and tiny Chip really was. He leaned back, gripping my biceps, and beamed at me. Without thought, I smiled back. “You look good, Chip. Really happy.”

“I am.” With a sweet smile still on his face, he let me go and turned to Cory, holding out his hand. “Hi, I’m Chip. Who are you?”

“Chocolate Chip,” Ollie muttered, sounding exasperated.

Cory chuckled. “That’s okay. I’m Cory. I’ve been looking forward to meeting all of you. Ro—Bosley’s told me so much about you.”

Catching the slip, Omar’s eyes narrowed, and Ollie crossed his arms over his chest, seeming smug. What the hell was that about? Nigel pushed up next to Chip and introduced himself to Cory next. Then, like the good men they were, Ollie and Omar dismissed whatever thoughts they were having about me to shake my hand and greet Cory.

A waiter arrived as we sat down, so Cory and I ordered a couple of waters. Cory had driven, and I was too shaky to drink. I needed to be on my game for this dinner.

The waiter had no sooner walked away when Chip asked, “So are you Bosley’s boy? I saw you holding hands.”

Cory entwined our fingers. “I am.”

Chip folded his hands together and rested them on his chin. “That makes me so happy. Bosley deserves a good boy.”

“It’s funny you say that. I just told him the same thing.” He winked at me.

“So how did you meet?” Nigel asked. “And also, can I just say, I love that vest and newsboy cap combo you’re rocking.”

With my own nerves, I hadn’t realized how tense Cory had been until it melted from his body at Nigel’s words. He’d asked me if he should change before we left tonight, but it hadn’t even occurred to me that he was worried about his classic 20s styleoutside of the hotel. It was so much a part of who he was that I didn’t even think about it anymore.

“Thank you,” Cory said. “I really love how you paired the blue streaks in your hair with your eyeshadow and skirt.”

Nigel fanned his face. “Please. Thank you for noticing.” Omar smiled indulgently at his boy. They were as cute now as the weekend they met.

“Nigel’s a fashion designer,” Chip said. Then he leaned forward. “Now hurry, how did you and Bosley meet?”

They were off and running, starting with Cory describing his hotel, then Nigel spoke about his move from Oklahoma after he met Omar. By the time they got around to Chip explaining how he ended up in Takoda with his friends and Ollie, our dinner had arrived.

Ollie tapped the side of Chip’s plate. “Eat up, and then maybe you can take Cory up to the bar for one of those fancy alcoholic dessert drinks you like.”

“Oh, I drove,” Cory said.

Omar’s chin tipped down as his eyes bore holes into my face. I had a feeling Ollie had been sending them to the bar on purpose. Since there was no escaping this, I said, “You should let loose a little. I’ll drive home.”

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