Page 9 of Tattooed Boss

“You might not be this excited when you do.”

“Does it taste bad?”

“No, it’s delicious.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“It’s one of those silent killers. Tastes so good you don’t realize you’ve had too much until it’s too late.”

“Lucky for me, I have you to stop me.” She wrapped her arm around his and yanked him toward the door. “Lead the way.” She pushed the door open and held it while he walked out, never letting go of his arm.

A cool ocean breeze greeted them, and he welcomed it, though it didn’t do much for the fire that still burned inside him. Harley’s arm around his didn’t help, and the way she hugged him, pressing her chest into his bicep definitely wasn’t helping.

The familiar smell of freshly cooked lobster rolls wafted from the two competing lobster roll restaurants, mixing together in a scent that he would always associate with home. Every local had their favorite amongst the two, but Garrett’s loyalty had to go to his best friend’s grandfather. Vinny was family and as close to a father figure he’d ever had.

“I have to admit,” Harley said. “Joe makes a pretty damn good lobster roll too.”

Garrett whipped her around until she faced him and placed a finger over his mouth. “Shh. You cannot speak of the enemy on home territory.”

Harley laughed. “Enemies? I saw both Vinny and Joe laughing it up just yesterday.”

“Their grandkids just got engaged. I guess the truce is long standing now. It’s just hard to forget. For so long, it was the ultimate crime to even walk on that side of the boardwalk.”

Harley shook her head. “You never crossed enemy lines?”

“Nope. Not even now. I still have never had a lobster roll from Joe’s place.”

Harley gasped. “You know we’re going to have to remedy that, right?”

“I can’t do it.”

“Yes, you can.”

“Nope. Never going to happen.”

“What are you afraid of? You might like it better?”

“Impossible.”

“Then why not try it?”

He shrugged, deciding to be open and honest. What better way than to build on a friendship? “It's more than a lobster roll for me. I told you my dad died before I was born. I didn’t really have a father figure in my life. Vinny stepped up in a way that I needed. He taught me responsibility, that there are consequences to my actions. Hell, he taught me how to tie a tie. Vinny is family, and you support family.”

Harley touched his shoulder. “That’s really great that you had him, and I will respect your loyalties, though don’t expect me to stay loyal to only one. I like options.”

“I can agree to that.”

“Good. Now let’s get that drink you promised me.”

Garrett tugged her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. They walked into Vinny’s and, as expected, Vinny sat on his stool in the corner of the bar, a bottle of limoncello in front of him.

The restaurant had many of the regulars tucked into the new booths. In a month, the place would be bursting at the seams, and the seating area outside would have a ridiculous wait, but for now, the little restaurant, while recently updated, was as familiar as his own home.

“Garrett!” Vinny said with his thick Italian accent. “Come, come!” It didn’t matter that he’d been in the States for over four decades, that accent never lessened. Though Garrett was so used to it, sometimes he didn’t even notice.

He waved to Vinny and guided Harley toward him. “I have a limoncello virgin for you.”

“Watch your mouth in front of the pretty lady.”

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