Free Beat of the Heart by Katie Ashley Page A

city, it couldn’t be possible that AJ had picked my family’s restaurant to eat at. But then again
    what were the odds of an Italian and Mexican place on the same street? “Where are we eating?”
    “Mama Sofia’s. You know it?”
    I gulped down the rising bile in my throat. “Yeah, it’s my dad’s.”

    My eyes widened at Mia’s revelation. “You’re shitting me.”
    “Sadly, I’m not.”
    Glancing from her to the building, I shook my head. “Why do you look so upset? Mama Sofia’s is
    nothing to be ashamed of. It’s one helluva gold mine for your family I bet.”
    “Yes, it is,” she replied modestly.
    “Seriously, Mia, this place is awesome—I mean, not only is the food amazing, but everyone who
    works there is fabulous. You come from good people.”
    “Thanks.”
    Then it hit me. “Wait a minute. You’re Duke’s daughter?”
    Mia paled a little further. “Yes.”
    “Fuck me, this is intense.”
    “I guess this means besides being a connoisseur of Italian food, you’re also a traitor to your culture
    by liking American football?”
    I laughed. “Yeah, I guess you could say it like that. But come on, your dad’s a legend around these
    parts.”
    With a shadow of a smile, Mia replied, “Not to mention his face is plastered all over the back wall
    of the restaurant.”
    “And for good reason.” Enzo aka ‘Duke’ Martinelli had been one of the best wide receivers the
    Atlanta Falcons had back in the late 70’s and early 80’s. An injury had taken him out of the
    professional football arena, so after spending a few years teaching and coaching, he’d started a
    restaurant on the side with his parents. That had grown into what was now Mama Sofia’s. I’d gotten
    the lowdown one night when after casually asking to meet Duke, he came out and had dinner with me.
    “Your dad is amazing.”
    “Wait, you know, know him?”
    “Oh yeah.”
    Bringing her hand to her forehead, Mia leaned back against the seat. “This is a nightmare.”
    “It shouldn’t be. He really likes me.”
    Mia closed her eyes. “Even worse,” she said in a whisper.
    Benny interrupted us by knocking on the door. “Ready sir?”
    After I nudged her, I gave Mia an encouraging smile. “Come on, I’m starving. You made me work
    up one helluva an appetite.”
    I hopped out first before turning back to offer Mia my hand. As she slipped her hand in mine, her
    complexion had turned positively green. Her first steps out onto the pavement were wobbly, and I
    wondered if they were from our previous activities or from nerves? Bringing her hand to my lips, I
    kissed her fingers. “Look, cariño, if you’re going to be this uncomfortable being seen with me around
    your family, we can eat somewhere else.”
    “Everywhere else will be slammed at this time.” She gave a slight shake of her head before
    swallowing hard. “We might as well go in.” She sounded like someone headed off for an execution,
    rather than dinner.
    “Alrighty then.” I turned back to Benny. “I’ll have them send out a menu for you. Get whatever you
    like.”
    His eyes widened. “Oh, that’s not necessary.”
    I grinned. “With what I’ve put you through, I think you’ve more than earned yourself a dinner.”
    He chuckled. “Thank you, sir.”
    Placing my hand on the small of Mia’s back, I led her to the front of the restaurant. When I held the
    door open for her, she refused to step inside. Instead, it was like she preferred to hide behind me.
    With a sigh, I ducked inside and let her follow me. Looming over the hostess stand was my buddy,
    Angelo. At the sight of me, a grin spread on his cheeks. “Hey stranger, long time no see. I thought I
    saw your name on the books tonight.”
    We gave each other an enthusiastic handshake. “Good to see you, man.”
    “I gotta say that the new album is fucking kickass.” At his cursing, he quickly glanced around.
    When he saw no one had caught him, he added, “Seriously.”
    “Thanks. I’d like to