Page 40 of Tony

“Flowers,” Vinny declared. “That’ll turn her into mush. Women love that shit.”

Gabe popped his twin on the back of his head. “Yeah, this coming from the man who can’t keep it in his pants for one woman.”

“Hey,” Vinny groused. “I’ve never met a woman who could stay pissed when they got flowers. Big ones. Real expensive and showy.”

Tony looked dubious, saying, “I don’t see Sherrie being impressed with a bouquet of flowers that some flower shop sent.”

Gabe piped up, “Nah man. Do what I did to win Jennifer over. Jobe suggested I find out what was missing in her life and do that. Turned out it was just something for fun, so I took her out for a carriage ride.”

Tony doubted that a carriage ride would make Sherrie not doubt his feelings for her. He glanced over at Jobe, usually the voice of reason.

“Once again, you all stagger me in your ignorance of women,” Jobe said, shaking his head. “My family had very little money growing up and I never doubted the love between my mother and father. Still don’t, for that matter.” Looking at Vinny, he declared, “Flowers can be a nice gesture but they sure as shit don’t mean anything without the words behind them.”

Looking at Gabe, he admitted, “You did good by giving Jennifer something just for fun, but that’s not Sherrie. She’d doubted Tony and probably even herself.”

Vinny, throwing back his beer, said, “Okay genius, what’s your solution? If you’re so wise, let’s hear it.”

Jobe looked Tony in the eyes and asked, “Do you love her?”

Vinny snorted as Gabe jerked his head around to peer closely at Tony also.

“Yes,” Tony clipped, not wasting any time in answering.

“Have you told her yet?” Jobe continued.

Shaking his head, Tony admitted, “No. I honestly wasn’t sure until today but there’s no doubt in my mind that I do.”

“Then it’s simple,” Jobe declared. “Tell her. Honesty is what Sherrie craves. She’s been used and lied to before. All she needs is simple honesty.”

Gabe agreed, saying, “I think Jobe’s right.”

Vinny lifted his eyebrows in question but wisely kept quiet. He knew that just because he had no desire to settle down with one woman, if his friend was in love then he was happy for him.

Tony, deep in thought, slowly nodded. “She hasn’t had a lot of honesty. First, being bounced around foster families, then trying to keep Charisse out of trouble. The gang her sister was involved in lied to Sherrie to keep her from turning them in to the authorities. She’s learned to guard herself to try from getting hurt.”

“Then that’s it, man,” Jobe prodded. “She’s not looking for you to buy her anything. She doesn’t need jewelry, flowers, expensive dinners. She just needs you…and to know that you are giving yourself to her. You love her, Captain? You gotta tell her.”

Throwing down the last of his beer, Tony shoved his chair back. Tossing some bills on the table, he said, “Thanks guys. Buy another round on me. I’ve got somewhere I need to be.” With that he walked out of the restaurant, feeling the smiles of his men following him out of the door.

* * *

Sherrie sat propped in bed, her Kindle resting on her knees as she tried to read.It’s no use trying to fall in love with the characters in my novel when all I can see in my mind is Tony.She sighed, tossing her Kindle to her nightstand.

Turning out the light, she slid down under the covers, pulling them up to her chin hoping to keep warm. Closing her eyes, she hoped she could sleep without dreaming of a tall, gorgeous man with caramel eyes.

Loud knocking sounded and she jerked up. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was after midnight. The knocking sounded again and she jumped out of bed, grabbing a blanket as she made her way to the door. Peeking through the peep-hole, her heart beat loudly as she recognized the man of her thoughts.

Unlocking the door, she opened it then immediately shivered as the cold wind rushed in. Jumping back, she ordered, “Hurry, get in.” She wrapped the blanket around her shivering body.

Tony stepped in quickly, his hand on her stomach pushing her backward as he kicked the door closed with his boot. Looking down he took in her sleep tousled hair, flowered pajamas wrapped in a soft, green blanket, and as his gaze lowered he saw pink fuzzy socks peeking out from the bottom.Fuckin’ adorable. And mine.

Her surprised expression morphed into concern. “Tony, what’s wrong? Why are you here so late?”

“We need to talk,” he said simply, taking her hand and leading her over to the sofa. Sitting, he pulled her down onto his lap. Her hands came up and pressed against his chest, but he protested, “Oh no, baby girl. I want you right here.”

“Humph,” she groused. “Maybe I don’t want to be this close while we’re talking.”

“Baby, I’d give you just about anything you wanted, but right now we’re playing this my way. I got stuff to clear up and I want you close, not pulling away.”

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