Page 24 of Tony

As Sherrie cleaned up from dinner, she heard Tony on the phone. “Tomorrow? Any chance you can get to the Marks’ cabin? It’s a driveway right off of County Road 147, Lakeview Road. Yeah, if you can get someone to plow a path from the cabin to the road, we’d appreciate it.”

She watched as he moved into the kitchen. She could watch him move forever. Lithe. Like a panther. Big and strong, but silent and always moved with a purpose.Tomorrow?Why, suddenly, did tomorrow not sound good? Why did she find herself wanting more days stuck out here with him?Because I love him. I’ve loved him for a very long time. And now, maybe, it will finally go somewhere.

“So the snow plow’s coming tomorrow?” she asked, trying to keep the longing out of her voice.

He walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around and pulling her into his chest. Leaning down, he nuzzled her neck. “You don’t want to leave? You’re not sick of my company?”

She turned in his embrace, saying, “You want honesty?”

“Always, baby.”

“I came up here to get away. Get away from everyone and everything. Including you.” She leaned way back to see into his eyes. “I know what my sister became and no one in my life knew what she was like before. I felt so sick at heart after we found her. And then just numb. And then angry. And then just incredibly sad.”

He brushed her hair back from her face, listening to the words but hearing with his soul as well.Been there. Oh, yeah. I’ve been there.Nodding his understanding, he encouraged her to continue.

“The past couple of days with you have been a whirlwind. You want honest, Tony? I’ve cared for you for a really long time. In fact, ever since I first saw you. But I figured I was never going to be good enough for you.”

At this, his eyebrows rose in surprise. “What the hell? You not good enough for me?”

Shrugging, she said, “I always thought you just saw me as an extension of my sister. You know…guilty by association.”

“Baby, I never thought that. I got a dossier on you when I was sent in to rescue you. I knew you were nothing like Charisse. In fact, I had nothing but the highest respect for you.”

“Then why? Why did you always avoid me?”

“I promised myself after Marla and Sofia died that I’d never get that involved with someone else again. The pain of losing them was too much. I had feelings for you immediately, but tried for almost a year to bury them.”

“But Tony, life without pain isn’t really living. It’s just existing.”

He stiffened in her arms and she shot a look of concern at him. He leaned his head back, eyes closed tightly, trying to block out…what?She gave him a little squeeze and he dropped his head, his warm gaze spearing her.

“Are…are you okay?” she asked.

Smiling, he just nodded. “Yeah. Perfect. Now that I’m with you.”

They walked, arms around each other, over to the sofa sitting down once again. Sherrie giggled, saying, “I’m going to miss this room and fireplace. We’ve spent a lot of time right here.”

“Maybe the Marks’ will let us come visit sometime,” he suggested.

Her eyes lit up at the thought. “Would you want to?”

“Hell yeah. Baby, anywhere with you is where I want to be, but you’re right. This place has memories.”

He leaned over and pulled her onto his lap, his lips sealing hers. Slowly exploring until he captured her moan and the kiss became wilder. Cupping her face with both of his hands, he angled her head for better access. Tongues tangling, he tasted the sweet wine and essence of her. His hands slid down to her shoulders, along the sides of her breasts to her small waist, finally resting on her ass. Kneading the soft globes, his straining cock was pressed against her core.

The little moans that she continued to make were driving him wild, but he was determined that this time would be different. Special. Loving.Loving?Hesitating for only a second as that word flashed through his mind, he resumed his kiss with more ardor.Yeah, love.

Pushing the coffee table away with his foot, he scooped her up, then lay her gently on the thick blanket in front of the fireplace. Looking down at her face, he saw trust.I want to earn that trust, baby. And keep it.

Slowly he explored her body, moving his fingers lightly over her curves discovering every peak and valley. His lips followed his fingers as the firelight danced across her curves. Her skin, like silk, beckoned him to continue his discoveries.

Moans escaped from deep in her chest as her eyes shut tightly, afraid if they opened it would all disappear.

“It’s not a dream, baby. Open your eyes. I want to see you watch me love you. I need to see you,” he ordered gently.

Pulling off her pants and panties with one swift movement he then stood, quickly removing his clothes.

She opened her eyes, seeing his warm ones gazing at her as he lowered himself between her legs. Clasping her hands in his short hair, she sucked in a huge breath as he lapped her wet folds. Determined to keep her eyes on him, she watched as he licked and sucked his way to her clit. No longer able to resist the urge, she threw her head back against the soft rug and shattered into a million pieces as her orgasm rolled through her.

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