Page 7 of Tony

“So married life agrees with you or is that the honeymoon glow I’m detecting?” Sherrie teased.

“Florida was so needed,” Jennifer said. “I wanted fun and sun in the middle of winter and was not about to fly out of the country and be so far away from Ross.”

“Did he stay with Gabe’s parents?”

“Yes, and when we got back yesterday, I made Gabe drive us there to pick him up immediately. But he was so entranced with their place near the water that I think he’d just have us leave him,” Jennifer said.

Before the waitress could take their orders, Sherrie heard Gabe’s voice booming. “Well, if it’s not my gorgeous bride.” She saw him slide into the booth, giving Jennifer a quick kiss. Glad to see him, she still felt a pang having wanted some girl time alone with her.

Jennifer smiled at her husband and then looked over Sherrie’s shoulder. “Hi, Tony. Nice to see you again.”

Before Sherrie could twist her head around, Tony slid into the booth next to her, effectively caging her in. And not looking particularly happy about it.Great, I get stuck with the one man on the planet that can’t stand being with me.

Tony glared at Gabe, knowing that he had been set up.I wonder if Sherrie was in on it.One glance to the side had him convinced that she was not. And looked about as happy to be stuck in this situation as he did.

The scent of her shampoo wafted his way and his senses heightened. He noticed the way she tried to keep her leg from touching his. The way she nervously pushed her hair behind one ear. The way she sucked her lips in and then nibbled on the bottom one. The way she stole glances his way when she thought he was not looking.

He noticed everything. And his body was reacting.If there was a woman I could be with, it would be her. But I’m not fit to be with anyone.

The conversation was led mostly by Gabe and Jennifer as they tried to draw the other couple out. Tony finally relaxed, but noticed that it took longer for Sherrie to begin talking. At one humorous story from Gabe, she laughed andTony could not get the sound of her out of his head. Melodious. Sparkling. Stretching his tall frame out, he placed his hand on the back of her seat.

He saw her gaze land on his and she began biting her lip once again.What I wouldn’t give to be on those lips right now.Giving himself a mental shake, he knew what Gabe and Jennifer were doing. Forcing him to be in such close proximity would break down his barriers.Why couldn’t they understand that the idea of giving in to his growing feelings for her scared the shit out of him?

Sherrie wished she could stop the pounding of her traitorous heart with Tony so near. The longing she had felt for almost a year was reaching a fevered pitch just because his arm was on the back of the booth.This is so unfair,she thought.Jennifer is going to get an earful when we’re alone again.The one man she would gladly take was the one man who seemed totally disinterested.

Just then her phone vibrated with an incoming text. Glancing down, she saw it was from her sister.Charisse? We haven’t spoken in a year. Not since I told her that I couldn’t keep cleaning up her messes and until she was sober, not to call.

Sick. Need you. Riverfront Hotel.

What the hell are you up to now, Charisse?Looking up at Jennifer’s questioning expression, she said, “I’m sorry, I have to leave.” Turning to Tony, she implored, “If you could please let me out.”

Tony did not move. Instead he held her gaze and questioned, “What’s wrong?”

Blinking at him, she grew angry. “I have a personal visit I need to make. Someone needs me. Now please let me out.”

“Not until you tell me what put that look in your eyes.”

“Oh no, Tony Alvarez. You do not get to play this game.”

“Not a game, Sherrie. I haven’t seen a look on your face like that since you were dealing with your sister.”

She reared back in surprise, sucking in a shaky breath. “Tony, let me out. I have to see someone.” Looking over at Jennifer and Gabe, she said, “I’m so glad you’re back safe and sound. Please, let’s do this again at another time.” Turning to Tony, she just lifted her eyebrow at him waiting for him to move.

He stared for a moment, watching her battle between anger and tears.She’s so strong, trying to hold her shit together, acting like she doesn’t need anyone. I’ll give you that play; hell, it’s not really my place to push her to talk to me anyway.

Sliding out of the booth, he let her pass and watched her as she began to walk out of the restaurant. He sat for a moment, realizing he missed her presence next to his.Damn, and that’s my fault.

Looking down at Gabe and Jennifer, he gave a curt nod and followed Sherrie out of the door.

Jennifer, snuggling in closer to her new husband, asked, “Gabe, do you?—”

He cut her off with a kiss. “Don’t sweat it, babe. Tony’s going to follow her to make sure she’s safe.” He chuckled. “As for your matchmaking, all it will take for him to make a move is to think she’s in danger.”

Jennifer smiled and settled into the crook of Gabe’s arm as they continued to finish their lunch.

* * *

Sherrie hurried outside and hailed a cab, giving him the dubious address of the Riverfront Hotel. While it was not the seediest hotel in the run down area, it still rented rooms by the hour.Charisse, if this is a ruse for money, then this is the last straw.Perhaps it had been the visit to the foster home that had her nostalgic for the days when she and her sister had been best friends. Running her hands through her hair, she leaned her head back with her eyes closed, trying to steel herself for the reunion.

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