Page 28 of Tony

Disconnecting the phone, she tossed it to the side while never losing his gaze. “So where were we?”

A hungry look flashed through his eyes just before he recaptured her mouth. Her lips were warm and pliant beneath his. Hint of coffee and mint filled his senses as he licked the inside of her mouth, exploring as though afraid he would forget her taste all the while knowing that it was committed to memory.

Her doorbell rang interrupting them once again.

“Fuck,” he said, “Ignore it.”

It rang again, followed by a knock. “I can’t ignore it, Tony.”

The moment broken, he groaned as he rolled off of her. Lying on his back with his massive hard-on pressing into his jeans, he listened to her jogging down the stairs.

“Bernard. What brings you over on this cold morning?”

Finding himself wanting to know who the hell Bernard was, he headed down the stairs adjusting himself.

“Wanted to check on you, darling. Saw some men over here yesterday and I came over to see what was going on. They seemed all official but I’ve been keeping an eye out for you.”

“You are so sweet. I was stuck in the storm but home safe?—”

“Bernard, is it?” An outreached hand came from behind her toward her neighbor, who was looking up at Tony whose body was pressing into the back of hers.

“Yes, and who might you be?” Bernard asked, curiosity written on his face, shaking the extended hand.

“Tony Alvarez, Sherrie’s boyfriend. And those were my men who were installing her new security system.”

She watched in amazement as Bernard’s eyes lit while pumping Tony’s hand up and down.

“A boyfriend. ‘Bout time she finally decided to stop being single. Been after this girl to get her a man for months.”

“Well, she’s got one now,” Tony said, smoothly wrapping his arm around her shoulders once Bernard finally let go of his hand.

“Never was a fan of a girl living by herself. Me and Ethel tied the knot as soon as we got out of high school, God rest her soul. Now this one here,” he said pointing to her, “hasn’t had a man here since she moved in.”

“Good to know I’m the fir—” Tony grunted as her elbow made contact with his ribs.

“I’m right here, gentlemen. There’s no need to talk about me as though I’m not,” she grumbled.

Bernard laughed and turned to leave. “You got yourself a good ‘en,” he called out. “Girl, you call me for your next project, you hear?”

She could not help but smile, watching as her neighbor made his way back to his house before being pulled back into Tony’s embrace.

“Hate like hell to leave you, darlin’, but I need to get to the office to check on things.”

“I know. I’ll be back at work tomorrow, so I thought I’d get some things done around here.”

Bending down to kiss her, the taste of coffee and mint was just as potent as before. Dragging his lips from hers reluctantly, he pulled her head into his chest and held her tightly. “Gotta tell you, these past few days have meant the world to me.”

“Me too,” she whispered.

Leaning back, their gazes locked as words went unspoken. Words of grief relieved. Words of healing hearts. Words of futures promised. Unnecessary words only because they both knew them in their hearts.

Kissing the top of her head goodbye, he headed out the door calling for her to set the alarm after him.

10

Monday morning found Sherrie back in the law office, regaling the office staff with her weekend adventures. She stumbled over the parts that included her new relationship with Tony, but the smile on her face gave her away.

Mr. Marks said, “My dear, I have to tell you that my wife was fretting something fierce until you called to reassure us of your safety.” Giving her a fatherly hug, he said, “I’m glad you have someone in your life. You deserve that.”

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