Page 92 of Shades of Loyalty
“Well, sort of. How’d you know?”
“I’m your brother. Let’s be honest here. You were staring out the window instead of looking at the table. You never did that before.”
I scoff as I take a sip of coffee. “It’s nothing much. I think I’m simply in love.”
Andrew stares at me, speechless, for at least thirty seconds. I don’t say anything either, letting him digest my words
“Is ither?”
I nod. He doesn’t have to say her name. We both know who he means. She’s the only woman he’s ever seen me with.
“Jesus,” he mutters. “Did you tell her?”
I shake my head. “Not directly, no. I wanted to ask you for advice.”
“You are askingmefor advice? You do realize you’re the older brother, right?” He laughs in disbelief.
“I know. But you’ve dated women before. I haven’t. Not really. Not because I liked them, at least.”
Andrew doesn’t respond immediately. “You should tell her.”
“Oh, really? I wouldn’t have known that. Thanks for the help, little brother,” I say sarcastically with a grin on my face.
He rolls his eyes. “I mean it. Just tell her. Take her out on a date, stare deep into her eyes, and then tell her. Then you kiss her, and you two live happily ever after.”
“Stop making fun of me, goddamn.” I try to stay serious, but I can’t help grinning. “Andrew…ShouldI take her out on a date? Maybe a night drive on my Harley? She seemed to enjoy it last time.”
He nods passionately. “That’s a great idea. And then?”
“Then we find a quiet place. Get comfortable… So I can tell her without one of us feeling weird.”
“And you needed my advice because?” He laughs. “You need to trust yourself more. She’s gonna love it.”
Maybe. But is she gonna loveme? I think that sure as fuck is the more important question here.
“I’m worried,” I admit. “What if she doesn’t want me?”
Andrew drags a hand down his face. “You must be fucking kidding me. You, Daniel Caruso, one of the most powerful men in Chicago, are scared of a woman rejecting you?”
“She’s not just some woman, Andrew. Seriously.”
Andrew studies me for a second, then his voice shifts. “Look, I get it. You’ve never had to trust someone before. Not like this. And yeah, it’s a risk. But isn’t she worth it?”
“She is,” I sigh. “But all we did until now is fuck.”
“Am I gonna be an uncle soon?”, he teases me.
“Definitely not”, I laugh. “I hate—” I stop myself. I don’t hate children. I can’t say that.
He looks at me with a confused expression. “What’s wrong?”
I bite my lip, thinking about her daughter. Thinking of how adorable my nephew is. “I don’t hate kids, you know.”
Andrew raises a brow. “Oh? That’s new to me.”
“Her daughter is adorable,” I admit. “I’m just… unsure if I want kids. With her. If Ican.”
Andrew grins like a crazy man. “You’re already imagining a future with her. Damn, you are down bad.”
