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Charlie spoke first.

“I have my suspicions and if Tom wants us to be partners, then I think it could keep him and his wife safe.”

“Charlie, maybe you should talk to J.R. about this. He seems knowledgeable.”

“We don’t need his help,” Charlie snapped at her and she looked away from him.

The waitress returned, bringing over four small cups of fresh espresso and four glasses of sambuca. Along with the coffees were a dish of plump, fresh red strawberries, a bowl of whipped cream, and a small dish containing a pink satin pouch, which Charlie removed immediately.

The waitress asked if they needed anything else then left.

Dante took a strawberry and brought it to Lori’s lips. She blushed, making his cock instantly hard.

“Open, baby,” he whispered, and she did, taking a small bite of berry into her mouth.

Dante knew that his brothers watched him feed Lori the strawberry. He was aroused and so very attracted to her, he didn’t think he could slow things down the way she needed. It was insane, but he felt so much for her. This date was lasting long and he didn’t want her out of his sight. He was trying not to be demanding or to come across as if he was ordering her to do what he wanted to do. He saw her response to Charlie’s demands and bossy tone.

“Let’s get out of here,” Trevor stated and Dante, Charlie, and Lori agreed.

They paid the bill and said their good-byes as they exited Casper’s. The evening was beautiful and Lori shivered as they made their way back to the truck.

Before they reached Charlie’s truck, the men stopped her.

“Are you cold, baby?” Trevor asked then pulled her into his arms. She laid her face against his chest, feeling the muscles beneath her cheek. He smelled so good. His cologne was fresh like soap and outdoors. She inhaled, instantly feeling protected and warm. Trevor rubbed her arms and Dante rubbed her back.

“Better?” Trevor asked, and she nodded her head.

“Let’s sit over here a minute,” Charlie told them as they walked toward the truck. He pulled down the back lift gate and then Trevor lifted Lori up and placed her gently onto the back. Dante was tall enough to lean right back and so was Trevor as he took position on either side of her. She crossed her legs and Charlie moved closer. He stared at her eyes and she smiled softly, wondering why he was being so serious and also if he would say something to challenge her or to get angry with her about.

“If I haven’t told you, you look stunning tonight, Lori, absolutely beautiful. I hope you’re having a good time,” Charlie said.

She was shocked by his sincerity. It looked like it took a lot for him to reveal his emotions. “I am, Charlie. Spending time with the three of you and visiting with your friends has been nice.”

“We’re enjoying spending time with you, too, Lori,” Dante said.

“And showing you off to all our friends. You’re going to get to know them and they’ll be your friends soon, too.”

“Dante, I’m not sure—”

“I wanted to get you something to remember today and tonight,” Charlie told her.

“Charlie, you really didn’t have to do that. I’ll remember today and tonight, you can count on that.” She touched his cheek with the palm of her hand. His skin felt rough with tiny whiskers like she imagined. She looked toward Dante and Trevor. They placed their hands on her leg.

* * * *

Charlie loved her sincerity, her gentleness. She wasn’t fake, and she wasn’t pretending. He was sure of it as he handed her the satin pouch. She opened it, saw the charm bracelet she had fallen in love with earlier, and a tear escaped her eye. Her lips quivered and her hands were shaking as she held her head down, not wanting to reveal her emotions to them. Instantly he took her hands into his, opening up the bracelet clasp and placing it around Lori’s wrist.

“Do you like it?” he asked as he lifted her chin with his hand.

She had tears in her eyes as she pulled Charlie toward her, hugging him. “I love it,” she whispered, and at that moment he knew he loved her.

She said thank you to Dante and Trevor, and Charlie chuckled to himself. They hadn’t a clue what he left for a few minutes earlier. He just felt compelled to get Lori that bracelet she fell in love with. She was determined to take care of herself and provide for herself, but he wanted her to see that this relationship between the four of them would be different. They would rely on one another. They could lean on one another and share in any burdens or concerns. So badly he wanted to tell Lori to quit the bar, let him and his brothers pay for her college and take care of her. But Dante and Trevor agreed, that move would make Lori run from them.

They all had a lot to learn about opening up their hearts and sharing their emotions. He was the worst at doing that, but Lori seemed to have the ability to make him share his feelings. She was special, and he would do anything to protect her and take away the fear and uncertainty in her eyes. Anything.

* * * *

Charlie pulled the truck alongside the roadway as Dante and Trevor pulled their truck behind him. They met them by the dark wooded pathway and Dante placed a light jacket over her shoulders. It smelled like his cologne and she pulled it snugly against her.