"No, Tony. You're crazy. I love the view. And that pizza is great."
"Crazy for you. That's what I'm saying. The best pizza in the city." He slides his arm around me, his hand settling on the small of my back, making my spine straighten with a tingle of anticipation that shoots right through me as he guides me to the other side of the viewing deck.
"And this right here, is the best table in the city."
I can't believe what I'm seeing. He's gotten them to set up a table for two with the perfect view over Lake Michigan.
"You get the VIP treatment everywhere you go?" I ask him, teasing just a little.
"Nah," he says, sitting down and pulling out a napkin and tucking it into his shirt collar after handing me one of the pizza boxes. "But when I'm trying to impress the woman of my dreams, I figure it can't hurt."
I shake my head, feeling my cheeks flush with heat and I lift my camera, which he suggested I bring yesterday, peering through the lens to line up the perfect shot of my perfect man on the best day of my life.
"Well, it's working." I didn't think I could fall for Tony any more than I already have, but right now he's proving me wrong. I would spend every day with him for the rest of my life right by his side in a heartbeat, if only he'd ask.
I just have to hope that he really does feel the same way too. There's no way I'm ever getting over this if he changes his mind.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Libby
I know I should have called Dad before I stayed over. But just as soon as we pull up to the curb outside the bakery he's through the door of the shop, glowering at the pair of us as Tony parks up.
"Where the hell have you been? What the hell have you been doing with my daughter, Tony?" Dad snaps.
Tony rounds the car and inserts himself between us, his arms folded menacingly across his chest. There aren't so many people in this district who would take that tone of voice with Tony and not expect to bring trouble down on themselves. I guess my dad's forgotten that along the way, with all the favors he's done us over the years.
"I've been showing her a good time."
"Well I was expecting her home yesterday. She had shifts I had to get covered today."
Tony grits his teeth. "I told you, she's not doing that anymore."
"No? Who the hell do you think you are telling me what she is and isn't doing?"
"Dad, calm down. Stop a minute."
"No, Libby. This guy thinks he's a big shot, huh? That he can walk in and start telling me what to do, what you want, like he knows better than your own father."
"Dad… He's right. I don't - I don't want to work here forever."
It's Dad's turn to grit his teeth, and he turns to look at me finally. "What's that on your neck?" he growls.
I flush hotly, my hand instantly going to cover the hickie that I know Tony bit into the side of my neck to brand me as his. I can't stop myself from glancing over to him, but I regret it immediately.
Dad's eyes darken. "You've been messing about with my daughter?" His voice pitches high and loud and every inch of him is vibrating with anger. I dart between the pair of them, trying to shove my dad back before he does something foolish.
Tony could turn him into a pancake on the sidewalk with barely any effort at all. My dad was not built to defend himself physically, let alone to start fights with the local mob enforcer.
"Daddy, stop. Please, Dad, listen to me-"
"Get outta the way, Libby. This wise guy needs teaching a lesson!"
He shoves me to the side and I see every muscle in Tony's body tense and his powerful fists clench, instantly prepared to defend me. Everything is about to explode right in front of me.
"Tony, please!" The last thing I want is for him to hurt my dad. Even if he doesn't understand, he's still my father.
I can't do anything but cover my mouth, watching with horror as Dad rolls up his sleeves like he thinks he's about to step into some kind of old fashioned boxing match. Tony glances to the ground, looking a lot like he thinks my Dad's about to make a fool out of himself. I don't doubt it.
"Okay," Tony says, squaring up, shaking the tension out of his limbs. "You get one hit. Right here, on the jaw."
"Fuck you, Tony."
"I'm not messing with your daughter. I want to be with her, forever. And sure, maybe I should'a told you. So, you take your hit. I won't come back at you. But any more than that, and I'm handing your sorry ass."
I hold my breath, watching as Tony beckons Dad closer, almost goading him on. I know my dad, and I know he won't like that one bit. He has enough sense to realize that Tony is stronger than him in every way, but he still glances across at me one more time, and that seems to galvanize him.
In a rush, he lunges at Tony, letting out a shout as he swipes an unruly punch. Just like he said he would, Tony stays stock still and lets it land, only turning his head as Dad's fist connects with a weak little crunch.
I winced in sympathy, mostly for my dad as Tony steps forward. His fist closes around my dad's wrist and with a solid shove he pushes him back towards the bakery.
"You got that outta your system? I damn well hope so, because you try it again and you'll be sorry. From now on, I'm looking out for Libby, and you're not getting in the way any more."
Dad's teeth grit together, but he has the sense to see that Tony isn't kidding
