Page 27 of Falling Again
Natalie slid right into her role with ease, placing a cool hand on his forearm and offering her mega-watt smile.
“We’ve had great success with our Starbucks. The revenue it brings has been great for our downtown. And it’s provided jobs for over twenty residents.”
Their breakfast followed a similar pattern of somewhat-snarky commentary while the wives batted away concerns with their clever comebacks and suggestions. Not for the first time, Anthony realized he’d be totally lost without Natalie.
While Fin excused himself to the restroom, Megan leaned back on her side of the booth and sighed. “Can I tell you both how much I enjoy these little meetings?” She gestured her hand across the booth. “You two are just so perfect. If I didn’t like you so much, I’d probably hate you,” she laughed, and Anthony winced at the sound. Megan was only jesting, but he was still on edge.
Natalie flinched beside him. It was a small shudder, but he felt it nonetheless. Meant to be a compliment, the comment landed hollow, and made Anthony’s pancakes turn to rocks in his gut. They were so good about being on for other people, they had forgotten how to do it for each other.
Once again thoughts of a week alone on South Bass Island flashed through his mind. Anthony knew it would help. They would be alone with no distractions, just each other and a mile-long list of things to talk about. He wasn’t usually a romantic, but Anthony knew he needed to woo his wife back.
Fin returned and they finalized their plans for their next meeting. Anthony wondered why they’d needed to meet as frantically as they had, but he wouldn’t call out Fin and Megan now. Hopefully their little power breakfast had bought him some more time before they did it again.
“Great as always to see you both,” Natalie said with a wave as they headed out of the diner.
Anthony held the door open and placed his hand on the small of her back and led the way to the car. When they reached the car, Natalie stopped. “I think I’ll walk to the office,” she said, gesturing over her shoulder toward Main Street.
Anthony faltered, walking around to the passenger’s side. “I can drop you off. It’s no trouble.”
Natalie shrugged and pulled her purse up to her shoulder, clinging to the strap of her bag. “You’ll need to get those permits filed today before Fin can doubt your word. You know he’ll be calling by noon to check your progress.”
“I’m sure I can handle a two-minute drive with you,” he said, hoping she wanted to see him too. Anthony craved Natalie, and he wasn’t above begging for her time.
“It’s fine. I’ll grab a ride with Ginny for the way home.”
Now Anthony was annoyed. “No. I’ll pick you up. Is five o’clock okay?”
Natalie sighed. “There’s no way you’ll get out at five today. You have that meeting with the electric company at 4:30, remember? I’ll get a ride and make dinner. I’ll save you a plate.” Without waiting for his response, Natalie turned and headed down the driveway, her footfalls stomping along to his erratic pulse.
Anthony felt like he’d been sucker punched. Why didn’t she want to spend any time with him?
“I can see if I can rearrange it,” he offered, knowing Trudy would kill him for trying. His work never seemed to be done.
Reading his mind, Natalie scoffed. “And tick off Trudy? Not worth it. We can debrief tonight on the Elm River meeting if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“That’s not what I’m worried about,” Anthony countered, his voice a little too loud.
Natalie was gob smacked by his response, her jaw unhinged. “Are you worried about the permits or—” but he couldn’t stand to talk about Elm River, or Buckeye Falls, or anything that didn’t have to do with them as a couple.
Closing the distance between them in three strides, Anthony took Natalie by the shoulders and tugged her up against his chest.
“I don’t want to drive you to talk about work, or this town, or anything else. I just want to have another few moments alone with my wife. Is that too much to ask?” Anthony watched her intently, waiting to see how she’d reply to his words and actions. The forcefulness of his tone surprised even Anthony.
“Okay,” Natalie exhaled, so close her breath tickled his lips. He wanted to kiss her, whether or not the whole town was watching.
Raising a hand to cup her cheek, he relished the feel of her soft skin under his fingers. Anthony leaned in and kissed Natalie. It was tender at first, as they searched to find the perfect angle and rhythm. Then a spark ignited, and Natalie got on her tiptoes to close the remaining distance and deepen the kiss. A quiet moan escaped her lips as she slid her tongue across his bottom lip before pulling away.
For the first time in months, Anthony felt like a red-blooded man. He wanted to throw his wife over his shoulder like a caveman and take her back home. Reality be damned.
“You’ll definitely have to drive me to work now,” she chuckled. “I don’t think my legs will work.” Natalie clung to his lapels, her gaze unfocused and her lips swollen. Anthony was proud that he still had that effect on her.
Her words were the fuel to his fire, and Anthony ducked down and kissed her until they heard a car horn behind them. He hadn’t realized they were blocking the diner driveway, but he didn’t care. Leaning down once more, he pecked her cheek and breathed, “Until later.” When he stepped back, he was beyond satisfied with the expression on Natalie’s face. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. This was a good start. Maybe today wasn’t a total dumpster fire after all.
