Page 19 of A Perfect Pairing
She couldn’t believe he remembered Serenity had been her roommate. They had “met” over the phone. “Yes, it’s her. She moved here a few years ago.”
“Oh, but back to this woman who’s giving you trouble. You really should talk to your boss.”
“I will. I’m even angrier because I had to replace the ones she messed up with mine. I’ll be fine. I’m going to go sit in the back for a few minutes before I get started. If you need me for anything before then, come get me.”
“I’m really sorry she messed up your day. If you want, I can pay Serenity to make you more.”
The sincerity in his voice made her heart skip a beat. She reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thanks for the offer, but you don’t have to do that.” It wasn’t until he squeezed her hand back that she realized what she’d done and quickly, but gently, let him go. Even after all these years, their hands still felt like they belonged together. “Um… I’ll be out back.” Natasha adjusted the tote on her shoulder and hurried off.Why am I having these thoughts about us?She pushed the thoughts aside and reminded herself that nothing had changed. She and Antonio were not destined to be together.
Antonio’s gaze followed Natasha until she was out of sight. Seeing her so upset bothered him, and he didn’t stop to analyze why. The more time they spent together, the more they seemed to slip into their old camaraderie. Back then it had been one of the things he loved about her. Their relationship was easy and drama free. It probably stemmed from the fact they’d been friends first. Even now, despite all that stood between them, he felt those old emotions creeping back in and had no idea how to make them stop.
He turned at the sound of a car pulling up. Time to get busy.
“Hey, boss.”
“What’s up, Todd?” Antonio grabbed his laser measuring tape and iPad out of the truck. “We can start with the porch and back deck. Both need to be rebuilt.”
Todd followed Antonio up the steps. “It’s hard to believe they’re selling. The Wards have owned this property for decades.”
“I know.” Chase and Nate graduated together and had been good friends. Mike was three years older. “You take the front and the left wrap side, and I’ll get the right and the deck.” Antonio went one way and Todd, another.
When he got to the deck, he saw Natasha sitting on the swing Mrs. Ward had built at the far edge of the yard, facing the water. Memories of them sitting together in that same spot rose in his mind unbidden, one in particular. She’d had her sweet sixteen party here. Near the end, they’d sat together, and after gathering his courage, he’d asked her to be his girlfriend. Antonio recalled the relief he had felt when she agreed. He’d given her a necklace with a heart charm he had purchased using money saved from his summer job with Uncle Charles.
She hadn’t moved by the time he finished his measurements, and he warred within himself whether to go over and see if she was okay. His feet started moving before he could decide. “You okay?” he asked when he reached her.
“I’m getting there.” Natasha patted the space next to her. “Have a seat.”
He lowered himself next to her, then, using his foot, started an easy sway. Neither spoke for the first couple of minutes.
She reached into her tote and pulled out a container. “I had planned to have these tonight, but I need one now.”
Antonio leaned closer and saw she had four large chocolate-dipped strawberries. They looked professionally made. “These are the ones Serenity made?”
“Yep. Gorgeous, aren’t they? If she retired from nursing today, she’d give Ms. Ida’s a run for her money.”
She bit into one and snaked her tongue out to catch the juice. The sight instantly aroused him, and he had to turn away.
“These are my weakness. It’s like the perfect pairing.” She held out the container. “Here, try one. Oh, and don’t forget these have been soaked in champagne.”
“Are you sure? I know you already had to give most of them to your clients.”
“I’m sure. I usually don’t share them,” she said laughingly, “but you offered to buy me more, so I’ll make an exception. This time.”
Antonio chuckled and reached for one covered in milk chocolate. “I appreciate your generosity.” He bit into it, chewed for a moment, and had to admit she was right about it being the perfect pairing. The subtle champagne taste took it over the top. “Okay, these are good. I’ve never had them with the alcohol.” He polished the rest in two bites.
“You should taste the ones in whiskey. They’re potent, but oh so good.” Natasha took another bite. This time a small piece of white chocolate lingered at the corner of her mouth.
He reached up and brushed it off without thinking. She jumped slightly. “You had a piece of chocolate there.” Their eyes locked, and the air around them shifted. His gaze lingered on her lips, and he leaned his head closer. Was it his imagination, or did she do the same? Their lips were inches apart, and if either of them moved…
“Hey, Tony, I’m heading inside,” Todd called out.
Natasha gasped sharply and shot up from the swing. “I… I need to get started, too. I’ll meet you inside.” And she was gone.
Antonio dragged a hand down his face. One second longer and they would’ve kissed.What am I doing?They were supposed to be working on becoming friends again, but every time she came into his line of sight, the things he wanted to do to her didn’t land anywhere near thefriend zone.He sat there a while longer to get his libido in check, then went inside. Natasha and Todd were standing in the living room, discussing baseboard molding.
“She’s pretty good at this interior design thing,” Todd said, gesturing toward Natasha.
“She always has been.” Antonio recalled her working alongside Mrs. Ward, redecorating a few of these rooms. It seemed to be something they both loved, and Natasha always dreamed of living in this house or one like it.
