Page 33 of A Perfect Pairing
“That’s exactly how it is,” Antonio said, sending the ball back with a bounce pass. This time Gabriel dribbled once and shot. The ball went around the rim a couple of times before falling through. The trash talk continued throughout the game, and Gabriel pulled ahead by two.
“Looks like you’re about to lose on your home court.” Gabriel cupped a hand near his ear, grinning. “You hear that? Do you hear Vince Carter?”
Antonio snatched the ball. “Ain’t nothing over.” He proceeded to show Gabriel why he’d earned his nickname. When they were both tied at ten, he asked, “Anybody ever tell you my name on the court?” He did a fake left, spun right, and launched the ball.Swish!“Lights. Out.”
Gabriel doubled over in laughter, trying to catch his breath. “All right, I’ll give you this one.”
Winded, Antonio lowered himself to the ground. “I haven’t played ball since I left New York. That felt good.” He and a couple of college buddies used to get together almost weekly for a game or to just shoot around and it had helped to keep his skills sharp.
Gabriel dropped down across from him. “Speak for yourself. I haven’t been on a court since I don’t know when.”
Antonio laughed tiredly. “How long have you lived here?”
“Less than a year. Came last summer because my sister got a promotion that forced her to move away. We wanted one of us here to keep an eye on Nana, and my sister had given up several years of her life to do it after our parents passed away, so it was my turn.” He told Antonio about never staying more than a day or two whenever he visited over the years because he couldn’t stand being in such a small town. “I figured I’d hang around for the summer, convince Nana to move back to Atlanta, and be good.”
“Obviously, that didn’t work out as planned.”
“Nothingworked out like I planned. Nana shut me down cold, and I ended up having a thing for my sexy neighbor, who couldn’t stand me in the beginning. Man…”
Antonio laughed so hard at the stories Gabriel told him about his and Serenity’s run-ins, he could barely catch his breath. “Shethrewsomething at you? Nice, sweet Serenity?”
“My baby is nice and sweet, but she also has a throwing arm that would do a major league baseball team proud.” Gabriel smiled and shook his head as if remembering. After a minute, he asked, “How are things going with you and Natasha? Still trying to keep a low profile?”
Antonio released a deep breath. “It’s better than I had ever imagined, and yeah.” He was counting down the days and minutes until his grandmother’s birthday bash next Saturday.
“Why? You’re both adults.”
He had asked himself the same question several times over the past few days and came to one conclusion. “The last time we were together, everybody in town expected us to get married after college, and you know how that turned out. This time, I want—noneed—to make sure what we’ve got is going to last. I don’t think I could take a repeat.”
Gabriel nodded. “I get it. I had some of the same hang-ups with Serenity, but I had to decide whether I was going to be all in or not. Anything less isn’t going to work. Trust me, I know. I almost lost her because of my fears and insecurities. Besides, I’m sure you don’t want any of these other brothers around town kicking it with your girl.”
Oh, hell no!The thought of any other man with Natasha, touching and kissing her, spiked his anger.
“That’s what I thought,” Gabriel said with a grin, slowly getting to his feet. He did a couple of stretches. “I’m definitely going to have to get out here a little more often. I’ll be ready for you next time.”
“Only in your dreams,” Antonio shot back, jumping to his feet. They trudged to their cars, scheduled another time, and said their goodbyes.
On the way home, he stopped by the grocery store to purchase what he needed for his dinner with Natasha. After putting away everything and showering, he prepped the crab for the crab cakes.
An hour later, he left to pick up Natasha. Up to this point, they hadn’t had what he would call a formal date but more like hanging out. He knew it was a risk, but no way would he allow her to drive over for their date, especially a first date, even if they were staying in. His heart pounded when she opened the door to him. Antonio felt more nervous tonight than he had the first time they went out, at age sixteen. “Hey, baby.”
“Hi, yourself. Come on in.” Natasha moved aside so he could enter.
He closed the door, drew her into his arms, and slanted his mouth over hers in an intoxicating kiss. Her tongue dueled with his as he angled his head and tasted every corner of her mouth. Feeling his restraint slipping, he eased back. Each time they kissed drew them closer together.
“I think I’m going to enjoy us dating again. I always thought you were the best kisser, but now…whew!” She fanned herself.
“Quit tempting me. Are you ready?”
“Depends on how much of this cooking you’re expecting me to do.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “It’ll be fun, so come on.”
Waving a hand, she said, “I’m not worried about the fun. That’s a given. Will it be edible is my concern.”
Antonio laughed. “Tasha, you’re the most fearless woman I know, and I’ll be there right with you.”
“Okay, but if it turns out bad, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
