Page 62 of A Perfect Pairing
Natasha shook her head. “Hi, Ms. Bernice, and yes.”
She retrieved two menus and led them to a table on the side of the spacious room that had a partial view of the mountains in the distance.
Antonio seated Natasha, then rounded the table and took the chair across from her. “Thanks, Ms. Bernice.”
“You two, enjoy.”
“Oh, and, Ms. Bernice,” Natasha said with a teasing grin, “can you not call my mother and tell her anything other than we had dinner this time?”
A look of embarrassment crossed her face, and she let out a little giggle. “Sorry about last time. I’ll be sure to keep it straight this time.” Ms. Bernice gave them an exaggerated wink and pranced off.
“Or she could’ve said she wouldn’t call at all.” She sighed and picked up the menu.
“Look on the bright side. At least she has to wait until she gets off to call. My mom will probably know before our entrées hit the table,” he said wryly.
She burst out laughing. “Yeah, you have a point. Maybe we should record the dinner to show our parents. That might be the only way the truth will be told.”
“Probably.” He leaned forward and clasped his hands on the table. “What do you think about us sharing the seafood family platter? It has your catfish as well as shrimp.”
“I say you’ve got yourself a deal. It comes with three sides and either rolls or cornbread. My nonnegotiables are the mac and cheese and cornbread.”
A grin curved the corner of his mouth. “Then it’s good those are mine, too. We should make it look good and get at least one vegetable. I vote for the green beans.”
“Works for me. Since we’re going all out, might as well get fries. And there’s only one option for a drink.”
“Sweet tea,” they said at the same time.
Natasha loved that they had so many things in common. Despite the years they were apart, it seemed as though that area of their relationship stayed intact.
After the server came and took their order, Antonio asked, “How did your day go? Any more problems with your co-worker?”
“No. Apparently, George convinced her to take some time off. I have no idea how long, but it was nice not to hear her snippy comments during our meeting. I just hope when she comes back, she’ll leave all the animosity at home. Did you get a lot done? There’s a lot of buzz going around now that you guys started on the condos.”
“I only spent about two hours out there because I had to take care of some things at the office.”
“Which killed you, huh?” She knew how much he enjoyed the hands-on process of a building taking shape. It had to be hard having to be in the office so much.
“You know me well. But it’s okay. I’ll be out there a lot more once the actual frame starts going up.”
She gave him a sensual smile and said quietly, “And I’m going to make sure I get a front-row seat to watch those glorious muscles in action. Just like I did those summers when you worked for Mr. Davenport.” Natasha leaned closer. “Maybe you can give me a preview when you follow me home after dinner.”
Desire lit in his eyes. As Antonio opened his mouth to respond, the server returned with their food.
“Mmm, this looks and smells so good.” She glanced up and found him still watching her. “What?”
“You like tempting me, don’t you? And I already told you how much I like it when you tell me what you want.”
Natasha shrugged as she added portions of everything onto a plate. “I like that you like it.” He was the only man she felt comfortable showing this side of herself. The few guys with whom she had been in a steady relationship with weren’t particularly fond of her expressing her wants and desires—in and out of bed. Antonio, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. He actually encouraged her to share everything.
As he ate, he said, “I want to run something by you.”
“Shoot.”
“Remember when I mentioned wanting to build a memory care center here?” She nodded. “I reached out to a couple of guys I met at an engineering conference in LA some years ago. They own their family construction company now and said they might be able to take the project on.”
“Are youkiddingme? That would be so fabulous. Are they based in LA?”
“No, Sacramento.”
