Page 72 of A Perfect Pairing
“Ooh, a hot date,” April, who had been content just to listen until now, said.
“Something like that.” After a round of goodbyes that took way longer than he wanted, they finally got out. Thankfully, because it was almost June, the days were longer and the weather stayed warmer later.
“Exactly where are we going? You never said,” Natasha said as he drove.
“You’ll see in a minute.”
“We’re going to our special spot.”
“Yep. I thought a picnic dinner would be nice.”
She craned her neck, trying to see the back seat.
“Go on and turn yourself around because it’s not there.” Knowing he didn’t have to worry about anyone finding the area, Antonio had come earlier to set everything up.
He hung back a bit when they got to the inlet because he wanted her to see it first.
“Oh, Tonio, it’s beautiful. But when did you have time to do this?”
“Before the meeting.” He had erected a canopy with sheer panels on each corner in her favorite blue color and spread pink rose petals on the blanket. “Have a seat.”
Natasha slowly lowered herself onto the blanket and fingered one of the petals. “I love this. I love you.”
“I love you, too. We haven’t done this in a long time, and I thought it might be nice.” He pulled out the charcuterie board he’d done, plates, glasses, and a bottle of wine. They talked, laughed, and fed each other.
“I hope you brought dessert, too,” she said, popping a grape into her mouth.
“Of course I brought dessert.” He’d called Serenity and asked her to make a few of the chocolate-dipped strawberries Natasha loved so much, complete with champagne and whiskey. When he showed her the container, the smile that spread across her face could have lit up the sky. He removed the lid and offered them to her.
She bit into one and moaned. “Ooh, this one has whiskey. Here, taste it.”
She held it out to him, and he bit into it. The flavors exploded on his tongue. “You’re right. This one is a little more potent, but it’s so good.”
Natasha polished off the rest and reached for another one. “See, I told you. It’s the perfect pairing.” She let him take the first bite, then finished it.
“I agree. Just like us.”
A shy smile played around the corners of her gorgeous lips. “Yeah, like us.”
Antonio leaned over and slanted his mouth over hers, kissing her until she lay flat on the blanket. He wanted to be with her this way for the rest of his life.
CHAPTER 27
Natasha tried on another pair of sandals and stood in front of the mirror turning her foot one way, then another. “What do you think about these?” The navy-blue three-and-a-half-inch high heel had a slim toe strap, one that crisscrossed over her instep and around the ankle. Now that she had actual dates, she needed to upgrade her wardrobe.
“Those are cute,” Serenity said. “Are you thinking of wearing them tonight for your date?”
“Only if I can find a nice dress to go with them. I really like these.”
“Then get them. We only have about an hour before we need to head back. You can’t be late. And speaking of dating, you and Antonio seem to be getting pretty serious.”
“We are. He told me he loved me when we went to Tahoe.” She removed the shoes and put them back in the box.
Serenity whirled around and planted her hands on her hips. “What? And you’re just now telling me? I thought I was your BFF, and you’re out here holding out on me.”
Natasha chuckled. “We haven’t really had a chance to talk.”
She came and sat next to Natasha. “We’re talking now, so come on, I need details. Wait.” Serenity held up a hand. “Mostof the details, like where were you, was it an after-good-sex confession, pillow talk? You can skip the X-rated version.”
