Page 34 of A Perfect Pairing
He pointed toward the door. “Let’s go, woman.”
They were both laughing as they got into the car, and Natasha said, “Is it crazy that I’m nervous? These butterflies have been dancing in my belly all day. I mean, it’s not like we don’t know each other and used to be best friends… and more.”
“No, it’s not crazy because I’m feeling the same way. We might have known each other then, but we’ve grown into different people.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “And I’m looking forward to learning all about the new Natasha Leigh Baldwin.”
Natasha laughed softly. “Dang, why you gotta use my entire name?”
“You used mine.” They shared a smile, then spent the rest of the short drive in companionable silence. His godfather owned all the property surrounding the house where Antonio stayed, and it happened to be the farthest from the main home, so chances were no one would see them. He unlocked the door and gestured for her to enter first.
She surveyed the living room. “You know, this is the first time I’ve ever been in one of the guest houses Mr. Davenport built. This is nice. How many bedrooms?”
“Just two. Make yourself comfortable. And don’t start trying to get ideas about how you can redecorate this place.”
A giggle escaped. “How did you know I was doing that?”
“I saw that little gleam in your eyes, and I know you. I’m only staying here until I decide whether to buy something or build it.”
“Uh-huh, and because I knowyou, it’s probably the latter.”
Grinning, he mumbled a “no comment” and headed for the kitchen.
Natasha followed, still laughing. “This is a nice-size kitchen.”
She’d been in his home only a few minutes, but already Antonio could see her there going forward. He’d said some things had changed over the years, but the easy rapport they shared from day one hadn’t. When he washed his hands at the sink, Natasha squeezed her body in front of his and stuck her hands under the running water with his. “Saving water.”
“Yeah, right.” He grabbed a couple of paper towels and handed her one. After drying his hands, he went about retrieving everything he needed from the refrigerator and cabinets.
She rubbed her hands together. “Okay, let’s do this. What’s on the menu?”
“Crab cakes, lemon pasta, and a green salad.”
“I’ll take care of the salad.”
“And the crab cakes and pasta.” Antonio pulled her over to the counter. “We’ll start with the crab cakes because they’ll need to sit in the fridge for a few minutes before cooking. I don’t put a lot of fillers like crackers and eggs in mine.”
“That means it’sallcrab, just the way I like it. Music?”
“Of course. I don’t cook without it.” He chose an R&B playlist, and they got busy. She mixed the wet ingredients while he finely diced the bell peppers and added them to the mixture.
“Done.” She plucked a piece of the crab out of the bowl he placed on the counter. “Mmm, it’s so sweet.”
Antonio poured the seafood into her bowl. “Fold it in gently to keep the pieces from breaking up too much.” While she finished that, he lined a baking sheet with parchment paper, and they formed six medium-size balls. Then he placed the pan in the refrigerator and preheated the oven. “Next up, pasta.” On his way past, he kissed her briefly. The peace and contentment he’d been searching for filled his soul.This is what I want, but only with Tasha.
CHAPTER 14
While the pasta and crab cakes cooked, Antonio wrapped an arm around Natasha’s waist and swayed to the mid-tempo groove pouring through the speakers, and she melted against him. She’d never cooked with any of the guys she’d dated, had never even thought about it, but it felt natural with Antonio. And she was enjoying every minute. He danced her over to the fridge for the salad fixings. “Now, this I can handle,” she said, giving him a bright smile.
“And while you handle that, I’ll handle you.” Trapping her between the counter and his body, he braced his hands on either side of her and rained kisses along her jaw, neck, and shoulder.
Her head dropped back against his chest. “Mmm, Tonio, I… can’t…ohhh.”
“You can’t what, baby?” Antonio asked as his warm hands slipped beneath her top and caressed her bare skin.
She dropped the knife on the counter, turned in his arms, and pulled his head down for a smoldering kiss. Natasha wanted to touch him the same way and pushed his shirt up. Her hands made a path across his muscled chest and down to his sculpted abs. The man’s body was a work of art. Somewhere in the back of her mind, an insistent beeping sounded. Finally, through the sensual fog, she realized it was the oven timer.
Antonio kissed her one last time, grabbed an oven mitt, and removed the crab cakes from the oven. He checked the pasta. “It’ll be done in about three minutes. I’ll make the sauce while you finish the salad.”
Though his voice was steady, the slight trembling in his hands let her know he’d been just as affected as she was. It took Natasha a few seconds to collect herself. They managed to keep their hands off each other long enough to finish preparing the rest of the meal.
