Page 61 of A Perfect Pairing
He cringed at the mention of his ex. It also made him wonder if she’d left town. “No,” he said with a little more force than necessary. “I’ve been divorced for two years. The woman I’m seeing now was my high school sweetheart.”
“Definitely bring her. She can meet my wife, Randi. Zo, you think Desiree can get away from the shop for a day?”
“Since we have a couple of weeks’ notice, probably.”
“Thanks. I’ll check with Tasha tonight and let you know.”
“Looking forward to catching up,” Lorenzo said.
“Same here. Later.”
Antonio leaned back in his chair and smiled, grateful for his two friends. He’d start working on a sketch of what he thought would work. He knew he would have to talk to a couple of the doctors to find out what type of equipment they’d need. He still had his notes from the facility in Napa and was confident he would be able to come up with something to help his grandmother and the other families in the same predicament. Then there was the financing, but he’d figure it out.
He also hoped Natasha would be free to accompany him because he couldn’t wait to have her to himself for two days with no interruptions.
CHAPTER 23
Natasha’s day went smoothly thanks to Kathleen not being in the office. George had convinced her to take some time off to deal with whatever problems she was having, and Natasha hoped that when the woman returned, things would be better.
She sent a quick text to Antonio to let him know she’d be ready at five thirty, then uploaded the photos to email to Chase. Her meeting with a couple who were looking for a larger house to accommodate their growing family had gone well, and she’d already found three listings that fit and emailed those, as well. She shut down her computer and went to the bathroom to freshen up and add a fresh coating of lipstick.
When Natasha returned to her office, Antonio was there. He stood looking out the window, and she took the opportunity to study his tall frame, from his wide shoulders and well-defined arms to his narrow waist and long legs encased in a pair of jeans, showing off a toned butt and thick thighs.
“If you’re done checking me out, we can leave.” Antonio slowly turned to face her.
She smothered a giggle. “How did you know I was standing here? You couldn’t even see me.”
“Maybe not, but your fragrance gave you away. It’s sweet and sexy, just like you, and my favorite.” He closed the distance between them and dipped his head to kiss her. “Ready?”
Natasha just stared at him. Any lingering apprehensions and uncertainties she had about them dissipated like a puff of smoke. He always knew the right thing to say when she needed it. “Yes.” They met Brett as they left. “Are you done for the day, Brett?”
“Yes, ma’am. Heading home before the streetlights come on for the first time in a week.”
She chuckled. “I hear you.”
“How’s it going, Antonio? Are you getting used to being back in gossip city yet?” he teased.
Antonio shook his head, and the two men did a fist bump. “Not sure I’ll ever get used to that.”
“Same, man. You two have a good evening.”
“We will,” Natasha and Antonio chorused, sharing a private smile. He held the door open for her, then held her hand as they strolled up the block. More than a few people commented on how good they looked together.
“Gotta love small-town living,” Antonio said with a chuckle.
She glanced up to respond, and his smile faded. His steps slowed, and she shifted her gaze to see what had captured his attention.Great. Round two. Natasha wasn’t in the mood to deal with his ex-wife again, and Antonio’s expression said the same. Dressed in another expensive designer outfit and her makeup looking as if it had been professionally done, she strutted down the street like she was on a runway. For a split second Natasha’s self-doubt reared its ugly head, but she quickly forced it down. She was done with listening to that stupid inner voice.
“What is she still doing in town?” Antonio muttered angrily.
Lori’s jaw tightened when she saw them. Her gaze drifted down to Natasha’s and Antonio’s entwined hands and back up. Natasha just hoped the woman would pass by and keep it moving. She’d already been the subject of gossip in the last two months more often than she cared to be, but a confrontation on Main Street would guarantee to be a front-page headline. And she didn’t even want to think about the news making it to her mother. “Looks like she’s headed to the same place as us.”Unfortunately.
“We can go someplace else if you want,” he said, concern lining his features.
“Nope. I have my taste buds set on some of Ms. Ida’s fried catfish. I’ve been craving it since I had it when Serenity and I had lunch a few weeks ago.” Besides, after hearing Antonio declaring that she was the only one who mattered to him, she wasnotgoing to let one more woman get in her ear.
“Then let’s get your fish, baby.” Antonio kissed her hand and opened the door to the restaurant.
“Well, who do we have here?” Ms. Bernice said, beaming. “You two eating in?”
