Page 63 of A Perfect Pairing
Natasha grasped his hand. “Even closer. So when are you going to meet with them? I hope it’s soon because I know how much this means to you.”
“A couple of weeks, and I’d like for you to come with me. I want your input, too. And you still owe me a sleepover.”
“I would love to go with you. Since Lake Tahoe is only a couple of hours away from Sac, can we go there?” She’d been trying to figure out some place for them to go and didn’t want to go to Napa or the Bay Area. Lake Tahoe was a good choice, especially since the snow season had ended.
“I think I can make that happen,” Antonio said between bites of mac and cheese. “There’s one more thing.”
“Okay.” She popped a piece of cornbread in her mouth.
“What do you think about having your supper club crew over to my place this weekend for a little barbecue?”
“I say that’s a great idea. Dana will be out of town, filling in at piano for an orchestra, though.”
“That’s pretty cool. I didn’t know she still played. I’ll call Gabe and see if he and Serenity are available. I don’t have Jon’s number.”
Natasha waved him off. “I’ll call Terri. I just hope Jon won’t be working. He puts in way too many hours. I would volunteer to help, but my talents are limited to salad, store-bought rolls, and table decorating.”
“Don’t worry, baby. I got you, and I’d love for you to help me.”
A shadow fell over the table, and Natasha glanced over her shoulder and saw Lori standing there. She groaned inwardly.
“I’d like to talk to you, Antonio,” Lori said.
“I think we said everything yesterday, Lori.”
She nodded. “I just wanted to let you know I’m going back to New York tonight. Again, I’m sorry for the way things turned out between us.” Lori cut a quick glance at Natasha and let out a small smile. “I guess there’s something to be said for a hometown girl, after all. I wish you both well.”
“I wish you the same,” Antonio said.
The woman gave Natasha an imperceptible nod and headed for the exit.
That wasn’t what Natasha had expected Lori to say. Maybe the comment the woman had made yesterday hadn’t been spiteful. She studied Antonio, who had his head down. “You okay?”
“Yeah, fine. I’m just glad I can close that chapter of my life, and we can both move on now. Hopefully, she can find someone who wants the same things she does because I have.”
She paused, and her pulse skipped. Did they want the same things? He’d just given her the opening she’d been looking for. “Um… I heard what she said the other day about wanting children. Do you still want them, or is that something you’ve changed your mind about?” When he didn’t say anything for a moment, her heart started pounding, making her wonder if it wasn’t the right time to bring it up.
He set his fork down. “I haven’t changed my mind. I know we talked about having two or three way back, and it’s probably something we should discuss. I know we’re not quite at that point yet, but what about you? Do you want to have children?”
Natasha nodded and released the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. “I still want children but wondered whether it would actually happen.”
Antonio reached for her hand. “Then we’re in agreement.”
They shared a smile and continued the meal while laughing and sharing their dreams.
When they finished, he said, “I’m glad Lori didn’t ruin the evening.”
She waved him off. “I wasn’t going to let that woman mess up my date because aren’t you supposed to be following me home?”
Antonio lifted his hand and signaled for the check. “Yep, and the sooner the better.”
“Works for me.” And she couldn’t wait.
CHAPTER 24
Antonio’s body simmered at a low boil as he drove to Natasha’s place, torn between passion and anger. More than once over the past couple of days he questioned his judgment in getting involved with Lori. For her to interrupt his dinner after their confrontation yesterday made him wonder if she’d truly lost her mind. It had been all he could do to stay in his seat and not personally escort her out. But then, that would’ve created a scene he didn’t want to have to explain. His cell rang, and he held his breath, praying she wasn’t calling, but relaxed when his brother’s name popped up on the car’s display.
“Hey, Nate.”
