Page 66 of A Perfect Pairing
Natasha moaned and gripped the front of his shirt. The kiss was unhurried and infused with need and something else she couldn’t identify.
Antonio locked his eyes on hers. “Do you feel it, Tasha? Do you feel how much you mean to me?”
In his beautiful eyes she saw passion, longing, and what looked like… love. Or maybe it was just wishful thinking on her part. “I feel it, Tonio.” She felt it in every kiss, every touch. She wanted to believe he loved her, but he’d never actually told her.
He stroked a finger down her jaw and smiled. “Let’s go enjoy our guests.”
Ourguests? Natasha followed him out with all the different platters and bowls, still trying to process his words, the kiss, everything. It took her a moment to get herself together and jump into the many conversations around the table.
“Antonio, with the spread you laid out here,” Gabriel said, reaching for another rib, “it could be Supper Club Part Two.”
“Nah, I’ll leave that to the ladies and hope to get an invite every now and then. Speaking of the supper club, when’s the next one?”
“Not for two or three weeks. Dana’s out of town, and she pretty much threatened me if I had it without her. But when she returns, I’m thinking of doing an old Sunday dinner theme—fried pork chops, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, and collard greens,” Serenity said.
Natasha pointed her fork Serenity’s way. “If you’re making greens, I know there had better be some hot-water cornbread with it. Antonio, I’m telling you it’s to die for. So crunchy on the outside, tender inside…So good.”
“Girl, you know I got you. You just can’t eat all of it.”
“Hey, you snooze, you lose.” She bit into a rib and hummed because it was so good.
The conversation shifted to Antonio discussing how he’d beat Gabriel in a one-on-one basketball game.
“Man, I told you that was pure luck,” Gabriel was saying.
“Nah, bro, like I toldyou, it’s all skill. We can drive on over to the high school whenever you’re ready. Jon, what about you?”
Jon laughed and held up his hands in mock surrender. “I ain’t got nothing for you on a basketball court, but throw on some cleats and pads and I’ll wear both of you out on a football field.”
Everyone hollered.
“And then we’re going to need some Bengay for all three of them,” Serenity cracked. “Y’all are closer to forty than not.”
Terri and Serenity exchanged a high five, and Terri said, “Exactly. Then you’ll be coming into the ER for me to patch you up.”
Natasha laughed so hard her side ached. “I can’t believe you three. But I have to say, it might be kind of nice to see you out there playing if we get to see a little skin.”
Serenity waved her fork. “Good point, good point. I vote for those little shorts the NBA players used to wear back in the eighties.”
“Wait, wait,” Antonio said with a laugh. “How did this turn intothatkind of conversation?”
Natasha gave him a look of innocence. “I don’t know what you mean. We’re just talking about watching you all play ball, right?” She shrugged.
He leaned over and whispered, “I’ll show you all the skin you want…in private.”
She pretended to focus on her food. No way would she touch that comment, especially not here and now. Not when she wanted to find that private place.
“Uh-huh, that’s what I thought.” He winked and went back to eating.
Natasha glanced up and met Serenity’s and Terri’s gazes. Both wore knowing smiles, and Terri fanned herself. She mouthed,Don’t say one word.Both women looked at each other and fell out laughing. “Some friends you are.” They laughed harder.
Antonio reached for Natasha’s hand under the table. When she turned his way, he said, “We should probably talk about us soon. I think Tahoe will be the perfect place. And don’t look so worried. We’re good, baby.” He leaned over and kissed her.
“Aw, y’all are so cute.”
“That’s so sweet.”
“That’s what I’m talking about. Claim your woman.”
