Nate studied Antonio. “You still care about her.” When Antonio didn’t respond, he said, “It’s not a bad thing, bro. You two have history, so it’s to be expected. Who knows, this could be a second chance for both of you. Maybe there’s a reason things didn’t work out with Lori.”
“Yeah, there is a reason,” Antonio shot back bitterly. “She led me to believe we wanted the same things, when all she wanted was status and money.” He came to his feet. “I need to go check on some things. No telling how long the weather will hold.” And the last thing he wanted to do was rehash old hurts about his ex.
His brother stood slowly and nodded. “Check on Natasha. You aren’t the only one affected by this rumor.” He pivoted and walked out.
He braced his hands on the desk, lowered his head, and blew out a long breath. Any mention of Lori still made him feel a certain way. Straightening, he headed out front. “Leah, I’m going out to the Ward place to see if I can get a few things done before it starts raining again. Call me if anything comes up. If I’m not back by four, go ahead and take off.”
“Got it. It’s not forecasted to rain again until tonight, so you should be good… hopefully. If I don’t see you later, have a good evening.”
“You too.” Antonio really liked working with Leah. She had a good head for business, and the first thing he’d done when he’d taken over from Charles was give her a promotion from receptionist to executive assistant.
As soon as he stepped outside, the pressure eased in his chest. The drive to the house took less than ten minutes, and he was surprised to see Natasha’s car parked in the driveway. When he didn’t find her inside, he walked around back, but he still didn’t see her. As he retraced his steps to the front, movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Natasha stepped out of one of two sheds several feet away and dusted off her pants. She spotted him and threw up a wave.
“I didn’t know you were coming out here today,” Natasha said, coming toward him.
He met her halfway. “Thought I’d see if I can get the rest of the deck done before it starts raining again.” He and Todd had gotten about halfway done. “What are you looking for?”
“Chase called and said his mom is asking about her photo albums. He thought he’d packed up everything but must have forgotten them. He asked if I would check the sheds.”
“Need some help?”
She shrugged. “Sure. I didn’t see anything in the smaller one,” she said as she headed for the larger one he knew Mrs. Ward had turned into what now would be considered a “she shed.”
A short time into their search, the light tapping against the roof let him know he wouldn’t be finishing the deck today. Within minutes, the light rain turned into a downpour.
Natasha peered through the window. “Great. My umbrella’s in the car.”
“Guess we’ll have to hang out here until it stops,” he said, opening one drawer, then another. When she didn’t say anything, he glimpsed over his shoulder and met her gaze. “Problem?”
“I’m not sure. If people found out we were here together… alone, it’ll give them more to talk about. And knowing how you still feel about me, I couldn’t take it.”
Antonio crossed the room to where she stood, the sadness and uncertainty in her eyes making him want to wrap her in his arms. The attraction between them had been growing steadily, and he had no idea what to do about it. At this point he wasn’t even sure he wanted it to stop. “And exactly how do I feel about you?”
“You’re still angry about—”
He put a finger to her lips to cut off her words. “I’m not still angry, Tasha.” Far from it. Everything about her called to him. He’d dated since the demise of his marriage and had no problems saying goodbye at the end of the evening. But Natasha was different. With her, the control he normally had crumbled like an old building each and every time they were together. And he was tired of fighting.
Tilting her chin, he locked his eyes on hers. Just like the last time they were this close, while sitting on the bench outside, Antonio felt the chemistry pulling them. This time there would be no interruptions. He lowered his head and touched his lips to hers. “I don’t hate you.” When their lips met again, sparks turned into a flame, and he devoured her mouth with an intensity that stunned him. Every stroke of his tongue against hers took him closer to the brink of losing complete control, but he couldn’t stop. An onslaught of memories bombarded him, from their first kiss behind the school gym and the day he asked her to be his girlfriend at her sweet sixteen party right outside of this shed to the first time they made love after their high school graduation. Usually, he forced the thoughts away. This time he let them come, flooding his heart and mind.
“Tonio,” Natasha whispered against his lips as her hands burned a path across his chest and wound around his neck, holding him in place.
Hearing her call him by the special name she’d given him snapped the last shred of his restraint. Antonio lifted her in his arms, bringing her closer to the fit of his body so she could feel just what she did to him. How much hedidn’thate her. At length, he eased back, but he held her firmly in his arms and rested his forehead against hers. Now that he’d crossed the line, he didn’t know if he could go back. But he still needed answers.
CHAPTER 10
Natasha had no idea how long she stood there in Antonio’s arms, but she didn’t complain. For the first time in years, she was exactly where she wanted to be—with him. She tightened her hold on him and relished the closeness she’d never experienced with any other man.
“Do you know how long I’ve waited to kiss you and hold you this way?” Antonio murmured, trailing kisses along the column of her neck.
He didn’t give her a chance to answer. His tongue slipped between her parted lips and curled around hers in a long, drugging kiss. Natasha had always loved the way he kissed her, but those they shared years ago were as two kids who really didn’t have a clue. Clearly, he’d learned a thing or two because he’d mastered the art and kissed her with a finesse that broke down every barrier and reason why this shouldn’t happen.
As much as she enjoyed it, they still had a major hurdle. He’d said he didn’t hate her, but she didn’t believe all his hostility and resentment had been swept away in an instant. Natasha broke off the kiss and rested her head against his shoulder, her breathing harsh and uneven. “We need to talk, Tonio.” The nickname slipped out again.
He lowered her to her feet. “I know.”
He sounded as reluctant as she felt, but it was time. She had to tell him why she ended their relationship.
Antonio removed the dust-covered plastic covering from the love seat and gestured for her to sit before lowering himself next to her. He rested his forearms on his knees with his hands clasped and head bowed. “Why, Tasha? Why did you leave me?” he asked quietly.
