“I will, and you and Noelle have a great time. Try not to spoil her too much.”
“No promises on that front.” Leaning down, he kissed her once more, then closed the door and stepped back.
Natasha threw up a wave as she drove off, her body still humming with desire.That man is going to get me in so much trouble.
CHAPTER 19
Girl, we thought you got lost or something.” Serenity hugged Natasha and pulled her inside the house.
“I know. I got another design referral after I left today,” Natasha said, following her friend to the kitchen. “Hey, y’all. Sorry I’m late.” She hugged Terri and Dana. “I was telling Serenity I got another design referral and went over to get some preliminary information.” She unearthed a pale-blue tablecloth, candles with holders, a small bouquet of flowers, and a vase from a large reusable grocery bag.
Dana helped her cover the table. “Which translates to you getting caught up in color schemes, paint swabs, and a whole host of things.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Natasha lied with a straight face. That’s exactly what had happened. The short visit she’d planned turned into more than three hours, especially when the woman decided she also wanted to update her living and family rooms in anticipation of an upcoming visit from her in-laws. It never took long for her to lose herself. She added the place settings, navy napkins, navy candles in crystal holders, and the mixed bouquet of blue, purple, and white flowers.
Terri handed Natasha a glass of wine. “Forget the whole interior design thing. I want an update on you and Antonio. A few of the nurses were talking about how good he looked today at the ceremony. They also noticed he only had eyes for you. So, just sit yourself down and spillallthe tea.”
The women broke out in a fit of laughter, and Natasha said, “I can’t even take a sip of wine or eat before you start?”
“No!” they all chorused, which brought on more amusement.
“Fine.” She plopped down in the nearest chair and rolled her eyes in mock disdain. “We went to San Francisco last weekend for dinner, walked along Pier 39, then went back to my house.” She took a long sip of her wine and saw the moment her friends realized what she meant.
“Well, damn, you two aren’t wasting any time,” Dana said. “Normally I’d be asking you if you’re moving too fast, but it’s not like you and Tony don’t know each other. So I can see how things heated up quickly.”
“Girl, whew.” Terri fanned herself. “By the look on your face, I’m assuming the brother can bring it in the bedroom.”
Natasha fell back against the seat and released a satisfied sigh. “Oh my goodness,yessss.”
Serenity placed a large platter filled with hearty appetizers in the center of the table. “Sounds like you’ve fallen in love with him all over again.”
She sobered. “He makes it hard not to fall for him.” On some level, she’d always known it would be easy to fall back in love with Antonio. It didn’t help that he was the same sweet, sensitive guy who stole her heart the first time. She’d already admitted to herself that a small part of her never stopped loving him, but she hadn’t confessed it out loud for fear of it ruining everything. Irrational? Maybe. But Natasha didn’t want to risk it because she was already in too deep.
Serenity gave Natasha’s shoulders a squeeze. “Take it one day at a time, just like you told me. I have a feeling things will straighten themselves out.”
“I hope so. I don’t want—” She cut herself off. “Enough about Antonio and me. What’re all these fabulous creations that smell so heavenly?”
Thankfully, her friends took the hint and let the subject drop.
“I kind of liked the appetizer theme we did last year and wanted to do it again.” Serenity pointed as she spoke. “We have two kinds of bruschetta—chicken, bacon, and ranch, and beef tenderloin with caramelized onions and mushrooms—pastry-wrapped asparagus with Parmesan, spinach dip with sliced baguette, and shrimp cocktail. Of course, dessert will include those strawberries and chocolate cups.”
Natasha rubbed her hands together. “My kind of meal.” She grabbed a plate and added some of everything, and the other ladies did the same. Conversation flowed around the table about the week’s escapades, while music played in the background. “Okay, am I the only one who thinks these chicken and beef bruschetta are amazing? These things are so good.”
“Girl, no. Didn’t you see me add two more of each to my plate?” Terri said, biting into a chicken one. “I need to find a gym soon because I overeat every time we get together.”
Serenity chuckled. “Terri, all that running around the ER is exercise enough.”
She made a show of thinking. “You know what, you’ve got a point.” She scooped up more spinach dip and shrimp cocktail.
Dana topped off everyone’s wine. “Serenity, you’re not drinking wine tonight?”
A smile played around the corner of her mouth, and she shook her head. “I won’t be drinking wine for the next several months.”
They all froze with their glasses halfway to their mouths. Natasha asked, “Are you saying what I think you are?”
“Yes!” she said excitedly. “Gabriel and I are having a baby. And baby Cunningham is going to need all three of you as godmothers.”
“I am so happy for you guys. That wedding night must have been all that and more,” Natasha added, wiggling her eyebrows.
