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GRENADINE’S
Antonio pulled Ashley against his chest as he tightened the hold he had on her hand. It felt so good to have her in his arms, to kiss her. As he smiled at the thought, he looked up over her shoulder. Gabi was standing alone glancing at the floor; Antonio could see the tears glistening in her eyes. His smile faded as he felt the all too familiar urge to go to her, to comfort her; the urge that always kept him near her. Gabi raised her eyes to look one more time at the happy couple; her heart nearly stopped when she found Antonio looking right at her. Gabi’s body flushed hot and her knees began to shake; Antonio’s hands on Ashley’s body were almost painful for her to look at. She dropped her head and moved quickly across the floor back to the table. As she approached, she found Ricardo sitting close to Amanda, who had now recovered sufficiently from their close encounter; they were whispering and laughing and Gabi’s blood began to boil. "I hope I’m not interrupting anything," she snarled as she stood behind her chair waiting for Ricardo to stand and pull it out for her. Amanda picked up her glass of wine for a sip; Ricardo turned to see Gabi with her hands on her hips tapping her foot impatiently. Ricardo started to get up when Antonio and Ashley walked up. "I’ll get it Ricardo," Antonio interjected. Gabi froze at his voice as he pulled her chair out for her. Gabi moved to sit down and Antonio pushed it in gently. She watched as he did the same for Ashley, then took his seat. "Maybe we should order," Antonio offered as he handed out the menus. Amanda and Ashley quietly discussed what they would order, Ricardo started his fourth beer, Gabi stared at the menu without reading a single word and Antonio stole glances at Gabi over the top of his menu. After everyone ordered, Ricardo spotted one of Chief Harris’ buddies across the room and asked Amanda to come with him so he could introduce her. As they excused themselves from the table, Ashley’s pager went off. Stephen’s number appeared in the display, which she quickly turned from Antonio’s view. "Oh honey, I’m going to have to take this one." She leaned over and kissed Antonio then stood from the table; Gabi flinched and looked away. "I’ll be right back." Ashley left for the payphone. Antonio and Gabi sat awkwardly for a few minutes both searching for something to say. "Are you…" "So, you…" "Go ahead…" "Go ahead…" "Gabi, please, go ahead," Antonio said without looking directly at her. Gabi swallowed hard. "Things seem pretty serious with you and Ashley." She meant it as a question, but it came out more like a bitter observation. "I mean, the way you were dancing and ki… and the way she calls you ‘honey’." "Yeah, we have a good time together." Antonio paused, not sure what he should say. "I care a lot about her." Gabi nodded her head. "I’m…I’m happy for you, Antonio. Ashley’s very beautiful." She raised her eyes slowly. "And very lucky." Her voice was choked with emotion and Antonio’s expression instantly softened. "Gabi, I…" he leaned toward her. "Sorry about that." Amanda, Ricardo and Ashley all returned at the same time. "Got a little carried away in conversation," Ricardo apologized as he seated the women and then sat down himself. Ashley sensed immediately that something had taken place while they were away; Gabi was staring into her lap and Antonio was trying not to watch her. Amanda and Ricardo chatted about the Chief’s friend. Ashley was distracted now as well; Stephen hadn’t been thrilled about being put off again so abruptly. She was really pushing his limits and knowing him as she did, she wouldn’t be surprised if he hopped the next plane to Sunset Beach to drag her back home. They continued their evening with limited conversations. THE LOFT Gabi tossed her purse on the table and went directly into the bathroom. She’d had a horrible evening and Ricardo’s antics hadn’t helped; she was tired and just wanted to go to bed. Ricardo closed the door and dropped his keys. His evening had been less than he hoped; Gabi had acted like a complete pain in the behind all night and his encounter on the dance floor with Amanda had completely confused him. He went to the fridge to find another beer just as Gabi exited the bathroom. "Good lord, Ricardo, haven’t you had enough to drink tonight?" Gabi yanked her book off the shelf and sat down on the bed; she was regretting her decision not to go back to Surf Central for the night. "I mean now you’ve had a few more than a six-pack." "Well I needed something to make tonight tolerable," he replied dryly as he unbuttoned his shirt and tugged it out of his pants. "You certainly weren’t much help with that." Gabi slammed the book closed. "Oh, and what’s THAT supposed to mean?" She knew there was going to be an argument tonight; she had known it ever since she first noticed the way he had been looking at Amanda. "I didn’t think you needed my help tonight." She paused dramatically. "You had Amanda after all." Ricardo nearly choked on the beer he had just sipped. "Wh…what are you talking about, Gabi?" He swiped the moisture that had fallen to his chin as he put on his most convincing innocent expression. "Oh come on, Ricardo," Gabi snarled as she rolled her eyes. "It was so obvious…you were all over her. Well with your eyes anyway." Ricardo thought for a moment that Gabi must have seen him dancing with Amanda; the way she finished her sentence let him know that she hadn’t. He was immediately guilt ridden as he put down his beer and stepped toward her and tried apologetically to take her into his arms. He started to whisper into her ear; Gabi hastily squirmed away from him. "Ugh, Ricardo, you know I hate it when you’re so drunk." Ricardo dropped his arms to his side. "Oh NOW I’m drunk? I guess I just can’t win. First I’m hanging all over another woman I never even touched and then I’m not allowed to hug my fiancée because she thinks I’m drunk, which I’m not." Ricardo threw his hands up in disgust and went back to his beer. "Well if that’s what you think, then I might as well just go ahead and get completely hammered." He swallowed the nearly full beer in one drink and turned to face her. "God Gabi, sometimes you’re such a…" The cold glare in her eyes stopped him from uttering the word. "Go ahead, Ricardo…I dare you." Gabi’s eyes were angry yet glistening with tears. "You’re such a…?" "You really want me to finish that?" he questioned her with a smirk. "Cause tonight, I’m really in the mood to be honest." Gabi tossed her book on the bed and grabbed her purse. "I’m getting out of here." "Good!" he yelled as he walked into the kitchen. She ran out the door and slammed it behind her. "Goodnight!" Taking the stairs quickly, Gabi rushed down to her car and drove away. SURF CENTRAL Antonio flipped on the light and held the door for Ashley. They entered the living room and Antonio called out to see if anyone was home. "Well, it looks like we’re alone," he remarked with a smile. Ashley tossed her purse on the couch and stepped over to the fireplace. The lights dimmed behind her and she grinned in anticipation; Antonio moved slowly behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. "You look great tonight," he whispered as his lips sought out the soft nook of her jawbone. Ashley’s heart began to pound as she felt his hard, sculpted torso press against her back. "Antonio," she moaned softly as she wrapped her hand around the back of his neck pulling him even closer to her. She knew she shouldn’t be doing this; she shouldn’t be having these feelings. But she was and for the moment, they were amazing. Ashley turned toward Antonio; their lips met instantly, like wildfire, hot and hungry as Antonio’s hands roamed over her body. He was putting it all behind him, the past, the priesthood, his love for Gabi. Being with Ashley awakened something inside him, made him feel good. The way his body responded to her didn’t feel too bad either. He wasn’t sure where anything was going but he knew what he wanted to happen tonight. Antonio stepped back from her and with a sly grin; he took her hand in his and led her out the back door. She started to speak and he quieted her with his finger. Ashley smiled as he directed her around the corner; she could hear the waves crashing on the beach and saw the hot tub on the deck. "Antonio," she drew out his name with a smile. "I don’t have my bathing suit." "I know," he replied seductively as he pulled her into his arms. "You won’t need it." The way he looked at her, she couldn’t resist him. Antonio stepped backwards to the hot tub tugging her gently by the hand. Ashley reached up and caressed his cheek; Antonio turned his face into her palm kissing it softly. "Wait," Ashley came to a stop just before the tub. "Go ahead and get in, I’ll be right back." Antonio released her hand reluctantly as she backed into the house with a smile. He quickly removed his clothes and tossed them onto the lounge chair; after a moment’s hesitation, he tugged off his boxers and climbed into the soothing hot water. His heart was beating quickly, his body ready and anticipating what was to come. He leaned back against the wall of the basin and closed his eyes. Gabi walked along the beach approaching Surf Central. She had parked her car and started into the house but decided she needed to calm down first and took a short walk. As the warm night air blew through her hair, Gabi made her way up the sand toward the deck; she had walked for half an hour and was finally relaxed enough for bed. Swinging her shoes in her hand, she stopped dead in her tracks as she heard the bubbling of the hot tub. Ashley stepped onto the deck wrapped in a bath towel; she had been shy about undressing outside and gone inside to change. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of Antonio reclined in the hot tub. The water bubbled against the taught muscles of his chest; his powerful shoulders and well-built arms glistened with droplets of water. Her mind drifted to Stephen but she willed thoughts of him away; she wanted to be with Antonio, to have him make love to her. Dropping her towel, she stepped up and into the water. Antonio was thinking about the day he pulled his shoulder working out. Gabi had joined him in this same hot tub and massaged his muscles; he vividly recalled the dream he had about kissing her. The sound of Ashley slipping into the water made him open his eyes. Their eyes locked as she slid next to him and underneath his arm. They were quiet for a few seconds; both saw the well-guarded reservations in each other’s eyes. "I want to be with you tonight, Ashley," Antonio finally said as his wet hand found its way up to her face and touched her softly. "I want to be with you too," she replied as she leaned closer to him and they began to kiss. Gabi’s hand flew over her mouth as her eyes filled with tears. It was true; Antonio was in love with Ashley and tonight, he was going to show her how much. The incessant bubbling of the water became deafening; Gabi turned on her heels and started back to her car. She stopped with her hand on the door; she couldn’t go back to the loft after her fight with Ricardo, but where was she going to go? She decided to pack some things and check into a room at the Resort. She flung the door open to her room, flipped on the light and dashed to the closet; she wanted to get out of the house before Antonio brought Ashley inside and up to his room to make love. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she opened her closet and searched for her suitcase. As she reached up to the shelf, an overstuffed shoebox fell off the shelf nearly hitting her on the head. "Damn it," she mumbled as she bent down to pick up its spilled contents. She sunk to her knees as she picked up the collection of photos: her and Meg, Vanessa and Casey, her and Ricardo, her and Antonio. Her finger danced lightly over Antonio’s face as he smiled happily with his arms around her neck; they had been at a picnic on the beach when Meg snapped the impromptu shot. Her tears flowing freely, Gabi pulled herself up and lay down on her bed; she curled up in a ball with the picture clutched tightly in her hand. Antonio’s hands started to search out Ashley’s breasts. The warmth of the water sensitized her skin; she moaned with pleasure as his strong hand caressed her tenderly. Antonio closed his eyes and traced a path from her lips to her neck. Ashley gripped his shoulders as she tilted her head to give him better access. His hand wandered upward to grab her hair; he didn’t remember it being so long. Ashley’s fingers made their way down his chest; she sought out his chest hair but found it not there. Things were intensifying quickly; their minds both flying warp speeds through memories of their lovers. Antonio fought to put her out of his head; he needed Ashley, he wanted her. Ashley held her eyes shut tightly; she willed herself not to think of him. Antonio held himself up on his hands and moved over her; Ashley reclined against the wall of the tub to bring him into her. He lowered himself down and was only a few inches away; both their eyes still closed, both their hearts breaking. "I can’t," Antonio whispered. "Wait," Ashley murmured. She pulled herself from underneath him and he sat down on the tub seat with his back to her hanging his head. Ashley grabbed her towel from the bench and quickly stood and climbed out of the hot tub. "I-I…I have to go," she stumbled as she wrapped herself up and ran inside. Antonio raked his fingers through his hair. "Ashley," he called as the door closed behind her. "Wait." It took him a minute to locate a towel as he jumped out of the tub and grabbed his clothes. He walked through the doors to find Ashley zipping her dress with her nylons and shoes in her hand heading for the door. "Ashley," he repeated; she stopped at the door. "Please can’t we talk about this?" "I…I can’t right now, Antonio," she said without turning around. "I have to go. I’m sorry." With that she walked out the front door. Antonio stood dripping wet on the living room carpet. He threw his clothes angrily against the couch. He was so mad at himself for thinking about Gabi when he was about to make love to Ashley. It was just like his dream, his hallucination; he was almost inside her and all he could see was Gabi. He gathered his clothes from the couch, locked the door and walked up the stairs. He made the turn at the hallway and looked up in surprise; the light was on and coming from underneath Gabi’s door. Someone must have left her light on, he thought as he walked into his room to find something to put on for bed. He dropped his towel and pulled a fresh pair of boxers from his drawer. Never being able to sleep with a thing out of place, he knew he wouldn’t rest comfortably until he turned off Gabi’s light. He set out his journal to write before bed and walked out of his room. Still shaking his head at the events of the entire night, he made his way down the hall. As he opened Gabi’s door, his mouth fell open to find her curled up asleep on her bed. His eyes fell to the pile of photos on the floor near her closet. He silently stepped across the room and bent down to examine the pictures. As he sifted through them, he noticed that most were of he and Gabi at various functions and picnics. Antonio raised his head to where Gabi lie sleeping, she looked so peaceful, so beautiful but as if she had been crying. His blood ran cold as he realized she must have seen him and Ashley in the hot tub together. No, he told himself, she couldn’t have. Then he noticed the photo of him with his arms around her clutched tightly in her hand. He moved closer to her side as he tilted his head to look at the picture. "Oh Gabi," he whispered as his eyes caressed her face. "Why can’t I stop loving you?" Gabi’s eyes opened softly; she hadn’t been asleep. Antonio’s heart began to pound in his chest; he felt like he couldn’t breathe. The moment was intense as neither of them spoke; they didn’t need words, it was blazing in both their eyes. Gabi sat up slowly, placing the photo on the nightstand without ever taking her eyes away from Antonio. A fresh tear dangled on the end of her lash before falling onto her cheek. Gabi couldn’t believe what she just heard him say when mere moments before he had been ready to make love to Ashley. Antonio knelt on the floor beside her bed, inches away in space but already deep inside her heart. Gabi’s eyes danced back and forth across his face then landed on his lips. Antonio pounced on her like a starving tiger on his prey; he knocked Gabi backward onto the bed as his strong body came down hard on top of her. Their lips met with an urgency that neither could control; they groaned together in desperation as his tongue darted into her mouth. Gabi dug her nails into his back and he let out a deep, wild moan. Their desire was out of control and there was nothing they could do to stop it; nothing they wanted to.
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