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THE TOWNHOUSE
Gabi jumped out of the shower and wrapped herself in a towel as she ran for the phone. "Hello?" she said breathlessly. "Hi," Antonio said. "Is everything okay...you sound out of breath." "I’m fine...I was in the shower when the phone rang and I was just rushing to answer it." Gabi answered. Antonio’s mind lingered as he pictured Gabi dripping wet wrapped in a towel talking to him. "Antonio?" she said into the silence. "Oh, I uh...I was just wondering if I could take you to dinner tonight?" "Dinner?" Gabi smiled. "I think that would be nice." "Great," Antonio said with relief. "I’ll pick you up around 7?" "I’ll see you then." Gabi hung up as she clutched the towel tightly. It had only been a few days since she told Antonio they needed some space, but she really wanted to be with him. She was so excited he asked her to dinner…she felt like a teenager who had just been asked on her first date. She raced into the closet to decide what to wear. BEN & MARIA’S Antonio got dressed for work with a smile on his face. He knew that Gabi wanted some space, but he wanted so badly to spend time with her. He missed her terribly and was happy she agreed to have dinner with him. He grabbed his keys and headed downstairs. "Morning," he called out cheerfully to Maria. "Well, it looks like someone woke up on the right side of the bed," she laughed. "I have a date," he announced proudly. "For dinner with my wife." Maria smiled. "I’m glad Antonio." "Me too," he said with a grin. "I really miss her, Maria. I want to work things out." "Just don’t push her, Antonio," Maria cautioned him. "You have to follow her lead." "I will." He kissed Maria’s cheek and headed off to work. This is gonna be a long day, he thought to himself as he drove to the Deep. Antonio stopped at the florist on his way home after a day that seemed to last for a week. He hadn’t accomplished much at work, but fortunately his boss was understanding. He bought a beautiful bouquet of soft, pastel flowers for Gabi. He headed home quickly to change clothes. He put on a pair of black dress pants with a white dress shirt unbuttoned to the third button. He splashed on some cologne…Gabi’s favorite. He ran his hands through his hair and walked out of the room. Gabi was so nervous she had to redo her mascara three times. She felt like a blimp in her white cotton maternity dress. She changed five times before deciding on the short white tank dress with the soft white sweater. She dabbed on some perfume and was pulling on her sandals when the doorbell rang. She checked herself one last time before heading to the door. Antonio was completely in awe as Gabi opened the door. She looked so incredibly beautiful that it hurt him to breathe. Gabi smiled widely as she took in Antonio looking amazingly handsome. Antonio stepped into his own living room like a high school boy picking up his date at her parents’ house. "These are for you," he said softly. "Thank you." Gabi accepted the flowers and brought them to her nose. Antonio watched as she closed her eyes and took in the fragrance. "Mmmm. They smell wonderful. I’ll be right back." Antonio admired her as she walked into the kitchen. He fussed with his shirt collar while Gabi put the flowers in a vase. Gabi came through the door and saw him fidgeting nervously with his shirt. She smiled to herself. "Are you ready?" Antonio swung around quickly. "Let’s go." He walked to the door and held it open for her. Gabi smiled shyly as she grabbed her purse and headed outside. GRENADINE’S Antonio held the door for Gabi as they entered the hotel. He placed his hand gently against the small of her back as they walked to the restaurant. "Reservation for Torres," Antonio said firmly. Gabi felt a rush hearing him say their last name. She couldn’t explain it, but hearing him say ‘Torres’ and knowing it was her name too was almost a turn on. The maitre’d led them to a private table in the back of the restaurant. Antonio pushed in Gabi’s chair as she sat down. He sat down across from her. A taper candle flickered on the table. Gabi raised her eyes to find Antonio staring at her. "You look beautiful," he smiled warmly. Gabi dipped her head shyly. "How’s your wrist?" "It’s fine. It was kind of sore this morning, but it’s better now." They smiled at each other past the waiter as he filled their water glasses. "Would you like to order a bottle of wine, sir?" the waiter queried. "No, thank you. My wife is pregnant," Antonio replied with a smile. Gabi rolled her eyes as the waiter walked away. "What?" Antonio asked. "I can’t believe he couldn’t tell by looking at me," Gabi sighed. "I look like a house." Antonio leaned forward gently. "You look great, Gabi." He reached his hand over and brushed her arm gently. "Really, you look amazing." Gabi looked up to find Antonio gazing lovingly into her eyes. Suddenly, she was overcome. "Excuse me," she said quickly as she scooted her chair back from the table. Antonio stood up as she darted across the room. He thought he should go after her…he wasn’t sure what had just happened. Reluctantly, he sat back down in his chair and waited impatiently for her to return. Gabi came back in a few minutes and sat down with nonchalance. Antonio searched her eyes as he waited for her to say something. Gabi noticed him looking at her worriedly. "Oh, sorry," she leaned forward and whispered. "I had to go to the bathroom." Antonio sat back with a sigh of relief. "It happens like that sometimes. In fact, in the middle of the night last night, I almost wet the bed." She sat back and opened her menu. Antonio let out a laugh. They placed their orders with the waiter and relaxed into conversation. Gabi almost felt like they were brand new to each other with the way they were talking. They talked about silly little things like their favorite things: colors, flowers and movies. Information they admittedly didn’t really know about each other. They laughed and talked until their dinner came. Gabi had roasted chicken with vegetables and Antonio had a steak. The waiter cleared their plates and offered them the dessert cart. "Mmm....everything looks so good," Gabi marveled the display. "I think I’ll have...." She studied the cart for a minute as Antonio smiled. "The baby wants that one." She pointed to a luscious piece of lemon cake. The waiter placed it in front of her with a fork. She raised her eyes with a mischievous grin as Antonio chuckled. She dug into the cake as if it were the most delicious thing she had ever tasted. Antonio was mesmerized as she placed the fork gently against her tongue and closed her lips gently around the cake. She closed her eyes as she slid the fork out of her mouth. Antonio felt his pulse rise. Gabi slipped the fork into the cake pulling out another bite. "Would you like some?" she asked Antonio innocently. Still hot from watching her with the cake, he could only answer with a nod. Gabi leaned into the table and moved the fork slowly to his lips. She watched intently as he opened his mouth. She placed the fork against his tongue as he took the cake into his mouth. Gabi felt a sensual rush as she pulled the fork back out. They never took their eyes off each other. Gabi finished her cake with gusto. Antonio stood up and reached out his hand. "Dance with me?" Gabi looked up at him with a smile and placed her fingers gently into his hand. He closed his fingers around her hand and helped her from her chair. They had never danced together in public before. Antonio led her slowly to the floor. He turned and gently pulled her against him. Gabi placed her head softly against his chest as he slid one arm around her waist. She closed her eyes and reveled in the feeling of being so close to him again. Gabi held her ear against his heart as she breathed in the scent of his cologne. Antonio closed his eyes as Gabi’s hair brushed the bottom of his jaw. Her splinted wrist rested gently against his shoulder. He could smell her perfume as he held her against his rugged chest. His palm flattened against her back as he pulled her a little closer. They swayed slowly to the music even though neither of them really heard it. They were so lost in each other it was as if they were the only ones in the room. Antonio was moving gently when he suddenly felt as if he had been kicked in the stomach. Gabi started laughing as she placed her hand against her stomach. "I think he wants to cut in," she joked as she rubbed her belly. "That was the baby?" Antonio smiled with pride at the strength of his son. "Here," Gabi took Antonio’s strong hand and placed it flat against her stomach. She held her small hand over his. "He’s reacting to all that sugar in the cake." Antonio was gazing at Gabi as she looked down at their hands. "He’ll kick again," she whispered as she was aware of Antonio’s eyes on her. Slowly, she raised her head to look at him. Their eyes locked and neither one took a breath. Antonio started to lower his mouth to touch his lips to hers. Gabi gently licked her lips as she anticipated his kiss. Their lips were almost touching. Gabi’s heart skipped and Antonio’s breath caught as they felt each other’s warm breath. The baby kicked Gabi hard startling her from the moment. "Ohhh," she cried as she doubled over slightly. Antonio wrapped his arm more tightly around her back bracing her for support. "Are you okay, baby?" He used the term of endearment without hesitation. Gabi smiled as she puffed a few short breaths. "Yes, he just got me good that time. I think he kicked me in the diaphragm." Antonio led her back to their table and helped her sit down. Gabi took a drink of water as Antonio watched her worriedly. "I’m fine, Antonio. I told you…he’s just very strong." "I think we should get you home," he said strongly as he stood from the table. "It’s late, you need to get some rest." He helped Gabi from the chair and led her out to the car. THE TOWNHOUSE Antonio walked Gabi to the door. She opened it with her key and he followed her inside. "Is he sleeping again?" Antonio glanced to her stomach. "I think the car ride knocked him out," Gabi laughed. "It almost knocked me out." They stood in silence for a few seconds. "Thank you for dinner, Antonio. I had a wonderful time." "Me too," he said quietly. "Are you sure you’re going to be alright?" "We’ll be fine, Antonio. Really." Gabi patted her stomach with a smile. "Thank you again for the flowers, too. I love them." Antonio smiled at how happy she was. He wanted to stay, but he had promised himself he wasn’t going to push her. He jangled his keys nervously and looked at his watch. "Wow, it’s late, you better get to bed." He dropped his head and walked to the door. "I’ll call you tomorrow." They stared at each other and Gabi could feel her heart beating faster. Antonio smiled shyly as he turned to leave. He was almost outside when Gabi stepped to him and grabbed his arm. Antonio turned around and looked into her eyes. "Please stay," she said in almost a whisper. "Please." Antonio took her hand gently and walked back inside. He closed the door behind them.
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