“Yes, it is. I’m going to make this quick and simple. I was a fool. I was wrong. Please forgive me and let me make up for being an asshole.”
Serena’s lips curved into a smile and she placed her hands on Antonio’s cheeks. “Did you just come in here and apologize?”
“Yes. I was wrong for not giving you a chance to explain that picture, especially when I know Casey has an agenda,” he said.
Serena didn’t reply. She leaned into him and kissed his lips with a gentle yearning that eased his tension and fears that he’d lost her. His hands snaked down her back and rested on her ample bottom as their kiss deepened and his knees quaked.
Serena broke the kiss and looked into his eyes as he smiled at her. “As much as I want to stand here and allow you to accept all the blame, I have to apologize as well. Like I said, that kiss with Emerson meant nothing, but when I told you about my day and how we’d had a run-in, I should’ve told you everything. However you and I were having such a wonderful night I didn’t want to ruin that. When I’m with you, all I can think about is being with you and kissing you and having you wrap these arms around me.” She ran her hand down his left arm and smiled, thinking how she thought she’d never feel his strength around her again.
Antonio brushed his lips against hers. “I’m always going to be here for you, no matter what.”
Serena felt the warmth of joyful tears in her eyes and she blinked to hold them back. Antonio took her face into his hands and wiped away the lone tear sliding down her cheek. “Baby,” he said. “What’s with the tears?”
“Honestly,” Serena said. “I’ve never gotten this far before. I can’t say I’m not going to make mistakes in this relationship, but you have to know you’re the only man I want. But, I can be selfish and sometimes I’m going to get on your nerves.”
“And you think I’m not?” he asked as he kissed her again. “I don’t expect perfection. I want you.”
Serena hugged him tightly. “I’m going to hold you to that when I burn some rice.”
“Please, you know we don’t do much cooking in the kitchen,” Antonio laughed as he cupped her bottom. “A.J. has something for you.”
“Really?”
“Yes, he wanted you to come to Disney World with us. I kind of committed you for next year.”
“I like the sound of that,” she said. “What do you say we get out of here for a little bit?”
“All right, but don’t you have some work to do?” he asked.
Serena shrugged and smiled. “You know I do my best work outside the office.”
“Let’s go.”
Serena and Antonio rushed out of the restaurant and headed to his truck. They hopped inside like two teenagers about to skip school. “Where are we going? My place or yours?” he asked.
“My place is closer,” she said as she slipped her hand between his thighs. “Unless you want to—” Before she could say anything else, someone tapped on the driver’s side window. Antonio and Serena angrily looked at the person interrupting them.
“Emerson,” she growled.
Antonio glared at the man who’d nearly made him lose the best thing that had happened to him. “What do you want to do?”
“Drive off.”
Antonio started the truck and they tore out of the parking lot. Neither of them looked back at Emerson as he glared angrily at them.
Chapter 28
Anger surged through Emerson’s body as he stood in the parking lot of Hometown Delights. Did Serena really think she could brush him off after she’d ruined his chances for a comeback? He wanted to grab her by her throat and shake her until she got it through her head that this movie wasn’t about her. If she was so happy with her new life, then she wouldn’t be trying to ruin his. Despite the fact that he had other scripts and could easily abandon the project, Emerson wanted to put this movie on the big screen. Serena had pissed him off. All she had to do was go along with the plan. She knew what she was getting into when she made the movie.
At some point she had to know it was going to be released. Now she pretended she didn’t want that to happen because of him. Didn’t Antonio know he wasn’t man enough for a muse like Serena? Emerson was going to make sure he knew it. He reached into his pocket and removed his cell phone, then dialed Casey’s number.
“Yes?” she snapped.
“I thought you said you had gotten Antonio out of Serena’s life? Didn’t you show him the picture?”
“I did, but obviously she has cast some sort of spell on him. He’s giving her another chance.”
“I know. I just saw them leave together.”
“Then you have to do something,” Casey said. “You still want her. You know her restaurant is having a party tonight. Maybe you should make your move then.”
“What about your end of the bargain?” Emerson asked. “You wanted him and you’re just sitting back and letting him walk away with Serena.”
“You’re starting to sound as if you’re obsessed. Why don’t you just let it go?”
“Maybe you lay down and let people walk over you. But I didn’t get to where I am today by doing that.”
“And where are you, Emerson? You’re on the outside looking in at Serena’s life. Give it up.”
“If that’s what you want to do, then that’s fine.” Emerson clicked the phone off and headed down the street.
Serena sauntered into the kitchen, dressed only in her black thong and matching lace bra. She grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and downed half of it before Antonio met her at the refrigerator and took the bottle from her hand, finishing off the rest.
“The argument, I don’t like, but that was one hell of a make up,” he said as he placed the bottle on the counter.
Serena tugged at the waistband of Antonio’s gray boxer briefs. “We still have some more ‘I’m sorries’ to moan,” she said seductively.
Antonio looked down at his watch and shook his head. “Rain check. I have to pick A.J. up. And you have to come over before the restaurant party because he has something special to give you.”
Serena wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his chest gently. “Then I will be there before I go to the party. Do you think you’re going to be able to be my date tonight?”
“I’ll have to find a babysitter.”
“If you can’t don’t worry about it. I won’t stay long and we can have our own party.”
Antonio kissed her lips and smiled. “I’ll look forward to it.”
Serena released him, opened the refrigerator, grabbed another bottle of water, and handed it to Antonio. “Then you’re going to need to be hydrated.”
A few moments later, Antonio was dressed and headed out to his car. Serena watched him from the door with a smile plastered on her face. She hadn’t expected things to go that way, but she was over the moon with happiness. Love hadn’t hurt her as she thought it would.
* * *
Out of habit, Antonio nearly called Casey, but he closed his phone as he pulled up to Discovery Place to pick up A.J. from his last day of camp. Antonio smiled when he saw his son standing out front holding court with his friends. He knew the little boy was telling them all about Disney World and all the fun he’d had. Antonio beeped his horn and waved for A.J. to come over. The little boy waved to his friends and one little girl rushed over to him and gave him a hug. Antonio smiled as he saw the blush on A.J.’s cheeks when he walked to the truck.
“Was that your girlfriend?” he asked his son when he climbed inside.
“Yes. She really likes Mickey Mouse too.”
“That’s good. Serena’s going to come over tonight and get your gift.”
“Really? You didn’t tell her what it is, did you?” A.J. asked.
“And ruin the surprise? No.”
“Okay. After I give her the ears, may I go spend the night with Kamir and his granddaddy? Kamir said they’re going fishing again.”
“Well, son, this is kind of last minute. I’ll have to
call Norman and make sure that it’s all right.”
“I hope he says yes,”
“If he doesn’t, we can take our own fishing trip next weekend. Maybe you can teach me your trick for catching big fish.”
A.J. shook his head. “Mr. Norman said a real fisherman never tells his secrets.”
“Not even to his dad?”
A.J. shook his head again and laughed. “Nope.”
“All right, keep your secrets. But I have a few of my own, too.”
When they pulled up to the house, Antonio saw Casey’s car parked in the driveway and shook his head. He was not in the mood for his sister-in-law.
“Aunt Casey,” A.J. said as he rushed out of the truck, spotting his aunt sitting on the edge of the porch. She enveloped A.J. in her arms and hugged him as Antonio unlocked the front door.
“How have you been?” she asked sweetly.
“Really good. Daddy took me to Disney World,” A.J. replied excitedly. “I got you something.”
Antonio stepped aside from the door. “Why don’t you run in and get it for her?”
“Yes, sir.” A.J. headed inside.
Antonio turned to Casey. “What are you doing here? I think I asked you to stop popping up at my house without calling first.”
“I know, but I thought this couldn’t wait. Emerson Bradford isn’t done with Serena.”
He shook his head and glared at Casey. “So, you’re here to cause more trouble as usual. I know Emerson is done with Serena because we spent the afternoon together, so if you came here to spread lies, then you can go home.”
Casey leaped to her feet and stood toe to toe with Antonio. “I know you want that woman but you need to be aware you’re not the only one under her spell and I’m afraid that he may—”
“Casey, I’m done with this and you,” Antonio said as he saw his son bouncing down the steps with his aunt’s oversized lollypop in his hand.
“Don’t say I didn’t try to warn you,” she snapped as A.J. reached the bottom step.
A.J. looked from his father to his aunt, then handed Casey the lollypop. She smiled sweetly at her nephew as she took the candy. “Thank you for thinking about me,” she said, then pointedly glared at Antonio. “I’m glad someone does.”
“Are you still mad at Daddy?” A.J. asked his aunt. “He said you guys were having a mis—”
“I’m not the one with the problem. It’s your Dad,” Casey said.
“Go inside, A.J.,” Antonio said, then turned to Casey. “You’re not going to do this. I’ve stood by and allowed you to say things about Serena. I tried to ignore it because you’re his aunt, but I’m telling you for the last time. I’m not going to let you poison my son’s mind against a woman I love. You’re not going to tell him that I have a problem with you because you won’t mind your damned business.”
“You love her? What do you even know about her?”
“Go home, Casey,” Antonio said, struggling to keep his voice down.
“Fine, if you love her and you want to be with her, then fine—but I hope you know what you’re getting into.” She stormed to her car and sped out of the neighborhood. Antonio simply shook his head as he watched her car disappear down the road. When he turned around and saw A.J. standing at the door, he knew he had some explaining to do.
He walked into the house and looked down at his son, who had a confused look on his face. “A.J.,” he said.
“You’re fighting with Aunt Casey just like the night Mommy went to heaven,” A.J. said with tears welling up in his eyes.
Antonio knelt in front of his son and grasped his chin. “Listen,” he began, “your aunt is going to be fine. Just because me and your aunt got into an argument doesn’t mean she’s going to die. What happened the night your mother died was a terrible accident.”
A.J. sniffed and struggled to hold his tears back. Antonio hugged him tightly. “I know you love Casey. Right now, we’re not getting along really well, but that doesn’t have anything to do with you.”
“Okay,” the little boy said, then sighed. “I just want you and Aunt Casey to be friends again.”
“We will,” Antonio said, though he knew thing would never be the same between him and Casey ever again.
Serena woke up from her much needed nap when she heard a banging on her door. She groaned as she pulled herself off the sofa. Realizing she was still in her bra and panties, she called out, “Hold on,” then dashed upstairs to grab her robe. She pulled the curtain back and saw Alicia and Jade standing on her front step.
“What’s up, ladies?” Serena said when she opened the door.
“That’s a good question,” Alicia said as she and Jade walked in.
“Am I late for something?” Serena asked as she looked down at her watch and up at her friends.
“She’s going to play games,” Jade said as she shook her head. “You know why we’re here.”
“Where’s Antonio?” Alicia asked. “Please tell me you didn’t mess things up!”
Serena rolled her eyes, but was unable to hide her smile.
Jade clapped her hands and giggled. “It’s about damned time,” she said to Serena. “So, he’s coming with you to the party tonight?”
“Maybe not. He has to find a babysitter. Since it’s such short notice, I may see him after I leave.”
“Sounds like you won’t be there long,” Alicia said.
“That’s right, so I guess I could get there early and help set up,” Serena said as she led her friends into the living room. “You guys want something to drink or have you gotten the information you wanted?”
Alicia and Jade exchanged a look that Serena didn’t like. “What’s going on?” she asked them.
Jade and Alicia sat down on the sofa and Serena took a seat across from them on the love seat. “I’m going to ask again, what’s wrong?” Serena asked.
“After you and Antonio left, James came up and found Emerson skulking around the parking lot,” Jade said. “That guy is losing his grip on reality.”
Serena shrugged. “I saw Emerson when Antonio and I left. He lost his grip on reality when he tried to put that movie on the big screen after everything that happened between us. He’s not a problem.”
“I don’t know,” Alicia said. “James said he was mumbling about making you pay as he stormed away.”
Serena shrugged again. “He isn’t a threat. That’s Emerson being Hollywood. I’m sure he’s going to be leaving soon. There is nothing in Charlotte for him. He found that out when he saw his little stunt with that witch Casey didn’t work.”
“Stunt?” Alicia asked.
“You are always holding back information,” Jade said.
“Right,” Alicia agreed, “but is always front and center in our business.”
Jade nodded and turned to Serena. “Spill it. And make it fast because I have to go see my husband and son before the party.”
“I went to the Westin one night and confronted Emerson about the movie. That son of a—he kissed me.”
“What?” Alicia and Jade exclaimed in concert.
“How did you let that happen?” Jade asked.
Serena held up her hand to silence her friends. “It lasted all of two seconds and I kneed him where it hurt. But that little twit Casey was there with her cell-phone camera and snapped a picture.”
Alicia threw her hands above her head. “Some people are so lucky that we have matured. If we were still in college, Casey would catch a beat down.”
“No, she wouldn’t,” Jade said. “We’d just flatten her tires.”
The three women laughed and Serena continued with her story, telling them that Antonio had been very upset and that had been why they weren’t speaking.
“Once again, holding out on us,” Alicia said.
“That’s why I’m happy I did what I did,” Jade said with a slick smile.
“What did you do?” Serena asked. “You called him that night when I left my phone at the restaurant?”
Jade
nodded and flashed Serena a look that said, I dare you to be mad about it.
Serena crossed over to her friend and hugged her. “Thank you for being a nosy heffa.”
“That was the most backhanded thank you I’ve ever gotten,” Jade said as she pinched Serena’s shoulder.
“All right, now that you’re happy again, what are you going to do about Emerson’s crazy ass?” Alicia asked.
“There’s nothing to do,” Serena said. “I’m sure security will keep Emerson out of my way.”
“But—”
Serena cut Jade off. “Stop worrying about Emerson. He isn’t going to do anything. I’m telling you, he’s running that Hollywood drama now, but he’s lost. Knowing him, he’s on his way back to L.A.”
“But what if he is still here? The last thing we need is more bad press on the restaurant,” Alicia said.
“Then make sure security is tight. Emerson doesn’t want bad press either. It’s not as if we’re dealing with a psychotic stalker again,” Serena said as Jade stood up and smoothed her hand across her pants.
“I’ll make sure the security guards know to keep him out and if I have to ask Maurice to put a few of his football friends at the door, I will.”
Serena rolled her eyes and shook her head. “You all are overreacting. By the way, where is Kandace?”
Jade and Alicia exchanged a knowing look. “She’s going over the guest list in the office with Solomon.”
“Ugh, that means they’re having sex on the furniture again?” Serena groaned. “Solomon is going to buy us some more office furniture.”
“Why, so you and Antonio can break it in?” Jade said as she and Alicia headed to the door.
“Absolutely not. We have our own special place outside of the restaurant,” Serena said. “And I know you aren’t talking.”
“Thank you,” Alicia said. “You never know what you’re going to walk in on with James and Jade.”
Jade smiled and shrugged her shoulders. “Whatever. He is my husband and trust me, we stay out of that office.”
“We’ll see you later,” Alicia said. “Unless you skip the party and spend the evening in your special place with Antonio.”
His Sexy Bad Habit Page 24