Page 29 of Sinful Bargains

“So, Joey, are you staying for dinner?” Antonio asked.

Adriana’s eyes snapped toward him. “Antonio! Joey probably has plans?—”

I cut her off, smirking. “Actually, I don’t. If the chef doesn’t mind, I’d love to stay.”

Adriana sighed. “Fine. But don’t expect me to dance while you eat.” She tried to stifle the smile threatening to show. But I could see it. Even if it were faint. Even if I had to work harder to get a real smile from her. That was okay.

“No promises,” I teased. “I might start requesting encores.”

She turned back to the stove, but I caught the faint smile she was still trying to hide. “Sit down before I change my mind,” she muttered.

Antonio practically flew to the table, pulling out a chair. “You’re gonna love Ma’s meatballs and sauce, Joey.”

As I sat down beside him, I glanced back at Adriana and smiled. “I think I already love everything that goes on in this kitchen.” She shook her head, her cheeks pink, but we both knew what I meant. I wanted to get lost in her, and there was no use in hiding it.

Adriana placed our plates in front of us, the hint of a smile still lingering. I looked at her and said quietly, “It’s good to see you like this. Happy. Carefree. Smiling. I’m liking the new version of you.”

She didn’t say a word, but she didn’t try to hide her smile this time, either. So that was a win enough for me.

The three of us sat around the small, cozy kitchen table; plates piled high with meatballs and the best homemade pasta sauce I’d ever tasted. A single candle flickered between us. My attention was fixed on Adriana, though I tried to keep it subtlewhile Antonio carried most of the conversation. She wasn’t immune to my gaze, either—I caught her stealing glances at me. Her unsuccessful attempts to suppress a smile didn’t go unnoticed, either.

“And then Joey told Coach Artie I should bat third when I get on the team, because I’m better at hitting fastballs than curveballs,” Antonio explained with a mouth full of food.

“Oh, did he now?”

I smirked, leaning back. “Hey, I just call it like I see it. The kid’s got a good arm. All that practice delivering newspapers must’ve paid off.”

Antonio beamed. “And it worked, Ma! I hit a double—and Joey said I could’ve gone for a triple if I pushed harder.”

“I’m proud of you, Antonio.”

“Every great player started somewhere,” I said, nudging his arm with a grin. “We’ve got the next DiMaggio sitting right here.”

Adriana turned back to me, a playful glint in her eye. “So, what are you now—his agent?”

I chuckled. “Nah, just his biggest cheerleader. But I’m telling you, the kid’s got potential.”

“See, Ma? Joey knows baseball!” Antonio said eagerly, glancing at her. She shook her head with a smile, avoiding my gaze—but I wasn’t letting her off the hook that easily.

“This sauce and these meatballs?” I said, taking another bite. “Easily the best I’ve ever had.”

“I told you, Joey!”

Adriana’s cheeks turned pink again as she waved off the compliment. “Oh, it’s nothing special. Maybe you two just worked up an appetite.”

“Nah,” I said, meeting her eyes. “This is one of those meals you remember and think about eating again. It’s that good, Adriana. I’m a tough critic, trust me.”

“You should come over for dinner more often, Joey!”

Adriana gave Antonio a mock-stern look. “Only if he brings dessert next time.”

I laughed. “Done. I know just the spot for the best cannolis in all of Staten Island.” Her lips curved into a reluctant smile.

After dinner, Antonio headed to his room to prepare for school the next day. Adriana walked me to my car parked in her carport, her arms folded across her chest. She stood close—so close that I could’ve reached out, grabbed her by the waist, and pulled her against me. Every instinct in me screamed to do just that, but I held back.

“Thanks for spending so much time with Antonio,” she began, “and for talking to Coach Artie. He’s been happier lately with you around.” She shifted her weight anxiously.

I slid my hands into my pockets to keep myself grounded. “You’ve got a great boy, Adriana. I’m lucky you’ve let me spend time with him. It’s been good for me, too.”

---