Antonides' Forbidden Wife

Ally stepped back quickly, out of kissing range. Definitely out of kissing range!

“It was hot in the subway. The air-conditioning wasn’t working on the train. Where are we going? Is it far? I need to splash some water on my face.”

“Not far.” He still had his arm around her as he steered her along Flatbush Avenue and into a grocery store.

She frowned. “Where are you going?”

“Just have to get a few things. Come on.” He came back and snagged her wrist to take her with him. She pulled out of his grasp, but followed as he picked some steaks, salad vegetables, a loaf of country bread and fresh olives. Then he hesitated a moment, as if weighing his options, and grabbed a couple of ears of corn on the cob.

Suspicion began to dawn. “Why are you shopping now?”

“Because until an hour ago, I didn’t know I was having company for dinner.”

“We’re not…I mean…you’re cooking?”

“No end to my talents.” He slanted her a grin as he grabbed a fresh pineapple off the display and tossed it to her.

Instinctively Ally caught it but protested as she did so. “You don’t have to cook for me,” she said quickly. “Let’s go out. I’ll buy dinner.”

“No. You won’t. Come on. No trouble at all. I like to cook.”

“But—”

But he was already leading the way toward the checkout. “Hey, Manny. How’s it going?” he said to the teenager who began to ring up the groceries.

“Ain’t. Too hot,” the boy said. “Dyin’ in here. Better outside. Don’t forget. Softball tonight.”

“Not me. Other plans.”

The boy’s gaze lit on Ally and he looked her up and down assessingly. “Nice,” he said with an approving grin.

“My wife,” PJ said.

Ally stiffened beside him. He didn’t have to keep telling everyone.

The boy was clearly surprised. His eyes widened. “No joke?”

“Yep.”

“No,” Ally said at the same instant.

Manny blinked. PJ’s scowl was disapproving.

“Only officially,” she muttered.

PJ’s jaw tightened. “Officially counts.” He pulled out his wallet and paid for the groceries. “Hit a homer for me.”

Manny grinned and winked. “Hit one yourself.”

Ally’s cheeks burned as she followed PJ out of the store. “Why do you keep telling people I’m your wife?”

“Because it’s the truth?” he suggested.

“But not for long.” She practically had to lope to keep up with him.

“You’re here now.”

“Just for the night. I’m leaving Friday.”

“Stop thinking so damn far ahead, Al.” PJ shifted the grocery bag into his other arm and took her by the elbow as they turned the corner onto one of the side streets. His touch through the thin fabric of her jacket made her far too aware of him. And she jumped when his lips came close to her ear and said, “Interesting things can happen in a night if you let them.”

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