Page 29 of The Love Dealer

Alonso was such a simple man, and men like him deserved the world. I could have gotten him season tickets to watch the Tennessee Titans and his reaction would have been the same. It really didn’t take a lot to please him, and that made me want to please him more.

“Where’s Trinity?”

“She’s with her dad, but he will drop her off in about three hours.”

“Do you want me to meet him? Her?”

My smile was soft as I nodded and walked over to him. “That would be nice.”

Alonso pushed my hair behind my ears before confessing, “I’ma be honest with you. Right now, I just want to eat and watch TV.”

I laughed at his serious expression. “That’s cool, baby. I figured that would be the case. That’s why I already had the show queued up.”

“Aight, bet,” he agreed happily, kicking off his shoes.

I helped him undress, constantly shaking my head and chuckling under my breath. Some women might have been offended by their man choosing TV over sex, but I appreciated the bond Zo and I had. We could chill, have fun, be serious, and have any kind of intimate moment—not just physical. He was more than just a man for me to date and have sex with. Alonso was truly my best friend.

“You know you my woman now, right?” he confirmed as we snuggled up in the middle of the bed with the tray on top of our laps.

“I hoped that would be the case.”

He gave me a soft, sweet kiss before muttering, “Good.”

Zo turned the show on, and I relaxed more in his embrace. It felt so good to be home.

* * *

I wasnervous about Zo meeting Trinity more than I was nervous about him meeting Nick. Trinity was such a friendly baby. If she didn’t like him, that would be horrible. Plus, all I could think about was Caprice and how well she took to me fifteen years ago.

The doorbell rang, and I quickly jumped out of my seat. We’d fallen asleep watching TV, but when Nick called and said he was on his way, Alonso and I migrated to my living room. When I opened the door, Trinity smiled widely and reached for me. She was wobbling around, but Nick had her so spoiled, he still carried her.

“Hey, Trini Trin. Did you have a good day with Daddy?”

She nodded before placing her head on my chest, and just like every time she did it, it made me swoon. I placed a kiss to the top of her head as Nick closed the door. I’d texted him and told him Zo was here so he could mentally prepare. He was dating but hadn’t committed to a serious relationship, which didn’t surprise me. Nick was the perfect suitor in the beginning, but after the honeymoon stage, he became a different person. It was best for him to date several women until he found the woman worth his effort consistently.

At the sight of us, Zo stood. He looked at Nick briefly and nodded his head, but Trinity stole his attention, like she did with everyone she met.

“What’s up?” he spoke, extending his hand for Nick to shake.

“Shit, what’s good?” Nick replied, shaking his hand.

“Your daughter is beautiful.”

“Thank you.” That was a good way to get on Nick’s good side. He smiled and looked at Trinity, then me, before saying, “She looks just like her mama.”

Zo smiled as he stood directly in front of us. “Hey, pretty girl. I’m Alonso.”

Trinity bounced against me with a wide smile as she said, “Ah-awn-o!”

We all laughed as Zo reached for her, and she happily went into his arms. Nick and I watched them interact for a few seconds before he told me, “Walk me to the door.”

“You leaving already?” Zo asked before making Trinity giggle by tickling her with his beard. She was just like me—laughing frantically and trying to keep him in place.

“Yeah, we’ll link up, though.”

“Bet,” Zo agreed before giving Trinity his full attention again.

At the door, Nick said, “I want a reason to not like him, but I don’t think I’ll find one.”

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