She didn't argue, just climbed into the truck with Brixxi curled up in her lap. Langston pulled off, and I had never been more ready to get home.
“You hungry?”
“I’m starving, but it’s so late, so I’ll just eat in the morning.”
“I asked because Ma sent you some food. It’s at the crib.”
“God bless your momma. I wanna cry so bad right now. It's been a long day.”
She leaned over and rested her head on my shoulders, eyes already closing. I kissed her forehead and laced my fingers through hers.
“I love you, DaVinci,” she whispered.
"I love you too, Angel baby."
Brixxi was snoring softly in her lap. The city lights blurred past the windows, and within minutes, Halo had joined the dog, soft snores slipping from her lips. And like every time I got to be in her space, feel her warmth, bask in her light, everything felt right.
This was it. This was what I wanted. Not the crowds, not the cameras, not the noise. Just her. Just us.
My family.
Three Days Later
The night had finally arrived for the very hard launch of DaVinci and me, confirming what had been dominating the internet in waves. I knew exactly what it signified, and I was still excited. I didn’t need a pep talk. I didn’t need Tessa on FaceTime or Omni reminding me that courtside wasn’t the place to be humble. I’d already had that talk with myself.
I knew exactly what I was walking into, and exactly who I was walking toward. That alone kept my hands steady while I smoothed my jacket one last time. The white LV fur hit right at my waist. The leather skirt hugged right, the stockings covered my legs, and those silver split-toe boots pulled it all together. My hair was bone straight with a part in the middle, flowing down my back.
I finally understood why he liked it when I dressed with intention. And I wanted him to feel that same way I feel when he shows up for me. Just as he hears me, I hear him.
I sprayed perfume behind my knees, grabbed my clutch, locked his door, and headed out.
Omni was already in the car, music low, Meg playing. The moment I slid into the backseat, she stared.
“Yeah… yeah. You ate that.”
She quickly snatched my hand, studying my nails. Just Jazzi had gone crazy on this basketball set, and the glow-in-the-dark paint had me grinning from ear to ear. Not because of the game… but because I already knew where these hands would end up later. Stroking that big ass dick I stayed obsessed with.
Omni brushed her thumb over my rings. “He ain’t ready.”
I smiled but kept quiet. I wasn’t nervous or shy. I was ready to show up for my man the same way he always shows up for me.
My phone buzzed.
My One and Only:You ready, Angel?
Me:As ready as I’ll ever be.
My One and Only:You look beautiful. I already know.
Me:You haven’t seen me yet.
My One and Only:Don’t need to. It’s you.
Before I could even exhale, Langston turned around from the front seat and held out a bag.
“Halo, this is for you.”
The JTJ logo caught my attention first, and I already knew he’d gone out of his way. I opened the note.
