Page 36 of Surrender to Love

With a sexy but smug look on his handsome face, he says, “Shit, we can do that.”

“Not here we can’t. Plus, I came up here to surprise you with lunch.”

“I just said we can do that. Tre not in the office. We can go back there, you take these off, and I can fo’ sho’ eat,” he says and I can’t hide my smile.

“Um. While that sounds good, your lunch is not me but I can definitely be your dinner later. I made you Zongo.”

“Zongo what?” he says, too damn amused.

“Hausa Zongo stew. Shuga’s recipe with extra eggs.”

His eyebrows raise then he smirks, clearly not believing me. “Real shit?”

“Yes. Check the back seat.”

He eases out of my space and opens the back door. “Shit, it smells like Zongo.”

“Because it is. I learned how to make it today with Shuga. I have her recipe now so I can cook it for you on your birthday,” I say but I don’t think he even hears me. He’s too busy taking the lid off the crockpot. He finds the serving spoon in the box and removes an egg. He pops the whole thing in his mouth.

“Damn, baby. This is good. You cooked this? For real?”

“Yes, I did,” I say proudly.

“Miss lasagna and quesadillas cooked Zongo for me?” he says while chuckling.

“Yes, I did. I got up super early, drove over here, bought the million ingredients and cooked it while following Shuga’s recipe and instructions.”

“If I didn’t already love you, I would love you now,” he teases before kissing my lips. “After I finish with this and check yo’ ride, I’m 'bout to smash this.”

“My ride is fine,” I insist. “Finish this one then eat.”

“I just got to check the back brakes on the SUV. Then I’m just going to check yours to make sure it’s fine,” he insists. “Trust me. I’m hungry. I’m not 'bout to take too long.” He motions to one of the other mechanics. “Black,” he calls out.

“What’s up, boss man?” Black responds as he walks over to us.

“Get that box out the back seat and take it into the office for her,” Shiro orders.

“I’ll be thirty minutes tops. Chill in there in the AC. It’s hot as fuck out here, and plus, them jeans hugging all my favorite things and these niggas can’t afford to be fucked up ’cause they can’t keep their eyes to themselves,” Shiro tells me before pecking my lips.

Black grabs the box with the food from my backseat and I follow him into the shop down the small hall toward Shiro and Tre’s office. Once Black places the box on top of the small fridge in the corner, I thank him and he leaves. After sanitizing the small table next to the fridge, I remove everything from the box then place the crockpot on warm. I lift the lid and slowly stir the delicious stew while recording my chef-like actions. I immediately send the video in our sisters group chat.

Reya: You cooked that???

Giselle: That’s definitely not quesadillas.

Me: Get off my quesadillas, and yes, I cooked it. Took forever though.

Reya: It looks so good.

Me: He’s already approved too.

Reya: You’re still in DF?

Me: yes

Reya: Good. Bring me a bowl. This Bako baby in my belly loves African food.

Giselle: He’s letting you eat today?