In the Market for Love

by Joy Avery

  “I’m sorry. I have to take this.”

  She nodded her understanding. Watching Alonso stroll away, she couldn’t help wondering who was blowing up his line. Not that it was any of her business. Just curious. A discontented female trying to locate her man, perhaps?

  No. She definitely wouldn’t have been here if she thought Alonso was involved with someone. She might have been a whole lot of things, but a homewrecker was not one of them.

  Why did it even matter who was calling? She and Alonso were just friends. No matter what the intense moments they’d shared all evening suggested. And even calling them friends might have been a stretch. Social acquaintances. Yeah, that sounded better.

  “Mind if an old lady joins you?”

  Vivian glanced up to see Mama Tu. “Please,” she said, motioning for her to take a seat.

  Mama Tu reminded Vivian so much of her grandmother it was scary. A presence that instantly drew you in, warm and welcoming, and knew how to throw down in the kitchen.

  “I hope you enjoyed everything and saved room for my homemade banana pudding.”

  “It was the best meal I’ve had in months. As good as banana pudding sounds, I don’t think I can eat another thing.” Vivian rubbed her stomach. “I’m stuffed.”

  “Well, I’ll just have to pack you up some to go. I always like sending my boy away with something. Seeing how he never lets me comp his bill.”

  Vivian eyed the direction Alonso had walked. “Yeah, he seems to have a problem with people doing things for him.”

  “Men.”

  Vivian wanted to say not all men. Her ex had no problem allowing her to do it all.

  “So, how long have you two been an item?”

  An item? Her and Alonso? “No, we’re not an item. We’re just fr—” She stopped abruptly. “We’re just social acquaintances.” For some reason, the label made much more sense in her head.

  “Social acquaintances? Hmm. Now, that’s a new one. Well, you two give off a vibe like intimate lovers.”

  Yep, this was her grandmother reincarnated. Always said exactly what was on her mind. How in the heck was she supposed to respond to Mama Tu’s declaration? Her cheeks burned with the awkwardness she felt. Luckily, someone summoned Mama Tu into the restaurant. Inwardly, Vivian blew a sigh of relief. Outwardly, she smiled dumbly.

  “Lord, these folk can’t go two minutes without yelling my name. It was a pleasure meeting you, Vivian. I got a feeling we’ll be seeing each other plenty.”

  Mama Tu ambled off, taking a moment to chat with patrons—most she appeared to know by name. Well, Alonso had said everyone knew everyone on the island. And she figured if anyone knew anyone it was Mama Tu. The woman didn’t strike Vivian as one who ever met a stranger.

  I got a feeling we’ll be seeing each other plenty. Did Mama Tu mean before they left to head back home? Of course. What else could she have meant?

  “I’ll leave this here. No rush.”

  Vivian stopped their waitress from leaving. Retrieving the plastic black binder containing the bill, she placed enough inside to cover the check and provide a generous tip. The young girl thanked her and left.

  Alonso finally returned to the table. “I’m sorry about that. Work.”

  Noting the perplexed expression on his face, she said, “Is everything okay?”

  He sighed. “As good as it’s going to get for now.”

  Whatever the call had been about had clearly stressed Alonso. It wasn’t a look she was used to seeing on him. “Let’s take a walk on the beach.” She groaned to herself. Why had she just suggested something so cozy? But it wasn’t like it was a late-night stroll under the moonlight. That would have been romantic. With the sun still high in the sky, this was innocent.

  “Sure. Let me just take care of the bill.” He motioned for their waitress.

  “No need. I’ve already taken care of it.” Alonso’s brows furrowed as if he didn’t quite comprehend what she’d said.

  “You paid the bill?”

  He actually appeared more troubled by the news than appreciative. This only-men-pay thing he had going on was becoming a bit archaic. “Yes, Alonso, I paid the bill. Is there a problem?”

  His luscious lips parted but closed a second later. Obviously he thought twice about whatever he was about to say. Smart move. She would hate to have to put him in his place in front of all these people. She didn’t understand the big deal. Men and their egos.

  Alonso tossed out an unenthusiastic “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  He stood, then moved to her chair to assist her up. If nothing else, he certainly was a gentleman. After informing Mama Tu they would be back later for their to-go goodies, they made their way down to the beach.

  Vivian held her strappy sandals in her hand as they strolled. She liked the feel of the sand between her toes. It’d been a long time since she’d visited the coast. Far too long, she now knew.

  Alonso hadn’t said much since they’d left the restaurant. She wasn’t sure if it was the phone call or the fact she’d paid the bill that had him withdrawn.

  “Can I ask you something, Alonso?”

  He nodded.

  “Why does it bother you so much that I paid for dinner?”

  Something fueled this behavior. He had to know she’d eventually ask. When he didn’t readily answer, she assumed he was toying with the idea of baring his soul.

  “There was a girl I really liked. I was eighteen, nineteen. I finally convinced her to go out on a date with me. I wanted to impress her, so I took her to this swanky Italian restaurant. I wasn’t doing all that well back then financially, but I’d saved what I’d thought I needed to show her a good time.”

  “Confidence is preparation. Everything else is beyond your control.” When she saw the quizzical expression on his face, she added, “It’s something my grandmother used to say.”

  “Your grandmother was right, because my confidence was the only thing that went as planned. And by the end of the date, even that was crushed.”

  Now Vivian was really interested. “What happened?”

  “I never anticipated this hundred-pound ballerina would eat as much as a Clydesdale horse.”

  Vivian burst into laughter. “A Clydesdale?”

  “Yeah. I don’t know where she packed it all. It was like she had a second stomach.”

  This brought more laughter from them both.

  “It was actually impressive. Anyway, when the waiter brought the check, it exceeded what I had in my wallet. She wound up paying. Talk about a blow to a brother’s ego.”

  When Alonso’s expression went from jovial to somber, Vivian had a feeling the story would get worse.

  He stared straight ahead. “I’ll never forget the look of disgust I saw in her eyes that night. Like she’d come to the conclusion I was beneath her.”

  Vivian stopped and looked at him with tender eyes. Now she understood. But did he fear she would look at him the same way? Did he believe she was that petty? “If only she could see you now.”

  “I stopped needing to prove myself to people a long time ago.”

  Vivian wasn’t wholly convinced that was true. Wasn’t that part of the reason why he was there with her? To prove he could convince her to sell her childhood home to him? Whether he admitted it or not, he had an agenda. Most men did. Alonso was an excellent businessman. He wouldn’t forfeit an attempt to try to sway her. It was just a matter of time. But for now, she would continue to play his game.

  They started to walk again.

  Vivian wrapped herself in her arms. “I think Infinity Island gets more and more beautiful by the second.”

  “Yes, it does.”

  The way Alonso spoke the words drew her attention. His gaze was bolted to her, and she got the im
pression they were talking about two totally different things. “Can we sit for a while?”

  “Sure. I wish I had a blanket or towel for you to sit on.”

  “Sitting in the sand doesn’t bother me.” But she appreciated his thoughtfulness.

  They’d sat and chatted so long, the sun had started to make its descent below the horizon. Orange, yellow and blue painted the sky in passionate hues. Under the right conditions, this could be considered ultraromantic. But not these conditions. They were just two fr—Social acquaint—People enjoying a sunset in what she was convinced was the most majestic place on earth.

  A cool breeze blew in from the ocean. Vivian closed her eyes and allowed her head to recline back. She imagined Alonso pressing his lips to the hollow of her throat, dragging his tongue to her mouth and kissing her until they both neared loss of consciousness. Her lips curled at the fantasy.

  “Why are you smiling?”

  He’d been watching her. Meeting his gaze, she said, “I was thinking I could get used to beach living.”

  “Well, you can use my house anytime you’d like. Just let me know in advance.”

  “In case you have a romantic rendezvous planned?” She regretted the words the second they’d slipped out.

  “You never know.”

  She turned away from him before her eyes revealed how much the idea of him rendezvousing bothered her. What was happening to her? Why did Alonso have her so twisted? She wasn’t looking to be wooed. Wasn’t looking for a relationship. And definitely wasn’t looking for love. So what in the hell was the problem?

  Sex? Could that be the issue? Did her drought have her hallucinating, feeling things that just weren’t there? Like the catapult-you-to-the-moon chemistry between her and Alonso. Was it all in her head?

  Maybe she should sleep with him as Tressa had suggested. Then she’d be cured.

  Alonso, let’s screw.

  Ha!

  As if she’d ever have the nerve to be so bold. Plus, everything was going so smoothly. Why upset the balance with sex? Pointless sex at that. Wait. Pointless? No, she was sure a roll in the sheets with Alonso would hold plenty of purpose.

  Silence fell between them again as they set their gazes on the splendor of the Atlantic. She actually enjoyed being there with Alonso. Did he feel the same way about being there with her? No. For him, this was strictly business—masked in a humanitarian effort that no longer existed.

  Why were they still on the island? Shouldn’t they have headed back to Raleigh after learning they were no longer needed? He hadn’t made the suggestion and neither had she.

  “I’m glad you came, Vivian,” Alonso said, never pulling his eyes away from the water. “I’ve enjoyed hanging out with you.”

  She slid her attention to him, and when he gave her his in return, something sparkled in his eyes. Just business, she reminded herself.

  Chapter 12

  Vivian browsed inside a trinket shop while she waited for Alonso to finish up a call. The Carolina Beach shop was a hoarder’s dream. You name it, it was available there. Including a neon pink dildo the size of a nuclear missile. She lifted the box to read the description.

  “Jesus,” she mumbled to herself, examining the oversize toy. “Who in the hell would use this?”

  “You’d be surprised.”

  Vivian jumped at the masculine voice behind her. As if coordinated with his arrival, the mammoth-size sex toy fell out the bottom of the box and landed on the floor by her feet. Urgently, she shifted to face the stranger.

  His skin was smooth and creamy and the color of almond butter. Long black wavy hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Shirtless, his entire left arm was tattooed. Her eyes slid to what looked like a shark’s tooth hung from a string around his neck. He was handsome, but not in a commanding, hold-your-eyes-hostage kind of way. In other words, he wasn’t Alonso.

  Her cheeks warmed as he scrutinized her and the empty box in her hand. “I was...um...” She laughed. “There’s absolutely nothing I can say that’ll undo this, is there?”

  “No. But that’s okay. If it’s any consolation, a lot of women have the same reaction to the Pink Pounder. It’s one of my best sellers.”

  “As only a gag gift, I hope.”

  “You never know.” His cinnamon-colored eyes narrowed on her. “I haven’t seen you around here before. Which means you must be a tourist.”

  “Guilty.”

  A smile curled his lips. “Maybe I can—”

  “There you are.”

  Alonso’s smooth tone massaged over her skin. He neared them with nothing but confidence in his step. Even fully clothed, he did hellacious things to her libido.

  Alonso studied the box in her hand, then lowered his eyes to the dildo at her feet. A slow smile curled his lips. “She’ll take it.”

  Vivian gasped. “What? No, I won’t.”

  Alonso fished his wallet from his back pocket. “You have to get a souvenir, right? How much, my man?”

  Vivian pulled at the hem of Alonso’s shirt as he neared the cash register. “Alonso, if you buy that abomination, I’m going to bop you over the head with it.”

  “I’m not sure you can actually lift it that high. Either way, I’ll take my chances.”

  She attempted to keep Alonso from passing the dildo peddler the money.

  “You two are one of the funniest couples I’ve ever had in my shop.”

  This stilled Vivian. Couple? Why did he think they were a couple? Probably because Alonso was trying to purchase her a big, plastic dick.

  Neither she nor Alonso corrected him. Surrendering, she allowed Alonso to complete the transaction. As they exited the shop, Alonso offered her the bag containing the souvenir he’d purchased her. “You purchased it. You carry it.”

  “I’m not ashamed to carry an enormous penis around town. I’ve been doing it for years.” A second later, he groaned and bit down on his bottom lip. “I apologize. For a second, I thought you were one of the guys.”

  She took that as a compliment. “You should be sorry. Especially for exaggerating like that.” Yeah, she knew how to roll with the punches.

  He barked a laugh. “All right. I walked right into that one.”

  They moved farther along the boardwalk, scoping out the eclectic array of shops along their route. So far she’d purchased a ceramic turtle, a wreath fashioned out of seashells and a stuffed dolphin. Actually, she hadn’t purchased anything. Each time she’d tried to pay, Alonso would thwart her attempt. She didn’t necessarily like it, but he left her little recourse.

  “Come on in here, suga. I see you looking.”

  Vivian and Alonso looked at each other, then the petite woman urging them into Blanche’s Lingerie Shop. Vivian had been eyeing the spot, but there was no way she’d enter with Alonso on her heels.

  Alonso took her by the elbow. “We shouldn’t be rude,” he whispered, then led her in before she could protest.

  Once inside, Vivian greeted the two older women browsing. Clearly, sexy had no age limit.

  The woman who’d urged them inside set her sights on Alonso. “Suga, you look like a man who loves to see his woman in lingerie.”

  Alonso massaged his beard. “I’m not against it.”

  “Good. I’m Blanche, by the way. I own this little slice of heaven.”

  Blanche stood around five foot three, had brownish-blond hair and flawless makeup. Several tattoos covered her arms: a whip, chains, handcuffs and a red stiletto boot. She wore black leather shorts and a blue tube top. If Vivian had to guess, she would say Blanche was somewhere in her late fifties.

  “I’m Alonso and this is Vivian.”

  Blanche threaded her arm through Alonso’s. “You two make a stunning couple. And I’m not just saying that to get you to buy something.”


  Again with the couple thing. What kind of vibe were they giving off? “We’re not a coup—”

  “You’re the second person to say something similar, Ms. Blanche. Thank you.”

  Vivian’s mouth gaped but nothing came out. Had he just let Ms. Blanche believe they were a couple?

  “Drop the Ms., suga. I’m not that old.” Blanche eyed Vivian. “Hun, why don’t you take a look around. I’m gonna steal your fella for a moment. I’ve got something I think he’ll like. It just came in yesterday.”

  He was not her fella. But instead of stating that, Vivian nodded. Alonso flashed an innocent expression, then shrugged as Blanche led him away. Vivian scowled at him. Oh, he was eating this up.

  “What size is she?” Vivian heard Blanche ask.

  “A twelve,” Alonso said without hesitation.

  How did he—Details.

  Well, since she was here, might as well take a quick look around before Alonso and Blanche returned. Vivian browsed the collections of sensual wear that ranged from tame to why wear anything at all. There were a few sexy pieces that caught her eye. But who in the hell would she wear it for?

  “Whoa! Sweet baby Jesus. Yes!”

  Vivian jerked toward the direction of Alonso’s voice. What in the hell had Blanche shown him? Her cheeks warmed when the two women glanced at her and snickered. A nervous smile curled her lips, her face burning from embarrassment.

  What kind of outlandish getup had Blanche shown Alonso to warrant such a reaction? On second thought...didn’t matter. It was no concern of hers. She returned her attention to the rack. How impressive could the lingerie have been anyway?

  “I don’t think she’s adventurous enough to wear that, Blanche.”

  Vivian shot a narrow-eyed gaze in Alonso and Blanche’s direction again. “Not adventurous enough,” she whispered to herself. How would he know how adventurous I am? Oh, I can show him adventurous. I’m plenty adventurous.

  Then it hit her. Did she come off as a prude? Vivian dismissed the idea. Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter at all. She didn’t have anything to prove to Alonso Wright. And for the record, he couldn’t handle her in lingerie.