High Stakes (Interracial Romance)

Chapter 12

Copyright © 2019 Nicole Mckoy

Zoey P.O.V.

"Damn. Someone cleans up nice," I teased as Caleb walked into the kitchen.

Tonight was the annual charity gala. I remember my first year attending as Caleb's date. That night I started something that led to something I'd never forget and an affair I now could admit that I regret.

"Thanks," Caleb said giving me a smirk and a wink.

Caleb always looked sexy in a tux. I could tell he got a fresh hair cut and shaved.

He looked good.

"Where you headed tonight? I thought you'd be headed to the gala," Caleb said.

"Well when I was still with K.J. I was going to the gala. But now that I'm newly single I'm sitting this year out. I'm actually taking little bean out for a mommy daughter big girl dinner. You know she loves going to fancy restaurants," I said.

"Well you need some money," Caleb asked as he took out his wallet.

"No I'm good," I said.

Cecilia walked into the kitchen and looked like a big girl.

She was in a dress and heels that were kid friendly. She had her little purse on her shoulder too.

I had put her hair in a top knot bun and laid her baby hairs. I also put some of my lip-gloss on her lips and painted her nails.

"There's mommy's big girl," I smiled at my little bean.

"Why is my daughter dressed like a mini version of you?" Caleb asked in a fatherly tone.

"Because she's my daughter duh," I said as if it were obvious.

Caleb picked up Cecilia and Cecilia squirmed around trying to get out of her father's arms.

"What the hell," Caleb said as Cecilia got down.

"You're going to ruin my dress daddy," Cecilia said as she flattened out her dress.

"My three-year-old daughter is refusing to let me pick her up now because you've dolled her up to look like a mini version of you Zoey? Fix this please," Caleb said seeming butt hurt.

"She's a big girl and big girls don't need their daddy to hold them. Sorry Caleb," I laughed.

"No matter how old you get you promise to always be daddy's little girl bean?" Caleb asked our daughter.

Cecilia took her father's hand and pulled him down towards her. She cupped his face in her little hands so they were eye to eye.

"I'll always be your little girl daddy," Cecilia said easing her father's stress levels.

"That's my princess," Caleb said as he tickled Cecilia and smothered her cheeks with kisses.

Cecilia laughed and giggled not seeming to care if her daddy ruined her dress anymore.

Seeing Caleb's interaction with our daughter always warmed my heart.

I just love the father he is to her and the bond they share.

Even though he and I didn't work out I'm glad we're in a place where our daughter comes first and she can count on her father for anything.

I won't take away from Caleb that he is a very present, loving, dependable parent to Cecilia. That was all I could ever ask for or want out of him when it came to us raising her.

"Tickle mommy daddy," Cecilia said as her father finally let her go.

Caleb looked over at me and I knew he was very capable of coming over and tickling me just because Cecilia told him to. But I was so prepared to run and get away from him before he could if need be.

But before either of us could move we heard someone clear their throat.

We looked towards the doorway and Veronica was standing there.

Veronica had her hair back in a sleek low ponytail. Her dress was of a light pink shade and had a straight fit and high slit.

"Ready babe," Veronica said as she stood there looking displeased.

"Yeah," Caleb said.

"You two have fun," I said.

"Caleb lets go," Veronica said as she twisted around with an attitude and let her ponytail flip back.

"I'll see you two when I get back," Caleb said.

"Bye daddy," Cecilia said.

Caleb kissed Cecilia's cheek then left with Veronica for the gala.

"You ready baby girl?" I asked my daughter.

She nodded excitedly.

"Lets go," I said.

I took my daughter's hand and we left the house.

I got her in her seat and buckled her in.

I then got in the car and started it up as my cell phone rang.

I answered my phone through my car as I buckled up.

"Hello," I answered.

"Hey Zoey, it's Dominic," Dominic said.

"Hey," I said.

"You busy tonight?" he asked.

"I'm headed to dinner with my daughter. Why?" I asked.

"Where are you two going I'll meet you," he said.

"It's kind of a mother daughter thing Dominic..." I said not really extending an invite.

"Is the phone on speaker?" Dominic asked.

"Yeah..." I said.

"Bean!" Dominic said.

"Yeah," Cecilia answered.

"Would it be ok if I join you and your mommy for dinner?" Dominic asked my daughter.

I couldn't help but lightly laugh. He was going around me and right to my daughter for an invite tonight.

"Depends will you pay for us?" she asked.

I turned around and gave my daughter a thumbs up. She's such a character.

Good going my little bean.

"Of course. What kind of gentleman doesn't pay for his girls," Dominic said being smooth.

He is always mister smooth.

"Ok you can come... but dress up. Mommy said we're going to a fancy restaurant," Cecilia instructed.

"Ok I'll be sure to dress up. Zoey text me the restaurant address. I'll meet you two there," Dominic said.

"Alright," I said.

I hung up my phone and headed to the restaurant. This should make for an interesting dinner.