Page 27 of Oops, My Professor Got Me Pregnant!

“That’s what Céline said. Apparently, she used to get really nervous before teaching a class.”

“I did, too. Or I would plan a perfect lesson that would get totally derailed by a student’s comment. It was really frustrating — until I realized that even a derailed lesson can be very educational.”

Lauren sighed, but she was smiling. “I think I have a lot to learn.”

“So do I. Lauren…” Nico paused. It still wasn’t the right moment to speak with Lauren about his feelings, since they were right in the middle of dinner, but she looked so gorgeous in the soft evening light and it felt so nice to see her again. “You accepted my apology, which I appreciate.”

“I did.” She lifted a hand to the ring on her necklace.

“So, I wanted to know if you would be interested in trying again. I understand that you might just want to walk out of here tonight and not see me again — or only see me as your professor. I would completely understand. I know that you came to Paris for some freedom and independence, and getting involved with a single dad isn’t exactly the way to do that.”

Lauren waited patiently for him to finish talking. Then she smiled at him.

“I have no interest in walking out of here and not seeing you again. I felt a connection between us on that first day, and I still feel it now. I’m more than willing to take things slow.”

Warmth flooded Nico’s heart.

“I’m glad to hear that. I felt a connection too.”

“Let’s just agree to be honest with each other from here on out, all right? No more secret children.”

“I think I can agree to that.” Nico grinned as he extended his hand to Lauren across the table. “No more secret children.”

“Now, let’s eat. Everything looks delicious.”

They dug in to the meal, which Lauren complimented even though Nico knew it was a fairly average meal. He wasn’t a particularly talented chef, but becoming a father had forced him to learn a few basic dishes. This dinner, which included roast chicken and dinner rolls, was a simple classic that he could make easily.

After dinner, Lauren helped Nico wash up before they retreated to the living room.

“Sorry I can’t offer you a night on the town,” Nico said as they sat down together on the couch. Lauren waved him off.

“I was never one for nights on the town really. A cozy evening at home sounds much better. Although I do have to ask, where was Louis the first night we met?”

“At his grandmother’s. My mother, Rose, is very involved with him.”

“Oh, that’s nice. To grandparents.” Lauren raised her hand as though making a toast, and Nico raised his hand to meet hers.

“To grandparents.” They smiled at each other. Then Lauren gave a little shiver and Nico grabbed a blanket to put over their legs.

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

“So, tell me more about Nebraska. Are there really cornfields as far as the eye can see?”

Lauren snorted, then looked a little self-conscious. “Actually, sometimes, yes.”

They fell into an easy rhythm of conversation, teasing each other and sharing details of their lives. The more they talked, the more Nico was glad that he’d taken a chance and invited Lauren over. It had been worth the difficult moments when he’d worried about how she would react to Louis. She was clearly great with kids and very accepting — now that he had been honest with her. Just as clearly, the two of them had a real connection. Nico would never have been able to forgive himself if he’d let his own fears stand in the way of a potential future for the two of them.

Not that he should be thinking about the future. It was only their second date, and he was going to enjoy every second of it.

Around eleven, Lauren finally couldn’t hide a yawn. Nico chuckled.

“I think it might be time to wrap up.”

“I suppose so.” Lauren got to her feet and stretched. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow at work.”

“Possibly. Although we don’t have class together, so it depends on the campus traffic flow. If I don’t see you, I’ll text. I have your number now.”

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