Page 51 of Teaching His Babygirl

“It’s called fashionably late.”

Charity laughs. “You hate being late. Happy Birthday! I love you. Tell Colt hi for me.”

“Will do! Love you most.”

I hang up the phone with a smile. I can’t wait until Charity moves here. Life will be absolutely perfect once she’s here with me. A man I love, and that loves me, a job I love, a fun and safe club to play at, new friends, and soon my bestie. Yep. Life is good.

Colt comes back into the room and gives me a look that promises naughty things. “Are you finished meddling?”

“I’m just trying to help you out. You know you need a new girls' gym coach and cheer coach.”

He gives me a knowing look. “And you miss your best friend.”

I pout and nod. “And I miss my friend.”

Colt shakes his head, laughing. “Come here, babygirl.” I cross the room to where he’s standing in his charcoal gray suit looking every bit the sexy principal he is. He pulls me into his arms and gives me a tender kiss. “I love you, Darlene.”

“I love you, too, daddy.”

“Are you ready to go to the club?”

I dance a little in excitement. “Yes! I’m so excited to see everyone.”

He gives me another look. “Because you’re excited about more meddling.”

I gasp, holding a hand to my chest. “Moi? Meddle? Never.”

“That’s why you picked the club to have your birthday celebration at and invited Melinda?”

I mean, he’s not completely wrong. But the real reason is that I love the restaurant at the club and am hoping for some playtime after dinner.

We get to the club and enter through the restaurant entrance instead of through the club proper. Everyone is already here, including Melinda, who is looking around at everyone in the restaurant with an incredulous expression on her face as if she’s trying to solve a problem. Nothing looks outlandishly different than at a regular restaurant, but some of the couples definitely have a certain… flair to them. I choke back a giggle at seeing Coop standing closer than he usually does, giving anyone who looks at her threatening looks. He’s got the air of an angry junkyard dog ready to attack if anyone dares come close to his fence.

Perfect.

I had a little bitty bit of hope that bringing Mel here would give Coop the nudge he obviously needs to make the next move. Since Mel is definitely too shy to initiate anything, even if she really wants to. I have a whole plan to matchmake, but from the looks of things, there might not be any need. Coop looks like he’s ready to pee a circle around her to make sure no one else comes too close.

Tessa is the first to see us and she excitedly pops up from the chair she was waiting at and runs over. She throws her arms around me and hugs me close. “Happy birthday!”

“Thanks,” I say, hugging her back.

“Our table is ready. We were just waiting for you to be seated,” she says helpfully.

“Right this way,” one of the hostesses says. I’m not sure what her name is, but I’ve seen her around. She’s wearing black leather from head to toe, and I can’t help but giggle at the look on Mel’s face. I can’t wait until she sees the rest of the club. Well, not tonight. That’ll be up to Coop. But I have a feeling it will be sooner rather than later. They are perfect for each other.

Dinner is the best. Everyone laughs and has a great time. Well, everyone except Ransom. He’s always pretty solemn, but when Tessa is around, he’s downright grumpy. Those two are like fire and ice. One minute, I think they would be the perfect match. Nights like tonight, I think they would go down in a fiery ball of flames if they ever tried to make something of the chemistry they obviously have. That is one relationship I will never meddle in. I want no part in it.

“Sorry to eat and run, but some of us have to work,” Jasper says as he gets up from his chair. He walks around the table and leans over me to give me a side hug. I return the hug and giggle when Colt lets out a little growl. Jasper has become like a big brother to me over the weeks, and I’m lucky to have him in my life. He’s an awesome guy and is so caring. He deserves a babygirl who will love him and his overprotective nature.

“Thanks for coming, Jasper.”

“Wouldn’t have been anywhere else. Happy birthday, kiddo.”

I wave bye as he leaves and shortly after the whole party breaks up. Coop and Mel are the next to leave. Well, Mel goes to leave, and Coop insists on walking her out. I’m pretty sure it was more about keeping her from stumbling upon the club proper than her safety, but I’ll take it either way. It’s one small step towards them, realizing what is right in front of them.

Ransom growls a happy birthday at me, then storms off towards the club. He’s not in his work shirt, and I have to wonder if he’s going to be playing. If he is… who is it with? Maybe he’s just going to sit somewhere and glare at Tessa. He helped keep me safe for weeks without complaint and refused any sort of compensation from me for it. He’s a great man… just gruff and grumpy.

“What are your plans for the night?” Tessa asks with a playful smirk.

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