Page 71 of Books and Hookups

“No, Dad,” I said. “He didn’t do anything to me. I fully participated. And I was the one who decided to keep the baby. Danny stepped up when I needed him. He’s brought me all kinds of baby things, and he makes sure I have enough to eat, and he’s going to my appointments with me. He’s a good guy, just like I told you at brunch.”

“You sound like a lovely young man, Danny,” my mother said. “Can I give you a hug?”

I noticed when Danny pulled his hand from my father’s, he shook it out a little. But then he embraced my mother, and seeing the two sweetest people I knew together made my eyes prickle.

Goddamn pregnancy hormones.

“We’re so glad Lucie’s found someone like you,” Mom said.

I didn’t know if it was pregnancy exhaustion, or the rebellion against my father that was hard coded into me, or one of those fucks Carly was always talking about flying away, but I didn’t bother to correct her. And when Danny stepped back from their hug and slipped his arm around my waist like it belonged there, I let him gather me closer.

“I’m glad too,” he said.

I glanced up at him. He’d had a couple of beers, enough to brighten his eyes. His lips were pink and plush, and I remembered all too well what he could do with them. I smiled at the memory, and he grinned back.

“Well, I don’t like it,” my father grumbled. “She’s ruining her chances at a successful career.”

A chill raced over my skin. I was sixteen again, and he was chiding me for missing the dean’s list one semester, telling me that brown women couldn’t make a mistake if they wanted to succeed in life. But then I remembered my research and stood straighter, like all those successful women were propping me up.

“I’ve interviewed a lot of women for my book. Many of them are mothers who also thrive in their careers. It’s possible to do both.”

“Possible, but challenging,” my mother said softly.

I looked away. I could never hope to live up to either of their ideals: the renowned university professor and author, or the perfect mother.

“If anyone can do it, Lucie can,” Danny said. He pulled me tighter.

“She’s going to need a lot of help.” Dad narrowed his eyes like Danny was a student who’d asked for an extension on a paper.

“I’ll be there for her. For them both. I promise.”

I shivered. His sexy lips tilted up, and his restless fingers rubbed circles on my hip. God, that was sexy. If we hadn’t been standing in a crowded bar, I’d have climbed him like a tree. I bit my lip to keep from saying something I’d regret in front of my parents.

“I like you, Danny,” Mom said. “I hope we’ll be seeing more of you in the future.”

My dad cleared his throat. “We should go, Ellen, or we’ll be late.”

“All right.” As she leaned in to kiss my cheek, she whispered, “It’s good to see you so happy.”

Happy? Was that what I was feeling? I shouldn’t be. I was desperately behind on my manuscript with an unplanned baby on the way. But the warm sensation behind my breastbone kind of felt like happiness.

Dad leaned forward and kissed my forehead. “If you need to ask for more time, let me know. I know some people at your publisher.”

My smile turned over. “I won’t need more time. I’ve got this.”

“Okay.” But I could tell he didn’t believe me. “Call your mother every once in a while.”

When they walked away, I sagged into Danny. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.” He kissed the top of my head. “I’m glad you introduced me to them.”

“Really?” I looked up at him, searching his eyes for the truth. “They can be kind of intense.”

“I like intense.” He brushed a curl off my cheek, his thumb lingering on my cheekbone.

My skin zinged. “What else do you like?” I brushed my lips over his palm.

His pupils dilated. “Your smarts. Your sense of humor. This ass.” He cupped it. “Your tits. They look amazing in that dress. And your smile, especially when it’s for me.” He tilted his head down and pressed his lips to mine.

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