Page 61 of Before You Go

“Nothing, big guy. I’m fine.”

“Franny.”

“She just needed someone to sit with her for a minute.” I tip my head back to look up at him and meet his gaze. “Billy’s a dick, which we both already knew.”

“She told you something?”

“No, but she didn’t need to in order for me to figure that out.”

“You’re right about that.” He sighs, and then he touches his lips to my forehead.

“I think I’m going to tell my dad about the baby tomorrow,” I whisper, and his face gentles.

“Are you ready to do that?”

“Yeah, as long as you’re okay with it.”

“Do you want me there?” he asks instead of answering, and I nod… but then promptly shake my head no.

“I don’t know. If he gets upset, I don’t want him to take it out on you.”

“If there’s a chance he’s gonna be upset, I’d like to be there.” His hold on me tightens, and my throat starts to burn from his undeniable protectiveness over me.

“He’d never hurt me.”

“I know that, but I’d still like to be there.”

“All right, I’ll talk to him and Mom about having brunch tomorrow, if that works for you.”

“Yeah, that works for me.” He slides his hand up to my jaw and presses his lips to mine.

When he pulls back, all I can think is that might’ve been the sweetest kiss I’ve ever gotten.

CHAPTER 15

Francisca

There are times that painting feels like an escape from reality and other times; it feels like I’m just going through the motions. This morning, it’s the former. I’ve been up since four, sitting at the easel with my paintbrush in hand, lost in a world of pretty flowers, tiny bugs, and greenery.

But that doesn’t mean my thoughts don’t intrude every so often. How could they not, with so much going on?

Last night, after I left the bathroom with Dayton, I went in search of my parents and asked them about brunch. My dad, who obviously had no idea why I wanted to meet with them, was all too happy to agree to another Sunday meal as a family. But my mom? Oh, my mom knew why I made the request, and worry instantly washed away the happy buzz she had going on up until then.

I’ve put her in an awkward position, and I feel horrible about that now. I just hope Dad doesn’t get mad at her and that he can understand why I didn’t tell him right after she found out and begged her not to until I found the courage.

On top of the pending date with my parents, I can’t stop thinking about what is going on between Dayton and me. And yes, I know there is something going on between us. I’d have to be an idiot not to get that. I just don’t know what it is. And sure, maybe we don’t need a traditional label, but I would feel better if I could just know where his head is at when it comes to me.

I planned on talking to him about it last night, but by the time we got into his SUV to come home, I was so exhausted I fell asleep on the drive and only woke after I heard his deep voice telling Molly that he was going to carry me inside. After shaking off the fog of sleep enough to say goodnight to my friend, I let Dayton shuffle me into my apartment, and then he took PJ for a walk so I could get ready for bed.

I had also planned on inviting him to stay for a bit so we could talk when he got back, but he didn’t even give me the opportunity to ask. Instead, he kissed me at the door, telling me to go to sleep, before he went upstairs to his apartment.

It wasn’t a hard request to fulfill. I was so tired I didn’t even put on my sleep mask, which is why I was up with the sun this morning.

Hearing a knock at my apartment door, I look over my shoulder and watch PJ run to it, his whole body wiggling with excitement. There is only one other person besides me who he would be so excited to see, so I know as I set down my paintbrush that Dayton is here early.

When I open the door, the smell of doughnuts and coffee greets me, along with the sight of Dayton in a T-shirt that is snug, loose sweats that taper at his ankles, sneakers, and a backward ball cap.

Okay, so maybe hot-athlete Dayton tops sexy-professor Dayton.

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