Page 40 of Better Daddy
Feeling awkward, I spin quickly and grab the edge of the sink for balance. “Do I look pregnant?”
His attention drifts down, getting caught on my breasts for half a second before settling on my stomach. Lips lifting slightly, he says, “Yes.”
“Shit.” My heart races. “I was hoping I could get away with hiding it for a little longer.” I smooth my hand over the emerald green fabric covering my abdomen. The hem of the crushed velvet dress falls to the toes of my favorite rose gold Louboutins and fits me perfectly, making me feel sexier than I have in years.
Sully narrows his eyes. “Your date knows you’re pregnant with my child.”
I don’t correct him. I don’t tell him that I don’t have a date. He’s got it in his head that I’m going with Will, and I’m too keyed up over the possibility that my mother could be at this thing to dive into an explanation.
I really don’t want my mom to know that I’m pregnant just yet. I’ll have to make sure Will knows not to say anything. Other thanJulius, he’s the only one at the firm who knows. As long as the two of them keep quiet, I’m sure I can pass off my bump as the result of eating too many tacos this week.
My alarm sounds, letting me know it’s time to leave. “Shoot,” I say as I tap the screen. “I forgot to schedule an Uber.”
Dammit. I forget everything lately. I’m going to be so late.
Sully takes half a step closer, catching my attention. His eyes are soft and warm, making me foolishly want to sink into them. To lean against his chest, press my skin to his, share a singular breath.
He brushes a bit of hair behind my ear, and his touch burrows beneath my skin, sending shockwaves through my system. It’s the simplest of gestures, yet it’s the most decadent sensation I’ve experienced in months.
“Your car should be here in a few minutes.”
He might as well have murmured filthy words against my mouth with the way he’s looking at me.
“What?”
“I got you a car, sweetheart.” He grazes his thumb down my cheek and gently pinches my chin, tilting my mouth up so he truly is only a breath away. “If you won’t let me take you, then I want to make sure you’re taken care of.”
With him so close, I can barely think. Still, I recognize that despite him believing that I’m going with someone else, he hasn’t expressed his frustration, and he’s still ensured I have a ride. Shit, I should put him out of his misery. “I’m?—”
“Mom.” T.J. barrels into the bathroom, interrupting my confession.
Sully holds my chin another second, as if hoping he can pluck my thoughts from my mind. T.J.’s presence though is just the reminder that I needed. It’s better we co-parent and I keep the secret of my non-existent date to myself. As if he can read the warning in my expression, he releases my chin and steps back.
A heartbeat later, T.J. pushes open the curtain and stumbles into the stall.
“What have we discussed about knocking?” Sully asks, his tone firm but gentle.
“That I should knock.” Our son straightens, head tipped back, like he’s proud that he got this right.
“Right. And then?”
Our little boy shrugs. “I think that’s it.”
Sully shakes his head. “Try again.”
Full of energy, as always, T.J. bounces on his toes. It’s a challenge for him to remain still in any situation. And like this, when we’re watching him, when he feels the pressure that comes with being under the scrutiny of another person, it’s nearly impossible. The teachers are working on it with him in school, as is the therapist we’ve hired for him, but it’s been a process. I take a step toward him, ready to put him at ease, but Sully beats me to it.
He crouches so he and our little boy are eye to eye. For a moment, he doesn’t speak. He simply watches T.J. with an even, open look on his face. After a moment, our little guy settles. It’s a tactic I’ve read about, though I haven’t mentioned it to Sully. Is this a fluke, or has he heard about it too?
T.J. clasps his hands, his head tilted. “That I should wait to be told to come in.”
“Can you do me a favor and go try that again?”
With a nod, T.J. takes a step back. But before he can turn, he zeroes in on me and his mouth drops open. “Oh, Mommy, you look so pretty.”
A light laugh escapes me. I can always rely on T.J. to notice me. Even in moments when I felt invisible to my husband, I always felt love because of my little boy. “Thanks, bud. Now go do what your dad asked.”
“But I’m already in here, and all I wanted to say was can I go with Murphy to walk Dammit?”
