Page 27 of Do Me
“Guess that’s not happening tonight,” Axel said. “And unfortunately, I can’t stay all night.”
“Why not?”
“You know why not.”
Braxton nodded. “Oh, that’s right, because Friday nights are reserved for Naphressa.”
Axel shrugged. “It is what it is.”
He opened his mouth to say something else, but saw that his mother had that pleased smile on her face and Londyn in an arm lock. “I’ll be right back. I need to rescue Londyn from Mom before she scares her.” His long strides covered the distance in a few seconds. “Hey, Mom.” He placed a kiss on her upturned cheek.
“Happy Birthday, baby. I can’t believe you haven’t brought Londyn to visit. She was just telling me about her job. I think it’s wonderful that she’s able to help people who need counseling. You should bring her to the family dinner.”
Braxton saw Londyn’s eyes widen and knew it was time to get away. “Mom, I want to introduce Londyn to a few more people. Thanks for the party.” He grabbed Londyn’s hand and nearly dragged her across the room and into the kitchen. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he pulled her close. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. Your family is really nice.” She eased back and searched his face. “The question is areyoualright? You look slightly bothered.”
He ran a hand over his close-cropped hair. “I just wasn’t expecting all…all this.” He gestured toward the family room.
She folded her arms. “What you really mean is that you need to have everything planned down to the minute detail and this threw your schedule right out the window.”
“That’s not true.”
“No? When was the last time you gave in to wild impulse or allowed yourself to be spontaneous?”
Braxton didn’t answer because he couldn’t. And how had she read him so easily? “Is this an official diagnosis, Dr. Grant?”
Londyn shook her head. “I don’t need a degree to figure you out.” She hugged him. “You just hit the big four O. New decade, new attitude. It’s okay to do something spur-of-the-moment occasionally, baby. Your family went through all this trouble to celebrate you, so let’s go enjoy it. We can postpone our movie date until next weekend.”
Baby?Braxton’s heart skipped a beat. “Am I your baby?”
“I think I’d like you to be my baby,” she said with a shy smile.
“Well, IknowI want you to be mine.” He kissed her. “You’re good for me, Londyn.”
“I’m finding you’re the same for me, too.”
Taking her hand, he led her back to the party. “I’d like you to meet my friends, Axel, Cole, and Malaya.” They all greeted each other and Londyn struck up a conversation with Malaya.
“She seems like cool people.” Cole said, quietly.
“She is.” And Braxton was falling in love with her.
Chapter 8
Saturday evening, Londyn zipped and buttoned her jeans, then pulled on a pair of low-heel ankle boots. Braxton would be picking her up for their postponed movie date shortly. His reaction to the birthday party had been on her mind all week. After their talk in the kitchen, he’d loosened up and enjoyed himself, but in her estimation, he needed to learn to go with the flow sometimes. It was time to help her baby—and he was definitely her baby—let go. A smile flitted around her mouth and she grabbed her phone.
She was still smiling when Braxton arrived. “Hi.” Braxton kissed her until she melted against him. When she opened her eyes, he had that pleased male smile.
“Hey, beautiful. Ready?”
“Yes.” He helped her into her jacket.
“Which movie did you decide on?”
“Actually, I didn’t.”
Braxton stared at her, obviously confused. “Okay,” he said slowly. “What exactly does that mean?”
