Page 48 of Badd Daddy

“This kind of situation is exactly what it’s most needed for.” I saw his hands opening and closing, trembling. “I…I don’t know how to ask this tactfully, so I’ll just ask. This being a bar, is that going to be an issue for you? Considering…”

He nodded. “Another reason for being nervous—I’ve avoided these for that reason. I ain’t been sure I was strong enough to be around drinking without falling off the wagon.”

“And now you are?”

He shook his head. “Hell no. But if I want to get anywhere with my kids and my nephews and all of them, I gotta figure out how to be okay.”

“Another reason for my presence, I imagine.”

He nodded. “Yeah. Thought maybe if you were with me, I’d have that much more of a reason for stayin’ strong.”

I turned away, sorting through my myriad of emotions. “I will say that I wish you’d been more forthright about your reasons for asking me here. I feel somewhat blindsided.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I am willing to be here with you, for all the reasons you’ve stated, and simply because I enjoy spending time with you.” I turned to face him. “I am a woman who appreciates honesty above all else, Lucas. Just…talk to me. Don’t blindside me, and don’t use me.”

He nodded, and then jerked his head in the direction of my truck. “Let’s go. I’ll do this another day, on my own.”

I shook my head and grabbed his hand, pulling him back before he could walk away. “No.”

He halted, eyeing me with astonishment. “No?”

“We’re here. I smell food, it smells good, and I’m hungry.” I smiled at him as brightly and reassuringly as I could. “No time like the present.”

He blinked at me, and then slowly shook his head. “I wonder if God misses you up there.”

I frowned, tilting my head in puzzlement. “What?”

“Well, I figure heaven lost an angel when you came down here, and I wonder if God misses having you up there with him.”

I laughed, leaning into him. “Ohhh, Lucas. What a pickup line.”

He winked at me. “It wasn’t a line, sweetheart. You really are an angel.”

“I’m not an angel.”

“Then tell me your biggest flaw.”

I laughed. “Just one?”

“How many can you have?”

“Just as many as the next person, Lucas. I’m far from perfect.”

“Then name one.”

I sighed, thinking. “I’m great at figuring out other people, and expect honesty from them, but I am not always so great at figuring out myself and being honest with myself.”

His expression was musing. “Hmmm. Interesting to note.”

I frowned. “What does that mean?”

He shook his head, grinning. “Nothin’. Let’s go in and party.” He paused, waving a hand. “Party clean, for me.” He gestured at me. “You better not feel any kind of obligation to not drink just for me. My issue is mine and mine alone. Okay?”

I smiled. “I have never really been much of drinker, truthfully. A bit in high school and college, and maybe a glass of wine or two here and there with Darren, but I never really enjoyed being drunk, so it’s really not a big deal for me.” I grabbed his arm and held on. “So, rest assured, if I don’t drink, it’s because I don’t want to, not because of you.”

He nodded. “Okay, then.” He took in a deep breath and stepped between the doors. “Let’s go meet my family.”