Baby Daddy: A Sexy STANDALONE Romantic Comedy

by Nelle L'Amour

  “Huh!?” My head shot up. “Drake never told me that.”

  “Maybe he wanted to surprise you.”

  “With Brock’s exorbitant bill?” Anger crept into my voice. “There’s no way on earth I could afford Brock.”

  Lulu held me steadfast in her gaze. “Drake offered to pay for Brock’s services, but Brock didn’t want his money. He’s going to handle your case free of charge.”

  “What?” Why? My initial shock was overpowered by other emotions. Ones that I couldn’t put into words but were strong enough to put tears in my eyes.

  With a warm smile, my sister tenderly brushed away a few that escaped. “It’s simple, sis. Drake really cares about you. You’re not a one-night fling for him.”

  Blinking back my tears, I soaked in her words. They weren’t enough for me. “But there’s still Kyle; he’s going to be in my life forever.”

  “Screw Kyle. Stop thinking about the asshole. Trust me, Brock’s a genius at what he does. He’ll get him out of your life for good…sooner than later.” She gave me hug. “Now, let’s focus on Drake. When are you seeing him again?”

  “Tonight. He’s on his way back from Germany and I’m supposed to go with him to a gala at his parents’ house…as his girlfriend.”

  “That’s awesome.”

  “Except I have a big problem. It’s black tie and I have nothing to wear. You don’t by any chance have an hour or two this afternoon to run around with me and Ty looking for a gown?”

  “Sorry, I’m all booked up. But you’re in luck. I have something better. Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

  My eyes stayed on her as she polished off her donut and scurried off in the direction of her bedroom. Before I could finish my coffee, she was back, holding up a long black garment bag.

  “What’s that?”

  Her face lit up with excitement. “You’re not going to believe this…”

  “Believe what?”

  “One of my new clients is Zoey Taylor.”

  My eyes went wide. “The Zoey Taylor who’s married to Brandon Taylor?” I quickly told my sister that I’d recently met Brandon at a voice recording session I’d attended with Tyson. Zoey, his former assistant, was the star of the popular sitcom, Perfect 10.

  “Uh-huh. That one. And look what she gave me yesterday.”

  My gaze stayed on her as she unzipped the garment bag and removed the contents. I gasped.

  “Oh my God, it’s gorgeous!” Dangling from Lulu’s hand was the most stunning gown I’d ever set eyes on. A halter-neck red sheath edged with beadwork—almost identical in color to the magic cape that Drake had given Ty.

  “It’s an Armani and has your name written all over it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It’s yours. Zoey wore it once to the Emmy’s, but it doesn’t fit her anymore. And even if it did, she can’t be seen in the same thing twice. So she gave it to me…except it’s not designed for my straight as an arrow body. But it’ll look divine on you with your curves.”

  I moved closer to inspect the gown. On closer look, I saw it had a thigh-high slit and was meticulously made. The rich, silky fabric felt so good to the touch.

  “Try it on,” insisted my sister.

  “Right here?”

  “Yes, unless you want to wake up Ty.”

  “Okay,” I conceded as Lulu slid the gown off the padded hanger.

  I quickly undressed, and with Lulu’s help, the gown was on me. The dress fit me like a glove, clinging to every curve and accentuating my cleavage with its deep, plunging neckline that nearly met my navel.

  “Oh my God, Dee-Dee, you look amazeballs!

  “I do?”

  “Trust me, I’m your mirror and I say you do. When Drake sees you in this, he’s going to want to fuck you senseless.”

  “Wow, Mommy! You look so beautiful!”

  At the sound of Ty’s bright voice, I spun around, almost losing my balance. Shit. I hope she didn’t hear what Lulu just said.

  “Where are you going in that pretty dress?”

  “I’m going to a party tonight with Drake.”

  “Cool! He’s going to love that dress!”

  I loved my baby girl. She didn’t just make statements; almost everything that came out of her mouth could be punctuated with an exclamation point. Her unbridled enthusiasm was contagious. No wonder everyone fell in love with her. Including Drake.

  My cell phone rang. Charging, it was in the kitchen.

  “I’ll be right back.” I might as well get used to walking in this slinky dress.

  When I returned to the living room, Ty was devouring the pink frosted donut Lulu had bought for her. All the excitement I’d felt about tonight left the room.

  “What’s the matter, Mommy?” asked my sweet, perceptive daughter.

  I inhaled a sharp breath through my nose and shrugged. “I can’t go to the gala tonight.”

  “Why?” asked my sister.

  “Ty’s sleepover has fallen through. Chandra is sick with a stomach bug.”

  My sister wiped off a few sprinkles from Ty’s frowning lips. “That’s not going to stop you. I’ll watch Ty.”

  “But don’t you have a date with Brock?”

  “Actually, that didn’t work out either. Believe it or not, he’s got to fly to Miami tonight for some crazy, unexpected deposition that’s taking place early Monday morning. It was the only flight he could get. So Aunt Lulu is free to spend the night with her favorite niece.”

  “YAY!” shouted Ty, wrapping her arms around my sister.

  We exchanged a smile. God, did I love my sister. Maybe one day, Ty would have a sibling she could count on and love as much.

  Ty and I had a fun mother-daughter day out. A stop at Payless shoes netted me a cheap but attractive pair of metallic silver heels and a dressy red satin clutch, and Ty made out with a new pair of sneakers that lit up when she walked in them. Afterward, we ventured for the first time into a Vietnamese restaurant where we devoured Pho, a delicious noodle soup with mixed vegetables and chicken. Down the street was a cheap nail place. We both indulged in mani-pedis. I chose a fire engine red polish to match my dress, but Ty went all out with a different Crayola color on each finger and toe. On the way home, we stopped off at Kentucky Fried and picked up a bucket of crispy chicken and a quart of mashed potatoes. My on-the-go sister didn’t like to cook nor was she very good at it, but she could at least heat up the chicken and potatoes.

  We got home at three-thirty. Drake had texted me to confirm that he would be here at six to pick me up, so I wanted to give myself plenty of time to get ready. To feel relaxed, not rushed, though all afternoon I felt flutters in my chest every time I thought about my evening ahead with him. I was as nervous as I was excited.

  Parking Ty in the living room with the TV turned to Danger Rangers, I took a long hot shower. As the hot water beat down on me, I did something I rarely did—I made myself come, imagining Drake’s deft hands between my legs. I needed the release if I was going to make it through the night ahead. Butterflies were still flitting around in my tummy and my heart was hammering.

  Getting ready was a group project. My baby girl was so excited I was going out on a special date with Drake.

  “How do you know what a date is?” I asked as she sat on the bathroom counter blow-drying my hair while my sister rolled my long, thick, wet tresses around a brush.

  “Gosh, Mommy! Everyone knows what a date is. It’s when a boy takes a girl out and then he kisses her. Like on The Bachelor.”

  A shockwave wound through me. “Since when do you watch The Bachelor, young lady?”

  “Aunt Lulu lets me watch it all the time with her.”

  I shot my sister a scathing look. She flashed a guilty as charged smile at me. “Chock it up to female bonding. We’re both rooting for Greg and Lynette to end up together.”

  I rolled my eyes. I needed to have a come to Jesus meeting with her. But on second thought, it was probably meaningless. In this world of so
cial media, kids these days knew everything. They grew up so fast.

  “Are you going to kiss Drake again?” asked Tyson.

  My breath hitched. Not so much because of my six-year-old’s audacity, but more because of the very real possibility.

  “Of course she is,” responded my sister before I could get my mouth to move.

  “Lucinda!” I always called her by her real name when I got mad at her.

  “Deandra, he’s not going to be able to keep his mouth off you.”

  Tyson giggled. “You should let him do kissy lips with you, Mommy. Drake’s a super duper kisser.”

  I saw myself blush in the mirror. My sassy girl was right. Right as always. Drake was an amazing kisser and the thought of his lips consuming mine sent shivers down my spine while the rest of me heated.

  Forty-five minutes later, my makeover was complete. With Ty’s help, Dee had arranged my hair into a sexy, messy bun and applied just the right of amount of makeup on my face, insisting I wear her red lipstick to match my dress. And she’d given me her cubic Zirconia earrings, the perfect finishing touch. A little before six, I glanced in the floor length mirror that Ty and I shared. I barely recognized myself. I looked …well, uh… as Ty put it, like a princess. A modern, sexy one. The doorbell rang. My pulse went into overdrive and my stomach fluttered. Drake.

  I was shocked by my own image, but nothing prepared me for seeing Drake in a tux. My heart flipped. He looked dazzling…totally swoon-worthy…his hair slicked back, his sapphire eyes glimmering, and a megawatt smile beaming on his breathtaking face. My body temperature soared as the butterflies came back in a swarm. I suddenly wished I had a fan that matched my dress. In fact, any fan.

  “Hi,” I squeaked. Be still my heart!

  “Hi,” he said back, his gaze transfixed on me.

  Ty, already in her jammies, raced over to him. “Doesn’t my mommy look pretty?”

  I flushed while Drake’s eyes raked over me and then met mine again.

  “She looks beautiful.”

  My skin prickled at his words and I felt myself turn almost as red as my dress. “Thanks,” I murmured.

  “You guys have a great time,” chimed in Lulu, sparing me from having to say more.

  “Be good,” I told Tyson, bending down to give her a light kiss on her forehead, not wanting to ruin my lipstick. “And don’t wait up for me.”

  She looked up at Drake with a mixture of adoration and conspiratorial mischief in her eyes. “Have fun with my mommy.”

  He effortlessly lifted her into his arms, not the least bit concerned she’d mess up his sexy-as-sin tux. Something about this big, strong, stunning man in his formal wear hugging my sweet little girl made my heart melt. I watched as she straightened his slightly off kilter bow tie. Able to hold her up with one hand, he ruffled her hair. “Thanks, Mighty.” He shot me an unnerving wink. “I plan to.”

  CHAPTER 30

  Dee

  Drake’s parents’ house looked even bigger and more beautiful than the first time I saw it. Though it was only dusk, it was all lit up and resembled a palace right out of a storybook. A parade of fancy cars and limos were lined up in the circular driveway, waiting to be valeted. We were next in line.

  “Drake, I’m nervous. I’ve never been to something like this.”

  “Relax, D-baby. You’re with me. You have nothing to worry about.”

  The uniformed parking attendant opened my door and took our car as soon as Drake rounded it. Taking my hand, he led me to the vast backyard.

  My heart thrumming, I took in the scene. It was a scene…at least three hundred glamorous people dressed to the nines, the bejeweled women mostly in black. I suddenly felt conspicuous in my red dress regardless of how gorgeous it was.

  Drake’s parents spotted us instantly.

  “Darling, how good to see you again,” breathed Drake’s stunning mother, giving me a kiss on each cheek. “You look beautiful. What a fabulous dress!”

  Twitching a small smile, I thanked her for the compliment.

  Drake introduced me to his father. Orson. Though probably in his early sixties, he looked a lot younger, with his athletic physique, thick wad of salt and pepper hair, and bronzed, taut skin. Though taller and bigger in frame, Drake was definitely a cross between his beautiful platinum-haired mother and his handsome father.

  I held out my hand and he shook it warmly. “Drake didn’t tell me how pretty you are.”

  “And dear, wait until you meet her daughter,” added Drake’s mother. “She’s absolutely darling.”

  “You’ll have to bring her over again. My wife is eager to teach her how to figure skate.”

  “I will,” I said nervously, catching sight of a dapper silver-haired gentleman with eagle-like features coming our way. Dressed in an impeccable tux with his hair slicked back, he exuded wealth and power.

  “Well, hallo, hallo, hallo.” His voice was deep and bore an accent.

  “Gunther, welcome to our home,” beamed Drake’s father, giving him a manly pat on his back. “Is your wife here?”

  “Unfortunately, Ingrid wasn’t feeling well after the long flight. She’s resting at the hotel.”

  “Sorry to hear that. Give her our best.”

  Gunther’s attention shifted to Drake. “So, young man, looks like you made it back in one piece.”

  “Good to see you again, Gunther.” Shaking his hand, Drake eyed him coldly.

  Gunther’s steely eyes drifted to me. He just didn’t stare at me; he leered at me, eyeing me from head to toe and staying on my exposed chest way too long. The way he looked at me made me want to jump out of my skin.

  “So, who is this beautiful fräulein?”

  Drake’s father introduced us. He called me Drake’s girlfriend. I twitched a nervous half-smile at Gunther, who I learned was on the verge of buying Hanson Entertainment. Drake had never told me this. Now I understood the magnitude of the “deal.” What was at stake.

  The mogul’s lips thinned into a salacious grin as he took my hand and lifted it. I stood as still as a statue as he kissed my knuckles.

  “Enchanté, my dear. We must spend some time together.”

  From the corner of my eye, I caught Drake’s jaw tightening. Possessively, he wrapped an arm around me, making some kind of statement. Looking across the lit-up yard, Drake’s father’s attention was diverted.

  “Gunther…Saul Bernstein, the Chairman of Conquest Broadcasting, and his wife Helen are here. Alexis and I will introduce you.”

  “Drake…Dee,” chimed Drake’s gracious mother, “we’ll catch up with you later.” She gave us each a double-cheek kiss before breezing off with her husband and Gunther.

  Releasing his arm from my shoulder, Drake stood by me stiffly. “I need a drink.” His voice was tense. “Do you want something?”

  “Just a glass of white wine with a little ice.”

  “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”

  My eyes followed him as he hurried off in the direction of one of the outdoor bars. Maybe some alcohol would help me relax. While Drake’s parents couldn’t be nicer, I felt out of my element. I didn’t belong among all this Hollywood glitterati. It seemed like everyone knew each other, and except for the Hansons, I knew no one. My encounter with Gunther had only made me more uneasy. He creeped me out. Not looking forward to spending more time with him, I inwardly shuddered.

  “Hey, Dee, is that you?” came a vaguely familiar voice.

  I turned to the right, and coming at me was Brandon Taylor with his wife, Zoey. The star of my favorite sitcom, Perfect 10, I recognized her instantly. He introduced us. To him, I was merely Drake’s assistant. Zoey couldn’t be sweeter, but my pulse pounded in my ears as she complimented my dress. Oh shit!

  “An Armani, right?”

  “Yes.” I quirked a nervous smile.

  She smiled back at me. “You wouldn’t believe it, but I owned the same dress…”

  Oh yes I would!

  “…but I literally gave it away yest
erday. I must say it looks so much better on you than it ever did on me.”

  “Thanks.” If she only knew.

  Brandon took his wife’s hand. “Dee, we’ve got to go mingle, but if you and your daughter ever want to come to the set of Kurt Kussler, just let Drake know.”

  “Or to Perfect 10,” added Zoey.

  Feeling more relaxed, my smile grew genuine and widened. I thanked them both for their kind offers before they skirted off.

  I blew out a breath. Well, I got through that unexpected encounter, but I was alone again and antsy. Where was Drake? What was taking so long?

  “Well, if it isn’t the temp. Derinda, right?”

  Another familiar voice from behind me broke into my thoughts. I spun around and recognized her immediately. Krizia. The Hansons’ public relations exec. I took in the statuesque beauty’s appearance. She was impeccably dressed in a strapless black gown that showed off her lithe, toned body and her glorious shoulder-length red hair. In her slender hand was a goblet filled with red wine.

  “Hi, Krizia,” I mumbled. “By the way, it’s Deandra.”

  “Whatever.” She gave me the once over. “Are you here by yourself?”

  “No, I’m here with Drake.”

  “Oh, are you taking notes for him?” Her snarky voice dripped with sarcasm.

  Screw her. I flashed a smug smile, pleased that my inner bitch was making her debut. “I’m here as his date. He wanted me to meet his father and Gunther Saxton.”

  She rolled her bile-green eyes at me. “Do you honestly believe you’re marriage material for a man like Drake?”

  Her comment caught me off guard. Marriage was not on my brain. Given my situation with Kyle, it couldn’t be. And truthfully, I hardly knew Drake. Taking a sip of her wine, my unwanted companion pursed her lips.

  “Drake’s father wants him to settle down; it can make or break the Saxton deal. Drake and I have a history together. Our parents are dear friends, and my father is Orson’s financial advisor. Both Orson and Alexis adore me as does Gunther.”

  I didn’t know much about Krizia’s background, but it didn’t surprise me that she came from privilege with her haughty entitled behavior. Willing myself to be brave, I fired a question at her.