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“What does the mayor’s brother do?” Possibly the most important question her mother could’ve asked. Vocation in the Brand family was paramount. The answer would please her, Pen was sure.
“He’s the CEO of Ferguson Oil.”
A drawn out silence, and then, “Impressive.” Her mother took a breath and then issued a warning of sorts. “I hope this man has more to him than money. I raised you to support yourself.”
Paula, though in a strong marriage with Pen’s father, had always encouraged her to be independent. She knew her mother was looking out for her rather than accusing her of chasing a man because of the size of his wallet.
“Funny story. I didn’t even know about his monetary status until we became serious. He used to be a contractor. A very good one. He came home to run the family business.”
“Even when you try to go blue-collar, you end up with a suit.” Paula’s tone was filled with mild humor, yet approving. “That sounds like you.”
Zach looked as delicious in worn jeans as he did in suits, if memory served. Pen hadn’t had much of an opportunity to see him in jeans—though he had worn a pair of low-slung sweats the other night that nearly made her eyes tumble from their sockets. This morning he’d kissed her while she slept, and walked out of the bedroom wearing his running gear. She regretted now not waking up completely to take in the view.
“If you are happy, darling, I’m happy,” her mother said. “That’s all I want.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Her support would make the baby bombshell easier to drop in the future.
“As long as this man is ten times the man Cliff was.”
Unfortunately, Pen hadn’t been able to hide the circumstance that drove her out of Chicago and away from her parents. When she’d decided to relocate to Dallas, she’d told them the truth.
“Zach is one hundred times the man Cliff was.” She’d been pacing the living room as she talked on her cell phone, so when she turned on her heel to pace back, she was surprised to find the subject of her conversation already in the room. She bid her mother farewell, and with a promise to check in soon, ended the call.
“I can get used to coming home to high compliments.” Zach’s words were puffed out between a few labored breaths. “You’re up.”
“Did you take the stairs?” Not what she wanted to say, but she had to fill the gap of silence that had mostly involved her staring. Zach’s black T-shirt was damp with sweat, his biceps pressing the edges of the sleeves, and his strong legs poking out from beneath a pair of gray shorts. Had she ever known a man with a body this incredible? She didn’t have to think long to come up with that answer.
No. No was the answer.
“I confessed to my mother about the engagement. I figured if she was comfortable with the idea of us getting married, she’ll embrace the idea of being a grandmother.”
He nodded, taking the information in stride. “Guess we should make that announcement eventually. I’m not sure how long we can hide it.”
She dragged her palm over her flat stomach. She wasn’t showing yet, but she would be soon enough.
“We could always tell everyone we were waiting until we were positive nothing would go wrong.”
“It’s our news to share whenever we want, for whatever reasons we decide.”
She liked Zach’s confidence. She liked sharing this with him. Though unexpected, the baby was their little secret—well, theirs and Stef’s.
“I’m going to grab a shower. Join me?” His crooked smile went a long way to convincing her to do just that. Unfortunately...
“I already took one. And I have another phone call to make. Rain check?”
Even sweaty, he was sexy. He strolled over, water bottle in hand, and grinned down at her. The earthy outdoor scent wafting off him didn’t deter her in the least—only made her want him more.
“In your case, Penelope, it’s always raining.”
The delicious lilt of his drawl was enough to bring her to her tiptoes. She placed a kiss on his lips and when he pulled back he dragged his top teeth along his full bottom lip. That move almost made her change her mind.
Almost.
Her mother’s words echoed in her mind. Penelope had been raised to support herself.
Sexy baby daddy or no, her workday called.
