Forbidden Fruit

Chapter 31

The clearing of a throat alerting us both that another presence is on my drive, I furrow my brow, and Lauren stiffens. "Fuck." She mutters under her breath before releasing a deep breath through her nose.

Refusing to turn around, I give her a look and she gives me a tight smile. "Everything okay?" I whisper.

"Are you ready to meet my father?" She whispers back and I can see that panic is setting in. She raises an eyebrow which tells me that I'm taking far too long to answer.

"Y-Yeah." I nod and give her my best fake smile. "Of c-course."

"You're a terrible liar, Professor Hamilton."

"How the hell does he know you were he-"

"Are you going to ignore me, Lauren or are you going to introduce me to your friend?" Her father's voice booming behind us, we both turn around and I immediately feel a sense of fear hit me square in the stomach.

"Daddy, hi." She smiles and I know that she is putting it on. I know she is terrified right now. Tightening my grip on her hand, I feel her melt into my touch and settle a little. "T-This is Normani, dad." Turning to face me, she clears her throat. "Normani, this is my father. Mike."

"Mr Jauregui, it's wonderful to meet you." Extending my free hand, I watch as he switches his gaze between his daughter and my hand.

"Professor Hamilton." He gives me a tight smile and I feel my knees buckle. Shit! He knows I'm her teacher.

"Dad." Lauren gives her father a look and I know she isn't ready for an argument right now. "Why are you here?"

"Because my daughter doesn't call me anymore. I called Dean Anderson because I couldn't find you at your apartment and he gave me this address."

Fucking Anderson! Dropping my gaze, I pull back from Lauren and her father and give them a little space. I know he isn't happy about this, but that doesn't mean I need or want to hear whatever accusations or nasty words he is about to exchange with his daughter. "I'll wait inside, Lo."

"No, stay." She gives me a pleading look and I'm torn. I really don't want to be a part of whatever her father is about to unleash, and I'd hoped she would understand that. "Please?"

"Okay." I give her a slight nod but refuse to meet the gaze of Mike. He's a little more intimidating than I thought he would be.

"Why haven't you called, Lauren?" He raises his eyebrow and Lauren let's out a deep breath. "You always call me."

"I've been a little busy." She shrugs.

"With your work, I hope?"

"Don't worry, dad. I'm up to date with all of my work. I'm not slacking." She rolls her eyes and laces her fingers with mine.

"I know. I checked." He gives a nod in agreement and switches his gaze onto me. "How long has this been going on?"

"Um-" I stutter but Lauren quickly takes over.

"Long enough." She smiles and throws me a wink. "I'm happy, daddy."

"You certainly look it." He clears his throat. "You should have told me. You should be able to talk to me about anything. I'm your father, Mija."

"I'm sorry. I wasn't sure how you would react. I certainly didn't expect it to be like this." She scoffs and finally, a genuine smile appears from both father and daughter.

"No, I didn't expect this to be my reaction either, but well... you look happy." He straightens out his expensive suit and relaxes a little. "Normani." Holding out his hand, I take it in my own and shake firmly. "It's nice to meet you."