Page 67 of Finding Emotion

Skylar hadn’t let herself think about what would happen in a few days. Time apart would let her prove to herself she wasn’t addicted to him, despite how much she hated the idea. “True. He kind of said we’d have to be exclusive if I want to fuck him again.” Well, he’d left the ‘fucking’ term out of it. “Blew up about a threesome idea that Jimmy pitched.”

“I was going to talk to him about his manager.” Skylar had never seen Mandy scowl before. “You didn’t do anything with him, did you?”

“He’s not my type.” Though it was more that Skylar only wanted one person.

“It seems they’ve been together for a while, but my impression of his manager isn’t favorable at this point.”

Skylar frowned as she considered Damon’s manager. He was a bit of a dick, but besides Damon, all men were dicks. Mr. Sweetface was something apart. She snorted as she remembered his idea to have Muscles punch Jimmy. There’d be no way he’d actually ask him to do that.

“The girls’ night out is this evening. Is there anything I can do for you before that?” Mandy stood, brushing herself off.

Skylar sat up. “Can we really do this? You know, you be my manager before I figure out that contract shit?”

“I’ll work pro bono for now. It will give me time to create a professional contract between the two of us.” Mandy’s stern face was back. “You always need to protect yourself, Skylar.”

“I know that.” She wanted to be in charge of her own destiny, for real this time. Completely in control. “Thanks and shit, okay?”

“You’re welcome and shit.” Mandy smiled. “I believe in you, Skylar. You’re amazing.”

Skylar’s cheeks were doing that burning thing she hated. Maybe, between Damon and Mandy saying it, she’d start believing it herself again.

Damon reached over. Trenton’s daughter’s hair was as soft as he remembered. “I pictured this whole guys’ night a little differently.”

They’d ended up at Trenton’s place. The house he and Celia had bought together was nice and homey. The same couch that had been in the condo was there, as well as some other things, including the colorful paintings Trenton’s first wife had made, but new items that Damon had never seen before were also spread throughout, including lots of baby things.

Trenton chuckled, his daughter’s face scrunching from the movement even while she continued to sleep. “Sorry. My father caught a cold last minute, and my mother didn’t want to risk the little one catching it.”

“It wasn’t a complaint. The family life looks good on you, Trent.” His friend looked happy. Peaceful.

“But better on me, am I right?” Blake grinned at them even as his daughter wailed in his arms. The noise didn’t faze their friend, who was doing the walking-while-jiggling thing as he patted her. “Shhh, come on, baby. Daddy’s got you.”

Nicholas winced, leaning forward to pour another shot of tequila. “If bringing the babies was some ploy to convince me of the joys of children, it’s failing miserably.” He glanced at the small bundle Trenton still held. “Though I’m impressed yours can sleep through all this noise.”

“Her lungs are something, aren’t they?” Blake asked, his sappy expression holding.

Trenton leaned down to kiss his daughter’s head. “She’s always been a good sleeper, ever since we could finally bring her home from the hospital. Celia used to have a lot of anxiety about it. Even with the camera and sound monitor, she’d get up to go check if she was breathing throughout the night.”

“It’s better now,” Malcolm said, setting his own glass down. “Celia can get like that until she learns to trust things. She’s an amazing mother.”

“She is,” Trenton agreed. His smile had a hint of guilt that Damon knew would take time for him to get over.

“Fine, baby girl, here,” Blake said, foisting his still crying daughter onto Damon.

“Hey, man, I wasn’t ready.” Damon fumbled as he curled his arm to support the head like Trenton had taught him.

Blake blew out a breath. “Just sing to her already. That always works.”

Damon did as he was told. Singing a cappella always made him a little nervous, but it was his friends watching, which helped. He avoided the new song, but the lyrics of one of his older ones worked like a charm. The baby was asleep by the time he hit the second chorus.

“See? She’s a fan.” Blake laughed. “I’m already wanting to try for number two, but Katie said she’s not ready yet.”

Malcolm frowned at him. “Since you knocked her up before the honeymoon, I’m surprised my sister is letting you touch her at all.”

Blake shook his head. “She was the one—”

“You better not be telling me any sex details,” Malcolm warned. “Katie’s still my sister.”

“I also prefer fewer details. Erin tells me enough of what Katie shares with her.” Nicholas knocked back the tequila. “I know way too much in that regard about my secretary.”

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