Page 12 of Manny

I reply back to Audrina.

Manny

Huh?

Audrina doesn’t read the text, but a few moments later, a text comes through from Lace.

Chantilly Lace

Hey Mans. Look, Audrina was being a giant dick. Don’t listen to anything she says

I smile to myself, tapping out a message.

Manny

So you don’t have a huge crush on me? I’m disappointed

Chantilly Lace

Of course I do. Oops, cats out of the bag now

Meow.

Manny

Are we still meeting for coffee?

I’m supposed to be helping her look for an apartment.

Chantilly Lace

Hell yeah, I need your opinion

Manny

As long as you can keep your hands to yourself

Chantilly Lace

I can’t make any promises

I smile to myself.

“You have a spare room, right, Manny?” Deanna gives me a look across the kitchen as I glance up. “Why can’t Lace stay with you until she finds a place?”

It’s like the girls don’t know that I’ve taken an interest in Lace over the last little while, but of course, I’m too chickenshit to do anything about it. I also can’t confess to the boss’s wife that I really don’t like the idea of her trolling men through my apartment, when I’m the one that wants to be with her. That would be torture.

When she first got to town a few months ago, I knew she was a little bit of a wild child, even though Riot thinks that she’s an angel sent from Heaven. It’s kinda hot that the accountant likes to get a little freaky. I just wish it was a little freaky with me.

“I’m not sure it would work out; we work opposite shifts. She’s busy during the daytime, and I mainly work afternoons and nights.”

She piques an eyebrow. “Is that the only reason?”

I gave her a withering look. “What is that supposed to mean?”

She shrugs. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe the oldest reason in the book?”

“You’re talking in riddles, Arizona.”

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