Page 154 of The Manny

“Okay.” It was obvious from his expression he thought we’d never talk about it again.

I sighed with frustration. “I’m being sincere, but I think I’m actually stressing you out. I probably should have kept my mouth shut until you’re fully recovered.”

He blinked at me. “You’ve really changed your mind about me?”

I nodded. “Yes, but let’s talk later. I’m sorry. I’m being selfish again.”

“I won’t lie, I’m a little shocked.” He frowned. “You seemed so certain you didn’t want anything with me.”

“I was being cowardly. I don’t want to be that way anymore.” I winced. “I mean, not if you still want to be with me.”

His face twitched. “I won’t lie, I was hurt.”

“I know, Thomas. I’m sorry.” I bowed my head. “I was so stupid.”

“You were scared.”

“Yes. But that still is no excuse for how mean I was. I really am sorry.” I sighed. “Even if you decide you don’t want to be with me now, I’m still really sorry for how I treated you.”

His gaze warmed slightly. “Do you promise we’ll talk about this later?”

“I do.” I sighed. “And I’ll show up this time without the attitude.”

He watched me intently, and then he said softly, “Jack, come closer.” He scooted over, making room for me, and I laid down beside him. He slipped his arms around me, pulling me close. “I’m not letting you get away that easy.”

I laughed gruffly and put my arms around him too. “I don’t want to get away. I want to hold on to you. I was so awful to you. Please forgive me. I was scared and stupid.”

He sighed. “I’m not mad.”

I tenderly kissed his head, tightening my arms. “I want to protect you. I can’t do that if you’re in Germany.”

“I must be dreaming,” he mumbled. “The real Jack would never say any of this to me.”

“I’ve come to my senses.”

He gave a wry laugh. “Just as I’ve lost mine.”

He needed sleep so I didn’t bother responding and, eventually, he fell asleep in my arms. I held him until my muscles cramped, and even then, I didn’t let go of him. My chest ached with all the raw emotions churning inside of me. This had to be love. I’d never felt anything like these feelings gnawing away at me. How had I tricked myself into thinking I could live without him? The very idea I’d have allowed him to get on a plane and fly out of my life now seemed ludicrous. Would I have actually let him go? Would I actually have been that stupid?

After a couple of hours, I slipped out of his bed and went to my own room. I’d called Aiden earlier to check on Mia, so I knew she was fine. Aiden and I had agreed not to tell Mia about what had happened to Thomas. She was already afraid something bad might happen to the people she loved, and I saw no reason to feed those fears.

The stress of the last few weeks finally caught up with me and I fell into a deep sleep. When I woke up and wandered into the kitchen around 7:00 a.m. I was shocked to find Thomas sitting at the kitchen table. He cradled a mug of coffee between his hands, and he gave me a tentative smile as I entered the room.

“Good morning,” he said softly.

“Morning,” I said, stopping near him. I felt a little shy because of how open I’d been about my feelings yesterday. But embarrassed or not, I wasn’t taking them back. My only goal was to convince Thomas to stay. “Are you sure you should be out of bed?”

“I feel pretty good.” He touched the back of his head gingerly. “Considering.”

“Aiden volunteered to keep Mia one more night.”

“Did he?” Thomas grimaced. “God, I’m causing so much trouble for everyone.”

“It’s not like you wanted to smack your head.”

“No. Still.”

“No need to feel guilty. Mia is in heaven staying with Percy. Those two have fun no matter what they’re doing.”

---