Page 57 of The Manny

Jesus, I kissed him.

I was embarrassed I’d acted so recklessly, but I’d been thinking about him all evening. I didn’t like the idea that Thomas liked that guy Aiden. He’d admitted he thought Aiden was attractive and a great dad. That nurturing dad thing was probably something that really appealed to him. Had they ever slept together? Was it like an off-and-on-thing? Thomas said that Mia had exaggerated his relationship with Aiden. Of course, he’d also admitted that yesterday had been a date with Aiden. Or it had started out as one. What did that mean? How did a date change in the middle?

Scowling at the ceiling, I shifted uneasily as an unsettled feeling swirled in my gut. Why hadn’t Aiden gone with Thomas to that club? If it made Thomas happy, why not just go to the club, have a few drinks, and dance a little? This Aiden guy sounded kind of like a selfish prick.

Takes one to know one?

I threw back the covers and headed into the bathroom to get ready for the day. Why was I fixating on Thomas and his relationship with Aiden? It had nothing to do with me. I had my own problems. Still, I couldn’t deny the thought of seeing Thomas today did give me a nudge of excitement. The kiss had been foolish, but it also had been damn nice. I laughed sheepishly at my reflection in the mirror.

“You’re an idiot,” I said softly. Just a few weeks ago I’d been ready to fire his ass, and now I was sticking my tongue down his throat. Was I having a midlife crisis at twenty-seven? Was that a thing?

I finished dressing and went out to the kitchen. Thomas had his back to me as he washed dishes, and Mia was at the table. As I entered the room, I was floored when she actually smiled at me. I was so surprised, I’m not sure I even smiled back.

“Look, Uncle Jack, I’m having oatmeal and blueberries,” she announced, scooping some onto her spoon. “Brown sugar too.”

“Oh, uh… do you like it?” I asked, butterflies swirling in my stomach as Thomas turned to face me. I avoided looking directly at him, feeling ridiculously self-conscious. Why was I acting like a schoolboy?

Get a grip.

“It’s yummy.” Mia nodded.

“That’s great. I’m glad you like it.” I forced myself to move in Thomas’ direction. “I need coffee.”

He met my gaze, smiling. “Morning.” His voice was husky but he looked at ease. “How’d you sleep?”

“Fine.” I grabbed a coffee cup from the cupboard. “And you?”

“I slept horribly.” He laughed and said softly. “I have a bit of a hangover.”

Since he was being so normal, it helped me relax. “That will teach you to go out partying on a school night, young man.”

He chuckled and moved to join Mia at the table. “I’ve learned my lesson.”

“I slept good,” Mia volunteered.

“I know,” Thomas teased. “I think I heard you snoring all the way in my room.”

“Nah uh.” Mia giggled.

“The whole house was shaking.” Thomas smirked, leaning back in his chair.

Mia shook her head. “You were snoring, not me.”

“No way. I don’t snore.”

She nodded, her eyes bright. “The whole world heard you snoring.”

“Whaat?” Thomas made a face. “That’s not true.”

Mia gave a high pitched laugh. “Even in outer space.”

“Now I know you’re making this up.” Thomas laughed.

“Nope.” Mia took another big spoonful of oatmeal.

I smiled at the two of them, feeling oddly cheerful. I put some cream in my coffee and then I moved to sit at the head of the table. That way I wasn’t too close to Thomas. His cologne did strange things to me when I got too close.

“Do you want to go to the park today, Mia? Percy is going to be there.” Thomas asked.

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