Page 6 of The Manny

“I’m suitable,” I snapped, jabbing my chest.

For the first time since we’d met, he laughed. It did wonders for his face, making him look warmer and approachable. “If I hire you, Thomas, I can bet money we’ll butt heads constantly. Why would either of us want that?”

Why was I fighting so hard to work for this asshole?

Because of Mia.

Yes, that was it. I hadn’t met the child yet, but knowing her situation was more than enough to make me want to help her. I met his gaze, feeling conflicted. “Mia will need someone special.” I lifted my chin. “I’m special. I’m excellent at what I do.”

His smile had faded and now he simply looked puzzled. “You really want this position? Even knowing the situation?”

“Yes.”

He shook his head. “I don’t know why.”

“Someone has to love that poor child. If you can’t manage it, I’ll do it.”

His gaze flickered. “If I do hire you, you’re not going to nag me to change, right? I don’t want or need that in my life.”

“I’ll try not to,” I admitted gruffly.

“You’lltrynot to?” He frowned.

I lifted one shoulder but didn’t say anything.

He studied me for a moment, different emotions fluttering across his face. Eventually, he said softly, “Fine. Since I’m in a bind, I suppose we can give this a try.”

“Good. You’ve made the right decision.”

“I’m so relieved you approve,” he said drolly.

Ignoring him, I stood. “What time should I be here tomorrow morning?”

He rose also. “The Child Services lady is dropping Mia off here at 8:00 a.m.”

“I’ll be here at 7:45 a.m.” I headed toward the front door, feeling irritable and confused. I was mad at myself for pushing for something that would probably cause me a lot of heartache. Mia was only five. She wouldn’t understand why her uncle seemed to have no interest in her. Witnessing Mia being rebuffed by her uncle would be difficult, but at least I’d be there to soften the blow.

Jack followed me. I opened the door and stepped out onto the porch, and he leaned on the doorjamb. I met his enigmatic gaze and my pulse sped up. He was one of the best-looking guys I’d ever seen. It was a shame he seemed to have no heart beating in that chest of his.

“See you tomorrow,” I said stiffly, as I made my way down the steps.

“Later.”

I heard the door close, and breathed a sigh of relief. Being around Jack wasn’t going to be easy. My inclination was always to try and fix problems. Something told me Jack wasn’t going to be one of my greatest success stories.

Chapter Three

Jack

That night, sleep eluded me. I was stressed about Mia’s imminent arrival, and also Thomas’ attitude. I had little doubt he’d be a handful. How was he so popular with his clients? He was bossy and way too opinionated for my tastes. If I wasn’t in desperate straits, I’d have definitely tried to find a better-suited candidate. Maybe I still would.

Around 4:00 a.m. I gave up even trying to sleep. I made coffee and tried to enjoy my last morning alone. I sat out on the back porch and watched the sunrise. The pink and purple colors spread slowly across the horizon, and soon birds were singing in the trees above my head. I’d miss this peace and quiet. I loathed the idea of Thomas wandering around my house, interfering in my morning ritual.

Perhaps I’d get lucky and Thomas would tire of me quickly and quit. It had been obvious last night he’d thought me heartless. I really wasn’t. I felt bad for Mia and I wanted to protect her. I was more than willing to provide all the material things she’d ever need. I simply didn’t see the point in pretending I’d be a loving uncle. I had issues with intimacy, and that was just a fact. I’d long ago accepted my shortcomings, and given up trying to change. I’d do my best for Mia, but there was no point in expecting miracles.

With a groan, I rose and headed into the master bedroom to shower. After a long hot soak, I toweled off and dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. When I glanced at my watch it was later than I’d thought. Uneasiness shifted through me at the thought of Thomas’ arrival any minute.

The doorbell rang promptly at a quarter to eight, and I headed to answer it with my stomach-churning. When I opened the door, Thomas looked more relaxed than me, in skinny jeans, a fitted white shirt, and red and white sneakers.

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