Page 81 of The Manny

My stomach tensed at that candid reply. It made me sick to think of what his childhood must have been like. “The sheer fact that you care what people think shows you’re already different. From the little you’ve said about your dad, he didn’t give a rat’s ass what anyone thought.”

“No. He didn’t.”

“I’ve told you before, I think you’re amazing. I meant it.”

He groaned. “I’m not. Not even a little.”

I smiled and scooted closer to him. “Wrong. You know, I know best. If I tell you you’re amazing, then that’s how it is.”

He laughed and tugged me against him. “Since when do I listen to you?”

“Never. But you should.” Feeling strangely happy, I wound my arms around his neck. It was hard to reconcile this man was the same one I’d butted heads with. He was vulnerable and affectionate. I wanted to protect him, so that he could explore this side of himself. He wanted to be a good man so badly, and I wanted him to realize he already was.

He studied me, his expression difficult to read. “You’re such a surprise.”

“Am I?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

“Well, so are you, Jack,” I said softly.

“Can’t say I’ve ever met anyone like you.” He wrinkled his brow. “You…care… so much about others.”

“Lots of people do.” I shrugged.

He didn’t respond, but his gaze was searching. Then his expression changed slightly and he said gruffly, “I guess I should go to my room. I can’t control myself around you, and I have to work tomorrow.”

“Yeah, me too.”

He sat up, giving me a sheepish look. “Sorry for interrupting your sleep.”

“Uh… anytime?”

He rubbed his face roughly. “I’m still drunk.”

“I like drunk Jack. He’s fun.”

He laughed and got off the bed. Pulling up his jeans, he watched me as he zipped his pants. “I don’t know what we’re doing, but it’s fun for now.”

“Yeah. For now.” I tried not to let his cryptic tone get me down. It made sense Jack wouldn’t see anything between us as permanent. Jack didn’t do permanent. It wasn’t like I saw him as anything serious either. Right?

I could, however, admit Jack was more intriguing than I’d first thought. And I wasn’t ready to stop trying to figure him out.

Chapter Fifteen

Jack

My intense feelings for Thomas had me spooked. His warmth drew me in, but I wasn’t sure I liked it. Being alone was my default setting and it was when I was most comfortable. I hated how I thought about him all the time now. He consumed my thoughts, and that wasn’t okay with me. I didn’t want toneedanyone.

All those anxiety-ridden thoughts swirled in my head, as I rang up one of my regular customers, Mrs. Garcia. “That’s one hundred and sixty dollars, Mrs. Garcia.” I forced a smile and handed her the receipt.

“Where’s Polly today?” She asked, reaching in her purse for her wallet. “It’s not often you’re in the front, Jack.”

“Polly is on her lunch break.” I took her credit card. “And it’s my pleasure to ring you up.”

“Awww, you’re sweet.” She laughed. “I was afraid this was going to be an expensive repair. You are always so reasonably priced.”

I shrugged. “I’d rather have a customer for life than rip people off.”

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