Page 95 of The Manny

I couldn’t tell what Jack was thinking, but he didn’t look pleased. I wasn’t sure what to say. I couldn’t just blurt out I’d never had sex with Gus. That would make things even weirder. However, Gus was definitely doing his best to make Jack think I slept with all my clients. Jack was so suspicious of everyone, it was possible he’d swallow Gus’ lies about me.

I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Jack interrupted.

“Since Mia is occupied, I’m going to go mingle some more.” Jack turned and left us, without another word.

Looking smug, Gus laughed. “I don’t think he likes me.”

Trying to control my anger, I hissed, “What was that just now?”

“What?” Gus batted his eyes innocently. “I didn’t do anything.”

“You made it sound like I sleep with all my clients.”

“Did I?” He smirked.

“Why would you do that?” I grated.

He curled his lip. “I could tell by the way he was looking at you, you two are probably sleeping together.”

“That’s none of your business.”

“No. It’s not, but it was fun watching him try not to react to the things I said.” He cackled. “It was priceless.”

“I don’t understand why you’re being spiteful.”

He sniffed. “Of course you know why. You act like you’re way too good for me, but you’ll have sex with that… that…grease monkey? Do you use motor oil for lube? Which is better? SAE 10-40 or do you prefer SAE 10-30?”

I gritted my teeth. “You’re such a jerk.”

“Yeah, and you almost got me in hot water with Shelia. She was very suspicious about why VIP Nanny Services wouldn’t work with us anymore.”

“Maybe you should keep your hands off the help.”

He sighed. “What can I say? I’m weak.”

I shook my head, searching the area for a glimpse of Jack. “If I get fired because of your lies…”

“What will you do?” He laughed.

Clenching my jaw, I said, “Have you forgotten I could cause trouble for you too, Gus? Maybe I should give Sheila some details about how many times you propositioned me, or came in my bedroom.”

He rolled his eyes. “Oh, relax. I’m sure lover boy will calm down once he’s had time to cool off. He’s not going to fire you.”

“You don’t know Jack,” I muttered.

Hell, I barely know Jack.

Aiden arrived with the snow cones, and I moved away from Gus. I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. Something about Jack’s expression had me unsettled. I kept telling myself that Jack knew me well enough to know Gus was lying, but Jack always expected the worst in people.

I really hoped what we had was strong enough to withstand Gus’ lies.

Chapter Seventeen

Jack

By the time evening fell and things were wrapping up, I’d smiled so much, my face hurt. I’d done a good job of pushing away the things that Gus guy had insinuated about Thomas, but it was nagging at me now. I told myself that Thomas wasn’t the kind of guy Gus had tried to paint him as, but even if he was, we weren’t in a committed relationship. It shouldn’t matter to me whether it was true or not.

Perhaps the reason it bothered me was because Gus was such a jerk. The very thought that Thomas would sleep with a man like him was revolting. The guy wasn’t just a creep, he was amarriedcreep. It would be difficult to respect Thomas if he saw nothing wrong with fucking married men.

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