Page 68 of The Manny

His gaze flickered. “It doesn’t matter.”

I knew better than to push. He’d already opened up way more than usual. Maybe he’d continue to tell me things if I gave him space and didn’t rush him. I really hoped so. Ineededto know more about him.

“Okay.” I brought his hands up to my lips and I kissed his fingers. Then I let go and stood. “I need to check on the dinner.”

“Sure.”

“Want another beer?”

“Maybe in a bit.” He held my gaze. “Thanks for trying to help.”

“Sure.” Did he think I was giving up?Poor fool. I smiled and moved to the back door. “I’ll let you know when dinner is ready.”

“Sounds good.”

****

Mia was in good spirits during the meal. Each day she seemed to lose a little more of the sadness that had clung to her when she’d first arrived. Of course, she still had meltdowns and still missed her mom horribly. But she wasn’t as fearful anymore. She didn’t wilt around Jack any longer. She laughed more and talked to him directly. Their Sunday together had moved them forward by leaps and bounds.

Jack was quiet through dinner. I found him watching me now and then, and my pulse would spike at the look in his eyes. I hoped we were still on for later, after Mia was in bed. I realized sleeping with him would exponentially complicate things, but I needed him. I felt like he needed me too, although he’d never admit it. There was a lot more to Jack than he let people see, and I felt like I’d be good for him. I truly believed I could help him heal and learn to trust again, if he’d just let me in.

Once the meal was eaten and the dishes done, I bathed Mia and then put her to bed. At her insistence, I read her Good Night Moon three times. On the third time through the story, she started yawning. I waited until her eyes were closed and she was snoring softly before I stopped reading. When I rose and shut off the light, she didn’t stir.

I went out into the living room and found Jack watching TV. As I approached he glanced over. His expression was tense, and I wondered if he was as nervous as me. I smiled at him, but he didn’t return it.

He looked surprised when I sat on the arm of his recliner. “Hey, sailor,” I said softly.

Studying me, the pulse at the base of his throat fluttered. “Can’t you get fired for sleeping with a client?”

“Only if you complain that I’m sexually harassing you.” I laughed.

“The most I might do is submit a performance review.”

I grinned. “Hey, you made a joke.”

He smiled grudgingly, but then his expression became more serious. “I’m concerned acting on this might blow up in my face.”

“You don’t owe me anything if we sleep together.” I touched his cheek. “Sex is fun. I find you attractive. I won’t become clingy, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“No. I guess you’ve proven you’re not a possessive type.”

“Have I?”

“Sure. The arrangement you have with Aiden.”

“I keep telling you, we have no arrangement.” I frowned.

“It doesn’t matter. It’s none of my business.”

Was he trying to push me away because he wasn’t interested? Was he just nervous? “If you’ve changed your mind, that’s okay, Jack. I’m not going to punish you. Nothing will change between us if you don’t want to do this.”

He ran his tongue over his bottom lip. “I haven’t exactly changed my mind. I still want you.

I relaxed a little. “Okay, good.”

“As hard as this will be for you to believe, I don’t want you to leave. You’re so good with Mia, she’d be devastated if you quit because I overstepped.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

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