Page 47 of A Manny for Christmas

He’s standing with a few of the guys I recognise from Angus’ team—Danny and Tim and another guy whose name I don’t know. They’re watching the choir, plastic pint pots in hand.

More accurately, most of them are watching the choir.

Max is staring straight at Paul and me. Staring or glaring; I’m not sure which. I give him a little wave, to be polite, although I’m furious he’s here. Can’t he just bugger off and leave me alone to enjoy my first date in forever?

He doesn’t wave back, just holds his pint of lager up and nods curtly. His jaw is tense, his mouth set in a grim line, and the sight of Max looking fifty shades of unimpressed does things to my lady parts that I’m thoroughly ashamed of. He’s looking at us like he wants to punch Paul in the face before throwing me over his shoulder.

Or possibly his knee.

Paul’s hand shifts on my shoulder. ‘Isn’t that your friend?’

I clear my throat. ‘It is, yeah.’

‘He looks seriously pissed off. Should I be worried?’

‘No.’ I laugh nervously. ‘I’m sure he’s fine—probably just having a sense of humour failure.’

‘He seemed pretty protective of you earlier, when I picked you up.’ Paul turns his head and murmurs the words into my ear. ‘Is there a story there, by any chance?’

I keep my sights fixed squarely on Max, raising my eyebrows at him in a silent challenge as I answer Paul. ‘Full disclosure? He’s my ex.’

‘Ah.’ I don’t miss the sound of Paul sucking in a breath. ‘A recent one?’

‘God, no. We dated for a few years when I was in my early twenties. We broke up, like, twelve years ago. It’s all ancient history.’

‘And yet he’s staying with you.’ There’s no judgement in his tone, merely the hint of a question.

‘Just for a few weeks to help with the kids. I’m working on trying to find an au pair, because my old one left at short notice.’

It’s not strictly true. I haven’t begun the search for a new au pair, but that’s only because I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t had time to bless myself, as my Grandma used to say. I’m well aware Max will be on his way again in a few weeks, and I’ll need to find a more permanent solution.

‘Got it.’ He pauses. ‘Though, from the look on his face right now, I’d guess there’s some unfinished business.’

‘No. Definitely not.’ I shake my head a little too vigorously, wondering why the memory of Max telling me he was hard is whooshing around and around in my brain like that annoying song you can’t forget, leaving space for little else.

Fuck, I’ve missed your hair.

Missed being able to touch you.

Having my hands on you is doing weird shit to my brain.

And my dick.

Oh, sweet mother of God. I glance over at him, at that unflinching, intense,purposefullook on his face, and I shiver.

Because that’s not the look of someone whose business with me is finished.

* * *

Max gets home no morethan five minutes after I do.

Funny, that.

Clearly he figured that, with his cockblocking duties done, he was free to leave.

Or to continue them back here.

But he needn’t have bothered, because Paul dropped me home and took his leave like a true gentleman. He walked me to the door, and my breath hitched a little with nerves, because I definitely wasn’t sure I was ready to, you know. Get tongues involved.

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