Page 15 of Cedarwood Manny

“I got a job.” He leaned against the fender of his vehicle. “I have to live with the family if I’m going to be their manny, so I moved out of my apartment.”

“Your family?” Rhett paused. “That guy and his kid?”

“You saw them?” Panic washed over him, but he kept his calm. “Yes.”

“He’s old. Is that the kid’s grandfather?” Rhett asked. “He looked like a dentist in town. If my research is right, he’s Dr. Ellet.”

“As a matter of fact, that was Dr. Ellet and his son, yes.” He rested his hands on the fender and crossed his ankles. “I thought you wanted me to snag this job. Are you changing your mind?”Or a little jealous?

“No, I’m happy for you.” Rhett nudged the tire with his foot. “I just didn’t think you’d get it so fast.”

“I did.”

“I know.”

He waited in silence for Rhett to finish whatever he’d wanted to say. When Rhett didn’t continue, Nathan bowed his head. “What did you want?” he asked. “We split.”

“I know,” Rhett said. “But we’re still friends.”

“And?”What does he want?

“I missed you. I wanted to come over, have a beer or two, watch a game or movie…” Rhett bumped his foot against Nathan’s. “And see what happens.”

“Sex.” He sighed. “I know how you operate.”

“What?”

He was wasting time. He should be driving back to the house and starting his job, not putting off his ex. “When you show up out of the blue and want to hang out, it always means you want to fuck. You’ve been dumped by your current beau and are lonely. I’ve been that soft place to fall. Correct me if I’m wrong.”

“You’re not.”

“But I can’t be that for you right now. Maybe not for a long time,” Nathan said. “I have to do my job.”

“You don’t want me any longer?” Rhett leaned against the fender and brushed shoulders with Nathan. “We’re just going to be friends from here on out, right?”

“Probably.” He refused to admit he was attracted to his employer. Not only would he be crossing a thousand lines before the job got going, but he didn’t trust Rhett not to blab to anyone within earshot.

“We could’ve been something good.” Rhett placed his hand on Nathan’s. “Could’ve gone the distance.”

“Only if you magically grow up and can handle an actual relationship,” Nathan said. “You think an argument means you walk out. Your idea of responsibility is taking a shower. I need more than another child in my life. Christ, you’re ten months older than I am, but you act like you’re stuck at eighteen. We’re not children. One of these days you’re going to find a guy who wants to be with you and wants maturity. You’re going to want to be what he needs, because fitting with him won’t be a struggle. Our puzzle pieces don’t fit. I’m the boyfriend type who wants a family. You love the single life. Living it up. There’s nothing wrong with admitting you have wants, but don’t expect me to toe the line any longer.”

“Ouch.” Rhett massaged Nathan’s fingers. “Do you have another guy in mind?”

“For you?” He knew what Rhett meant, but wanted to give him hell.

“Not me. You.” Rhett elbowed him. “Who’s the lucky guy? I know when you’ve moved on and you’re outta here.”

“I’m moving on because I have a job.” He stood tall and pulled his keys from his pocket. “Speaking of that job, I’m sorry, but I have to leave. I’m expected at my post within the hour.”

“You even sound like a sour grown-up.” Rhett shook his head. “But I like that you’re mature.” He kept his back to Nathan. “Good luck. I’m so going to text you. I want to know you’re happy.”

“I am.”

“But I don’t want to lose my friend.” He faced Nathan. “Okay?”

“We’re friends—just not lovers.”

“Okay.” Nathan debated what to do next and despite his better judgment, he hugged Rhett. “I’ll see you.” He hoped his ex would see the gesture as nothing special, but he knew the guy. Rhett would read into the hug. “Bye.”

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