Page 38 of Cedarwood Manny

He’d been too forward. “Sorry.” He recoiled. “I forgot.”

“That’s not it.” Adrien half-smiled before the frown returned. “Do you know a man with black hair and three earrings? Looks twenties-ish or like a perpetual college student.”

“Sounds like Rhett. Why?” He couldn’t see around the side of the booth, but wished he could. His heart hammered. If Rhett was there, what the hell was he doing? He’d be the one to blurt everything to the training center.

“He’s coming over and keeps glaring.” Adrien bowed his head. “Why don’t we wash our hands? Kyle? You should…wash your hands.”

“I’m okay,” Kyle said.

“Let’s be really sure.” Adrien nudged Kyle. “It won’t be long and this will give Nate some privacy.”

“Adrien.” Nathan tensed. He didn’t want to give Rhett control or rush them away, but he appreciated Adrien’s attempt to keep Kyle out of the situation.

“Don’t leave on my account,” Rhett said. “I won’t bite.”

“We’ve got to wash our hands.” Adrien directed Kyle away from the table.

“I’m glad they’re gone.” Rhett took Adrien’s place in the booth. “So…you don’t answer calls or texts?”

“It’s been a hectic time.” He increased the space between them. “I’m busy.”

“Too busy to answer a text? The kid keeps you hopping?” Rhett asked. “You’re the manny, not the husband.”

“Rhett.” He hated Rhett’s ability to argue in public. Rhett wanted witnesses. He wanted his ex to leave him alone. “Enough.”

“Why?”

“It’s not professional,” Nathan growled. “I’m trying to be the manny. I’m not here to hang out with my friends. My charge is my concern—not you.”

“Yet the dad is handing the parent duties. You’re sitting with me.” Rhett bobbed his brows. “Looked like Daddy was doing just fine on the parenting angle.” He folded his arms. “You said we could try again.”

“I did, but I’ve changed my mind.”

“Because of the old man?”

“Rhett, stop.” Not only was he not impressed with Rhett’s anger, he hated hearing Adrien being insulted.

“You’ve always been a sucker for older guys. You want to be taken care of. Did you tell him you were a sugar baby? Huh? That you got paid to attend college?”

“I had a scholarship,” Nathan snarled. The only relationship he’d had with anyone older than him was a guy two months older. He’d never been a sugar baby and didn’t want a sugar daddy.

“Tell that to your old man,” Rhett said. “I’ll bet the dentist would love to know you’re only getting close to him so you’ve got security.”

Adrien and Kyle stood twenty feet from the booth. Adrien paled. “Excuse me. We’re eating dinner. If you don’t mind, we’d like some privacy.”

“Sure.” Rhett left his seat as they approached the booth. “Good afternoon.”

“Same to you.” Adrien shuffled Kyle onto the bench seat before he joined him. “I’m proud to say Kyle didn’t leave water all over the place and is getting better with the soap. You made me proud, kid.”

“Good job,” Nathan said. He hugged Kyle. “I’m proud, too.”

Kyle blushed, then buried his face against Adrien’s shoulder.

Adrien grinned. Joy wasn’t visible in his eyes. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah.” He’d have to explain, just not in front of Kyle. “That was my ex-boyfriend, Rhett.”

“Say no more.” Adrien nodded. “It’s been that kind of day.”

“You, too?” Now he wanted to question his boyfriend. A thin streak of jealousy hit. Gerry? Had he inserted himself into the situation?

“Mine called the office.”

“Oh?” They’d have to discuss this later—no doubt.

“What we talked about earlier—you, me and Kyle, still stands.” Adrien relaxed and winked. “I don’t quit that easily.”

“Thanks, Adrien.” He blew out a ragged breath. If Adrien wasn’t ruffled, then he’d be cool, too. The exes could get involved, but they had no standing. What he and Adrien had was stronger than the past.

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