Page 100 of The Manny

When the glass door opened, I stiffened. I didn’t look over when Thomas sat down in a chair near mine. He must have showered recently because he smelled like coconut shower gel, and I resented how my pulse fluttered at his arrival.

“You’re finally home,” he said softly.

“Yes.”

“Did you eat?”

“I did.” I forced myself to add, “Thanks for cooking dinner. I’m sure you were tired after today.”

“No problem. That’s why I’m here, right? To make your life easier?” He gave a self-conscious laugh.

I grunted and an awkward silence fell.

After a few moments, he cleared his throat. “Um… should we maybe talk about today? About what Gus said?”

I’d known there was no way Thomas could just let that go. It wasn’t his style to shove things under the rug. It was, however, my style to do just that. “It doesn’t matter what he said.”

“No?”

“Nope.”

Shifting in his chair, he turned to me. “If that’s true, why do you seem angry?”

“I’m not angry. I’m tired.”

“Maybe angry is the wrong word. You seem… cold.”

“Like I said, I’m tired.”

He gave a frustrated rumble. “I feel like I should have a right to defend myself.”

“From?”

“From the lies Gus told about me,” he sputtered.

I stayed silent.

“You believe he lied, right?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“It does to me. Jesus.” He shook his head. “I’ve never slept with any of my clients until you. For him to say otherwise is insulting.”

“Who cares what I think?”

“Seriously?” He looked offended.

I sighed tiredly.

“Jack, please, justtalkto me. I’m not your enemy.”

I met his gaze and was stunned at how much I just wanted to take him in my arms and comfort him. I felt physical pain stirring inside of me as I took in his wounded expression. My feelings for him were out of control. Was I falling inlovewith him? Was that why it was hard to breathe when he looked at me like that?

“I… I…” I continued to stare at him, feeling pathetic. This had to stop. I couldn’t even imagine how much more I’d feel for him, if I kept heading in this direction. How had I let it get this far? I knew better than this. I knew better than to ever let anyone get that close.

“Talk to me,” he rasped. “What are you feeling?”

I swallowed hard, my throat bone dry. “You’re right… we… we do need to talk.”

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