Page 125 of The Manny

“So?”I barked. “So, take it somewhere else.”

“Why should we?” he spat.

Grimacing, Thomas put his hand on the guy’s arm. “Crispin, it’s fine. He’s right. It’s time to call it a night.”

Crispin?

Shock rolled through me as I took in the guy’s auburn hair and blue eyes. Was this the same guy Scott was sleeping with? How many gingers named Crispin could there be in this small town? If itwasthe same guy, how the hell had he ended up on my front porch, making out with Thomas?

Crispin gave me a dirty look. “Maybe I don’t want to call it a night just yet.”

“Too bad,” I rumbled. “Get lost.”

Giving a disbelieving laugh, Crispin rasped, “Dude, what is your deal? Thomas is a grown-ass man. You need to back the fuck off.”

“Is that right?” I hunched my shoulders and took a step forward.

“No. No. No.” Thomas put his hand on my chest and pushed me back into the house. “Jack, you need to relax.” He turned to Crispin. “And you need to go.”

Crispin scowled. “Why should I have to go just because gramps is upset?”

Gritting my teeth, I glared at him and Crispin glared back.

Thomas exhaled roughly. “Crispin, the Uber driver is waiting. He’s going to leave if you don’t get going.”

“Then I’ll call another Uber.”

Sighing, Thomas said, “No. You’re going to leave now. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

He didn’t look thrilled about leaving, but Crispin let out a long breath. “Fine. I’ll go.” He gave me a surly glance. “But not because of you, asshole. I’m only going because Thomas asked me to.”

“So long as you fuck off, I don’t really care why,” I snapped.

“Oh, yeah?” Crispin said through gritted teeth.

I smirked. “That’s right.”

“Leave it.” Thomas grabbed hold of Crispin’s arm and dragged him down the steps. “You both need to take it down a notch.”

Crispin let Thomas lead him away and I turned and stomped into the house. I was tempted to slam the door shut, but decided against it. I didn’t want to wake up Mia, and I was already regretting losing my cool. I headed to my room, feeling angry, but also a little ashamed. I shut my bedroom door and leaned against it. My face was hot with embarrassment. Crispin was a punk for sure, but I’d humiliated myself by opening the door and yelling at them. Why had I done that? Why hadn’t I just ignored the two of them?

Jealousy. Plain and simple.

Groaning, I walked to my bed. I slumped down and rubbed my face roughly. No doubt Thomas would have plenty to say about what had just happened. God, why hadn’t I just gone to bed and let them make out on the damn porch?

“I’m an idiot,” I muttered. “That’s why.”

As expected, after a few minutes there was a soft knock on my door. I held my breath, wondering if ignoring him might work. When there was another knock, only louder, I grimaced and called out, “Come in.”

The door opened slowly, and a confused-looking Thomas stood there. His eyes were dark with frustration, and his mouth bruised from Crispin’s kisses. The latter just made my jealousy spark up again, but I clamped my lips tight. I needed to let him speak first, no matter how annoyed I was. I’d already said more than enough.

He closed the door behind him and approached. “What the hell was that, Jack?”

My face warmed but I didn’t speak.

“Why were you so… angry… just now?” he asked.

“Who says I was angry?”

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