Page 140 of The Manny

I chuckled. “Thanks for being so sweet with her.”

“I adore her, are you kidding?” Barb smirked. “After all, I’m stuck with these two bachelors all the time too. I need girl time as well.”

“I’ll bet.”

“You want to sit and have some coffee?” Barb asked.

“Nah. I should head out and get my errands done.” I glanced toward Mia. “Hey, monkey, I’m leaving now.”

“Wait!” She jumped up and ran over to me.

“You be good, okay?” I picked her up and hugged her tight. I’d missed her yesterday. My heart ached at the idea of leaving her and going to Germany. How would I be able to do that? My heart would rip in two.

“Be careful.” She put her hands on my cheeks. “Tell Uncle Jack I miss him too.”

“I will.” I smiled. “You miss me more though, right?”

She giggled. “I miss you both the same, silly.”

“What? But…but… I’m special.”

She nodded. “You both are.”

I laughed. “You’re very diplomatic, Mia.”

Aiden opened the door with a grin. “I’ll text you before I drop her off tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

I was surprised when he followed me out onto the porch, closing the door behind us. “Did you spend last night with Crispin?” he asked softly.

“Uh, no. I just stayed at the house.”

“Really?” he arched one brow.

“Yep.” Aiden wasn’t a fan of Jack. They’d only met briefly, once when Jack had picked up Mia from a sleepover. Aiden had found him standoffish. I’d tried to explain that wasn’t the real Jack, but Aiden had remained unconvinced.

“Are you going to go to Crispin’s tonight?”

I shook my head. “I don’t plan on it.”

“But you are still seeing him?”

“We hang out.” Initially, I’d hoped to use Crispin to get over Jack. But my feelings for Jack were so strong, I couldn’t seem to make that leap toward Crispin.

He narrowed his eyes. “But you guys are sleeping together, right?”

My face warmed. “No.”

He arched one brow. “You’re kidding?”

“We’ve fooled around a little, but the moment has never felt right to go all the way.”

He chuffed. “I’m surprised he’d be so patient. He’s not known for his… restraint.”

“He’s been very understanding.” I grimaced.

“Obviously, it’s none of my business but...” He studied me. “Please tell me you don’t hesitate to sleep with Crispin because of… Jack?” When I didn’t respond, he said, “You told me he was furious when he caught you and Crispin making out on his porch, right?”

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