Page 148 of The Manny

“Okay. I just wanted to make that clear.”

I smiled. “No need. I get why you’re confused.”

“See… this is why me and the guys love you, boss.” He strode to the door and opened it. “You’re the best.”

I laughed. “Not really, but I appreciate the compliment.”

He smiled and left the office.

I glanced at the pile of papers on my desk. With a weary grunt, I grabbed a handful of invoices and started entering them into QuickBooks. As I punched the numbers into the accounting program, I tried to think about anything but Thomas. It didn’t matter how much I’d miss him. He was leaving, and that was that.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Thomas

“Germany?” Crispin’s eyes widened. “You’re moving to Germany?”

I shushed him because we were in the middle of the A.M. Café having breakfast together. “Yes.”

“But… why?” He scowled, taking a big bite of pancake, looking very disgruntled. His cheek bulged as he chewed.

I sipped my coffee, and then said, “It’s a great opportunity.”

His mouth thinned. “This is because of Jack, isn’t it?”

Heat seeped into my face, but I held his gaze unflinchingly. “Of course not.”

“I don’t believe you.” He set his fork down. “What about the kid? Isn’t she going to be upset?”

I winced. “Yes.” I was guilt-ridden about leaving Mia, but it was becoming unbearably painful to be around Jack. He was so cold most of the time, it was impossible to even be his friend. Not that I wanted just friendship from him, but it would have been better than nothing. “Mia is doing really well now. She’ll always grieve the loss of her mom. There’s no way around that. Who knows, it might even be better for her to have a female caretaker. She needs a feminine influence in her life too.”

“I can’t believe this,” he grumbled.

“I know.”

He sighed. “I really like you, Thomas. I was hoping we were heading somewhere. Now you’re just leaving the country?”

I grimaced. “I’m sorry.”

“No you’re not.”

I laughed gruffly. “Yes, I am. But how can I turn down a position working for an ambassador?”

“Something tells me you would if you wanted to.” He narrowed his eyes.

I avoided his gaze. “Can’t you just be happy for me?”

“No.” He scowled. “I haven’t even slept with you yet. I was being very patient because I thought we had all the time in the world. I’d never have suspected you’d move to freakin’Germany.”

I laughed at his sulky expression. “I appreciate how patient you were.”

“I don’t. I feel like a chump.”

“Crispin, come on.”

“Come on what? I’ve never hidden the fact I want to sleep with you.”

“Yes. Me and every other guy you meet.”

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