Page 149 of The Manny

He smirked. “Noteveryguy.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m not as… free-spirited as you about sex.”

“Don’t go pretending you’re all virginal on me now.” He chuffed.

“That’s not what I mean.”

He pushed his plate away, studying me. “I’m not an idiot, just for the record.”

I frowned. “Did I say you were?”

“I know you have a thing for Jack.” He twisted his lips, his expression shrewd. “I even know you’ve slept with him.”

Heat flooded my cheeks. “You’re just guessing.”

“Not really.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “He was way too pissed off that first night. He was livid to find you making out with me. I knew then and there he had a thing for you. Plus, the way you were with him, it was obvious you were also into him. I didn’t say anything because I was hoping it was just meaningless sex. Now I know it was more.”

My face throbbed with embarrassment, but I didn’t speak. I didn’t really want to lie to Crispin’s face, but I also didn’t want to admit the truth.

“I’m not judging you. He’s hot. Asshole or not, I’d probably sleep with him too.” Crispin laughed. “I just wanted you to know I wasn’t fooled.”

“I wasn’t trying to fool you. We’re not sleeping together anymore. We weren’t by the time I met you.”

“Which I find mystifying because I get the feeling you both want that.” His expression was curious. “Why’d you two stop sleeping together?”

I shrugged. “Jack is afraid to have a relationship.”

“So keep fucking and don’t worry about the relationship thing.”

I grimaced. “He felt like it was too complicated.”

“Oh, brother.”

“Trust me, it’s frustrating. But I can’t force him.”

“So, you’re leaving because he won’t give you what you want?”

“It’s not that simple. It’s hard to be around him now. He’s so cold to me.”

“I see, so you’re running away.”

My face warmed yet again, but I didn’t say anything.

He shook his head. “Some people really over complicate life for themselves.”

I gave a grim laugh. “Maybe one day you’ll meet someone who makes you want to complicate your life.”

He grabbed his knife and fork, and held them up like a cross. “Don’t even jest.”

I laughed weakly.

He gave me a pitying glance. “This is why I’m not a one-man, man. Who needs this bullshit drama?”

“Maybe that’s the lesson here; don’t fixate on any one person. Then, you won’t get your heart stomped on.”

“It works for me. I’m not sure it would work for you.”

“Why not?”

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