Page 77 of The Manny

My face warmed.

“Anyway, I just wanted to come tell you I was sorry.”

“No problem, Brody. We’re good.”

Looking relieved he headed to the door. “By the way, it’s Brannigan’s tonight. You in?”

“Not sure.”

“You haven’t joined us in a while. It might be fun.”

“I’ll have to double check and make sure Thomas doesn’t need me home for any reason.”

“Oh.” He frowned. “I guess that’s probably true.” He looked puzzled, no doubt because I’d made such a big deal about not letting Mia’s presence in my life curtail my freedom. “Just let me know.”

“I will.”

He left my office and I had to admit, I felt relieved he’d come to talk to me directly. I’d have found it way too awkward to approach him. I was kind of tired, but it would probably be good for me to hang out with the guys tonight. Do a little bro-bonding. Brody was right, I hadn’t gone to Brannigan’s in ages.

What really had me mystified was why I felt disappointment at the idea of not going home to Thomas and Mia tonight. Since when did the idea of going out drinking appeal less than the idea of running home to Mia and Thomas? Of course, I’d truly enjoyed my night with Thomas. He was on my mind, and I guess the allure of sex with Thomas, beat out the possibility of picking up some stranger at Brannigan’s.

Either way, I needed to let Thomas know I might not be home for dinner. I dialed Thomas’ number, feeling a bit anxious. Why was I nervous? He worked for me, not the other way around. I was a grown man. If I wanted to go out with the boys, I could definitely do that.

When Thomas picked up, it sounded like he was outside. “Hey,” he said breathlessly. “Sorry it took so long to answer. We’re at the park and I didn’t hear my phone at first.”

Was he with Aiden? I shook myself, annoyed I was allowing myself to feel jealousy. I didn’t get jealous easily, and I had zero rights to feel that way about Thomas.

Clearing my throat, I said, “Uh, that’s okay.”

“So, what’s up?” he asked cheerfully.

“I won’t be home for dinner tonight,” I said, making my decision. “I’m going to join the guys at Brannigan’s tonight.”

“Oh.”

Feeling oddly guilty, I said, “I haven’t gone in a long time.”

“Of course.” He sounded overly polite. “Well, I appreciate you calling.”

I wanted to hear his voice some more, so I added, “Brody came and talked to me. We worked it all out.”

“That’s great. I’m glad. I know you were worried.”

An awkward silence fell, so I said, “Anyway, I just wanted to let you know what I was up to. I doubt I’ll stay out very late.”

“I’ll be sure to leave the leftovers clearly marked for you in the fridge.”

“Oh, thanks.”

“Talk to you later.” Thomas hung up abruptly.

I frowned at my phone, figuring it had to be my imagination that he’d sounded put-out. He’d made it clear from the start all he wanted from this thing between us was sex. He had no reason to be annoyed if I went out drinking. I was overthinking things. Thomas and I were on the same page about sleeping together. No need to make problems where they didn’t exist. I’d go out tonight and try to enjoy some time with the guys.

I highly doubted Thomas would even notice, or care, that I was gone for the night.

Chapter Fourteen

Thomas

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