Page 122 of Manhattan Secret

“Fuck off,” I smirk. But he isn’t wrong.

No one else interests me. I’m too wound up in Delaney.

“Hope is for the weak, Lachie. Bur faith is for the confident.” Theo imparts. “Get your woman back if that’s what you want.”

I do want.

I pull out of the motel complex with more clarity and control than I’ve felt in a while.

Theo is wrong though.

Hope doesn’t make you weak.

It isn’t about me getting Laney back.

It’s about her getting me back.

* * *

Delaney

A guy called Johnson lets me into the dorm house that morning.

It’s not even 8 am, but it isn’t like I’ve slept much at all.

He lets me know Lachlan is in the kitchen. Smoothing my hand down my white three-quarter leggings, and a quick hair check—feeling very shy, anxious and excited to see him again, I follow Johnson’s directions, carrying my very heavy bag with me.

The first two faces I see around a large rectangle table are the same girls from last night. A couple other guys and then there’s Lachlan on the end, dressed only in basketball shorts.

I have to remember I’m here to work on getting him back—not to fly into a banshee jealous rage. So, calling on my calmest ancestors for strength, I announce myself at the same time Lachlan turns his head and sees me, his eyes widen before they droop to two beautiful hooded eyes.

All other heads turn to look at me, but it’s Lachlan my target. “Morning, baby.” I tell him, bending over him, I press my lips gently to his.

He smells the same as he always does when he wakes.

More importantly, he doesn’t smell of sex. Yeah, I checked.Whatever.

He’s stiff and resilient to my kiss, but there’s not a cats chance in hell itself I’ll allow that. So I continue pressing my lips on his lips, lapping them with slow strokes until I feel him soften. I pull back smiling.

Noticing every pair of eyes on me.

“I hope you haven’t eaten, I brought breakfast.” I say and dip my hand into the large grocery bag, and I bring out the double breakfast burritos for Lachie.

He’s yet to speak to me.

Unfazed, I stay by his side, my hip grazing his bare shoulder. Willing his hand to come around my waist.

Speculative looks from the two boys bounce between me and Lachie so I smile at them. “Hey, I’m Laney. I brought plenty of sandwiches if you’re hungry.”

Food is the magic word. They fall on the bag.

And then I glance at the two girls, huddled down the other end, dressed in last night’s clothes.

Such pretty girls.

I wonder if they’re Lachie’s type.

But they can’t have what’s mine.

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