Page 31 of Manny's Surprise Baby
“I know. But I talked with him on the phone for over an hour. He seems really great.”
He exhaled. “I really hope I like him. Otherwise I’m screwed.”
He sounded so demoralized, I said, “Look, if you two absolutely hate each other, I’ll stay until you find someone else.”
“Really?” He looked astounded. “You’d do that?”
“Don’t go trying to pick a fight with the guy just to make me hang around longer though.” I frowned. “I don’t want to stay. I want you to fully grasp that. But if you two actually are a horrible match, then I will give you a little more time to find another nanny.”
The relief that washed over his features was surprising. His entire face brightened. “That means a lot, Pierce. It’s challenging enough having Emily here, and learning to be a dad, without having to live with someone I can’t stand.”
“Just give Brad a fair chance.”
He nodded. “I will. I promise.”
His gentle tone and grateful expression did strange things to my heart. If I didn’t know how easily people could fool you, I’d have been tempted to stay longer. I knew it was probably my omega instincts kicking in. It was natural to want a family and to belong to an alpha. The only reason I was averse to that was because of how Baxter had treated me. He’d warped me and damaged my natural urge to belong to an alpha. He’d instead made me loathe them and fear them. Logically I knew that all alphas weren’t like the ones Baxter had thrust on me. But when even the seemingly nice ones had been only too willing to use me for their carnal pleasure, it had definitely done a number on my ability to trust.
The dishes were done, and there was no real reason for me to stay in the kitchen. “I’m going to bed. Have a good night, Seth.”
He moved closer and I caught the scent of his cologne mixed with perspiration from the long day. His gaze was alert and his muscles tense. I had the oddest sensation he was almost testing himself by being so near me. I wasn’t sure why or what would make him do that, but he had a funny look on his face. “You have a good night too, Pierce.” His voice was hushed.
It freaked me out a little that my cock stirred at the look in his eyes. I hadn’t really been attracted to an alpha in a long while. But there was definitely something about Seth that drew me in and made me sexually aware. My skin prickled as the hairs on the nape of my neck stiffened. The unwanted attraction alarmed me, and I stepped away from him.
I needed something to distance us. There was a bizarre intimacy growing between us. We might have started out loathing each other, but somewhere along the way we’d come toalmostlike each other. That was shocking and unwanted. The last thing I needed was to catch real feelings for an alpha. Especially a straight alpha. So when I spoke, I made sure to throw in a sarcastic tone. “Good luck with your porn star tomorrow.”
He narrowed his eyes and gave a gruff laugh. “Thanks. She’s not really my porn star.”
“You know what I mean.” I headed toward the doorway.
“Not really. I’m usually pretty lost when it comes to you, Pierce.”
And that’s the way I like it.
I shrugged and left the room.
Chapter Six
Seth
Usually I went straight home after work, but tonight, I decided to drop by Colin and Riley’s home. My excuse was to talk about how challenging it was being a dad to Emily, but the reality was I wanted to pump Colin for info on Pierce. I felt driven to understand him more, and the only way to do that was to know his past. But Pierce wouldn’t share anything, which frustrated the hell out of me.
Colin looked surprised when he opened the door. “I guess dropping in on me is becoming a habit?”
I laughed sheepishly. “I know. Sorry.”
“I don’t mind. I like the company.”
I glanced around. “Where’s the baby?”
“Sleeping. He goes to bed at eight.” He waved me into the house. “Riley’s in the recording studio tonight.”
“Ah. The life of a famous music star.”
“He’s got some great new songs.” Colin beamed with obvious pride.
“He’s a talented little bastard.”
Smirking, Colin said, “Don’t pretend that you listen to his music.”
