Page 53 of Manny's Surprise Baby
His face flushed pink. “No, that’s not the problem.”
“But there is a problem?” It suddenly occurred to me he might be upset because we hadn’t used protection. “I should have put on a condom. I know. I was so caught up in the moment.” I sighed. “That was really stupid of me.”
“Yeah. That was dumb of both of us.” He paled.
“If it makes you feel any better, I get tested regularly. I haven’t slept with anyone since my last test either. So, I’m pretty sure I’m safe.”
He frowned. “Wait. I thought you slept with that porn woman.”
My face flushed. “I lied. To throw you off the scent of my talking with Colin.”
“Oh.” He wrinkled his forehead. “That’s good I guess.”
“Is it? Is that because you want me all to yourself?” I smirked.
His expression shuttered. “You can fuck whoever you want. I couldn’t care less.”
I sighed. “You’re not gonna give me an inch, are you? Is it that hard to admit you like me?”
“I wish it was as simple as just liking you.”
“See, I don’t know what that means.” I frowned.
“I’m afraid I’m not really thinking straight right now.” He looked away. “Maybe tomorrow we can talk more.” His voice was clipped. “Right now, I need sleep.”
“You seem mad, and I don’t want to go to bed with you pissed at me.”
His gaze softened and he hung his head. “Look. I’m sorry. Please let me get some rest, and we can talk in the morning. I’m not going to be able to be logical right now.”
“Why do we need to be logical?”
He clenched his jaw. “There are some things that need to be explained. But I can’t do it right now. So I’m asking you to trust me and wait until tomorrow to talk.”
Frustrated with his standoffish behavior, I shook my head. “Fine.” I left the room without another word. I wasn’t going to beg him to talk. Something was obviously eating at him, but, as usual, he didn’t want to talk to me about it.
I showered and got in bed, feeling anything but relaxed. Remembering how I’d felt during sex tonight, it was almost an out-of-body experience. The physical sensations had been amazing, but emotionally, I hadn’t felt like myself. I’d feltdrivento be with Pierce sexually. It hadn’t been a normal sexual attraction; this had felt more desperate and powerful. I didn’t think it was simply because it was my first time with a guy, either. Maybe he was right and it was the full moon that had influenced my sex drive. But what got to me was it hadn’t just all been sexual. I’d felt emotionally connected with him too. I still felt that. I had a distinct desire to protect him, to take care of him. He’d probably hate hearing that. He’d think I thought he was weak. But that wasn’t it at all.
Of course, I’d been feeling odd feelings toward Pierce since I’d met him. It wasn’t just the full moon. It hadn’t been a full moon when I’d had those thoughts about Pierce at the porno shoot. I rolled onto my stomach and punched my pillow, trying to get comfortable. I’d never met a more closed-off person than Pierce. I knew he had issues because of Baxter, but I didn’t get why he ran so hot and cold with me. He’d wanted me every bit as much as I’d wanted him tonight. I hadn’t imagined that. But the way he was acting afterward, it was like he loathed me now.
I heard a door close as Pierce went into the guest bathroom near my room. After how sick he’d seemed earlier, it was hard not to still feel protective of him. I strained my ears, trying to hear any sounds of distress. When I heard what sounded like retching noises, alarm rattled through me, and I sat up.
I threw back the covers and moved to the door. Opening it, I poked my head into the hallway. It was quiet now, but what if he’d fainted in the bathroom or something? After how sick he’d been before, I felt uneasy not at least trying to make sure he was okay. Whether he believed me or not, I had actual feelings developing toward him.
I padded down the hall to the bathroom door and knocked softly. “Pierce. Are you okay?” There was no sound from inside, and that just made me feel twice as concerned. I knocked again. “Are you okay in there?” When he didn’t answer, I tried the door and found it unlocked. When I opened it, I spied Pierce sitting on the floor in front of the toilet.
“Shit. Are you sick again?” I rushed in and knelt beside him.
“Go away,” he moaned.
“No way.”
Scowling, he glared at me. His face was as white as snow and his eyes glittery. “Why do you think you have to always butt into my business?”
“Because I care. Now get over it.” I rubbed his back. “What can I do to help you?”
“Go away?”
“Nice try.”
