Page 26 of Manny's Surprise Baby

“That’s why you’re bailing on us early?”

He snapped his head toward me. “I’m not bailing.”

“Of course you are. You hired some stranger so you can run away.” I shook my head. “But maybe that’s just your MO.”

His face flushed. “Fuck you. You don’t even know me. I’m not running away.”

“Then stick out the week and prove you’re not.”

He curled his lip. “Don’t try some psychological bullshit with me.”

“You agreed to a week. Emily will be heartbroken if you leave early.”

His gaze flickered. “I have to think of myself too.”

I chuffed and pushed my plate away. “And you call me selfish.”

He scraped back his chair as he stood. “I thought you’d want me gone. The sooner the better.”

“Why? Because you and I argued a little? Please. I think I can handle a mouthy omega for a week.”

He pulled his dark brows together. “I don’t understand you.”

“Then we’re even.” I had no idea if anything I’d said had gotten through to him. But I was still consumed by a weird desperation to make him stay. I couldn’t imagine why I suddenly didn’t want him to leave.

But I knew it wasn’t only because of Emily.

Chapter Five

Pierce

Seth’s reaction was a complete shock to me. I stared at him feeling thrown off balance. I’d assumed, after last night, he’d want me out of his hair for good. But here he was fighting me about leaving. I couldn’t figure him out.

“Can’t you tell this guy that you’ve decided to finish out the week?” Seth asked, his eyes glittering as he studied me.

“I’m not sure.”

“Well, if he’s reasonable at all, he’ll understand why I need to interview him, and why Emily might be disappointed you’re going. She’s very bonded with you.”

I already knew Emily was going to be sad when I left. I hadn’t had the heart to tell her I was thinking of leaving even earlier. I exhaled roughly. “You and I don’t get along. Isn’t it best I just move on? Why prolong the stress?”

He shrugged. “I told you—Emily.”

I narrowed my gaze.

“I’m willing to put up with you for my daughter.” He hesitated. “Besides, last night you said that if I touched you again,thenyou wouldn’t finish out the week.”

“I know what I said.” I’d had everything set in place, and now he was making me rethink it all. “Brad already thinks he’s coming here the day after tomorrow.”

“Then I guess you should call him. You have to anyways to set up a meeting with me.”

“You know, I was a stranger when you hired me.”

“Colin knew you. It’s different.”

“Not that different,” I mumbled.

“If you get me too riled, I may not use this Brad guy at all.”