Page 32 of Manny's Surprise Baby

I scowled. “I do too. I’ve downloaded a shit-ton of his songs. I’ll have you know Emily loves his stuff.”

“That’s nice to hear.” He smiled. “To what do I owe the honor of your visit? Twice in one week—this has to be a record.”

Shrugging, I pushed my hands into my pockets. “You’re one of the few omegas I know well enough to pick your brain.”

He led me into the large family room, and we settled on the couches. “About what?”

“Fatherhood.” I avoided his gaze.

He laughed. “It’s not like I’m an expert. Garrett is only a year old.”

“True. But you have more experience than me.”

“I suppose.” He straightened. “Oh, do you want a drink or anything?”

“Nah. I’m good.” I wasn’t sure how to bring up the subject of Pierce.

“How are you and Emily getting along?”

“Better. The first two days it was like I was an ogre to her. But slowly she’s been opening up to me. We haven’t gotten to the hugging stage yet, but I think we’ll get there.” I laughed. “Eventually.”

“No rush.”

“Yeah.” I sighed.

He cleared his throat. “So, how are you and Pierce getting along?”

I gave a short laugh, trying to summon the courage to ask him some questions about my enigmatic manny. “I’ll be honest with you; that’s really why I’m here.”

He smirked. “I figured.”

“I was going to try and pretend it was all about Emily, but you’re too smart.”

“Geez, you’re laying it on pretty thick. This must be serious.”

“Ha. Ha.”

“Do you want to strangle him yet?”

I sighed, grimacing. “I have my moments. He’s really closed off.”

“Yep.”

I wasn’t sure why it was so hard just to ask him some questions about Pierce. It wasn’t like I wanted Pierce’s ATM code. I met his curious gaze, and I gave another short laugh.

Colin cocked his head. “You’re kind of freaking me out here. Your face is all red, and you look like you’re about to have a stroke.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. What’s going on with Pierce that has you so stressed?”

I exhaled, trying to relax. “I don’t know. We have a weird relationship. We seemed to dislike each other when we first met… but now there’s more of an actual connection. I wouldn’t exactly call it friendship.”

“No?”

“I feel like I need to know more about his past. You alluded to something the first day I met him; something about him being leery of alphas. I’m hoping I can get some details from you for why he’s like that. Maybe just anything that will help me connect with him.”

“I’m not sure he’d appreciate me telling you his business.”