Page 36 of Manny's Surprise Baby

“I get the feeling your numerous ex-lovers might not agree.”

I snorted a grudging laugh. “You love giving me a hard time tonight.”

“I am rather enjoying it.”

I glanced at my watch. “Crap. I’d better get home.”

He raised his brows. “Pierce has you on a tight leash.”

Standing, I sighed. “Very funny. I want to see Emily before she goes to bed.”

“Uh-huh. Sure you don’t just want to spend some quality time with your sexy manny?”

I scowled. “Knock it off, Colin.”

He held up his hands. “Just remember, if you decide you swing both ways, there’s no judgment here at my house.”

I scowled, heading toward the door. “Remind me again why we’re friends?”

“Because you love me.”

“Oh, yeah.” I smiled.

He opened the door for me, and I hopped down the steps, heading to my car. “Hey, do you know this Brad guy Pierce has lined up to take his place?”

He frowned. “Brad? Can’t say it rings a bell.”

“Okay.” I slid behind the wheel and headed down the long driveway.

When I got home, Pierce was on the couch in the front room with his feet curled under him. Emily was on the floor watching the TV. They both tensed when I walked in, which bugged me. I tried so hard to be pleasant, and yet they always looked like I was the warden who was about to send them to the electric chair.

“Hello,” I forced out cheerfully.

“Hi,” Emily said, giving me a little smile.

Pierce didn’t say anything, but he nodded.

I headed down the hall so I could change. My conversation with Colin kept rolling around in my mind. I was thankful Colin had shared what he knew. I hoped it would make me better able to connect with Pierce. Or at least not take it personally when I couldn’t.

Once I was changed, I went into the kitchen. I was surprised when Pierce joined me. “I kept your dinner warm.” His voice was emotionless as he opened the oven door.

“Oh, thanks. I planned on more cereal tonight.”

He sighed. “I was afraid of that.” He put on oven mitts and carefully took a plate from the racks. Then he carried it to the kitchen table. “Grab a fork.”

I did as instructed and sat at the table. As he set the plate down in front of me, it was hard not to notice he wore shorts. I struggled not to stare at his sinewy legs, and I felt confused about why I would even want to. Maybe I’d have glanced at any guy’s legs, but because I was now paranoid about possible feelings for Pierce, I was making too much of it? It was like that thing about saying the word zebra, but telling someone not to think of a zebra. I was placing too much importance on my feelings about Pierce. I just needed to relax and treat him like any other omega. Male omega. Because I usually fucked the female omegas I met.

Get a grip.

I grunted against the ridiculous swirl of thoughts going through my brain.

“It’s lasagna,” Pierce said, still hovering.

I really wanted him to move away so I could stop obsessing about not looking at his legs. “It smells great.”

“I’m sure it is great because I made it.”

I laughed and scooped a forkful into my mouth. It was delicious and I nodded with approval. Once I’d swallowed, I said, “I never get home-cooked meals. Twice in one week is pretty amazing.”