Page 56 of Manny's Surprise Baby

“Cocky as usual.”

“And you’re stubborn as usual.”

His muscles tensed. “Maybe you should go back to your room, where you won’t be bothered by me and my stubbornness.”

I grinned. “Nice try, Pierce. But I’m not going anywhere.”

“Famous last words. I’ll be sure to remind you of them as you’re walking out the door.”

I shook my head at his surly attitude and closed my eyes, a little smile on my lips.

Chapter Nine

Pierce

Before the sun came up, I slipped out of bed while Seth was still sound asleep and got dressed quickly. Then I left the house and went straight to Colin’s. Susan’s parents had offered to take Emily to school today, which I was thankful for. I needed to clear my head and think through a few things before spending time with her today. After what had happened between me and Seth last night, I needed to talk to another solar eclipse omega, or I felt like I was going to lose my mind.

When I rang the doorbell at Colin’s place, Riley answered. He looked surprised to see me, but not like it bothered him that I was there. “Hey, Pierce.” He smiled and stepped aside. “Come in.”

“Sorry to just barge in.”

“Not at all. Colin’s in the kitchen feeding Garrett. Follow me.” He closed the door, and I trailed behind him. The house was so huge I’d probably have gotten lost if I’d tried to find Colin by myself.

Colin’s eyes widened when he saw me. “Hey.” He looked uneasy. “Everything okay?”

“Not really.” I glanced toward Riley.

Riley sat back down in his spot at the table, where he had a full plate of food. “Talk freely. I won’t judge. But I’m starving, so unless you two want to leave and go have a private convo, I guess you’ll just have to put up with me in the room.”

My face flushed. I knew he was aware of how much I didn’t like to be around him. But it was his house, and he had every right to be here, obviously.

“Are you hungry?” Colin asked. “I can make you some eggs.”

I still felt slightly nauseous and didn’t want to chance eating anything yet. “No. I’m not hungry.”

Riley scooped eggs into his mouth, watching me. When I glanced at him uneasily, he shook his head and kept eating. After he swallowed, he said, “I’m not going anywhere, Pierce. You’d better get used to me being around.”

I held his stubborn gaze. “It’s just that I don’t know you like I know Colin.”

“And you never will if you keep treating me like a leper.” He sipped his coffee. “What is it you think I’m going to do with your personal info? Sell it to theEnquirer?”

“No.”

“Write a song about it?”

“Very funny.”

“Colin’s your friend and I’d like to be too. I’m not going to leave the room every time you come to visit. It’s getting a little ridiculous.”

I was so emotionally exhausted from last night, I pulled out a chair and slumped into it. “Fine. Stay. I don’t care.”

Riley glanced toward Colin. “Shit. I think I outlasted the little bastard.”

I frowned. “Is this you not being judgmental?”

He laughed. “I can do better.”

Garrett banged his sippy cup on his tray as if he wanted attention. I glanced at him and smiled. “Hey, kid.”