Page 8 of Manny's Surprise Baby

It was awkward with both of them staring at me, and I wasn’t sure how to say no without looking like a heartless prick. Stuffing down my frustration, I sighed. “Just a week?”

“Yes.” Seth nodded. “I’ll have someone new by the end of the week, or I owe you an expensive dinner at your favorite restaurant.”

“I don’t need dinner.”

“We can probably put up with each other for a week, right?” Seth laughed gruffly. “I’m desperate, man.”

“Fine. I’ll do it for a week.”

Seth gave the first real smile I’d seen since he’d arrived. My pulse stuttered at how attractive he was, but I squashed whatever those confusing feelings were. He was straight and he was an alpha. Both of those things meant he needed to be kept at arm’s length.

Chapter Two

Seth

As much as he’d annoyed me, I had trouble getting Colin’s quirky omega friend Pierce out of my head. Yesterday it had been obvious he hadn’t wanted to come watch over Emily for me. But I was relieved when he’d agreed. I had a lot on my plate greeting my daughter today, and knowing there would be someone to help me watch over her comforted me.

Emily was arriving at seven this evening, and Pierce had said he’d come at seven thirty to give us time to talk without anyone else around. Little did he know, I’d have loved for him to be here promptly at seven if only so I wasn’t alone with Emily. The kid made me nervous because she was very quiet and just stared at me a lot.

When the doorbell rang, I straightened my shoulders and tried to remind myself I was an alpha and I needed to act like it. I opened the door and found Mrs. Smith, the social worker on the case, and Emily standing on the front stoop.

“Mr. Rider, it’s wonderful to see you again.” Mrs. Smith smiled, putting her arm around Emily.

Emily’s eyes were down, and she looked pale in the porch light.

“Say hello to your father, Emily,” Mrs. Smith nudged.

Keeping her gaze down, Emily said, “Hello.”

“Hello, Emily. Come in.” I pushed open the screen, and they moved past me into the foyer.

Emily held a small suitcase, and when I moved to take it from her, she pulled away, looking startled.

I froze. “I was just going to put it in your room.”

She shook her head. “It’s fine. I want to keep it with me.”

“Now, Emily, you can’t just carry your suitcase around everywhere you go.” Mrs. Smith laughed. “Are you sure you won’t let your dad put it in your room?”

“Maybe later.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

She looked so confused and scared it made my heart ache. I didn’t have the foggiest idea how to connect with her or make her feel better. “Do you want to see your room?” I asked her.

“Whatever you think is best.”

This was going to be a tough road if she was this uptight around me long-term. I reassured myself that the first few days would be the worst. After all, I was a complete stranger to her.

“I called the school to verify she’s enrolled, and they expect her the day after tomorrow.” Mrs. Smith glanced around my home. “We thought it best if she had a day to acclimate before going to school.”

“Sure. I understand that.”

“Excellent.” Mrs. Smith patted Emily’s back. “Now, sweetie, I’m going to go now. If you want to talk to me, you have my card in your suitcase. Remember?”

“I remember.” Her voice trembled.

“I’m just a phone call away, honey.” Mrs. Smith spoke quietly.

Emily nodded but didn’t speak.