3. Manny

3

MANNY

I stare at the text with a frown. What the heck?

I reply back to Audrina.

Manny

Huh?

Audrina doesn’t read the text, but a few moments later, a text comes through from Lace.

Chantilly Lace

Hey Mans. Look, Audrina was being a giant dick. Don’t listen to anything she says

I smile to myself, tapping out a message.

Manny

So you don’t have a huge crush on me? I’m disappointed

Chantilly Lace

Of course I do. Oops, cats out of the bag now

Meow.

Manny

Are we still meeting for coffee?

I’m supposed to be helping her look for an apartment.

Chantilly Lace

Hell yeah, I need your opinion

Manny

As long as you can keep your hands to yourself

Chantilly Lace

I can’t make any promises

I smile to myself.

“You have a spare room, right, Manny?” Deanna gives me a look across the kitchen as I glance up. “Why can’t Lace stay with you until she finds a place?”

It’s like the girls don’t know that I’ve taken an interest in Lace over the last little while, but of course, I’m too chickenshit to do anything about it. I also can’t confess to the boss’s wife that I really don’t like the idea of her trolling men through my apartment, when I’m the one that wants to be with her. That would be torture.

When she first got to town a few months ago, I knew she was a little bit of a wild child, even though Riot thinks that she’s an angel sent from Heaven. It’s kinda hot that the accountant likes to get a little freaky. I just wish it was a little freaky with me.

“I’m not sure it would work out; we work opposite shifts. She’s busy during the daytime, and I mainly work afternoons and nights.”

She piques an eyebrow. “Is that the only reason?”

I gave her a withering look. “What is that supposed to mean?”

She shrugs. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe the oldest reason in the book?”

“You’re talking in riddles, Arizona.”

She wags her finger at me. “We’ve been friends for a long time now, and I’ve never seen you look at the other girls in the club the way you look at her.”

I sigh. There’s no point in denying it. “Just don’t repeat any of that to her older brother please, I really like my nuts hanging where they are.”

Deanna snorts a laugh. “I get protective. Most of the guys in the club are a little overzealous when it comes to little sisters, girlfriends, and ol’ ladies, but Lace is a grown woman. She’s quite capable of making her own choices without her big brother chiming in.”

“That’s quite a speech, little lady. Do you speak that way to your old man?”

“Yes, I do. It’s one of the reasons he loves me.”

“You sure about that?”

“Fine, I have an amazing tongue as well.”

I pretend to cover my ears and sing. Deanna has become like a sister to me, and we bonded quickly when she joined the club. I love her, but it doesn’t mean I want to hear about her sex life.

I give her a chin lift. “With all the women around here getting pregnant, I thought you’d be the next one to fall victim.” D and Cash already have an adorable little girl, Caprice, and she’s the apple of her Daddy’s eye.

“We’d love to have another, and you’re right, there is something in the water lately. Cash couldn’t get enough of me pregnant,” she says dreamily. Rolling my eyes I wonder why I even brought the subject up.

I love kids, but I’ve never really thought about any of my own. Maybe someday, but I’ve got a lot of things I need to do before then. Sorting my shit out is at the top of that list.

“Again, that’s TMI, but you sure do make cute babies. Plus, your mom and dad would be over the moon to have another grandkid to fuss over.”

Deanna’s father is the prez of the Bracken Ridge Rebels MC in Arizona. They have a place here now and spend most of the winter in New Orleans. They absolutely adore Caprice.

“That’s true, and I know Cash would love to have a dozen more kids running around, but I’d be fine with one more.”

“The man’s greedy,” I chuckle. “But since you are 20 years younger than him, I can certainly see why.”

She points at me. “See! You need to use some of that charm on Lace. I mean, what are you scared of? Aside from her ogre of a brother.”

“I’m not scared. I just think it’s a bad idea. If things don’t work out?—”

“Woah, so you want things to work out?”

I sigh. “You keep this to yourself. Got me?”

Her eyes go round as her head bobs. “Of course, spill!”

I looked down at the bench, unable to meet her gaze. “I don’t know, but just lately I’ve been thinking about things. The one-night thing? It used to be fun, but now it’s kinda just lost its magic. I get sick and tired of meeting for sex, not that I’ve had any of that lately because your old man keeps me here 24/7, I’m just saying if I did, would that be so bad?”

“Do you want to try and settle down with someone?”

“You make it sound so easy. The dating game is rough these days. It’s not like it used to be.”

“You’re still young, Manny. You’re not even thirty yet. There’s still plenty of time.”

“That’s what they all say.” I give her a smile and she looks at me sympathetically. She’s always been able to see my heart. I’ve no reason to be unhappy. I’m in a good place. I have everything I ever wanted and so much more. But why do I feel like this in my heart? Is it because I have no one to come home to at night?

“Your time will come, you’ll see.” She lays a hand on mine and gives it a squeeze.

I bop her chin with my knuckle gently. “Don’t go feeling sorry for me, Arizona. I’m fine. I get plenty of offers.” Okay, I just added that last part, so I don’t look like a total schmuck. Even in front of her, I don’t wanna appear desperate.

Her phone chimes as she reads the text and then tells me she’s gotta go.

I scratch my chin and glance up at the clock on the microwave. I’m supposed to be meeting Lace for coffee and help her look for available apartments. Just feel like a ass for not offering my place sooner. I know that if I did that, we’d have to make a rule about not bringing people home. It would absolutely kill me to hear her with another guy.

But then, if I do offer Lace a place to live, it’s not like we can start dating. That would be weird and creepy.

When I get to the coffee shop and I see the sadness on her face and the distress in her eyes, I cave. I don’t like seeing her sad or upset. In fact, it raises a protective urge in me. It startles me a little. I mean, I’ve always been a protective guy, but this feels deeper. More connected somehow. I can’t explain it.

I smile as she makes me a coffee and I sit at the stool behind the counter so we can talk. “Well, you know, I was thinking about getting a roommate.” I clear my throat. “If you want, you can room with me until you find something better.”

She blinks a couple of times, taking in my words. “Really?”

I shift in my seat. Unease settles over me as I feel like a schoolboy all over again. The awkward kid who can’t talk to girls. I push that feeling down. “Of course. I’m sorry I didn’t offer before, but you had your heart set on that other place and it seemed pretty likely you’d get it. I didn’t wanna mess with things.”

“You’re just doing this to be nice.”

I level her with my gaze. “So what if I am? That’s what friends do.”

Her lips part slightly. “Right.”

“We just have to talk about the house rules. If you’re serious about moving in.”

“Of course I’m serious. Poor Hope has been an awesome friend, but I can’t live on her couch forever. I know there’s room at Riot and Halo’s place, but they’re still in the honeymoon phase and I think I’d just get in the way, especially now they’re pregnant.” She pauses, then adds. “You don’t have to do this just because you feel sorry for me.”

“That’s not it.”

“You’re just being a friend ?” She accentuates that last part.

“Yeah, and I can see how hard you’re trying. My apartment is pretty big, and it seems wasteful to have an empty room just sitting there when you could have it.”

She quirks a brow. “House rules?”

I clear my throat. “Like I said, the apartment is spacious, but we both work opposite shifts, so we’d have to be mindful of each other coming and going.”

And who we bring home.

I want to ask her if she’s still seeing that other guy, but she doesn’t talk about him much. Maybe they’re over. I don’t like the idea of her being with another man. It’s completely selfish and ridiculous, but I’m not thinking rationally right now. Trying to piece together why I feel this strongly about her has me keeping my hands to myself.

“Uh, huh.” She waggles her eyebrows. “Like we put a sock on the door if we have someone over?”

I don’t mean for my eyebrows to knit together, but they do anyway. “Not exactly. In fact, I don’t bring people to my place. Like, ever.” I let the words settle between us.

“Okay,” she says the words, but sounds unsure.

“It’s just.” I take a slow breath. Keep it together. No need to go getting all emotional. “I didn’t have a great childhood. My home is my safe place.”

Her eyes go round at my words, one hand lifts to her heart. Her voice is soft when she says. “I get it.” She reaches over and puts one hand over mine, giving it a squeeze.

I nod. “Okay. So we’re cool with that?”

“Very cool. I’ll respect your home, Manny. I’d never do anything to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“You might want to check it out first. It’s in a nice area; a gated complex in East Riverside. It’s pretty new, but there is only one bathroom.”

“Sounds fantastic, and I’m neat and tidy. I don’t know all the suburbs yet, but I’d love to check it out.”

“Okay, if you’re sure?”

She removes her hands, and I want to ask her about this other guy. Who the fuck is he? “I’m sure. I really appreciate it, Manny. More than you’ll ever know. I… I also had a shitty childhood. It’s not something I wanna talk about, but I get it. I love that your home is your sanctuary.”

I nod. “I appreciate that.” I take a leap of faith when I add, “So your mystery man will have to find some other place for your rendezvous.”

One side of her mouth tips slightly. It’s sweet, just like her. She leans forward. “We haven’t even slept together. He’s kinda… shy.”

I frown. “Shy?” I can’t imagine her around anyone shy. She’s kinda bossy and upfront. The kind of girl who speaks her mind so there’s no guessing games. I like that.

“Yeah,” she sighs. “Can I let you in on a little secret?”

I lean in. “Of course.”

“I pick really bad men.”

My eyes widen slightly. “Can I let you in on a little secret, too?”

She nods.

“I pick really bad men, too.”

She chuckles. “What a pair we make. I’m just not used to men taking their time, you know? Most of the guys I’ve been with are just, well, brutes.”

I swallow hard. “Brutes? Did they hurt you?”

She looks down at her lap briefly, then meets my gaze again. “Some of them. But this isn’t a pity party. I just meant, there’s a good kinda brute, and well, a bad kind.”

“Did they hit you?”

“Manny.”

“Did. They. Hit. You?”

She bites her lip. “I was in a bad place until recently. My ex was bad news. And it turned out my employer wasn’t much better. I had to leave a job I really loved.”

“What did you do before?”

“I worked as a tax accountant.”

I’m not that surprised. She’s a smart girl. “In Arizona, right?”

“Yep.”

“How come you’re not doing that here?”

She shrugs. “I wanted a change.” She shuts me down quickly. Okay, so she doesn’t wanna talk about that. My girl is just full of secrets. Not that I blame her. Nobody wants to hear about my shitty past, either.

“And these other guys?” I need to get back to the main topic, even though at any moment she could shut me down, quite rightly.

She shrugs. “I always pick the bad boys. It’s like a gift.” She laughs without humor.

“But this new guy sounds different, right?” I try to make it sound like I’m joking around. Being the nosy body I’m known as, instead of the man who’s dying for her lips on my body. Now that she’s touched me, it feels like a whole new ballgame.

She shakes her head. “Yeah, he’s not like that. I know he wouldn’t hurt me, and he’s a single dad who seems to have his priorities in order.”

“Just as long as you’re being safe.” It’s my turn to squeeze her hand back, like she did for me. “I know this town can swallow you whole if you let it.”

“I’m being safe. Like I said, it’s new, and he’s kinda old school. We’re just taking things slow..”

I try not to let my relief show. “I hope he knows how lucky he is.”

“If you’re trying to make me cry, you’re going the right way about it.”

Our eyes meet, and my gaze softens. “No tears. Well, happy ones are allowed.”

She rolls her lips, trying to gather herself, then says, “Are there any more house rules?”

“Yes. If you make a mess, clean it up. I can cook our meals, but I hate laundry. And we have to commit to watching a movie together one night a week.”

“I think I can manage that.”

“And no action movies, romcoms only.”

She giggles. It’s a nice sound. I like Lace happy. “As long as I get to pick.”

I waggle a finger at her. “Now who’s getting all demanding?”

So we head to my place for the afternoon. It’s weird, having someone else at my home. Nobody has ever been here before, not even anyone from the club. It’s mine.

“Manny, this is…” she trails off, her mouth agape. “So fantastic.”

Okay, maybe I didn’t exactly make it clear that my place is pretty spectacular. In a small complex of six, it’s all white, including the interior. The living space features ornate molding with light, wooden floors and it’s bright and airy. The kitchen has Carrara marble countertops and stainless appliances. A small laundry sits just off the kitchen with the powder room, across is a small spiral staircase leading upstairs to the two bedrooms and main bathroom with teak finishes tiled to the ceiling with marble countertops, just like in the kitchen. The landing I’ve converted into a reading nook. I also have a private courtyard with lounge seating and a grill. I love it here. It’s quiet, peaceful and my neighbors are great.

I love that she’s lost for words. It makes my dick hard.

She runs her hand over the marble countertop, her eyes on the bath I’ve never used. I’m more of a shower guy.

“So you like it?”

She turns. “It’s unbelievable. I can understand why you’d want this all to yourself.” As if sensing that it’s a big deal for me to let her stay here, her voice is sincere when she asks, “Are you sure you want me here?”

I smile. “Of course. I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want you here. Though I’m afraid you’ll now get to see just how boring my life really is.”

She shakes her head. “I know you’re a workaholic already, and you practically live in the clubhouse. That doesn’t sound all that boring.” She pauses. “Are you seeing anyone?”

I swallow hard. “Not right now. Sadly, I’m busy conjuring up recipes to keep my brothers happy. Dating has kinda taken a backseat.”

“I’m not a slut,” Lace blurts out.

I balk in surprise. “I never once thought you were.”

“I just wanted to make that clear.” She tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. “I like sex, but I’m not good at picking the guy, or at least I haven’t been in the past.”

Hearing her say she likes sex does nothing for the giant wood I’m now sporting. “You don’t have to explain anything to me, but maybe you’ve been shooting way below your worth with those guys, Chantilly. You ever thought about that?”

We’re only inches from each other. I feel the heat growing between us, and I wonder; does she feel it too?

“My brother says that all the time,” she sighs.

“I’m sorry if I sound like a broken record.”

She places a hand on my arm, and it practically scorches me through my shirt. “You don’t. You’re sweet.” She reaches up and kisses me on the cheek. I get a faint waft of her perfume. It’s soft. Something I can’t place, like violets and champagne, if that were a combination.

My dick is so painfully hard, and her lips touching me do nothing to quench my thirst for her. What I’d give for one more touch.

Her eyes meet mine as she pulls back. We’re so close. I want to close the gap, but she does it for me. She pecks me on the lips quickly. “Thank you.”

Holy fuck balls. The kiss is so quick, so brief, that if my eyes weren’t open, I wouldn’t believe it.

I’m stunned. My hand reaches to the back of her hair and a squeak leaves her throat. “You don’t have to keep thanking me, but if your lips touch me again, we could have a problem.”

“Holy shit,” she whispers. “Manny… I’m sorry…”

I smile, trying to make a joke out of it when inside my pulse is racing. “Stop apologizing. And hey, you kissed me first, so I think my comment was warranted.”

“I wanted to show my appreciation.”

It’s like a bucket of cold water thrown over my head. Of course, she just feels sorry for me. I’m an idiot for bringing her here, but I genuinely felt bad for her situation. There I go again, always being the nice guy. I didn’t do it to try to get into her panties. I’m not that kinda guy. But when I play hero, shit usually goes downhill fast. Still, I can’t back out now.

I step back. “You don’t have to do that.”

She grips my forearm. “I’m really so grateful. I’ll make sure the rent is paid on time every month.”

Oh, this is going to be torture.

I nod. “Okay. So we have a deal?”

Her face looks solemn for a split second, if I’d blinked, I would’ve missed it. I want to ask her what’s wrong. I want to find out what’s going on inside that pretty head of hers, but she’s made it clear that this is a bad idea and probing will only lead to us getting closer. It’s better this way.

If she wanted more, she’s the type of woman to reach out and take it. She holds out her hand and we shake. “We have a deal.”