“Twenty,” I volunteered.
“Which you didn’t tell me because…”
“You didn’t ask.”
He nodded and glanced away. “I’m twenty-nine, Harley.”
“Okay,” I said, my stomach starting to knot. “So?”
“So?” he asked, exasperated. “So, I’m ten years older than you.”
“I mean, I thought you knew that.” I hated the hitch that went into my voice at the words. “I…thought everyone knew I was here for college.”
“I knew you were young, but you were drinking.”
“College students drink.”
“Yes,” he said with another huff. “I guess I assumed.”
“So, what? What is this, Chase?”
“Look, I’m super into you, Harley. You know that. We have so much in common. Obviously, last night was fucking amazing.” He met my gaze firmly but resolutely, and I waited for the other shoe to drop with my heart in my throat. “But we can’t let it happen again.”
I was going to throw up.
This couldn’t be happening. Not after last night. Not after the highest high I had been on this morning. Not after our plans for today.
I shook my head and took a step back, going from sad to furious at the drop of a dime.
“Fine,” I spat. “I get it.”
“Harley—”
“No, I get it. You got your rocks off, and now, you’re over it.”
“That is not at all what happened,” he snarled. “And you know it.”
I laughed derisively. “Do I? You’re acting just like any other male I’ve met from the species.”
I turned and headed back to the door, but he rushed forward, blocking my way.
“Wait, wait, wait,” he said. “That is not why this is happening.”
“Then, what is it? You found out I was young, and now, it’s over? Because that is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“You’re not just young, Harley. You’re a literal teenager. I’m ten years older than you. I run my own law firm. We are in completely different places in our lives.”
“I don’t care about any of that.”
“You will,” he said. “You’ll care later, and you’ll blame me.”
I pushed him away. “Don’t fucking tell me how I’ll feel.”
He blew out another breath. “I’m not trying to tell you. And I hate saying that I have the experience of time, but I do. Older guys who go after teenage girls on purpose are not the kind of guys you should want to be with.”
“Sure,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. “Loud and clear.”
“If you were older…”