Page 104 of The Rules of Dating a Younger Man

A few minutes later, though, my phone rang. Owen.

“Hey, man,” I answered.

“Everything okay?” he asked. “I just thought I’d check in. Wanted to see if you ended up going on that date.”

“It didn’t go well.” I exhaled, my voice shaky. “I know it’s late, but…what are the chances I could steal you away? I’m all fucked up. I could really use a drink and a friend.”

He hesitated. “Brayden, I’ve known you most of my life, and this is the first time you’ve ever asked me for a damn thing. Name the place, and I’m there.”

I asked Owen to meet me at a bar midway between his brownstone and the building. Once he’d agreed, I caught a cab. He’d texted me that he was there while I was still on the way, so when I walked in, I expected to see him sitting in the corner alone.

But instead, there were three: Owen, Colby, and Holden.

CHAPTER 24

Alex

“So, what’s new?”

I stirred the pot of sauce on the stove. “I think I overcooked the pasta. Though I suppose that’s not new, is it?” I pointed to the cabinet next to my stepdaughter. “Can you grab the strainer for me, please?”

Caitlin took the metal strainer out and placed it in the sink. Grabbing the potholders, I walked over and dumped the pot of angel hair. I’d made her favorite meal—meatballs and braciole. She usually came early and helped me cook, but tonight she’d worked later than usual. Together we brought everything to the table, and before I sat, I refilled our wine glasses.

“What did you do last weekend?” I asked, filling her plate with pasta.

“Friday night I went out for drinks after work and…I met someone.”

“Really? Tell me more.”

She smiled from ear to ear. “Well, his name is Justin. He’s a few years older than me. He’s never been married and doesn’t have any kids, but he wants them. And he’s handsome and sweet. Oh, and he’s an orthodontist.”

“Oh my. That all sounds fantastic. Especially the sweet part.”

Her eyes sparkled. “We went out Saturday night and Sunday night, too.”

I couldn’t remember the last time Caitlin had sounded so excited about meeting a man. It made my heart full. “I can’t wait to meet him.”

“I told him all about you, and he can’t wait to meet you, either.” She rested her fork on her plate. “This might sound weird, but something about him reminds me of Dad. He’s just sort of doting and goofy.”

My eyes welled up. “Your father was definitely both of those things. I’m so happy for you, Caitlin. He sounds amazing.”

She cut into a meatball. “What did you do last weekend?”

“I actually wound up going to Seneca Falls. The missing permits that had stopped work on the Ryan’s House project came through, so things started back up again.”

“Oh, wow. Did you see Brayden?”

“Yes, he was there.” I tried to keep my face impassive, but I guess I failed.

Caitlin sighed and set down her fork. “I don’t understand why you’re torturing yourself. I told you I’m okay with it. And I am. What happened between Brayden and me was a long time ago. We were just kids, really.”

“I know, but…” My eyes welled with tears. “It doesn’t matter anyway. He’s moved on. Brayden’s dating someone.”

She frowned. “Oh no.”

“It’s fine. Really, it is.”

“Is it serious?”

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