Page 30 of The Rules of Dating a Younger Man

“Say what?”

“Shoes that look clear, like Cinderella’s.”

“Ah…” He scratched his chin. “That’s going to be a tougher challenge.”

After we found the shoe department, I perused the selection as fast as I could.

There were no shoes at all that looked clear.

“I think I’m out of luck,” I announced as I found Brayden in the clearance section. He had a box tucked under his arm.

He opened it. “What about these?”

Inside were a pair of marabou heels with pink fur covering the toe bed. They were made of clear plastic, though. And my size! Bingo. “I think these are the best I’m gonna get. Thanks for finding them.”

He laughed. “I can’t tell if they’re sexy or something you’d find at the Bunny Ranch in Vegas.”

“I’m thinking the latter.”

***

Brayden had texted to say he was ready whenever I was, and I’d opted to meet him down in the lobby.

My marabou heels clicked against the marble floor as I approached.

Brayden looked fantastic in a fitted, collared shirt and black pants. His hands were in his pockets as he leaned against a pillar near the entryway. When he noticed me, he rushed over.

“Damn. You always look hot, but tonight?” He shook his head slowly. “Incredible. Talk about pretty in pink.”

“That movie was before your time,” I teased.

“I’ve seen it, wiseass.”

I held out my phone. “Would you mind taking a photo of me? Before I start to look worn as the night goes on.”

“Anything in particular you’re planning to do to let your hair down and get all…worn?”

“Let me guess, you have some ideas?” I laughed.

“I didn’t say that. You did.” He held up the phone. “Say cheese.”

I flashed a huge smile as he took a few photos and handed the phone back to me.

“Ready?” He held out his hand.

“Where are we going?” I asked, putting my hand in his.

“I booked us a dinner reservation at a local winery. We’ll taste a selection of their offerings.”

“Sounds great. You just did that today?”

“No, I called them a few days ago, since I’ve heard they get booked up, even on weeknights.”

“So you were sure I was going to come out early?”

“I was pretty confident.”

“That you are, Mr. Foster.”

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