Page 31 of The Rules of Dating a Younger Man

Brayden ordered a car that brought us to the Seneca Falls Winery.

When we arrived, a waitress led us to a beautifully decorated, candlelit table.

“Have you been wine tasting before?” he asked.

“Would you believe I haven’t?”

“Nice.” He pulled out a chair for me. “You’ll love it.”

“Thank you. I’m a little concerned about my inhibitions around you, though.” I laughed.

“You don’t trust yourself?”

Basically.

The waitress brought out sample after sample. I normally didn’t mix red and white wines, but when in Rome…

Brayden and I also ordered two ribeye steaks. Indeed, my inhibitions were dwindling by the minute.

“You know what sucks?” he said.

I knocked back the last of my cabernet. “What?”

“Getting you tipsy was the dumbest freaking idea ever, because now I know I won’t be able to touch you.”

Well, that’s a bit disappointing. “Why not?”

“Because I’d never know if you were only playing along because you’re drunk.”

I rubbed my leg along his under the table. “Well, since you won’t be trying anything, I suppose it’s safe for me to admit that you look good enough to eat tonight, Brayden, and it’s a damn shame you won’t be trying anything because I very much would’ve played along.”

His eyes rolled back as he muttered, “Do you have any idea how much I want to fuck you?”

“I think I have a tiny inkling.”

“I hope you give me the chance. Because I promise, you won’t regret it.”

“If you didn’t have morals, I’d give you a chance tonight.”

He waved his pointer finger at me. “That’s the alcohol speaking, but believe me, I’ll take what I can get, even if it’s naughty talk.”

I giggled, feeling happier and more carefree than I had in a long while. I also respected him so much for not taking advantage of my obvious desire for him.

On the car ride home, I might’ve had a full belly, but I was otherwise starving. I licked my lips. “Not even a kiss, huh?”

“Nope. Because that’s how it starts. And believe me, once I start…you’re not gonna want me to stop.”

Yes, I was tipsy, but I was still aware. I very much knew what I was doing, what I wanted. And I wanted Brayden Foster. Badly.

After we got back to the hotel, I assumed Brayden would get into the elevator with me, but instead he held the door open to say goodnight while I got in.

“Aren’t you coming up?”

“Nope.”

“Why not?”

“Because there’s a tiny piece of me that doesn’t trust myself. Also, my room is on the other side of the hotel. So I’m gonna take the other set of elevators down the hall.”

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