Page 38 of The Rules of Dating a Younger Man

After we came back from the restaurant, we stepped into an empty elevator and headed upstairs to our respective rooms.

“I don’t want this evening to end,” he said. Brayden stared hungrily at my mouth but stopped short of doing anything.

I desperately wanted him to kiss me. Suddenly his lips were only inches from mine. But he still didn’t budge. Is he waiting for permission? I couldn’t wait another second to taste this man, and in a flash, I decided to go for it. Leaning in, I pressed my lips to his, appreciating the low groan of satisfaction that emanated from his throat.

“Fuck, yeah,” he muttered over my lips. Brayden pulled my body close, his rock-hard erection growing against my abdomen. Opening wider, I let his tongue in, appreciating the hint of beer. Our kiss grew deeper as I raked my fingernails through his hair.

Oh, God. This is—

Then the doors slid open.

We pulled back, but not before a few of the volunteers from Ryan’s House who’d been waiting for the elevator caught us.

I looked down as Brayden and I walked past them, without acknowledging anything. Once we were a few feet down the hall, I got a glimpse of the massive bulge in his pants.

He caught me looking. “What do you expect? I’m like a fucking animal in heat for you, Alex.”

Panting, I knew with absolute certainty that if one of us stepped into the other’s room tonight, we’d be having sex. And as much as my body wanted it, I wasn’t ready to cross that line. Because then what? “Goodnight,” I announced before walking away without looking back.

I wasn’t surprised when a text from Brayden came in shortly after I’d escaped into my room.

Brayden: How am I supposed to make it through two more days with you?

Alex: That’s exactly why I left. The less time alone the better. Look what happens when we’re alone.

Brayden: I liked how you took what you wanted.

Alex: It can’t be more than that kiss.

Brayden: You’re killing me. But I know this isn’t about you playing hard to get. You’re not ready. I need you to be a hundred percent comfortable. Because I want you to give every bit of yourself to me with nothing holding you back. I can be patient.

Alex: There’s pretty much just a tiny string holding me back at this point.

Brayden: Remind me to bring my scissors tomorrow. ;-)

***

The following morning, I slept in before heading to the worksite. I needed the sleep after being wired with uneasy excitement the past couple of days. When I finally showed up around eleven, Brayden was nowhere to be found.

After last night’s blue balls repeat, had he decided he couldn’t stand to be around me? My mind ran wild as to why he was a no-show. He had questioned how he was going to get through two full days with me. Maybe he’d finally agreed that the less time we spent together the better?

One of the women I knew had seen Brayden and me kissing in the elevator last night came over as I was about to get started peeling some wallpaper.

“Hi,” I said. She looked as though she wanted to say something.

“I don’t believe we’ve formally met, even though you and I have been working alongside each other.” She held out her hand, which had some paint splatter on it. “I’m Cora.”

“Alex. So nice to meet you.”

Cora was tall with short brown hair. She was wearing denim overalls.

“Can I be nosy?” she asked.

“Sure.”

“You and that hottie Brayden… A few of us saw you kissing in the elevator last night, as you probably know.”

“I do.” I cleared my throat. “Sorry for the spectacle.”

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