Page 22 of Time for Change

“I’m thirty.”With kids.

She shrugs while she chews, and the moment she swallows, she adds, “So? Age is just a number, but if it’s an issue for you, that’s okay. I just felt…I don’t know, a connection? I think you’re hot and enjoyed talking to you, so I thought I’d slip you my number. I’ve never done that before. Maybe I did it wrong, but—”

“You didn’t,” I quickly assure her. “You didn’t do it wrong.”

She flashes me a breathtaking smile before taking another bite. “Well, that’s good,” she replies when her mouth is empty. “I was afraid my flirting game wasn’t good.”

Grinning from ear to ear, I assure her, “Your game is fine. Mine, on the other hand, is lacking. It’s been…awhile.”

“Hmm,” she hums while finishing off her fries. “I don’t know. I think your game is fine. Maybe just a touch rusty,” she quips, making me grin.

“That I am,” I find myself replying.

God, I’m such an idiot.

She’s letting me off the hook. She’s telling me if I’m not okay with the age difference, it’s fine. I can get up, walk away, and move forward. Yet, I find myself sitting here, enjoying just a few minutes of casual conversation with a woman I have no business being this attracted to.

But I am.

And I can’t stop thinking about her, which is probably why I end up asking, “Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?”

My brain is spinning, realizing I don’t actually have my kids tonight. Mya took the night off from work for her mom’s birthday, so the kids are staying an extra night with her and joining in the dinner celebration. Since I’m not picking them up until tomorrow morning, that leaves my Friday night wide open.

Again, with that damn smile that makes my heart beat a little faster. “Yes.”

“Great,” I reply, standing up and pushing in my chair. “I’ll call you.”

“I get off work at four, so I’m available any time after that.”

Nodding, I finish gathering up my supplies and head for the door. “Sounds good. I’ll talk to you shortly.”

Stevie stands up and grabs her empty plate. “Can’t wait.”

As I leave the break room and head for the back exit, I have a smile on my face. A real one. It carries me through the drive to the shop and the rest of the afternoon. I’m going on a date tonight and am super excited about it. I refuse to let the worry about our age difference cause me any more anxiety. What will be, will be, and like Stevie said, it’s just a number.

I’m not letting it stress me out anymore.

Chapter Seven

Stevie

I’m a little nervous as I add the finishing touches to my outfit. Without knowing where we’re going, it was a bit difficult to put together, but I ended up going with something I’m comfortable in.

I give myself a quick once-over in the mirror and nod. Wearing my favorite jeans, I paired them with a warm, deep blue sweater and my favorite ankle boots. My hair is down in natural waves, and I did my makeup using the techniques I learned from a friend in high school. My brown eyes seem to pop, the shading dark and sultry.

Jack should be here any minute. When he texted me earlier to discuss the time he would pick me up, I had debated on whether to invite him here or just offer to meet him at whatever location he chooses, but at the end of the day, I live where I live. I’m not ashamed of my apartment. I’ve come a long way in a short amount of time, and everything I have I’ve earned myself.

A knock on the front door has me smiling. I spritz on a touch of perfume and flip off my bedroom light, moving quickly toward the front door. Taking a quick glance in the peephole, I can’t help but notice how gorgeous he is, even through the tiny, distorted lens. Releasing the lock on the knob and the deadbolt, I pull open the door and smile.

“Wow, you look amazing,” he says, grinning as he takes in my appearance.

A light blush creeps up my neck. “Thank you.”

“These are for you,” he says, handing over a simple bouquet of colorful flowers wrapped in plastic.

My throat tightens as I look down at the blooms. “Thank you,” I whisper, having a hard time pulling my eyes from the flowers. This is the first time I’ve ever received flowers for anything, especially a date.

“You’re welcome.”

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