Page 49 of Secret Love

“Mom! No, we didn’t have sex,” I say, laughing. “But, I don’t know. I don’t think it can go anywhere. I just got back from his house after having dinner with him and his three daughters, and I can’t?—”

“Why? Because he’s older? I’ve studied him in every picture I could find since you told me you met him, and he is so hot.”

“My mom is not supposed to say things like this.” I laugh and she does too. “It’s not as much about the age difference as it is that he’s the father of my student.”

“Forbidden romance with your student’s dad, I love it,” she says with a dreamy voice.

“You've been reading too many romance novels,” I tell her.

“Guilty,” she sings. “And proud of it. Romance novels get a bad rap and it’s really unfair. They're the best way to learn how to live an awesome life.” She laughs.

“Look, you’ll get no argument from me there, but I still don't know what to do. We danced the other night. The man can move, Mom. I mean, really move.”

“Well, for you to say that, dancing queen, he must really be something. And it doesn’t surprise me one bit. Maybe that's the benefit of dating an older man.”

“We're not dating,” I argue. “But we did kiss.”

She squeals and I pull the phone away from my ear.

“You’re just now telling me this? How was it?”

“It was perfect. Everything about him is perfect. Beyond our misunderstanding in the beginning, he’s been a dream. His friends are great too.”

“So what's the problem?” she asks. “I don’t think him being your student’s dad is enough of a reason.”

“It is though. I'm helping his daughter with some extra tutoring. It’s going to take time, and if things are complicated between me and him, it’ll make that whole situation so awkward. Plus, I think his kids want him to be with their mom, his ex-wife. And that just sounds like a heartache waiting to happen. Not to mention, I'm just getting settled here. Running into someone after a fling has gone south in this small town—that's the last thing I need to worry about.”

We talk for at least half an hour with her trying to convince me to go out with Henley. When I get off, I take a long bath and crawl into bed early. My phone dings and I check it, surprised to see a text from Henley.

Henley

I really enjoyed having you here today.

Thank you for dinner. Your girls are wonderful.

Henley

Thank you. They think you're pretty great too. And so do I. I want to continue the conversation about getting to know each other better.

I don't know if that's a good idea. There are just so many red flags.

Henley

Name one thing you don't like about me.

I laugh and it sounds loud in my bedroom.

There's nothing I’ve seen yet that I don't like.

My cheeks burn with my admission.

Henley

Then I see nothing wrong with this.

You don’t have any reservations?

Henley

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