Page 88 of Verses

Nope. Not even close. But I wasn’t about to reveal my hand. “I proved a point.”

“You did. And you’re not wrong. You can dress however you want whenever you want. It’s true that sex appeal is part of music, but there’s a dark side to everything. Iknowhow men can be, and I don’t want something to happen to you.”

“Nothing will happen. And if men want to be fucking pervs, let them.”

“That’s not what I’m saying, bird.”

“It’s not? I think I know exactly what you’re saying. It’s notmyfault if a guy can’t control himself because I’m showing a little bit of skin.”

At last, his eyes connected with mine. “You’re right, Hayley. You should be able to wear whatever you want. But can I ask you a favor?”

“It depends.”

I could tell by his eyes that he didn’t like my response. “Would you consider wearing more clothes…for me?”

“What do you meanfor you?” I wasn’t thinking straight because clearly my plan had backfired—and I couldn’t hold my tongue. “Are you a prude or something?”

Instead of getting angry, Wolf smiled. “No. But seeing you dressed like that makes me think about you in ways that I don’t want to.”

Ah…so my planhadworked.

“And what’s so wrong about that, Wolf? You don’t have a girlfriend…or do you?” If there had been something he’d been hiding, at least now it would all get out.

“No, bird. You know that.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

Wolf’s eyes drifted back to the beer bottle. “We’ve talked about this. There are all kinds of reasons, but the biggest is I’m way too old for you.”

“Who says? That’s the stupidest reason.”

“It’s not. You know I care about you…but it wouldn’t work. There’s too big a gap.”

“There’s not. What you’re saying doesn’t make sense.”

“It does. And I hope when you’re older, you’ll understand.”

His refusal to even consider a relationship made me angrier than it should have. “Jesus. Now you’re even talking to me like I’m a child.” Sliding out of the booth, I stood. “Good night. You can consider this subject closed.Forever.”

I just couldn’t anymore. I couldn’t.

So I picked up my coat draped on the back of the booth and slid it on before walking to the front door, forcing back the sting of tears.

At least now I knew for sure. All the past weeks of pining and convincing myself that we could work came rushing back, making me feel ashamed on top of the hurt and anger coursing through my veins. I wouldn’t do this again.

As I stepped out into the cold, the breeze cut at my legs.Just a few blocks. As emotional as I was, that shouldn’t take long. But no sooner had the door closed than I heard Wolf’s voice behind me. “Hayley, don’t leave like this.”

I turned around, my lips pursed, my eyes narrow as if to lock all my emotions inside. That he wasn’t even willing to try should have been all I needed to hear, and I wasn’t sure if I was crushed or full of rage—or both.

It was more complicated than that.

And I lashed out.

He had put his hands on my shoulders but I pushed him away. “No. You know what? You’re right. You’re too old for me, you old fart. Maybe you should get your ass into the nursing home.”

Turning around, I started walking west toward my apartment. Much as I wanted to haul ass, I didn’t. I was walking steadily—not slowly, because it was cold, but not like I was running to get away from him—and I refused to listen.

“Hayley.”

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