Page 48 of The Rules of Dating a Younger Man

Brayden swung our joined hands back and forth. “What time do you have to be at the spa?”

“Midnight. The promo is called Midnight Madness. Wells came up with it last year. We open at midnight and stay open for twenty-four hours. All our services are half off, and we serve free champagne and finger foods all day and night. The first time we did it, I thought we’d be empty at midnight. But we advertised in places like hospitals that have multiple shifts. You’d be surprised how many women came in after work and loved it.”

Brayden pulled me to him. “I’d like to get a service from you.”

I smiled. “I bet.”

“When are you going to sleep?”

“I’ll take a short nap when I get home. Then Wells and I will take turns napping whenever it’s slow.”

“Would it scare you if I told you I’m already dreading not seeing you all week?”

I shook my head. “It actually makes me feel better. Then I know I’m not alone in feeling that way.”

“Can you come a night early next week again? On Thursday?”

“I think so. But I need to double-check the schedule at work when I get back.”

“I’d like to take you out on a better date.”

“A better one? I know it was short, but I really enjoyed our picnic this morning. I had a good time. It’s going to be hard to top.”

“I like a challenge.”

I tilted my head. “Is that what I am, Brayden? A challenge?”

“No, sweetheart. You’re not the challenge. You’re the prize.”

CHAPTER 11

Brayden

It was like I lived two different lives now—my usual one in New York City, and the life I couldn’t wait to get back to upstate. The latter was much more exciting.

Getting through the week was growing tougher. I was antsy for the days to pass.

On Wednesday afternoon, I decided to walk home from work to expend some of my energy. It was a clear, cool September day in the City with not a cloud in the sky. It made me wish Alex were here. How I would love to take her to dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant, then bring her back to my place and—well, there was no end to the things I’d want to do with her alone in my apartment. Knowing Alex, though, she’d make some excuse and run before we got to that point. Not to mention, bringing her back to the building would raise some eyebrows among the friends I hadn’t been keeping apprised of my personal life as of late. I couldn’t wait, though, to have Alex here for a visit.

Almost at my building, I passed the café around the corner and found Colby’s wife, Billie, and Holden’s wife, Lala, sitting by the window chatting. Billie looked up for a moment and noticed me. Smiling, I attempted to keep moving, but Billie urgently waved me in. I should’ve known I wasn’t going to get away with nonchalantly walking by.

“Not so fast!” she mouthed through the glass. “Get over here.”

Great. No doubt she wanted more information after the phone call I’d subjected her to with Alex last weekend. Probably about time I explained that. “What’s up, ladies?” I asked as I entered.

“What’s up with you, Brayden Foster?” Billie smirked.

“Not too much.” I smiled guiltily.

“Not too much, huh? That’s not what I heard…” Lala winked.

The smell of fresh coffee wafted in the air, the sound of grinding a welcome distraction from the inquisition.

“You know what? I could use a pick-me-up,” I told them. “Be right back.”

I walked over to the counter and decided to order Alex’s favorite drink, see what all the fuss was about.

“I’ll have a coffee with oat milk, two sugars, one pump of caramel, and a dash of cinnamon, please.”