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Arthur’s face fell. He averted his gaze, frowning at the bar top. “I know I’m a lot older than you, but I don’t think I’m old enough to be your father.”

My mouth fell open. “That’s not–”

“Harsh, Hen. Artie doesn’t strike me as a Daddy,” Ruby drawled. She was flirting with her feeder, who’d come forthe show tonight, but apparently she was listening enough to torment me.

“I didn’t mean it like that!”

The band ribbed me relentlessly, but my entire focus was on Arthur. He still looked dejected, and I hated that I made him feel bad about himself. I didn’t even know how old he was. With the big glasses and the freckles on his nose, he looked young to me.

“Artie…”

“I, uh… I’m gonna head out.”

“Wait! Gimme your number so we can send you the details,” Maya pleaded. Arthur handed his phone over, but he didn’t smile back when she grinned at him. The look on his face killed me and when he headed for the exit, I followed after him.

“Artie, wait!”

CHAPTER SIX

ARTHUR

I’d never been soembarrassed in my life. I knew I was older than the band. I heard them teasing Duncan about not being able to drink once and he complained that they weren’t that much older than him. I had over a decade on him, at least. I didn’t know how old Hendrix was, but I didn't think he’d see me as a father figure. It stung, and I couldn’t get out of the bar fast enough.

I wasn’t expecting him to follow me, but when he called my name, I froze on the sidewalk, my eyes locked on my feet. If he came out here to tell me I was too old for him, I didn’t need the reminder. I was well aware of how pathetic I was, crushing on someone so much younger than me. I was usually stuck on the fact that he was a guy, so I’ll admit I didn’t focus on that before now. Just another reason this would never work out.

Hendrix stepped in front of me, a little out of breath. “Man, you’re faster than you look.” He took a second to catch his breath before dipping so he could meet my eye. “I didn’t mean it like that. I in no way think of you as a dad or whatever. I justmeant what you’re doing for your kid is really cool. My parents were divorced and it would’ve been nice to have that kind of relationship with my dad. She’s lucky to have you.”

It was nice to hear, but it didn’t really change anything. Hendrix was still way out of my league. The disappointment was heavy, and I wished I could walk away just to get some space to breathe.

Hendrix put his hands on my shoulders, drawing my attention up to him. “Hey. I mean it. I don’t see you that way. Honestly, I’ve been waiting for you to make a move for a while. I figured because you’re shy, I’d freak you out if I asked you out myself.”

My mouth fell open, his admission stunning me speechless. “I– You–”

A smile tugged at his lips, and for a second I worried he was teasing me, but then he dipped his head and pressed his lips against mine. My brain stalled out, and I stood frozen until he pulled away from me.

“Sorry. I shouldn’t have–”

“Do it again. Please?”

His eyes searched mine, for what, I had no idea. I was too focused on his mouth and getting him to kiss me again. I was out of sorts, confused, and way too embarrassed to bridge the gap myself. I could only plead with my eyes for him to take the leap again.

He huffed out a small laugh, the air warm against my lips, and then he was kissing me again. His lips were soft, almost tentative, brushing lightly against mine like a question. I’d never kissed another man before, but I leaned into it, giving him all the control while I was swept away in the tide. It was over too soon and I swayed forward when he pulled back, my mind completely blown.

“So, I wasn’t just imagining it then,” he murmured. He hadn’t stepped away from me, I could feel the heat of his body only scant inches from mine, but he didn’t kiss me again. He waited for me to respond, beautiful brown eyes locked on mine.

“I… I’ve only ever been with one person. I’m not sure–”

His eyebrows jumped a little. “So you’ve never been with a guy before?”

I shook my head quickly. I’d been curious when I was younger, but never brave enough to experiment. Then I met Val, and I dismissed it for hormones. Once we divorced, I flirted with the idea of being with a man. I even let my coworker set me up with a guy once my divorce was final, as a way to get myself back out there. It’d been awkward, to say the very least. I figured that answered my questions about it and put it in the back of my mind. It wasn’t until I saw Hendrix for the first time that I admitted to myself that I might not be as straight as I thought.

“So are you hoping for an experiment, or–”

“No. I don’t… I’m not sure I’d ever be comfortable with the idea of a casual thing. I honestly never thought you’d look at me twice. I’m a lot older than you, and significantly less interesting. Few people are interested in a divorced single father.” The reminder knocked some sense into me and I took a step back, giving me enough room to think. “You don’t… You didn’t have to come out here to make me feel better. I’m fine. Please, go have fun with your friends. I’m just going to head home. I can’t stay up too late. I have to pick up Sophie from school tomorrow afternoon.”

He caught my wrist before I could escape, stalling my forward motion. The back of my neck burned from embarrassment, and I couldn’t look back at him. I figured he was just trying to be kind, but it would be kinder to let me crawl in a hole and hide.

“I already asked you out, Artie. I’m cool with dating, if that makes you more comfortable.”