Page 6

6

MICHAEL

My laughter died down, and I was finally able to speak. “ Old guys? I’m only thirty-five.”

Jane’s cheeks glowed hot pink, and she pursed her lips, but I saw the laughter in her eyes. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Do you always go on the defensive when you don’t get your way?”

She scoffed. “ No . I can handle rejection like a big girl.”

“Uh-huh.” Sure, she had fibbed about her age, but she had expressive eyes, and they told me she wasn’t likely a hardcore liar. As much as she wouldn’t admit it, I’d hurt her feelings with my rejection—which wasn’t really a rejection in my opinion. Was it so wrong to not want to date a Gen Z-er?

Still, I felt bad. I looked at her out of the corner of my eye. She seemed like a nice woman, and I was still attracted to her. A small part of me wanted to throw caution to the wind and spend more time with her to see where things would go because she was fucking delightful and maybe I needed someone like her in my life, even for a short time.

However, as I told Lincoln, I valued my peace. I was afraid that dating someone like Jane, who was so different from me, might disrupt that tranquility.

“Look, Jane, I like you…”

She let out a disdainful snort. “If you were going to finish that with ‘but it’s not you, it’s me,’ I might change the station and make your ears bleed with cotton candy pop music after all.”

I had to purse my lips to hide yet another smile. It was hard to stay pissed at Jane for lying about her age when her feistiness was so damn stimulating. This was far from the typical humdrum first meeting dinner date I’d imagined with my Blind Connection, and I didn’t hate it.

Admittedly, her attitude was refreshing because I was surrounded by people who wouldn’t dare speak to me like she did because I paid their salaries. Getting my ass kissed daily could get tiresome, and at the moment, I was living for Jane’s sass.

“Careful, Jane, your age is showing. You sound like a brat.”

Her dramatic gasp almost made me laugh again.

“You know what… you… you’re… screw you and your phobia for twenty-one-year- olds!” When she realized my shoulders were shaking with restrained laughter, she glared at me. “Wait, you were messing with me?”

“I couldn’t help myself.”

She rolled her eyes. “Hilarious. I’m sorry about my outburst. I guess I did sound bratty.”

I turned to her with a smile I couldn’t contain, and she laughed.

I only had a quick moment to take in the way she laughed with her entire face before I had to get my eyes back on the road. This woman had amused and entertained me more in two hours than most people I’d known my entire life. She made me feel like I could relax and show another side of myself. I really liked her. If only she was a little older. Was the age thing that big of a deal, though…? It was like my heart wanted what my brain was telling me wasn’t good for me. I gripped the steering wheel tighter because I was considering overlooking her age to date her, and that was dangerous. I wasn’t looking for a girlfriend, but Jane was…

She’s too young! My logical self kicked in to remind me of the potential drawbacks of dating someone younger. I led a busy life, and I had a kid. A twenty-one-year-old wasn’t ready for all that. Jane would probably hate that I couldn’t give her as much of my time as she wanted. I glanced at her with regret and took my mind off anything further with her.

It was quiet for a while until she urgently demanded, “Turn here!”

Jolted out of my reverie, I said, “What?”

She pointed to a parking lot. “We have to stop.”

I made the turn from pure reflex and when I came to a stop, I frowned at her. “Is something wrong?”

“Nope.”

Her impish grin made me scowl. “So why create all that excitement?”

“Lighten up Michael No-last-name.”

I grunted my amusement. “Care to tell me what we’re doing…” I glanced at a huge cartoonish swirl of froyo topped with sprinkles and a strawberry, smiling broadly and holding a spoon. “Swirl and Smile” was written beneath it in neon colors and playful fonts. “At a frozen yogurt shop…?”

Jane grinned broadly, and I stared at her, unable to help being captivated by her beauty and energy. “This is our one and only chance.”

“For what?”

“A yogurt clash.” She giggled. “Remember?”

I lifted one eyebrow as I studied her blankly, and then I recalled her amusing text from the other day. “Right.” I sighed as I glanced at the time on the dashboard. “Look, Jane, it’s late…”

The laughter swirling in her pretty browns diminished, and disappointment shadowed her features. “Oh,” she said softly, her enthusiasm deflating.

I hated it, but I’d humored her enough for one night.

“I just thought it would be fun. You know, a perfect way to end the night since that silly text prompted our meeting.” Her teeth sank into her lower lip, and my gaze zeroed in on the plump flesh. She shrugged. “At least, I think that was what led us here. It’s okay. I shouldn’t take up any more of your time.”

The longer I stared at her, the more my resolve crumbled. She was a woman who had offered laughs and spontaneity. Things that were so far removed from my life. What was the harm in hanging out with her a while longer? Poppy was fine at her sleepover, and it was a Friday night. When was the last time I stayed out late for something other than work?

Releasing a sigh, I swerved into a parking space. “Alright, let’s go. I need to know what the hell a yogurt clash is before the night ends.”

Jane’s giggles resonated, practically tickling my eardrums. “I’m not sure what it is, either. We’ll figure it out once we’re inside.”

Shaking my head, I slid out and hurried around to her side to open her door, thinking I was crazy for entertaining someone I just deemed too young for me, but you only live once…

I stood in front of the open door and offered a hand. When her smaller one landed in mine, the warmth of her touch sent a jolt through me.

“Thank you,” she said, standing up. She sounded suspiciously breathless as she gazed up at me. I hadn’t stepped back when she got up and now we were so close, I could feel heat radiating off her. Our gazes locked, and her eyes widened slightly. As my eyes moved lower, I noticed her flushed cheeks and parted lips. I could even see the slight fluttering of her pulse at the base of her delicate neck, as if her heart rate had sped up.

Mine had too. I’d never deny the attraction between us despite my preference for someone older. At the moment, I was fighting the temptation to lower my head and taste the lush lips I’d been admiring since we met. It took a lot of willpower to not give in to my basic instincts and take advantage of the opportunity presented. I mean, Jane wanted me to kiss her. I saw it in her eyes and in the way her chest rose and fell rapidly with anticipation.

However, remembering that she was a teenager a mere three years ago doused the rising flames of desire, and I took a step back. Disappointment flickered across her face, and she sighed softly. Her discontent didn’t last long though. In the blink of an eye, she was back to her bubbly self.

“Come on,” she said as she took off toward the building. I followed her with a slight smile as she practically skipped to the entrance. She seemed to overflow with energy.

It was lively inside but not too crowded. Families and couples were spread out, enjoying their frozen treats. Jane headed for the self-serve machines. I noticed a few guys checking her out as we passed their table. I gave her an appreciative once-over too. Her dress molded her hips and ass, and the way she strutted in those heels gave me ideas… dirty ones.

She was just as incredible to admire from the back as she was from the front. I couldn’t blame the men for openly ogling her. However, a surprising surge of possessiveness moved through me, and I wanted their lustful gazes off her immediately.

Without even thinking about it, I hurried my steps to catch up to her, and when I was by her side, I rested a hand on her back. Realizing that I was acting like a jealous boyfriend, staking my claim, I let my hand drop back to my side. Jane didn’t seem to notice my lapse in judgment, and she smiled up at me when we stopped.

“Alright, let’s get creative.” Her eyes twinkled with excitement. “This place is only a few blocks from my apartment, so I’ve been here a few times. You can taste-test as many flavors as you like before ordering.”

“Okay…” I eyed the tiny cups in front of the machine. “Where are you going with this?”

“I’m making up the rules of a yogurt clash as we go along. I’ll choose five flavors, but you can’t watch, then you’ll do the same.”

My eyebrows shot up, but I stayed quiet.

“We’re going to have a taste-testing competition. Whoever guesses the most flavors wins.” She smirked. “And the loser gets to pay for our order.”

I shrugged. “I hate to say it, but so far a yogurt clash doesn’t sound all that intriguing.”

“You’ll have to wait to hear the rest of the rules.”

My eyes dropped to her lips, which were lifted in a mischievous smirk, and I inhaled. “Alright, now I’m intrigued.”

She laughed and gestured for me to turn around. I obediently turned in the other direction until she chirped. “It’s your turn.”

Jane turned away as I filled five little cups with froyo. She grabbed a tray, so we could carry our choices to a table. I was surprised when she headed for a glass door that led to a secluded patio area at the back of the shop.

“I figured you’d prefer it out here, away from the crowd,” she said.

“I do.” I glanced at her, surprised that she was able to pick up on that even though we’d just met. Then again, this stranger probably knew more about me than those who saw me every day because we’d messaged back and forth so much. I opened up to her in ways I never had to most people, and maybe that made her more than just a stranger…

Putting the tray down, she rubbed her palms together and smiled. “Come on, right here.” She patted the space right beside her.

I hesitated because sitting so close to her probably wasn’t a good idea after that intense moment in the parking lot. But the invitation in her eyes was impossible to resist. Swallowing hard, I walked over and sat beside her. The proximity immediately reignited the electric tension between us.

She felt it because her cheeks took on that pretty flush as they did before, and I saw the way her chest rose with a deep inhale. The scent of her perfume, a delicate blend of floral and vanilla, made my pulse quicken. I’d never felt this incredible attraction to any woman. Feeling it for Jane contradicted the whole age issue. My libido didn’t give a shit that she was younger than I preferred.

To my further shock, she leaned closer to snag my tie.

“What are you—” My sharp inhale cut my words off because her face was mere centimeters from mine, and I had to put all my focus into fighting the urge to kiss her.

She loosened my tie with an airy giggle and pulled it from around my neck. “There are more rules to the game. You’re not allowed to see. You’ll have to rely on smell and taste alone.”

When she moved to put my tie over my eyes, I pulled back. “I don’t think so. I like to be able to see.”

She huffed. “You have major trust and control issues, don’t you?”

I glowered at her, slightly annoyed that she kept hitting every nail on the head about my traits. “We all have our issues.”

She gave me a mischievous smile, which I was starting to gather was typical for her. “We do, but it’s a game, Michael. Part of the fun is guessing. Just let go and have fun.”

I’d lost count of the amount of times I’d heard those words, but as an undeniable control freak, letting go and fun were missing from my vocabulary. I glanced at the tray lined with froyo—her choices on one side and mine on the other. The allure of her playful spirit was irresistible, and I caved.

“Fine.” My shoulders relaxed, and I allowed her to blindfold me. I had to fight through a wave of discomfort, but it was replaced by disbelief when I felt something cold touching my lips. I snatched the tie from over my eyes to frown at her. “You said nothing about feeding me. You’re not feeding me.”

Her eyeballs did a dramatic roll as she heaved a sigh. “Michael, it’s a game . Lighten up.”

I supposed I was overreacting, but in my defense, I just wasn’t used to being playful. Reining in my control freak ways, I sighed and tried again. “Okay. Let’s do this. So I’m supposed to guess the flavors you chose?”

“Exactly.” She smiled and reached over to pull the silky material back over my eyes.

This time when I felt the cool touch of the spoon against my lips, I opened my mouth.

“Hmmm… this one tastes chocolaty. Chocolate fudge?” I guessed.

“That’s right.” I could practically hear the smile in her voice, and I wondered if she was always this cheerful. “Next one.”

The process continued and so far I had gotten two out of three right. The fourth round really started to test the bonds of my control. I must have gotten froyo on my lips because Jane’s finger swiped over them, and my breath snagged in my throat. Her touch was light, but it sent a shiver through me.

She made a humming sound and murmured, “This one is tasty.”

Did she lick the same finger she used to wipe my mouth? I pictured her finger between her lush lips and had to swallow a groan.

“You’re good at this,” she said.

“Well I…” I stopped before mentioning that I had a six-year-old who had made me taste just about every flavor of froyo and ice cream. However, I’d likely never see Jane again, so my kid was none of her business. “I guess my attention to detail helps… even when I’m using just my taste buds.”

Her soft, breathy laugh sent a delicate gust of warm air over my face, and my jaw clenched. Being deprived of sight had all my other senses heightened. The sound of Jane’s voice, her smell, the slight brushes of her fingers against my face… God help me, but it was getting easier to ignore the reason I’d decided to not see her again.

“Here’s the final one,” she said, and the spoon pressed against my lips.

I savored the sweet and tangy flavors and confidently guessed, “Mango-pineapple.”

“Four out of five. You did really well. Now I’m afraid I’ll lose.”

Smiling, because I couldn’t help myself, I whipped the makeshift blindfold off. “This yogurt clash isn’t so bad.”

She snorted. “You only think so because there’s a good chance you’ll win.”

Smirking, I asked, “What if it’s a tie?”

The way she nibbled on her lower lip sent heat rippling through me.

“If it is, we’ll just have to come up with an interesting tie-breaker. I’m sure we can think of something.”

There was a husky, suggestive quality to her tone, and she glanced at my mouth when she said it. Or was that wishful thinking on my part…?

“Hmmm,” I hummed as I lifted my tie to her face. “Your turn.”

I caught the hitch in her breath when I leaned closer to blindfold her. The proximity made every nerve in my body come alive. As I gently placed the cover over her eyes, she bit her lip again, and her breath came out faster. A mental struggle ensued as I stared at her mouth. Just go ahead and taste her or not? I was sure she wouldn’t mind… Swallowing, I decided against it.

“Is that okay?” I asked.

She gulped and nodded.

Christ. When did our silly game become charged with so much sexual tension? I pulled back and blew out a breath. “Here’s the first one.”

I watched, riveted, as the spoon slid between her lips. My imagination ran wild with thoughts of other things… my body parts between them.

“Strawberry-cheesecake,” she guessed. “I love strawberries and cheesecake.”

“Correct,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

She got the next three wrong, and her disappointed pout just invited me to press my lips to hers.

“Last one,” I announced. “Open up.” I almost winced because that might have come out more suggestive than I intended. She complied, and her tongue darted out to catch a drop that had landed on her lip. I couldn’t help the soft, tortured groan that escaped me, and she smirked. The minx.

“That one is raspberry,” she said with a smile.

My eyes were glued to her mouth, and I barely registered what she said. Clearing my throat, I replied, “You got it.” I reached over to untie her blindfold and I couldn’t help picturing more erotic ways to use my tie on her.

“You lost,” I said. “I guess you’re paying for our order.”

“I guess so.”

Our eyes locked, and hers were half-lidded and smoldering with desire. I knew it then that I’d get a taste of my Blind Connection tonight—on our first and what was supposed to be our only date. I couldn't fight the attraction anymore.