Page 51 of Manhattan Secret

“Ah, as all good stories begin.”

Isn’t that just the truth.

“He’s eh…someone at work.” Unable to put into words how much of a pervert I am, I omit the real embarrassing truth. “I really like him, more than any past relationship, but he’s younger than me.”

“And you’re having a war between head and heart?”

“Exactly. Or I’m acting like dirty old woman.”

“Trust yourself. You obviously know how you feel for this man or it wouldn’t be a problem.”

My fingers tighten around my takeout cup.

She’s right, I do know and that’s what has me so mixed up.

Is it unfair I’ve met this amazing person a few years too early in the wrong place?

“I’m afraid of being judged.” Afraid of a lot of things. Most of all, afraid of liking Lachlan far too much. I’ve asked myself a hundred times, would I have gone into the bathroom with him had I known his age already? And my startling honesty is yes.

But knowing he’s my student is what I can’t justify no matter how loud my heart gets.

I don’t know if it makes me a horrible person or just someone who can flagrantly discard my morals for sexual chemistry.

“You shouldn’t let that be your deciding factor. Other people’s opinions at the end of the day hardly matter, they’re too busy being self-involved. Going with my gut has always helped me in both personal and business aspects of my life.”

“Thank you, that helps a lot.”

My gut says be with Lachlan, for however long his young heart wants me.

“Do you like this guy?”

“I do, very much.”

And you have the real palpable kind of chemistry?”

“So much. Too much probably. He’s like a walking sex hormone.” She chuckles, nodding in understanding.

Speaking of the horny devil, my phone pings again. Intent on ignoring it, my traitorous thumbs swipe open the text.

Lachlan:I know your fine ass is reading these, mouse. I like to chase you.

Lachlan:I bet you’re reading these, all wet for me, thinking how deep I got inside you, how you clawed me up.

Lachlan:I’ll be at your place tonight.

Oh, god. Even without holding fingers to my face I know my cheeks have turned volcanic.

Wow, in all Lachlan’s unfiltered nature, he truly does tap into the fastest way to trudge through all my fears and get to the heart of what I’m feeling.

Wanted.

Desired.

It’s a heady mix of intoxication and one I want to ride until the bitter end.

“Falling in love is never easy. It shouldn’t be easy or it’s not real and consuming, as my momma says. Love that is worth it will break your heart a little along the away,” the lady says finishing crumbs of her cherry scone.

Am I falling in love? God, I hope not.

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