by Emma Tharp
Falling For the Younger Man
An Older Woman Younger Man Romance
Emma Tharp
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Also by Emma Tharp
One
Grace
"Here's the cash. But please don't tell Cam the money is from me. Just use it for his food and other essentials. And whatever you do, don't tell him I'm here." I look into Al's warm brown eyes and for the first time in a month, my mind begins to ease.
My knuckles were white nearly the entire trip from Boston to the Cape this morning. But stepping out of my car into the warm salty air brought my pulse down.
Al and I sit in his clean, albeit small kitchen and catch up. His reading glasses rest on top of his head and a screwdriver hangs out of the front pocket of his shirt. He’s still the handyman for the Cottages, just like he was all those years ago when my family would summer here. He is as reliable as the day is long. We used to trust him with our property, and now I’m trusting him with my son.
Sometimes you need a change of scenery to get away from the trouble and chaos around you. That’s what Cam needs. I recommended that he come to the Cape this summer for a reset. He jumped at the chance.
Cam means the world to me, but he's always been the son who's caused me the most worry. Max is my easy kid, the rule follower, the leader. Cam is different. From all the times I would stress and bite my nails off at his swim meets, to after my husband's death and the way Cam unraveled and started making bad decisions. My boy just feels things deeply. He gets that from me. That’s why I drove here today—to keep an eye on him from afar. He's eighteen. He doesn't need his mother looking over his shoulder; that's why I don't want him to know I'm here. But as his mother, I couldn't stay away.
"Okay. I won't tell him, even though I'm not quite sure why you don't want him to know you're here," Al says with a deep furrow between his gray eyebrows.
I take a sip of the lemonade Al poured for me when I arrived and hold the cold glass between my hands. "Because right now he's fumbling through life on shaky legs while trying to become a man. I want him to think he's making it on his own."
Al nods, though he still looks confused. "He is doing well. Has a steady job that he goes to every day, and it looks like he has a girl."
"He's always gotten along well with girls. A bit of a heartbreaker, my son." I tsk.
Al taps his fingers on the tin-top table and gives me a slow smile. "This time, I get the sense that he and this girl are serious."
It's hard to imagine that, but maybe. A steady relationship might be good for my son. "I'm not sure why he hasn't called me. Normally, when he loses touch is when he gets into trouble.”
"He's fine. I've been keeping an eye on him, Grace."
I take Al's hand in mine and give it a squeeze. "You have no idea how much that means to me. He should be at the beach working, right?"
"Yes."
"I'm going to head over there and see what I can see." I give Al a wave, put my glass in the sink, and make my way to the door. “Thanks again, Al.”
“You’re welcome, Grace,” he says. “Anytime.”
I head outside and get in the car. Rolling the windows down, I drive the short distance to the beach. A deep sense of nostalgia warms my insides as I get closer to the vast, sparkling sea. My family and I shared so many good memories here, from picnics on the beach, getting up early to catch lobster, day trips to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, to simple things like flying kites with my boys. I didn’t realize how much I missed it here until this moment.
Parking the car, I scope out the area. The beach bar is going to be the best spot for me to check on Cam without him seeing me. It’s close to the lifeguard stand and the beach, but busy enough for me to slip in unnoticed.
There are people riding their bikes and walking their dogs along the path to the beach. Once I make it to the sand, I take off my sandals and dig my toes into the powdery softness. The lapping waves and briny air are like popping a muscle relaxer; a calm instantly comes over me. This is so much better than squeezing a stress ball at work.
Taking one of the only empty seats at the bar, I scan the other patrons to see if I recognize any of them. I haven’t kept in touch with anyone. After Henry died and we lost our money, it’s amazing how many of my old friends disappeared. Thankfully, I don’t recognize anyone.
The young, broad-shouldered bartender saunters over and sets a cocktail napkin in front of me. He has to be Cam’s age, maybe a little older, but I don’t recognize him as someone my boys spent time with. “What can I get for you?”
“Riesling, please.”
I set my credit card on the bar to start a tab since I plan on being here for a while. The bartender sets a glass in front of me and gives me a generous pour. I make a mental note to leave him a nice tip. Taking my first sip of cool, crisp wine, I let the flavors linger on my tongue.
Scanning the lifeguard chairs, I don't see Cam and he doesn't seem to be milling around the lifeguard shack like some of the other employees. My stomach sinks, but I’ll wait since Al was so confident he would be here.
"Are you looking for someone?" the bartender asks as he fills a pint glass with draft beer. He delivers it to a guy halfway down the bar and walks back to me.
Turning my attention to the bartender, I'm struck by his steel-gray eyes. They have a warm, welcoming effect. I don't see why having a conversation with him would hurt. "I'm here to see my son."
He arches a brow and nods. "If you don't mind me asking, who is he?"
"Cameron Larsen. Do you know him?" I'm positive he does because everyone here on the beach is employed by the Cottages, but I thought I'd ask anyway.
"Sure. I know him. He's a great guy."
I swirl the wine in my glass and tilt my head. “You wouldn't just be saying that because I'm his mother, would you?”
He leans on the bar with one elbow and gives me the most endearing smile. "Nah. I'm not a very good liar.”
Wait a minute. Is he flirting with me? No, I doubt it, yet my cheeks feel slightly flushed. Get a grip, Grace. I’m forty and this kid is probably my son Max’s age, twenty, or twenty-one. "Okay. Glad to hear it."
He holds out his hand for me to shake. "I'm Chance, by the way. I didn't catch your name."
My hand, cold from my glass of wine, takes his. I'm struck by how warm and big it is. It feels protective, somehow. "I'm Grace."
There's that smile again, full white teeth and a dimple. "Pleasure to meet you, Grace. Give me a minute. It looks like someone needs a drink." He winks at me before walking away.
I take a sip of my wine to cool my beating heart. It's been a long time since a young man has paid me any attention. Flirting is a mental dance and I am way out of practice. While it is fun, I certainly don't want to give Chance the wrong impression.
Instead of staring at him while he serves his customers, I scan the beach again and every muscle in my body relaxes
when I catch a glimpse of Cameron chatting with a pretty girl. He’s standing next to the lifeguard shack and he's playing with a lock of her hair. How cute. I wonder if this is his girlfriend.
Chance makes his way back to me and leans on the bar again. "Can I just say how beautiful your eyes are?”
My heartbeat picks up. "Thank you." I don't comment on how gorgeous his are, too. I’m quite certain he hears it all the time.
"They’re like sapphires, rare and sparkling."
It's not often I'm at a loss for words, but right now I have no idea what to say. This guy is a charmer with a magnetic personality. I bet he's the type of guy who can sweet-talk his way out of anything, with a man or woman. He must have women falling at his feet every single night.
"I noticed you're not wearing a ring. Are you seeing anyone?"
My attention goes immediately to my ring finger. I know I'm not wearing a ring, but I'm shocked that he noticed. "No. I'm not."
Chance’s eyes fall to my mouth. "I don't suppose I could offer you more than a drink?"
"Excuse me?" What is he asking? Wait. No…
He arches a brow and shrugs a shoulder.
Oh, no. I don't think so. I will not be a notch on this guy’s bedpost.
Two
Chance
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of her golden hair blowing in the warm breeze. My heart skips a beat. It’s Susanna’s turn on the lifeguard stand. I don’t want to stare at her, but I can’t help myself and glance in her direction. I dry a glass, pressing the towel in and wringing it around the inside with more force than is necessary. I’m still confused as fuck. An hour ago, she sashayed over here, broke up with me for no reason at all, and walked off.
"Is that your girlfriend? You can’t take your eyes off her."
Shit. I didn't mean for Grace to catch me staring at Susanna, especially after I just propositioned her. "No," I answer abruptly.
"You want her to be?" Grace raises a brow and spins the stem of her wine glass between her thumb and index finger. Her movements are fluid and hold a note of elegance.
"We dated." I attempt to sound smooth but I can tell I'm failing miserably. Course correct, Chance.
"You shouldn't be that guy."
I set the glass down and lean on the bar with my hands. My eyes roll over her. This woman is blessed with insane beauty. Long, silky brown hair, intense sapphire eyes, and gorgeous features. I remember seeing her lying out on the beach years ago. My perverted teenage brain would fantasize about her. She was the hot mom, the sexy MILF. I’m positive she doesn’t remember me when I was young, about fifty pounds lighter, and a foot shorter. Her sons and I ran in the same circles here in the Cape for years, but we weren’t close.
The strap of her feminine sundress slides down her tanned shoulder and I want to reach across the bar to readjust it for her. "What do you mean?"
She sips her wine and I can't help staring at her fascinating, ample lips. "You know. The guy who tries to make an ex jealous. That is what you're trying to do, right? By asking me out."
"I need to pull out the big guns."
"What's that?" she asks, giving me a sly smile.
"Come to dinner with me." I can imagine the look on Susanna’s face as I walk into the restaurant with the insanely attractive and sophisticated Grace Larsen on my arm. Susanna will realize what she lost and will call me by the end of the evening, begging me to take her back.
Grace tilts her head back and laughs out loud. She wags her finger at me. "Oh, no."
Even though my pride just took a beating from Susanna, I can’t help myself with Grace and persist. There’s not much I won’t do to get what I want. "Why not, Ms. Larsen?”
When she finally stops giggling, she looks at me with those damn lovely eyes and says, "It's not a good idea. Trust me."
I shrug and lean in closer. I asked nicely the first time, but now I'm going to have to pull the rug out from under her to get what I want. It's a lesson I learned from my father years ago: do whatever you need to do, pull out all the stops to reach your goal. "I'm guessing that Cam doesn't know you're here."
Grace's eyes widen and she squirms a little in her seat.
"Because number one, you came straight to the bar when you got here, and number two, you haven't gone to the beach to go see him yet, which probably means that, number three, you don't want him to know that you're here and checking up on him. Am I right?"
Her jaw falls at the same time her eyes narrow.
I uncork the Riesling and refill her glass. "I'm right, aren’t I? You're checking up on your son."
I can see it in her eyes. I hit the target. Game. Set. Match. "Okay. What do you want?"
"I told you. Dinner." I grab a pen and hand her a cocktail napkin. "Write down your address and I'll pick you up at eight o'clock tonight."
I've got the perfect plan. I know exactly where I'm going to take her and I know exactly who is going to be there. Sure, I'm blackmailing Grace, but it's what I need to do to get what I want. This couldn't be more perfect.
Grace jots something down and hands me back the napkin. "Here is where I'm staying and also my number in case you come to your senses and want to back out."
My heart starts to pick up its pace. I feel a renewed sense of enthusiasm. I’m not going to let the breakup with Susanna keep me down. "Not a chance."
Three
Grace
"Hello," I say as I retrieve my sunscreen and water bottle and make my way from the pool back up to my room.
"Hi. Do you want to go out tonight or did you take off for the beach?" my best friend Kristin's singsong voice asks through the line.
I hit the up button at the elevators. One door opens and a gray-haired gentleman walks out, his eyes scanning my bikini-clad body. He nods his head at me as he exits the elevator and I do the same as I get on. "No. Sorry, I can't tonight. I am in the Cape."
She makes a tsk-tsk sound. "And how is Cam doing? Did you talk to him?"
The elevator dings at my floor. I get out and head toward my room. "I did see him lifeguarding today and he looks great. I even saw him with a girl. But I didn't speak to him. I don't want him to know I’m checking up on him. And you have no idea the lengths I'm going to to ensure he doesn't know I'm here."
"What do you mean?" she asks with curiosity in her tone.
Setting my things down on the counter, I plunk down on the couch and cross my tanned legs. "I'm being blackmailed to go on a date to hide the fact that I'm here."
"Who's the lucky guy?"
I can't help but laugh. "If I tell you, you're never going to believe me."
"Spill it."
My pulse picks up thinking about Chance. He is stunning to look at, but way too young. "He's nothing but a kid. I think he's Cam's age."
"Fresh meat," Kristin teases.
I exhale in a rush. "Ha. Ha. You're so funny."
"What? Have fun for once."
I wince because her words sting slightly. I do have fun. Sometimes. But not with men. In fact, I haven't given any man a real chance since Henry died. "Sure. I'd love to be considered a cougar." My voice is dripping with sarcasm.
"Oh, stop." I can almost see her rolling her eyes at me. "You're a hot woman with needs. Please, go have some fun."
I hate to disappoint her, but Chance and I, we have an arrangement. He's making his ex-girlfriend jealous, and I need anonymity. Glancing at my watch, I realize I don't have as much time as I thought I did. "We'll see what happens. But I've got to go get ready."
"Okay. Take notes for me. I'm going to live vicariously through you."
We both laugh and say our goodbyes.
I take an extra-long shower to wash off all the sunscreen from an afternoon spent lounging at the pool. Also, I shave my legs. Nothing is going to happen, but I’m going to dress nice and wear something that shows off my legs.
Getting out of the shower, I dry off and put on a royal blue sundress with strappy heels. I take my time applying light makeu
p and curl my hair in soft waves. It's been so long since I dressed up for a man. I've turned down so many invitations that it feels good getting ready and putting effort into how I look. Even if I know what this is. I have no preconceptions about tonight. It's not a real date, but it's the closest I've been to having one in a very long time.
When there's a knock at the door, my body fills with excited energy. I'm taken aback by it. Shaking my head, I ease the door open.
Chance stands in the doorway, holding a potted plant. He seems bigger somehow, taller and broader than he did at the bar. Maybe it's because there was a barrier between us, but here, now, his presence is all-consuming.
He bends down and gives me a quick peck on the cheek and I'm hit with his very fresh, masculine scent. His gray eyes drift up and down my body and everything in me instantly warms. I need to get ahold of myself.
"You look amazing. The color brings out all of the blue hues in your eyes."
I swallow and give myself a moment to collect my thoughts. "An orchid?"
He glances down at the plant and hands it to me. "Yes, my mother loves them. They're all over her house."
"So, you got me an orchid because I'm your mom's age?" It’d be insulting if it weren't true.
He puts his hand up and smirks. "No. No. I didn't mean that."
Taking the orchid from him, I set it on the counter, grab my purse, and join Chance in the hallway. "No wonder your girlfriend dumped you. Are you always this smooth?"
Four
Chance
I can’t keep my eyes off Grace. She’s gorgeous.
