Falling For the Younger Man: An Older Woman Younger Man Romance (Summer Secrets)

by Emma Tharp

  "My name is Chance. I came here today with your coworker, Grace Larsen. That's right, you heard me. I was her date." I puff up my chest as chitter-chatter begins in the crowd. "Yes. I am younger than she is, but what difference does that make? Many of you have voiced your concerns about our age difference, but frankly, I don't give a damn what you think because when you meet someone, the package they come in doesn’t matter. And I'm not sure how much she’s told you. But she has been through the wringer. She certainly doesn't deserve anyone's negativity or ridicule. So, if you see her in the office on Tuesday, be kind to her because no one deserves it more than her."

  I don't even take the time to gauge people's reactions to my impromptu speech. Instead, I dial an Uber and head for the main entrance. Thankfully, I don't have to wait long and before I know it my ride is waiting for me.

  The driver follows the directions to Grace's apartment. That’s where I hope she went after storming off.

  Today isn't over yet and I'm not taking no for an answer. She is coming with me to my firm’s barbecue. It will be worth her while.

  As soon as the Uber stops at Grace's, I jog to her door and ring her bell. At first, I hear nothing, but after three more rings, I hear light footfalls.

  Grace peeks her head around a small opening in the door. Her cheeks are tearstained and her eyes are red. "What are you doing here?"

  "Where else would I be? Can you please let me in?" Her eyes are so damn sad, and it kills me to see her this way. All I want to do is fix everything for her.

  She's struggling with whether she wants to let me in or not. The conflict is clear on her features. There’s zero chance that I’m walking away from here without talking to her.

  Gently, I press the door open and walk in, closing it behind me. "I'm sorry that happened at your picnic, but don't worry. Everything will be fine."

  Grace grasps at her neck and swallows hard. "What do you mean? What have you done?"

  I move toward her, pulling her close, and wrap my arms around her.

  She won't do the same. Instead, her arms hang limply next to her body. "I can't do this. It's too much. People were cruel today."

  Pulling back, I give her a one-shouldered shrug. "Like I said, everything will be okay because I stood up for you and for us. We might be the talk around your office today, but people get bored easily and move on to the next thing.” I point out. "I don't want to hear you talking about how you can't do this. We've been doing it and we’ve been doing it pretty damn well, in my opinion. I am not letting you give up on us because of stupid people."

  “Do you think all of this is worth it? The ridicule, the looks, the judgment?”

  “You’re damn right I do. I told you I don’t care and I meant it.” I cup her cheeks in my hands. “I want this and I want us. I love waking up next to you in the morning, our conversations, hearing you laugh. And the way you look at me—I can tell you just get me. And I get you, too. We’re meant to be.”

  She lets out a long throaty breath and shakes her head. "What am I going to do with you?" There's a small amount of humor in her tone.

  "You’re going to continue to call me your boyfriend or your midlife crisis, and fall for me.” I don’t care what she calls me as long as she stays with me.

  That earns me a small smile. I do love being the guy who puts the smile on her face. “You know that I don’t think of you that way. You mean more to me than that. And I’m sorry for leaving you at the picnic. It wasn’t my finest moment. I was hurt by cruel words and on the verge of a panic attack. I promise I won’t up and leave you like that again.”

  “I know you won’t.” I lean down to kiss her and check my watch. “We have more to talk about and work through, but right now, will you powder your nose and come with me to my picnic?”

  Grace drops down on the couch and puts her feet up on the ottoman. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. It’s been a long day already.”

  I set her feet back on the floor and grab both of her hands and bring her to a standing position. “Please come. I’m not done fixing things yet.”

  Grace playfully whacks my chest. "Should I be nervous?"

  "Definitely not. Now hurry up." I give her a soft kiss on the lips and guide her by the shoulders toward the bathroom.

  I have some tricks up my sleeve that Grace has no idea about. Let's hope that everything goes as planned and this doesn't blow up in my face.

  Twenty

  Grace

  This can't be healthy. My heart rate has been on double speed all day long.

  Now, sitting in Chance’s car, I give myself a moment to breathe as he strokes my thigh with his fingertip. His patience and maturity seem to have surpassed my own today. If I wasn't falling head over heels for him before, I am now.

  Even though Kristi had negative things to say about my relationship, I can't deny that a part of me feels slightly relieved knowing that our relationship is no longer a secret. Like Chance said, now that people know, they’ll talk about us for a while until the next new and exciting gossip begins. I can only hope that happens soon.

  When Chance showed up at my house, I was surprised to see him. Leaving him at the picnic wasn’t a good choice. I’m grateful he forgave my behavior. He helps set my mind at ease; that’s why it wasn't hard for him to convince me to come along with him now. I owe him one. Maybe more than one.

  He says he has some kind of a surprise for me, but that’s the last thing I really want. Hopefully this event is low-key and I can make it out with my sanity intact.

  I close my eyes and lean my head back, enjoying the gentle breeze coming in from the windows. When the tires crunch along gravel, I open my eyes to the sight of a sprawling estate. "Who owns this place?"

  Chance turns off the engine and angles his body toward me. "This is my boss's place. Come on." He gets out of the car and runs to my side. He opens my door and reaches for my hand.

  Hesitantly, I grab it and get out of the car. Somewhere deep in my gut, alarm bells start to go off.

  Whoever lives here is doing well for themselves. The home itself is a large, white, stately home with perfectly manicured grounds. There are tents set up and several people milling around, holding champagne flutes, wearing suits and dresses that remind me of something I'd wear to a wedding, not an office picnic.

  "Who is your boss? In fact, what company do you work for?" I'm sure Chance has mentioned it in the past, but for whatever reason I can't recall.

  Chance points and guides me in the direction of the bar. "Check out the wine selection. I know they've spared no expense. Can I get you a glass?"

  "Sure. That sounds great. Surprise me. I'm going to go find the powder room. I'll see you in a minute."

  He kisses the back of my hand before he lets go and gives me a wave.

  I pass a couple of women who look to be in their early thirties. They are talking and sipping on glasses of wine. Neither of them is staring in Chance’s direction and they aren't giving me the side-eye either. Isn't that refreshing? I smile and head toward the front door of the house.

  A moment before I turn the doorknob and walk inside, out of the corner of my eye I swear I see Jason Hutchins. My deceased husband's ex-partner. Why is he here? My heart rate accelerates and my breathing speeds up. I step inside quickly and make my way down the hall. The first room on the right seems to be a study. I step inside, only for a moment to catch my breath.

  Like a bolt of lightning, it hits me. Chance is working for Jason Hutchins. But why? He knows my history with the company. It doesn't make sense.

  “Mom? What are you doing here?”

  My heart leaps in my chest.

  Cam stops abruptly in front of the door.

  “I’m here for the party. I came with Chance; he’s interning with the company.” My voice is unsure, because I still don’t really know which company he works for. “What are you doing here?”

  Cam walks into the room, followed by a beautiful young woman with light brown hair, dressed in a tren
dy floor-length yellow dress. I can only assume this is Jenna Hutchins. They make a gorgeous couple. “This is Jenna’s father’s company party. I came with her. Things between Mr. Hutchins and me have gotten better.” He looks at his girlfriend with adoration in his eyes. “For Jenna.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Jenna.” I reach for her hand and we shake.

  So much has changed since Cam left for Cape Cod in May. He carried such resentment toward Jason Hutchins, the man who screwed over our family. The fact that Jason offered Cam money for college is something, but I still hate the man. It makes sense that Cam would want to move on though, since he’s dating Jenna.

  Cam and I have talked twice since our meeting at the beach in Cape Cod. They’ve been short conversations, but I enjoy every moment. He’s started taking a couple courses at Boston University and got a job at a local fitness center as a lifeguard. He and Jenna are living together in an apartment downtown. I’m proud of him and how well he’s doing. We’ve tried to make plans to get together, but our schedules haven’t allowed it yet. I’m going to keep trying.

  “It’s nice to finally meet you, too, Mrs. Larsen.” Jenna gives me a warm smile that highlights her perfect white teeth.

  Just then, Chance nearly walks by the study until he notices me. “There you are.” He steps inside and grabs my hand. “Hey, Cam and Jenna.”

  They both say hello.

  “You’re interning for Jason Hutchins.” It’s a statement, not a question. “I don’t understand. Why did you bring me here?” I should probably wait to have this conversation with Chance alone, but I can’t wait to hear his explanation.

  Chance shifts his body to face me. He’s wearing a serious expression. “I took the internship for you.”

  “For me?”

  “Yes. It’s never too late to right a wrong.”

  I glance at Cam and Jenna. They look just as confused as I feel.

  “We can leave,” Cam offers as he points toward the door.

  “No. Stay,” Chance tells Cam before turning his attention back to me. “I’ve done my research. Grace, when you asked me to skim through your box of files to find the title to your car, I opened the top of the box and the first set of documents weren’t what I was expecting to see. I realized what it was and read through a few pages of Henry’s documents. If you’re upset that I went through them, I understand, but what I saw made my blood boil. I couldn’t stop myself. Then I checked with a lawyer. You have a case against Hutchins for breach of contract.”

  “What do you mean?” Jenna exclaims, her eyes widen.

  “I have paperwork. Irrefutable proof that he owes the Larsens. Henry still had shares in the company even though the partnership was dissolved. By right, they’re yours, Grace.” Chance tugs folded papers out of his back pocket and hands them to Jenna. “Your father didn’t do the right thing when Henry died. He failed to file proper paperwork to transfer the shares. Even without Henry having a will, it was in his contract.”

  Jenna holds up her hand. “I don’t need to look at those to know my father screwed Henry over. I knew that already, but I didn’t realize the depth of his deception. I’m so embarrassed. I…” Jenna runs out of the room.

  I wring my hands together. Could this be real? My mind is racing. “Do you need to go help her, Cam?”

  “No, she needs a minute. She’ll be okay. She knows how fucked up her father can be.”

  “This is crazy,” I say, looking from Chance to Cam. “I put all of that paperwork away because I couldn’t bear to look at it.”

  “Grace,” Chance says softly. “This isn’t your fault. You were devastated.”

  I nod. He’s right, I was beside myself with grief and anger. The last thing I wanted to do was go through Henry’s files. I can’t believe that Chance did all of this for me. “Thank you. When did you even have time to work all this out?”

  “You aren’t upset with me? I was worried that you might be mad that I went through those pages. I made sure that nothing was personal—I was only looking for your title and business documents.”

  Upset? No, there’s nothing that I need to hide from Chance. Plus, I gave him the box and asked him to dig through it. And I know he was only trying to help. “You’re doing me a huge favor. I knew that things didn’t feel right when Henry died and we were completely cut off from the Hutchins Group. But I didn’t have it in me to fight or care at the time. I wanted it all to be over with. I was so bitter and hurt.”

  Cam paces the room. “Really, Chance. If you think there might be a way to right this wrong, I appreciate your help.”

  Jenna re-enters the room with her father in tow.

  "What's going on here?" Jason looks from his daughter to Cam, Chance, and then his eyes widen when they land on me. "Grace. I'm surprised to see you."

  "The feeling is mutual," I admit. I definitely wouldn't have come here today had Chance told me where we were going. No wonder he never mentioned who he was interning for.

  Jason scratches his head, continuing to look around the room. "So, I’ll ask again. What's going on?"

  Jenna moves to stand in front of Chance, holding out her hand. Chance gives her the paperwork. She walks to her dad, thrusting the papers at him. "Given the circumstances, Dad, I’d say you owe Grace. Here's the proof."

  Jason scans the documents before turning his attention back to his daughter. "Where did these come from?"

  "From Henry's files," I answer him. "I didn't have the heart to look at them after he died. Once Chance came into my life, he took matters into his own hands because I couldn't do it myself."

  Tears well up in Jenna's eyes and she shakes her head. "How could you do this? Is there no end to your cruelty?" she asks with bitterness in her tone.

  "Seriously, your actions are so low," Cam spits out and I feel his pain in every word.

  Chance points his finger at Jason and takes a step toward him. "You know exactly what you did and how wrong it was. Grace can either sue you, or you can make it right. One way is easy. The other is much uglier. The choice is yours."

  In this moment, I can feel Chance’s passion for me and for his future career. He's going to make a damn good lawyer.

  Jason runs his hands through his hair. He knows he's backed into a corner and too far gone. He doesn't have a choice. "You are all right. I know what I did was wrong, and I'm going to let my lawyers figure this out. I promise you all that I will fix this."

  "You don't have a choice," Chance says, puffing out his chest.

  "You have my word. But today is my company picnic and I need to leave now and mingle with my guests, if that's all right with everyone?" He backs his way to the door with his tail between his legs.

  It's hard not to laugh at a grown man reduced to cowering away from his daughter and the rest of us.

  As soon as Jason is out of the room, I throw my arms around Chance’s neck and squeeze him close. "I can't believe you did all this."

  Cam stands next to us with his hand outstretched. "Yeah, man, thank you."

  Chance pulls away from our embrace so he can shake hands with my son. "It's nothing, really. I'm just doing what's right for the woman I love and her family."

  Jenna comes up and stands next to Cam, putting her arm around him. "No, it's incredible what you did."

  "It is," Cam says, putting his hand on my arm. "See, Mom, everything is working out the way it should."

  Yes, it really is. Tears of joy sting the back of my eyes. Chance just admitted in front of my son that he loves me. He's never said it before, but I can feel it in everything he does. He cares for me deeply and I care for him. It’s never been clearer to me: what other people think means nothing. When you have the love of a wonderful man, and your family is happy, that’s all that matters.

  "Thank you, Chance. I love you," I tell him and press a kiss to his cheek.

  Chance’s smile is so wide it takes up his whole face. "I love you so much, Grace. I’m going to keep showing you how much." His words say it, but the pr
omise is in his gray eyes.

  I have no doubt in my mind.

  “That’s my plan, too.” For so many years of my life, I thought I could control it, move it in the direction I wanted it to go, but now I know better. Life is unpredictable, everchanging, and so beautiful. I’m excited for this next chapter with Chance, and my hope for us is that we continue to grow together and love each other.

  Epilogue

  Grace

  Five years later

  "May I have this dance, Mom?" Cameron asks, looking dapper in his sharp black suit, crisp white dress shirt, and dusty rose-colored tie.

  "Absolutely.” I lean over and give my husband, Chance, and our two-year-old daughter, Lola, each a quick kiss on the cheek before I take Cam’s hand.

  Cam leads me to the dance floor as the guitar riffs of our mother-son dance begin to play. When he asked me what song we should dance to, I recommended “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The words just fit us. Our relationship has come a long way since those strained days after Henry died.

  "You look beautiful today."

  I straighten his lapels, then put my arms around his neck. "Thank you. You look very handsome. Jenna is a lucky girl," I tell him.

  His smile is wide and bright and I love the sparkle that’s been in his eyes since he met Jenna. "I'm the lucky one."

  "Don't sell yourself short. I’m very proud of you." Cam finished school at BU last year with his degree in marine science and now works for the Coast Guard. It’s the perfect job for him, turning his love for the water into a career.

  Jenna, his new wife, finished her MBA last year and works as a marketing manager for a huge Boston firm. She decided not to go to work for her father. I can’t blame her. I never ask her about her relationship with her dad—it isn’t my place—but I often wonder how things are between them since Jenna learned the truth about how ruthless and cunning he is.

  Despite everything, Jason Hutchins did make good on his promise and my family was compensated for all the money we should have had after Henry died. I've since sold the shares, not wanting anything more to do with Jason Hutchins or his money.