Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 273

Seeing that intense look on his face, I took a good look at him. Mature, confident, and yeah, pretty handsome.

Guys his age had that whole grown-up vibe going on. Way more appealing than, like, Brad.

Older guys were totally in right now.

It was all over social media-women of all ages, whether they were single, married, or even young girls, were into mature men like Hayden.

But him getting all worked up over the 'old man' thing? Clearly, he didn't get that his age was kind of a flex.

I stepped closer. "The truth? You're in your thirties. So yeah, you're not exactly young, especially compared to that kid from earlier who's barely eighteen. So it's not weird for him to call you 'old man' and-"

"You really think I'm old?" Hayden cut me off before I could finish.

He looked tense and genuinely upset.

Wow, I never thought he'd be this sensitive about his age.

I tried to clarify, "I just meant you're not, like, young young, but I didn't-"

Didn't get to finish before he cut me off again. "Anyone else can call me old, but not you."

I was speechless.

this, I couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Are you really worried I'm gonna think you're old? Or that I'd dump you just because of your

didn't respond, just sat there sulking. It was kind of

up and gently rubbed his cheek. "Seriously, I'm not gonna ditch you. I'm into you because of your... I don't know, mature vibe. Otherwise, why would I have turned down that kid earlier? He's all young and full of potential, right?" Still nothing from him, so I gave

then: older guys could be so much harder to handle than I thought. Way more

quick "sorry" was usually enough to smooth

budge. Clearly, I had to try something more drastic. So, I

before I felt a strong arm

reminded me of last night-how he'd held me tight, moving together like we were

professional at work? So why are you getting all handsy with a 'colleague'?'

+25 BONUS

His words...

to twist

was. He'd act all innocent and clueless around me, but the

in. But what could I

a frustrated

so I turned and headed for

together," he called out as I

pretended not to hear him, but as soon as I stepped outside, I nearly ran into Ron. He grinned at me." Ms. Kay, looks like you're pretty popular these days."