Love With A Younger Man Read Online Free Page B

meant the basis of our entire relationship was a lie. Knowing that, how could I believe a single thing he said? Besides, even if he were telling the truth that he actually wanted and loved me, who knew how long it would be before he tired of me? Just listening to the guys he hung out with, it wouldn’t be long before he ended up dumping me.
    I felt the walls closing in on me and had to get out of there. I grabbed my clothes and hastily dressed. A moment later, Richard walked back into the bedroom. When he saw me fully clothed and pulling on my shoes, a look of confusion filled his face.
    “Where are you going?”
    “Home.”
    “Why? What’s wrong, Amber?”
    Obviously, he had no idea that I’d heard the entire conversation he’d just had with his buddies.
    “At this point, it might be a lot easier to tell you what’s right.”
    “What are you—you overheard us talking, didn’t you?”
    “Every last damning word.”
    “Our relationship may have started out as a bet, but I do love you, and I’m beyond happy I took the dare.”
    “If I believe that, you’ll be selling me a bridge next!”
    “You know that’s not so,” he said, reaching for me.
    “Tell that to someone who doesn’t sell real estate for a living,” I said, pushing him out of the way as I headed toward the door. I grabbed my purse and slammed the door behind me just as my pent-up tears began to sluice down my face. Even though I knew I was doing the right thing, I still felt as if I were throwing away the best thing that had ever happened to me. I couldn’t have been any more miserable. I loved Richard with my entire being. I never knew the extent to which I could love a man before him. But I was tough. I could get through this. Hadn’t I pulled myself through worse things?
    I reached the elevator and punched the button to go down. As I waited, I pulled out my cell phone to call for a taxi.
    “Why did you run out on me?” Richard said behind me.
    Afraid to meet his eyes, I half-turned to face him, trying to act strong. Too bad my heart was working on its own game plan and had accelerated at the sound of his voice, causing me to have this terrible desire to rush back into his loving arms.
    “It’s the best thing,” I said, trying to keep the raw emotion from my voice.
    “How can you say that? I thought we had something others would kill for.”
    “All based on a lie.”
    “Initially. But I would have gone over to talk to you even if they hadn’t dared me to. I fell in love with you at first sight.”
    I turned away, trying to drown out his words and control my tears. Too bad it was all a losing battle.
    “Amber, can a kiss lie? Can’t you tell how I feel about you by my touch?” he asked. I couldn’t face him. I knew I’d be lost if I looked into his sexy blue eyes.
    Richard grabbed my shoulders and spun me around to face him. “Look at me! Tell me you don’t love me. If you can honestly do that, I’ll walk away.”
    I couldn’t miss the emotion in his voice and slowly lifted my head. I gazed into his deep blue eyes. They were sad and misty. I tried to speak, but nothing came out, giving him hope.
    “You love me, too. I know you do. Give me the chance to prove my love. If it doesn’t work out after,” he stuck out his bottom lip in thought, “let’s say in about fifty years or so, you’re free to move on.”
    I threw my arms about his neck. “Oh, Richard, I do love you so.”
    “Then marry me—tomorrow. The hell with long engagements!”
    I nodded yes, and he hungrily covered my lips with his. Inadvertently, I’d hit the dial button on the phone and the taxi dispatcher answered. Richard heard the voice and said, “We won’t need a taxi now. Sorry.” He closed the phone and whispered, “Now where were we?”
    An apartment door opened and a white-haired old lady with a shopping cart in tow emerged. When she saw us kissing, she said, “Ew, get a room.”
    I glanced at her, noticing that she hadn’t really hidden