Page 16 of Her Age Gap Match

CHAPTER 6

Johnny

I was very tempted to cancel my meetings for the day and take Poppy back to my apartment.

She’d brought me to that coffee shop to tell me we were compatible—which felt obvious in hindsight. I’d been flirting with her over that front desk for two years. She told me she’d had a sex dream about me, for fuck’s sake.

I desperately wanted to fuck her. Hadn’t wanted anyone like this in years…no one I’d met through the agency, no one at all. Other than Poppy.

Poppy Hayes, who was definitely the woman Sophie had been referring to. The someone else she’d asked me to sit with.

I’d sat with it at The Perch…I’d decided.

We walked out together, Poppy clutching her bag, looking uncertainly at the bike. I went around to the left side and watched her carefully, trying to pick up on any discomfort.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” I said. “But—at least let me get you an Uber or something⁠—”

She frowned. “You’re not…you’re not taking me home with you?”

Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, her lips red and shimmering with gloss. Again, I considered cancelling my meetings.

“No,” I shook my head. “Not that I don’t want to—but this is fast. I want you making this decision with a clear head, not…not fresh off a compatibility report and a sex dream.”

Her blush deepened, more about embarrassment—or maybe arousal—than the cold.

“I can just take the train—” she started.

I reached out and caught her wrist, pulling her closer. She stumbled a step forward, almost straight into my arms.

“Poppy Hayes,” I said, “I want to be very clear. I want nothing more than to take you home right now and take you apart piece by piece. I want to know what you’re wearing under those clothes…want to know what your skin feels like in my hands, want to taste those lips. Fuck, I do.” I paused, her breath catching. “But more than that—I want you to feel safe.”

She inhaled, shaky.

“So let me take you home,” I finished. “Your home. Where’s your apartment?”

She exhaled against my mouth. I tasted hot chocolate and vanilla lip gloss.

“Wicker Park,” she said. “I can give you instructions.”

“Sounds great,” I said.

I grabbed the helmet and handed it over to her. She looked nervous all of a sudden.

“You okay with the bike?” I asked.

She nodded vigorously. “Yes, please. I’m just…a little scared?”

“That’s okay,” I said. “For what it’s worth, you get to wear the helmet.”

I leaned forward to put it on her, and she laughed softly when I pulled up the visor. Her green eyes sparkled inside, showing me her smile even with her eyes only.

“You keep that on,” I said. “Now…”

I swung my leg over the bike and settled in, got it stable and running. Then I looked back over my shoulder.

“Foot pegs are just there—” I nodded down at them. “Right foot first, then push up and swing over. Take your time.”

She was careful about it, a little awkward—but then she was on, her arms around my waist. Even through our jackets, I could feel her heat, her breasts pressing against my back, her hands dangerously close to my waist.