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“Ever since my dad died, I’ve turned into this sad old man who can’t seem to smile much less…you know.”

“What?” Essie asked, mouth full of a brownie.

But the other women exchanged knowing glances. “I think he means you know,” Lottie supplied, tilting her head down toward her lap. “As in—” She elaborated on her gesture, pointing down to her lady bits, and Lex sat up straighter.

Fuck. Was he blushing?

“Ohhhh,” Essie murmured, eyes widening.

“All women know, if you want it done right, do unto thy own self,” Sabrina said. “Book of Clitelation 6:9.”

The women burst out laughing, and Lex shifted uncomfortably. “Okay, maybe this was a bad idea,” he said. “I shouldn’t be talking about this stuff with you guys. Your men are gonna kill me if they find out.”

But Julia waved a dismissive hand. “They won’t. And we’re all adults here.”

“I agree with Julia,” Ellie chimed in. “As the two most mature women here, we know firsthand how certain things can change with age. Just because something worked when you were in your twenties, or even thirties, doesn’t mean it will work the same way, or at all, when you’re in your forties and approaching fifty. Perimenopause starts in a woman’s mid-forties and, let’s face it, none of us here is exactly a spring chicken. Well, except for Essie and Lottie.”

“Are you kidding me? I just had a baby,” Lottie declared. “My body is a mess and my hormones are all over the place. I love Chaz with every fiber of my being, but sometimes I want to punch him in the nose.”

“And that’ll be me in four months,” Essie stated. “But I won’t be aiming for Xander’s nose. It’ll be a little lower if he comes anywhere near me after I push out this baby.”

Everyone chuckled.

“Okay, here’s the situation,” Sabrina said, taking charge. “Mature women deal with menopause and mature men face manopause. Each has its own unique set of challenges. The more you share, the more we can help you.”

He leaned forward and lowered his voice as if imparting a secret. “My charm is nowhere to be found, cockiness at a level zero, and my lack of confidence is making me question how well I’ll be able to, ah, perform in the bedroom. Trust me,” he added quickly, “I’ve never had a problem before. I have rocked so many worlds in my time.” He frowned. “But now I’m struggling because the one woman I want to impress—the only woman who’s ever truly caught my interest—I might disappoint. And that kills me.”

“We won’t let that happen,” Julia stated. “If you really like her, we can give you some solid advice.” They all nodded. “Because things change as you age, especially with women. We want, and need, different things. And just because you had the moves before and entertained all manner of doe-eyed inexperienced young ladies, that doesn’t mean your old tricks are going to work on an older woman.”

“She’s fifty-two,” he told them.

“It’s a whole new ballgame when it comes to menopause,” Sabrina stated.

Lex’s jaw dropped, horrified. “So, you’re telling me I’m all the way back at square one?”

“Pretty much,” Ellie said. “I had to retrain Wes.”

“Same with Brand,” Julia agreed.

“Jayson, too,” Sabrina added.

“Holy shit.” Lex swiped a hand over his jaw. “I had no idea.”

“That’s the problem,” Julia said. “Most men don’t. But lucky for you, you have us.”

Lex slumped down in his seat, flabbergasted. Closing his mouth, he nodded. “Okay, ladies, bring me up to speed.”

“Honestly, it’s all about communication,” Ellie stated. “Pay close attention and talk to her.”

“If she likes something, you’ll know,” Sabrina assured him with a sly smile. “Women still need lots of Vitamin D in their forties and fifties.” She sent him a wink.

“And whatever you do, do not skip the foreplay,” Julia emphasized. “Warm her up emotionally first.”

Lex frowned. “Emotionally?” What the hell did that mean?

“Yes. Throttle down, flyboy. Hold eye contact. Breathe with her. Stay present.” Ellie reached for another cookie. “You need to be patient, because as soon as those mid-forties hit, our bodies begin to change. What worked before doesn’t usually work anymore.”

“That’s right,” Julia confirmed. “We’re battling mood swings, fatigue, hot flashes. Do you have any idea what it’s like waking up in the middle of the night feeling like you’re trapped in a furnace and sweating through your sheets?”