Page 142 of Hard to Get

“Okay, it’s not really the age difference. It’s more about… expectations for the future.”

“Ah.”

“And I am older than you.”

He opens his mouth and I rush to say, “I know it’s not a lot. But it could make a difference.”

“Talking about the future is fine,” he says slowly.

“Okay, good. Maybe… you could tell me what you expect from me. And then I can do the same.”

He lifts his wine glass to his lips and drinks. “Okay. What do I expect from you,” he repeats thoughtfully. “Can I say… blow jobs?”

I slap my hands to the side of my head. “Jayden!”

He grins. “That’s not what you meant?”

I give him a look up through my eyelashes.

“Okay… how about I expect that we’re exclusive.”

“Of course! Yes.”

“Honesty.”

I nod.

“I think… honesty about expectations. Because those will change over time.”

Oh. I listen.

“Right now, things are new for us. We’re still getting to know each other. But expectations could change over time, because we’ll both change.”

“Right.” How is he so wise?

“Things I expect from you… I expect you to listen to me. To try to understand. I expect communication. And… I expect those things of myself, too. For you.”

“Okay.”

“What do you expect of me?”

“Well… the same, really. Communication and honesty are super important. I worry that my past and my fears might make me expect things from you that aren’t reasonable. But I can’t expect you to heal those wounds. That’s up to me.”

He nods solemnly. “Okay.”

“But I think it’s fair to expect you to, um… respond to what I need. I’m not saying that right. If I need something… like listening or comforting or…”

“Role playing doctor and nurse?”

I choke on a laugh. “That’s an expectation? Okay, noted.”

He grins. “Sorry. I interrupted. You expect me to be there for you.”

“Yes.”

“Okay. As long as… well, what about… equality? I know that was an issue with that wet sock you were with.”

Another laugh bursts out of me. “Oh my God.”