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“Um, no, sorry.” Lex leaned forward, curious but also a little scared. Menopause was no joke. Shit. He’d had no idea.

“And you need to understand things can get a little drier down there,” Ellie stated matter-of-factly. “I’m talking like zero rainfall desert dry. Lubrication is your best friend. Always have it within reach.”

Lex nodded, reaching for a chocolate chip cookie. “Lube. Check.” Damn, maybe he should be taking notes.

“Spontaneous sex is great and all,” Ellie continued, “but you have to take in other factors now, too. Sometimes her body just isn’t cooperating, so it becomes more about anticipation. That’s the real key to unlocking her pleasure.”

“Right?” Sabrina nodded in agreement. “Because sex isn’t just about the orgasm—it’s about intimacy. The connection. Making her feel safe, seen and still desired. Learn to be turned on by her pleasure, not just your own.”

“We don’t want a five-minute performance,” Julia said. “We want you to arouse our mind before ever touching our body. We want to feel cherished.”

“Oh, yes, definitely cherished,” Lottie agreed, her curls bouncing as she nodded emphatically.

“Cherished. Got it.” Actually, he didn’t really get all of what they were saying. He’d never tried to make a woman feel cherished before. How did you even do that? Bring her flowers?

“And don’t be afraid to mix it up,” Ellie advised. “Fantasies, role playing, toys.”

“Toys are good. We like toys,” Sabrina added.

“Above all, be patient,” Julia said. “Menopause isn’t about the end of sex, it’s about transformation, one that leads to a new and even better kind of passion. Society needs to understand women don’t freaking expire after forty. We just change.”

Lex waited for them to share more—preferably something he could actually understand—but they just looked at him expectantly. And he felt more lost than ever. Forcing a smile, he sat up and laid his palms flat on the scarred tabletop. “Thank you very much, ladies.”

Before anyone could respond, the front door opened and Brand, Wes and Jayson strolled in. Shit. Lex wanted to sink down and melt into the floor. He could already hear the ridicule that was about to be slung his way.

“You’re back early,” Julia said. “I thought you’d be gone all afternoon.”

“It was too windy,” Brand stated. He bent over and kissed her cheek. “What’s going on?”

“We heard you needed advice, Battle.” Jayson dropped his fishing gear on the floor and plopped down next to Sabrina.

“Oh, yeah? Who told you that?” Lex shook his head, trying to maintain some semblance of his normal composure, all the while wondering how the hell they knew. Jesus, could no one keep a secret?

“Essie told Xander she was with the girls, and he got it out of her that they were coming here.” Wes leaned over the table and grabbed a donut.

Essie scrunched her nose, looking guilty. “Oops. Sorry, Lex.”

“It’s okay.” He couldn’t be mad at her. Xander used to work for the CIA. There was no keeping secrets from the man.

“Is this about that woman from last night?” Brand asked.

“Summer Holt,” Lex supplied, nodding. Even though he’d been reluctant to confide in his boys earlier, now all he wanted to do was pick their brains. Because honestly? The women had just confused him more.

“He’s smitten,” Julia revealed, “and we were giving him some advice.”

“About what?” Brand asked.

“Menopause,” she answered.

“Oh, shit. That.” Brand exchanged knowing looks with Wes and Jayson.

“And I really appreciate it,” Lex said, shifting in his seat, “but would you ladies mind if we had a quick guys-only chat?”

“Not at all.” Julia stood up. “C’mon upstairs, girls. I want to show you these new candles I poured.”

“Ooh, yes! I might have you make me one,” Lottie declared, and they all headed to the back staircase leading up to Brand and Julia’s apartment above the bar.

The moment they were out of sight, Lex sprang up, raked a hand through his hair and began pacing like a mad man. “I’m having a fucking meltdown, and after talking to them, I’m more confused than I was! I’ve never dated an older woman before, and I don’t want to fuck this up. I thought they could help me out, but now I’m just questioning everything I’ve ever done. I used to know sex. I had the moves, the rhythm, the confidence. But lately, I feel like I’m in a spiral dive, doomed to crash. Was I really a sex ninja, or were my previous partners faking it? Am I even good in bed? What if Summer wants to get physical and I can’t get there and I let her down? Jesus Christ, am I really back at square one? I need a fucking beer.”