Page 43 of Lie for a Lie

“There are worse ways to be woken up.”

I can’t help the smile that dances across my lips at the words. I put my phone down, facing the ceiling, before pulling on a questionably clean t-shirt.

“Well, in that case,” I say, picking up the phone and heading towards my bookcase.

A devilish smile danced across Graham’s face.

“Any idea why I have a Post-it note in one of my books?”

The sexiest laughter I have ever heard escapes his lips, and my cheeks flush.

“Nope. I figured you would call me about your shower. I owe you a new shower curtain and already ordered a replacement,” he says with a shit-eating grin. It makes me want to invite myself to his place and lose myself in those dimples.

“Yeah, thanks for that, by the way. I love my bats!” I say in a playful tone.

His smile is just so damn divine.

“How was work?”

“Pretty good. Slow night. How was your day?”

His mood seems to change slightly.

“Long case. Got complicated.”

“Do you need to talk about it?” I ask, taking a seat on my bed.

A look of sad confusion crossed his brows before I added, “Look, our jobs suck sometimes, and I find it helpful to talk it out with someone who will get it. So… talk.”

I throw the rope out there, and he smiles widely, not hesitating to grab it.

Two days later, Graham came to install my new favorite bat shower curtain, rod, and a few more decorations. Fixing and cleaning my bathroom while I was at work.

Chapter 21

Paige

It has been a couple of weeks since our first date, and Seth hasn’t asked me out again. We have been flirting like crazy and making out like two teenagers when we do manage to find an hour here or there to spend together, but the fight at Clint’s has left me a little all over the place.

I haven’t dated for a while, but I don’t remember it being this hard, especially since I am physically attracted to him. I decide to take matters into my own hands and cook him dinner. Keeping it simple, I went with spaghetti and salad. It has been a while since I have cooked for anyone, but it is one of the few things my mother taught us that isn’t completely useless.

I set the table and light a few candles. I want to make my intentions clear and determine whether this whole thing has the potential for a serious relationship.

I roll my shoulders while turning on the oven when I hear a knock on the door. I smile and head over to the door in my favorite pink dress, taking off the apron I have been using. Tossing it towards the island before heading to the door.

Seth looks sexy with his long blonde hair slicked back and that fuck me smile plastered across his face. Those gem-like blue eyes are rolling over every bit of me. I lean into the door and bob my lashes.

“Hungry?” I ask, heavy with lust.

“Starved,” he says like a whisper on my lips, and the horny teenager in me suddenly can’t control herself. Grabbing him by the collar of his shirt, I smash my lips to his. Forcing us back against the door frame, he feeds into it as a growl escapes his lips.

I pull him into the house, unbuckling his belt as he pulls at the straps of my dress before hesitating. It’s enough hesitation that I still my hands and pull away. Not sure what’s happening, I straighten. Seth sighs out of frustration.

Deciding not to push, I walk toward the wine and grab the glasses, pouring a little heavy-handed for both of us. Seth watches my every move before sipping the wine and sitting at the nearby island barstool. I try to calm my racing mind, but I am unsure why he has pulled away.

“I just need a minute, gorgeous,” Seth says softly before chugging his glass of wine.

I tried to focus. I went over to grab an open wine bottle and topped off my glass before grabbing the garlic bread and throwing it in the oven.

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