Page 65 of Lie for a Lie

“I had a very good childhood. My parents are still married, and I am an only child. I was an average student but did excel in computers. More than once, I have accessed things I probably shouldn’t have. It may or may not include the identity of who assassinated JFK.”

I can’t help but laugh, and he softly kisses my hand.

“I fell madly in love with a girl when I was younger, but she moved away when we were sophomores. We both have moved on.”

I lean over and kiss him softly, and he smiles when I pull away before continuing.

“My favorite color is green. I like football, but I’m not into it like the other guys. I am more of a baseball fan. Also, I drink when I am nervous.”

He lifts my chin to meet his eyes.

“On our first date, I was so nervous that I started taking shots to calm myself. Then that led to a few cigarettes. I had lost track of time, and part of me wonders why you didn’t just leave right there.”

A small bit of anxiety I have been holding onto eases. An explanation for quite a bit more than I asked for. Seth is trying, and it is the sexiest he has ever been. I lean forward and kiss him. At first, he is still, and I pull him in closer. I slowly slide my tongue over his teeth, and he responds hungrily, pulling me to straddle his lap.

I can’t help the moan that escapes my lips between the slow thrust slides into me. He takes his time as if he is memorizing the feeling of me. He moans into my mouth, and I tangle my hands in his hair. It is slow and passionate. Not rushed and completely consuming. Somehow, Seth manages to lift us before heading over to my bed. Laying me down sweetly and kissing me endlessly.

For the first time I feel like we can survive Europe. We can grow as a couple and eventually fall into something happy.

Chapter 33

Paige

It is nearly five thirty when the guys and Katherine show up for our river day. It has been years since I have been on the river for more than some wilderness medical training I signed up for.

There is a slight chill in the air this morning, so I grab my favorite hoodie and bag, double-checking that I have everything I need. Including my favorite faded baseball cap that fits my long braids without giving me a headache. I slide on my flip-flops and am the last one out of the condo. I jump into the back seat of Chris’s Tahoe with Bre and Seth. Supplies are strapped down on the top and packed inside.

Across the parking lot, I notice Graham’s truck waiting for us with the rather nice black speed boat. I haven’t spoken to Graham since we had our small yet passionate make-out session after the club with a sleepover. I have somehow managed to convince myself it was just a horny dance club hangover.

There is only so long you can dry hump a person before kissing them. I am choosing to ignore that I wanted to kiss him long before that night. I also don’t think Seth even notices anything has happened. He seems distracted himself.

“Ready?” Seth says with a small smile before brushing his lips across my knuckles and buckling his seat belt.

I smile softly, nodding.

“Have you been on the boat before, Seth?”

Bre asks as Chris pulls out of the parking lot as we start the hour and a half drive to the river.

“Once or twice. They all went out for the fourth of July last year.”

I study Seth for a moment and can’t quite tell how he feels about it.

“Yeah, it’s more of a Lewis boy thing.”

Chris smiles reaching for Bre.

“When Graham first came around, we fought a lot. Fishing trips ended up being the only time we all got along. Well, that and football.”

“You and Graham didn’t get along?”

Bre asks, seeming surprised, as I reach into my bag to grab my headphones. That way I can’t listen to this whole conversation, especially since Seth just leans his head back against the headrest and closes his eyes.

“No, not even close. He is about two years older than me, and girls love him.”

I let out a small laugh, catching Chris’s attention. I clear my throat and reach for my bag.

“Don’t mind me. I’m going to read.”

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