Page 24 of Lie for a Lie

“Why did you become a doctor?”

I let curiosity show in my eyes and want to take full advantage of the one-on-one time. He momentarily lets my question linger in the air while I take a few bites of food and finish my wine before he chuckles softly.

“Sorry, it’s been a long time since someone asked me that question. Um, I guess it has to do with my grandmother. Before my grandmother’s passing, she had been a radiologist and often would share stories of her crazy experiences. My earliest memories include sitting in her office and examining hours of imaging from some of her favorite cases. It is probably where my curiosity started. Fascinated by the ins and outs of the human body.”

A hint of conflicting emotion dances across his features, and I can’t help but place my hand on his, resting on the table. His soft, strong hands seem like a calming anchor, and it’s like everything else disappears.

“What happened with you after she died?”

“I was in foster care a few years after my sperm donor lost custody of me. I was about fourteen before I was adopted.”

“Are you close to your adopted family?”

“Extremely,” Graham says with a smile that warms my heart.

“My birth mother had passed away from complications during labor, and it was too much for my father to handle, so he signed over all his rights to my grandparents. Honestly, it was probably the best thing that could have happened to me when I was younger. My grandfather had been really good with money, and my grandmother made quite a bit of it. They even set up a sizable trust for whoever took care of me if something happened. My grandmother wanted to ensure I never would go without.”

“Do you miss them?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

The fondness with which he speaks of them tells me everything I probably need to know about this man. A bleeding heart just like me.

“All the time, but they would be happy to see how far I have come.”

I grin in response as the waiter brings another round of drinks and our salads. And there, at a table originally for six, we continue to eat, flirt, and linger, barely touching hands.

I am so royally fucked.

Chapter 12

Paige

Dinner with Graham has me rethinking every male interaction I have ever had. We talk and laugh like two people who have known each other for years.

It is almost intimate in a way I have never experienced. I paid the check despite Graham’s protest. I don’t mind. Something tells me it has been a while since someone has taken him out.

“Interested in a coffee? My treat?” Graham asks as we stand across from each other in the parking lot. We have been here three hours, and it feels like only twenty minutes. I play with my keys in my hand, trying not to linger on the thought that this feels like a date.

“I love coffee. So, we can get some coffee,” I flirtily say.

Somehow, that smile that seems to be plastered across his face deepens before he nods toward the coffee shop on the corner. He offers his arm to me, and I don’t hesitate to take it.

“Wait a minute, I just realized something,” I say, stopping us and turning myself towards Graham a tad more dramatic than probably necessary.

“Why didn’t you ask Bre or Chris for my number earlier?”

He laughs softly, shaking his head.

“I wanted you to give me your number. I wanted it to be your choice, not just because of Chris and Bre.”

My eyes linger on Graham’s lips. My racing mind rationalizing that Seth and I haven’t done anything except flirt. Yes, we are sexually attracted to each other, but we don’t spark like this.

I push up onto my tiptoes and place a soft kiss on Graham’s cheek. Impressed with myself, I don’t leave any lipstick behind. When I pull away, I stop when his eyes meet mine, and everything around us almost disappears. I force myself to relax back on my heels.

“You will never just be Chris’s friend to me. I can tell already, and you’ll believe me one day.”

I interlace my fingers with his. And just as I expect, those fit together perfectly, too.

As we turn back toward the coffee shop, walking hand in hand, part of me swore in the calm silence, I hear Graham say, “I already believe you.”

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