Page 32 of Lie for a Lie

After finally finishing our very satisfying make-out session in the bed of his truck, I drive us back to the bar to pick up my car before driving Seth home. He leans over and kisses me when we get to his place and park.

“I have to head in. My cat will be pissed. I haven’t been home yet.”

Seth’s smile is soft, and I laugh before nodding. He lingers on me a minute longer before climbing out of my car and up the stairs to his apartment. I stay just long enough to make sure he ends up inside before letting out a small sigh.

I look at the clock, seeing it’s a little after midnight. Even though Seth had gotten me off today, I had too much nervous energy. Or maybe all the making out had triggered my nine months of celibacy. I look in my rearview mirror and see my gym bag in the back seat. I left it in here for before work tomorrow, but I can just put in a clean set of clothes and go work out now.

Since I was little, there has been something calming about a runner’s high, letting go and focusing on moving through time and space. I have always enjoyed running, even joining various running groups during college. Running is my go-to when my thoughts are getting to be too much.

I love the control I feel over counting the steps until I forget what number I am on. It forces me to focus completely differently, like a reset button.

Since I am horny and frustrated, it is the perfect time to replay the evening repeatedly in my head.

After parking and heading to the locker room, I can’t help but feel something still isn’t right. Seth isn’t right. I have to fight down the thoughts of Graham’s dimpled smile. I don’t even know why.

Fuck.

As I start my run, the image of the smile disappearing between my thighs has my mind so clouded that I just go on autopilot. Trying to lose myself in the music I play in my air pods before resorting to counting steps. By step fifteen, I have to stop the treadmill. It’s pointless, and I struggle to catch my breath, feeling the longing growing between my thighs. I close my eyes, counting backward from ten.

“You, okay?”

A familiar voice says over my music from behind me. I feel my body tense, and that voice doesn’t help my aching pussy. I take a few more steadying breaths before opening my eyes to see Graham with a concerned look on his face.

His gym shorts and loose T-shirt can’t hide his rather muscular body. His eyes seem to be searching mine for an answer, and I finally manage a small smile.

“Depends. Is Katherine with you?” I manage to say sarcastically and slightly out of breath.

He laughs, and what looks like relief dances across his face. He looks around before stepping closer to me.

“Nope.”

His smile is beaming, and I feel the heat in my core soak my panties.

Shit.

Shoving him playfully before pulling out my air pods, I grab my water, and Graham keeps a slight distance. He watches my movements as I take my nursing school shirt and wipe my face, suddenly thankful that I kept my makeup so light for my date.

“You never answered my question?” he says in a playful tone.

I just smile and turn to head towards the free weights. He follows me, and I don’t look at him when I respond.

“Your vague question.”

Letting a snarky tone lash out. If he weren’t so hot, people would find his behavior creepier.

“How was that question vague?” he asks, genuinely confused.

I let out a small laugh, and he looks almost as if it makes his heart ache.

“Why does it matter to you if I am okay?” I ask, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach that seem to love that he cares.

Graham doesn’t seem to be fazed even by my question. He just gives me a cocky grin before running one of his hands through his curls.

“It would be a lie if I told you I wasn’t interested in hearing what someone else did wrong so I can avoid making the same mistake.”

The now, way too familiar pang for Graham, begins to linger in my chest again.

“What makes you think he made a mistake?” I ask, hearing the air catch in my throat before feeling the puzzled look cross my brow.

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