Page 63 of Lie for a Lie

“I have known you a long time, Graham, and I have never seen you act like this with anyone. You know how serious I am about Bre, and Paige is more than likely going to be my sister-in-law unless I somehow royally screw things up. You have to figure this shit out.”

“I know.” I let out a breath, frustrated.

Chris clears his throat, “How was it?”

I can hear the curiosity in his tone, and I am surprised.

“What?”

“Paige?”

I just chuckle softly.

“Nothing I have ever experienced before and yet so fucking addicting. Most nights, we end up falling asleep on the phone together, and then last night, I got to experience something I have been craving for longer than I realized.”

“You need to tell her.”

His tone is so protective. For once, I feel like he is the big brother in this situation, and I laugh.

“I will.” I sigh, and part of me knows he is right. I need to tell Paige how I feel no matter what happens after.

“By the way,” Chris says, catching my attention. “Are we still good for the river at the end of the week? Bre wants me to confirm before she lets everyone know at dinner tomorrow.”

“Yes, all set.”

I smile softly, looking forward to taking my boat out for the first and probably only time this summer.

Chapter 32

Paige

The shift has been busier than usual. Between the never-ending line of walk-ins and the excessive ambulance traffic, I have to stay over an hour to catch up on charting.

I am exhausted and am so grateful that this is my last shift this week. I have somehow scheduled myself for six days off, and I have a new book series to start. It works out well because Bre is planning some sort of couples trip this weekend since I don’t go back till Tuesday.

Seth is back in town, and as much as I want to see him, I can’t stop thinking about that kiss I had with Graham.

I take the time to pick up my room a bit before changing my sheets. Graham’s cologne is gone, but I am holding on, hoping to smell him there again.

I head out of my room toward the washer and dryer, realizing I am home alone for the first time in weeks. I have no interruptions or distractions, so I want to take advantage. I opt to drop the sheets in the hallway before taking a hot shower. It’s one of those soul-healing girl ones that includes shaving every bit of my body. When I am done in the shower, I move on to some skin self-care and tweezed my brows before brushing through my hair and finally throwing on an oversized t-shirt.

I reached for my phone and send Seth a message.

Me: Bre and Chris are gone. Interested in a day off with your girlfriend?

Seth: On my way!

I can’t help but laugh before quickly tidying up, making the bed with my clean sheets, and turning on a 90s alternative rock station. I head into the kitchen, dancing as I move along. Sweeping up and unloading the dishwasher. I become so lost in what I am doing that I don’t even register the two knocks at the door twenty minutes later. My phone chimes on the counter next to me.

Seth: Here.

“It’s open!”

I look over just in time to see Seth with a brown bag in one hand and coffee in the other. His smile is warm, and he seems just as happy to see me as I am to see him. I waste no time heading over to him, wrapping my arms around his neck, kissing him deeply, and let out some of this sexual frustration I have been holding on to.

“Gorgeous, if you keep kissing me like that, we will need less clothing,” he says, pulling away.

“Maybe that’s my master plan,” I purr before gripping his shirt and hovering his lips over mine.

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