Page 76 of Lie for a Lie

“Your place? Or mine?”

His initial reaction is yes to my invitation. I can see it in his eyes, feel it in the way his breath catch in his chest as the air thicken between us. He tucks a piece of my loose hair behind my ear and smiles. Then he only lingers a moment longer before pulling away from me entirely, and I can’t breathe. Tears immediately fill my eyes. Regret seems to be filling his eyes as he wipes the tears rolling down my cheek. I am so stupid for letting him see me like this.

“Paige.”

His voice is so soft. I look at him, my face cradled in his hand, and force myself to listen to what he has to say next.

“I have some extremely strong feelings for you, and I’m not entirely sure I could ever let go if I finally got to have you.”

His words seem honest, but they splinter my heart into a million pieces. I thought the same thing on more than one occasion, and it’s probably why I have tried to keep things going. Our chemistry is more than just physical. I crave him on a deeper level than anyone else, and I think he is feeling the same way.

I pull away from him, and more tears roll down my cheeks. It feels like this is the end of us. I walked away from the river, and he is walking away now. Maybe I can give Seth a real chance if I’m not so mindlessly in love with Graham.

“So that’s it. You flirt with me all this time to just bail the second I offer it all to you.”

I spat hurt and he flinches at the words. Saying nothing as he steps back from me. I sigh, annoyed, and turn to open my car door. He stops me and waits until I step to the side before opening the car door for me. The audacity of this man. He is going to assist me in my storming off angry right now. Which just makes me want him more.

I don’t say anything else to him as I buckle myself into the driver’s seat. He closes the door and steps back again. I don’t even bother looking at him, turning the keys over in the ignition and pulling out of the parking lot, fully intending to leave everything I feel for him behind.

Chapter 38

Paige

It is nearly four in the morning when I work up the nerve to knock on the front door. I have things I need to say to Graham. Words that I need him to hear no matter how many shots of whiskey I have just had.

Thankfully, the bar is within walking distance of Graham’s townhome. I know he is home because his truck is parked in his spot. It has taken me ten minutes to work up the courage to come to his door after nearly an hour trying to talk myself out of it at the bar.

Since leaving the gym, I ignored his calls and messages and now knock softly twice. Waiting almost a full minute before knocking a second time, slightly louder than before. Silence fills the space, and I panic when I notice a flicker in the window. A beat of silence later, the locks on the door quickly open. Graham stands in nothing but his black boxer briefs and the dark gray shorts from earlier. His muscular torso is on full display, and I rush to his arms, panicking in embarrassment.

“It’s okay, baby,” he whispers into my hair as he holds me tightly.

Something snaps in me at the words, and I turn towards him again. His eyes meet mine. I know the question is written all over my face. I need to know if what I am feeling for him is real.

“Graham.”

I let it all show and say his name almost like a plea. I need him, and I know he knows it. He slumps his shoulders in defeat before grabbing my jacket and pulling me towards him. Kissing me deeply as he pulled me into his living room. Lingering for a moment, seeming to familiarize himself with every soft moan passing my lips.

He lifts me into his arms before he kisses me again as he carries me up the stairs toward his room. He pushes open the door, places me down before, and backs me towards the bed. I pull away for a moment, looking around. It is clear he has slept alone here for a long time.

I’m unsure why, but I become nervous, realizing this is my first time in his room. I have seen it on our calls, but being here feels different. I focus as he sits me on the bed before removing my shoes and socks. I watch his every movement, and he constantly touches my skin.

I pull his face to mine and kiss him deeply again. My hand reaches down and firmly grips onto his hardened cock. He moans his approval as I pump him in my hand and kiss him deeper before he pulls away reluctantly.

“Shower?” he asks softly.

I laugh and know I must smell amazing between the gym and the bar.

“Join me?” I ask with a smile.

“Oh, I had no intention of you showering alone, baby,” he says mischievously as he wraps me in his arms before carrying me to the bathroom.

He puts me down, facing him as he reaches for the shower and starts the water.

He leans down, intoxicating me with his scent before pulling me in for a deep, bruising kiss. His hands begin to explore my breasts, removing my sports bra and kissing all my exposed skin. Steam begins to fill the bathroom when he removes my shorts and thong. I pull my hair out of the messy bun and let it fall down my back. He steps back and takes in the sight of me naked in front of him. I have never felt so seen.

“You are so beautiful,” Graham says, pulling me towards him.

“You are pretty damn beautiful yourself.”

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