Page 82 of Lie for a Lie

“Even drunk, you are ridiculously handsome.”

“You made it!” he yells with drunken excitement, throwing his arms around me. Pulling me in close to him. His hands play with my braids as he kisses my neck.

“Oh baby, how many drinks have you had?” I ask with a slight laugh as we both sit down.

My hands brace his arms to help support him.

“Not enough,” he says flirtatiously.

God, he is so drunk.

I don’t think I have seen him this drunk. Concern starts to build in the back of my mind. I look around the bar, attempting to calm my nerves.

“How about I have one with you and take you home?” I ask with a wink.

He smiles, his eyes focusing on me. They are still so ocean blue and bloodshot, full of pain, and lingering on me like he always has. He nods, and I signal towards the bartender.

“Where is Prince Charming?” Graham asks a bit harshly.

I try not to let it bother me and adjust in my chair. It’s the first time I think I have seen him jealous.

“I don’t know. Probably working. Perks of being your own boss.”

I am curious to see where Graham is going with this as the bartender comes to take our order.

As I go to answer, Graham says, “Two whiskey colas and a water please.”

I adjust my seat and smile politely as the bartender leaves.

“Will you tell me what happened, or are we going to play this game all night?” I say, becoming annoyed.

Letting a bored expression dance across my face, he laughs in a way that breaks my heart. It’s a way that makes me think the world has played some kind of cruel joke on him.

“You know, my grandmother would have loved you. You are funny, kind, smart, and probably the only genuine person I have ever met besides Chris. Hell, you are probably the loveliest woman I have ever met.”

He sighs, eyes meeting mine. My cheeks stained maroon

“I also know she would hate that her ring was given to Kat. I hate it. I have hated it for a long time, especially since I met you.”

He has my full attention.

“What happened, baby?”

Graham lingers on me a moment, giving me that drunk smirk again before some serious emotion seems to hit those ocean-blue eyes.

“Katherine decided to end our relationship, and I told her to move out. She wanted to clear the air, and I think she is moving to Arizona permanently.”

My heart hurts when he’s finished speaking at the sight of the pain in his eyes.

“Do you even still love her?”

That is the only real question I have for him.

He closes his eyes and sighs as if holding back tears.

“No. I only have feelings for you,” he says with brutal honesty.

I am relieved when two drinks appear in front of each of us.

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