Page 41 of InfraRed

“Why do you have to go in on a Saturday?” I ask, hoping to distract from what I know is coming.

“Nice try, Case,” Dad grumbles. “We had a deal.”

“Dad,” I sigh, dropping my head into my hand and rubbing my forehead from the headache I feel coming.

“No. We had an agreement that you would stay away from him.”

“Liam, cut her some slack.” My head jerks up, and I stare at Uncle Henry in disbelief.He’s on my side?

No. There’s no way. The only difference between Dad and Uncle H is that Dad will just be disappointed and throw a fit. Uncle H might actually castrate Graham.

Ugh. More reasons whatever Graham has on his brain can’twork.

I don’t understand where all of it came from. When did Graham suddenly stop looking at me like some pitiful little girl? What I do know is once the thrill of the forbidden wears off, so will his interest. That has to be what this is because nothing else makes sense. He doesn’t like that I’ve kept him at a distance or that anyone is telling him no. I just have to wait him out. Whatever happened earlier cannot happen again. Soon enough, Graham will move on to girls who are actually his type because that’s most definitely not me.

“She didn’t do anything wrong,” Uncle H continues. “Besides, if anyone will make sure she’s safe, it’s the guy who’s been doing so since he was eighteen years old.”

This time, I can’t keep my jaw off the floor. I’m not sure a shovel could lift it from the ground.

“Back off, Henry,” Dad growls. Uncle H throws his hands up, but from the tightness in his eyes, I know that will only slide until they’re away from me.

“I’m going to wait in the truck. I don’t even know why I’m going to this shit. Not like it involves me.” He walks toward the door yellinghurryover his shoulder.

Yep, Uncle H is pissed.

I want so badly to drop my eyes to the floor. To look over his shoulder at the wall, through the window. Anywhere but at him, but I don’t. “Dad, it was just a ride home.”

“Wecould’ve brought you home when we picked up Lily and Ashleigh. You would’ve been fine until we got there. He didn’t need to do anything. He’s the reason I almost lost—”

“That was a long time ago.” I don’t mean to snap, but a bubbleof panic that Graham is within earshot tears through me. “I promise, Dad. I am not that girl anymore.”

Dad’s head falls back as he drags his hands down his face. His shoulders slacken as he blows out a breath. “Fine. As long as it was only the one time.” I grit my teeth and nod, knowing I have no one to blame for his worry but myself, but it’s already gotten annoying. “Now tell me what’s wrong with your phone.”

I quickly spill another lie about a pigeon on the balcony, knowing he’ll believe me since I’ve been terrified of those birds ever since a flock of them chased me through a parking lot when I was seven. Dad swears they weren’t really chasing me, but he didn’t see the look in their beady little eyes like I did. He tries to make plans to go get me a new one this afternoon, but I’m not letting him pay for a new phone. I’ll have to figure it out, so I promise it’s already handled. He doesn’t look convinced, but he nods, then kisses my cheek and leaves.

When the door closes, I lean against it, shutting my eyes with a heavy sigh. Lying has become so exhausting lately.

“Lying has really become second nature to you, hasn’t it, Sunflower?” My eyes pop open, finding Graham leaning against the wall that leads to my room. For the first time, I get a chance to take him in. He looks so much like he did when I was a kid right now. A bright blue, long-sleeved fitted tee clings to his body like a second skin, revealing his thick biceps and sculpted chest. The sleeves are pushed up to his forearms, allowing me to see the ink that trails his tan skin. He’s added quite a bit more since he had the family crest done on his left arm. Black gym shorts hang low on his trim waist, ending just above his knee, leaving the tattoos on his sculpted calves on display.

It’s strange to see him like this after all this time. For the last few years, I’ve thought of him as Graham the businessman.The casual clothes and tattoos don’t fit that image despite me knowingthisis the real Graham.

I clear my throat and push off the door. “I can’t let him down. He’s given up too much for me to be a disappointment.”

“When will you realize you can’t disappoint him, Casey?”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” I stop at the kitchen island, grab the bag left by Uncle Henry, and go to the fridge. Opening the door, I set the bag inside and grab the one Graham brought. I turn, ready to walk across the room to him, only to find him right behind me, making me gasp. Just like earlier. “Geez, has anyone explained the concept of personal space to you?”

“I am familiar with the idea.” He eyes the bag in my hand, and before I can reconsider, I shove it into his chest. “We’re back to this?”

“Dad brought me something, so I don’t need this.”

He takes the bag, reaches behind me, and opens the fridge. “It can stay with the rest. You need it. I’ll have more food and a new phone delivered this afternoon.” I’m ready to tell him no when he leans back, his lips tilting at the corners as he shuts the door, then leans over me with a hand propped beside my head. My traitorous heart skips, and he notices. “Also, you need better protection than this.”

His other hand comes from behind him, and I want the floor to open up and swallow me whole. Mortification consumes my body with flames as he holds up the hot pink wand between us. I snatch it away and throw it across the apartment, pressing my lips tightly together as I collect myself. Finally, when I’m sure I can talk at a normal, unembarrassed level, I speak. “It’s not what you think it’s for.”

His lips spread, showcasing pearly white, sickeningly straight teeth. It’s disgusting how attractive he is, to be honest. Sculpted muscles, thick, perfectly styled hair, sharp cheekbones, wide, strong jaw. Not to mention he’s driven, super smart, and can charm the panties off a nun if he wants. He just seldom wants to. How is it fair to the rest of us mere mortals?

“And what do I think it’s for, Sunflower?”

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