Page 36 of Our Unexpected Beginning
“Only if you promise to bring this drink of water over again!”
“Deal! Dinner is in the oven. I’m running upstairs!”
Graham
Graham walked around the small living room waiting for Julia to come downstairs. Her aunt had excused herself tothe kitchen after offering him a drink and an apologetic smile.
When Wes called him he’d just got word that the wash plant would be down for at least five days before the parts could come in. They’d already replaced the belt twice, the terrain was unforgivable this year.
Graham took the opportunity to step in and show Julia that he wasn’t with her to play games, or for her looks. Even still she had the most beautiful body that brought out a hunger he’d never experienced with anyone before.
Their back and forth through messages wasn’t the most ideal way he wanted to get to know her, but it was the best way for Julia to open up to him. She’d give him glimpses of who she was underneath it all and it only served to make him hungrier.
He walked over to the bookcase by the doorway and studied the collection of spines ranging from fashion anthologies to leather-bound editions of the original Grimm Fairy Tales.
In the voids between books were knicknacks not too different from the shelf in Julia’s apartment. Small trinkets and other mementos he was sure had some meaning. His mother never kept anything more valuable than a bottle. His grandmother did have a small Hummel collection that barely survived rowdy teenage years.
A noise from the hall caught his attention and he spotted Julia coming down the stairs.
He never thought the simple sound of heels could make him hard. A marching call. A siren’s song thathad a leash around his balls so tight, Graham didn’t care that he was her dominant. She was his submissive, someone he’d walk through fire for and care for until he no longer existed.
Julia was becoming the exception to all the rules and he wanted to break them all with her.
Julia’s hair was a tri-colored curled mess down her shoulders just the way he liked it. A flowy berry dress that stopped above her knees. The heels were short but flattered her just the right way. It wasn’t for a fancy night out but perfect for their quiet evening.
He walked to the edge of the stairs and leaned against the railing letting her know he was not only taking in an eyeful but enjoying every moment of it.
When she reached the bottom step she gently patted the top of his hand and headed into the dining room to look over the table. She paced around it twice, moving a bolt of fabric that was forgotten under the table.
“Oh Graham, I’m sorry. Did you get settled? I wasn’t thinking, I’m a horrible host.”
“I’m okay. I’ve been working with men for so long that it was nice to get a moment of quiet.” He reached out and brushed his hand over her arm, pulling her attention to him. “Hey.”
She sighed and looked into his eyes quickly before she took off to the kitchen. He wondered if he’d imagined it.
Graham took the cue and stepped back, allowing her to release the nervous energy. When she’d finally settled in the kitchen he sat next to her and offered her the glass. “Drink this please.”
“I’m not thirsty.” She grumbled, taking the glass from him and placing it on the side table next to them.
His hand twitched. Mindful of their surroundings and her family nearby, Graham picked up the drink and placed it back in her hand. “That wasn’t a suggestion.” he reminded her, his voice low.
Julia pressed her lips into a thin line and begrudgingly obeyed, drinking down nearly half and handing it back to him.
“That’s my good girl.” He brushed her hair from her shoulder and she softened beneath his touch. “Are you going to talk to me about what’s bothering you?”
“I’m fine. We’re not exactly the come home to meet the family type.”
“I can understand that.”
“My mom can be…a lot.”
“It’s a few hours, use me as a buffer. If you don’t chill you’ll vibrate through the floor.” He’d seen her avoidant before, but not like this. They were still learning about each other.
Julia took another sip of her drink, sat it on the table, and leaned back on the couch with a huff. “I will be happy when the night’s over.”
“Your aunt has been so nice. Tonight will be fine. What can I do to occupy you?” He was in new surroundings and clearly out of his element. If the water heater exploded or someone’s car engine fell out, he would be first in line to jump in. Family dynamics wasn’t something he excelled at navigating.
“Come to think of it, since I turned thirty, I’m not as flexible, but I bet we could fit in the hall closet.”
