Chapter 13

Graham started to lean toward me, keeping his intense gaze on me the entire time. I gulped, breathing hard. For some reason, I was nervous but didn’t want to leave. I wanted to spend a few more minutes in his intoxicating presence to chat and laugh.

But then, Graham looked down at my lips and his nostrils flared as he closed the space between us. His mouth touched mine briefly, waiting for me to pull away.

~A bargain is a bargain~.

~That~ was the reason I didn’t pull away.

I closed my eyes as his lips pressed hard but sweetly against mine. He remained unmovable for a few seconds before grabbing the back of my neck and tilting my head to deepen the kiss. His tongue flickered to taste my mouth and an exciting shudder ran down my spine, settling between my thighs.

Graham was an excellent kisser, knowing what to do. I found myself leaning closer to him, supporting my weight on the console so I could be mere inches from him.

His mouth was moving against mine, savoring every moment. I couldn’t help but reciprocate enthusiastically. Our tongues brushed and tangled.

His other hand was anchored on my torso, and I wanted it to slide up, to touch more. I was hot and breathless, my skin prickling with the need for his hand to roam all over me.

I kissed him on and on, lightweight and dizzy, gasping when his hand moved to squeeze my hip.

And after a moment, Graham’s mouth moved away. I whimpered at the loss, and I almost chased after his lips. I longed for another intoxicating taste.

When I opened my eyes, I found Graham slumped against his chair, breathing hard and with his eyes closed.

“I need a moment,” he said in his husky voice through ragged breaths. His tone was full of hunger and pain; it was delicious. I rested quietly in my seat, and after a few moments with Graham keeping his eyes shut and controlling his ragged breath, he spoke again. “I think it is better if you leave now, baby.”

I frowned at his suggestion. I thought he’d want to kiss a bit more. However, when my gaze flickered down to his lap, I understood. My eyes widened and I jumped into action. I moved to grab my things, climbing out of the car. “Thanks, Graham.”

He nodded, clenching his jaw. He seemed to swallow and opened his eyes. He was affected and I didn’t let the thought get to the top of my head. “Have a good night, baby,” he said quietly.

“You too.”

He smiled. “I’m already having it.”

Air evacuated my lungs as I slammed the door shut and marched to my house. My body was on fire, and I needed to put some distance between us.

When I licked my lips, I could taste his minty flavor again. He tasted really good.

What was I ~doing~ with him? And what now?

***All week, Graham behaved. He hadn’t bothered me at all.

I should be grateful. That was all I’d wanted for the past week, but I found myself irritated. I couldn’t stop thinking about his kiss and his hands and how hot and hungry his mouth was.

And now, nothing. It felt like whiplash.

I hadn’t seen him, but I had hoped to find him waiting for me after swimming practice. Or maybe, coming to Ashton’s for fries, but nothing had happened.

On Wednesday, I encountered Jacob in the hallway. He looked up at me and instantly walked away like he was avoiding me. I didn’t feel any urge to run toward him.

Though I should feel ashamed or guilty about everything that had transgressed with Graham and my desire for more, I was a bit confused.

The sudden realization of my reaction hit my face like cold water. It was surprising, but if I cared to think deeper into matters, I hadn’t been mulling over Jacob much. Only when there was an imminent moment of facing him. Besides that, I didn’t think about him at all. Instead, I was annoyed by Graham and his ignorance, and the fact that Jacob was not Graham.

Was that all Graham wanted, a kiss? Did he decide he didn’t like me at all? Did he remember Friday night differently? Was it hunger in his kiss or was it disgust?

I bit my lip, a bit worried and angry at myself. I should stop obsessing over the kiss and the guy.

~I shouldn’t care. I really shouldn’t care. ~

But my stomach was unsettled.

Melissa had been spending every lunch period at the popular table while I’d been going to the library instead. The silence and books soothed me. I knew no one would bother me there.

On Thursday, I decided to tag along with Melissa. When I approached the table, I found Graham joking with Oliver. When he looked at me, he smiled but didn’t offer the spot next to him.

Something inside me clenched as I took a seat next to Melissa. During the entire period, I ignored the ongoing conversation. I was mortified, and talking to Christy wasn’t appealing.

I moved my food around, regretting my decision to come along. I was frustrated at being so affected by Graham, and also stressed over swimming practice. No clothes had gone missing again, but I had been watching every single girl on the team closely.

“Hazel,” Melissa interrupted my thoughts. “What do you say?”

My eyebrows knit in confusion. “Hm?”

“We are going to Christy’s place tomorrow. Enjoy the last few hot days. Want to come?”

“Oh.” I was caught off guard. “I don’t know.”

I didn’t want to spend time with Christy and her cold glares. I didn’t feel like socializing with anyone. I wanted to curl up in bed and watch a movie or finish a book.

“Come on. You love swimming. It’ll be fun,” Melissa tried to persuade me.

~Sure, it will be.~

I knew I’d said I would join them the next time, but I really didn’t want to. I didn’t feel comfortable in this crowd. I was sure Melissa wouldn’t have trouble fitting in. She once belonged to the popular crowd. She knew what to say, and how to behave. She knew the ins of the crowd. I was another story, however. “Next time.”

Melissa shot me a chiding look but didn’t push it. That was the same lame excuse I’d given last time, and I didn’t regret it.

Christy smiled, far from sincere. “That’s too bad, but okay.”

I ignored her and continued staring at my food the entire time. After lunch was over, I headed to my locker to pick my books up.

I smelled Graham’s citrus cologne as he passed me. His hand touched my lower back. When I looked at him, he winked at me over his shoulder as he walked away and smiled.

I pretended to be unaffected, but my insides melted. I hated myself for such a reaction. After being ignored for the entire week, I was softening toward him because of a single touch?

~No way.~

***

On Friday, I decided to avoid the popular table and went to the library instead. Lunch last time was painful, and I didn’t have the energy to go through it again.

I was distracted, reading a book about Greek mythology, when my phone vibrated with a notification from Instagram.

Furrowing my brow, I unlocked my phone and checked it.

It was a message from Graham.

~Missed you during lunch. Are you going to Christy’s later?~

I schooled my heart from beating hard before I answered.

~I’m not.~

For some reason, I asked:

~You?~

He didn’t answer the message even though I could see he checked it. I exhaled and tried to finish reading my book.

Seeing as it was Friday and I refused to befriend many people, I had to spend it alone. Normally, I would have spent it with Melissa or Jacob.

~And now I don’t have either of them~, I thought bitterly but scolded myself. Melissa was still there. She preferred to sunbathe at Christy’s today, but I was sure if I called her, she would come over.

When I reached home, I decided to begin homework for next week. I needed to keep my grades up for any scholarship. However, I was distracted, continuing to check my phone for new notifications.

There were none.

I decided to take a brief break and check Instagram for no other reason but to see how Melissa was doing at Christy’s. I checked her stories, but it was only about her sunbathing.

I rubbed my temples and stopped. It was better to watch a movie to distract myself from this nonsense. I prepared popcorn in the kitchen and was about to rush upstairs when there was a knock on the door.

Scowling, I went to the door. I opened it and was surprised to find a very large, muscular guy with a package of gummies. The package looked adorable in his large fist.

“Hey,” Graham smiled at me.

I had to blink a few times. “Hey…” I was surprised. “What are you doing here?”

What I really wanted to know was why he wasn’t at Christy’s with his friends.

“What are you doing?” he asked me casually.

“I was going to watch a movie…” I trailed off.

“Great.” He grinned. “Netflix and Chill, my favorite plan.” He pushed the door open and entered my house, looking around. “Your bedroom?” he questioned me, and I merely stood there, blinking at him.

What was he doing? The guy was giving me whiplash.

“Uh…yeah,” I choked out.

“Come on, then.” He nodded to the stairs like he knew where he was going. I didn’t know how that was possible. “What are we watching?” he asked over his shoulder.

“We?” I asked.

Was he staying? I was beyond confused.

“Yes, I brought gummies.” He brandished the bag. “You can’t watch movies without gummies and a muscular arm to lean on.”

I raised my eyebrows but was amused. “I get the gummies, but what would I do with your muscular arm?”

“Hide behind it if we are watching horror movies. Weep on it if we are watching romantic drama,” he explained.

“And if it is action?” I challenged.

He grinned knowingly like the answer was clear. “Squeeze it with excitement. Come on, Miller, I thought you were smart.”

“Oh,” I widened my eyes. “Excuse me for my lack of knowledge regarding watching movies with the quarterback. Such a normal event in anyone’s life.”

“It’s fine,” he teased. “We are rectifying it.”

My stomach twisted.

He entered my bedroom and glanced at the TV, where the movie was already on.

“Hm…action, nice choice,” he approved. He made himself at home by slumping into my bed and kicking his shoes off. One arm wrapped behind his head. I tried not to stare for too long at him, especially at his bulging arm, and at his chest and abs. And at his incredible body in my bed. He made my bed look pretty small.

“Please,” I said sarcastically. “~Mi casa es tu casa~.”

He chuckled and patted the spot next to his. “Come here. I don’t bite. Unless you want me to.”

I rolled my eyes, amused. I headed to the spot next to him and sat down, trying to keep a reasonable distance between us, but Graham wasn’t having any of it. He scooted until our sides pressed and his hand landed on my knee. He moved the popcorn bowl to the side so there wasn’t anything between us.

“Keeping the muscled arm within your reach,” he said, and I shook my head at his ridiculous comment, but didn’t complain.

I couldn’t protest at all. I could smell his cologne, fresh and citric. This guy smelled pretty good, and I couldn’t deny I had been sniffing his jacket for the past few days. I also kept wondering how strong his arms would feel if I wrapped my arms around them.

I picked up the TV remote and started the movie again. As it progressed, I got more comfortable and leaned against Graham. His fingers drew figures and circles on my knee from time to time, causing the fine hairs on my arms to perk up.

“I love this part,” I muttered at some point, sounding a bit breathless. I was grateful I’d watched the movie at least ten times; otherwise, my head would be focused on something else…

Graham didn’t deign to respond, but he continued stroking me. It was insanely distracting, his callous fingers on my bare skin, going up and down, left and right. It began first with a finger, then two, and by the middle of the movie, his entire hand was rubbing my skin, pressing against my inner thigh.

I swallowed, feeling my heart climbing to my throat. Tingles formed in my knee where he touched me, all the way up between my legs. My clit throbbed; I had to clench my muscles.

I wondered if Graham knew what he was doing or if his entire attention was on the movie. He hadn’t even peered at me once since the movie had started.

I prayed for the former, only because I hadn’t stopped thinking about Graham’s mouth and I was turning hot, wet, and antsy. I squirmed, causing Graham’s hand to move higher and he stopped moving it. Then he removed it and my skin turned cold.

I tried to focus again on the movie but couldn’t stop obsessing over the large presence beside me. I peeked from the corner of my eye at his hand.

Around three-quarters of the movie, Graham’s touched my shoulder and brushed my hair away. I didn’t breathe or move as I waited. This seemed to be his MO and my body anticipated his hot mouth.