Chapter 25

I drifted off and woke up the next morning with Graham kissing my back and whispering things under his breath. I was sure he said them for his ears only, unaware of my state of awareness.

Throughout the night, Graham had woken me up over and over, grinding his cock into my back. He rolled me over, kissed me hard, and proceeded to make love to me.

It hurt but it felt good after a while. My body received and adjusted to him eventually.

By morning, I was really sore. My thighs and stomach were aching in a delicious way. I didn’t want to move at all.

Graham’s warm breath moved across my back, shoulders, and neck as he continued kissing me slowly, mumbling sweet nothings. I wanted to know what he was saying but it was too soft.

I smiled, snuggling closer to my pillow.

Graham’s arm snaked around my torso, under my breasts, and tugging me against his chest. My nipples puckered from the cold air, sensitive from his biting.

“Good morning, baby,” he growled. My stomach heated with the sound of his morning voice. It was hoarse and low and sexy.

~Gah! This is what I have been missing.~

I rolled over to kiss him softly. My body lightened with his touches as he stroked my back and ass and thighs. Graham kissed me long and good before he started to climb on top of me and I whimpered.

“You sore?” He stopped, looking down at me in concern.

I nodded, biting my lip. “Yes.” I smiled at him reassuringly. It wasn’t too bad, but I didn’t think I was prepared for another lovemaking session.

“I have an idea,” Graham said, climbing out of bed.

I moved to a sitting position and flinched at the slight movement. “Where are you going?”

“Bathroom,” he answered over his shoulder.

I watched him walk away without any shame in the world about his naked state. He shouldn’t be ashamed, though. He looked amazing. I bit my lip as I noticed the nail scratches on his back and shoulders. Then my eyes lowered to his tight butt.

“Enjoy the view.” He tossed me a look over his shoulder, smiling when he noticed my skin turning scarlet. “Don’t be embarrassed, baby. It’s all yours.”

He winked and disappeared into the bathroom. I slumped in bed, relaxed, without a care in the world.

It was a weird feeling—relief—since it seemed like I always had something pressing to do.

I frowned, pondering, and then I overthought.

~Oh, no.~

I swore under my breath, jumping from bed and looking for my bag but I couldn’t find it. I’d misplaced my phone, and I was sure it was in my bag. My heart lodged in my throat as I ransacked for it everywhere.

Did I have it yesterday after the beach?

My hands grew sweaty as I looked around Graham’s bedroom.

Water was running from the bathroom, mingling with the loud voices in my head.

“Graham?” I hollered.

“Yes, baby?” he shouted from the bathroom.

“Have you seen my phone?” I looked through his clothes, hoping I had given it to him. Or he could have grabbed it. Nothing.

“Are you leaving now?” He walked out of the bathroom with a slight scowl of displeasure on his face.

“No.” I swiped the messy hair from my face. I must look glorious. “I’m going to text my parents. I bet they’re really worried about me.” I pressed a hand to my forehead, racking my brain for memories. Nothing came.

~Bedevil you, fruity punch by Oliver. ~

Graham’s features softened and he nodded. “I think it is in one of the bags downstairs. Let me get it for you.”

Before I could assure him I could go and get it, he opened the door and marched out without any clothes on. My eyes widened, but I remained motionless in his bedroom. I was praying there was no one at his house. The encounter would be awkward.

Graham didn’t take long before he was back with my phone in hand. He gave it to me and leaned to kiss my forehead before marching back to the bathroom.

I checked my messages. I had a ton. I swallowed, fidgeting with my fingers.

Mom

Are you still hanging out with your friends?

Guilt ate my stomach. Mom had sent the message the night before around nine p.m. From her lack of messages and only a missed call, I guessed she wasn’t freaking out. Mom knew I was responsible, that the town was technically safe, and that I wasn’t the best at answering phone calls.

However, guilt continued swallowing me.

Hazel

Hey, Mom. I’m so, so sorry!

I closed my eyes and faltered for a moment, hating what I was about to do. But it was necessary.

Hazel

We hung out until dark. It was late and I decided to crash at Melissa’s. Sorry for not telling you sooner!

Before I could elaborate on the stupid lie, Mom replied. I prayed my assumption of her not being mad was correct.

Mom

Hi, honey.

She didn’t sound like it.

Mom

Your father and I were worried.

I bit my lip, tugging until I hurt myself.

Hazel

I’m really sorry. I should’ve texted you earlier, but I lost track of time and fell asleep.

It wasn’t a lie. Graham was an excellent distraction with his mouth and his hands and his words and smiles. And his generous length.

Mom pinged again.

Mom

We’re glad you’re okay. I hope you had a good time last night.

Hazel

We did!

I texted, relieved.

Mom

Are you coming home soon?

Hazel

In a while. I’m going to hang out with Melissa for a few more hours. I miss spending time with her.

I was going to hell. I was sure of it. No amount of praying and penitence would save me. My mother and father were worrying about me while I was…losing my virginity to Graham St. Claire. ~Lovely~.

I blushed at the memory and felt hot all over again.

Mom

Okay, honey. Greet Melissa for us.

Hazel

Will do.

Since I was feeling extra guilty, I couldn’t help but add.

Hazel

Love you.

Mom

We love you too.

I locked my phone and glanced up. Graham was staring at me with his arms crossed over his chest. His large build was occupying the entrance to the bathroom. He had a small frown on his face.

“What did your parents say?” he asked carefully.

“They think I’m at Melissa’s.”

“You lied?” His brows rose in surprise. “I didn’t expect that,” he muttered, but I heard it.

“You are a terrible influence on me, St. Claire.” I shook my head.

He smiled. “You think you can forgive me?”

“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “There’s a lot to make up for.”

“Will a hot bath be enough?” He started to walk toward me, and my lungs constricted as he sauntered closer and closer.

“It’s a good start.”

“Why don’t you tell me how else I can fix it while in the bath?”

“Sounds good.”

I wrapped the blanket around my exposed breasts and torso. When I was about to stand up, Graham yanked the blanket from me and threw it back to his bed, smirking at me. I twisted, trying to recover it, but his words stopped me.

“Feeling shy this morning?” I felt his body behind me. “Isn’t it a little too late for that, baby?” My heartbeat increased. “I’ve memorized every inch of you.” One finger pressed down my back and I shivered.

I looked at him over my shoulder. “It’s modesty.”

“Save it for someone else. I like you bare and vulnerable.”

His honesty had a huge effect on me. I flustered as Graham lowered and picked me up, one arm under my knees and the other one around my back. I clung to his neck as he carried me to the bathroom and deposited me in the bath.

It was brimming with hot water.

I exhaled at the feeling of warm water against my sore muscles. It felt heavenly.

“Admit it,” I turned to Graham with a smile. “You’ve been wanting to carry me since our date,” I reminded him when he proposed it at the end of the date.

“You got me.” He chuckled. Then he nodded. “Scoot.”

The bathtub was big enough for two people, but Graham was of enormous proportions. I didn’t question and obliged. Graham got in behind me. He bracketed his legs around me. I pushed back against his chest, my butt snuggling against his cock.

“Lean over,” he muttered. He pushed me softly a bit. I allowed it, curious.

Graham started massaging my shoulders and I groaned. “Oh, Graham! Consider being a masseur. Your hands are magical.”

He laughed. “Only that?”

“Of course not.” I scrunched my nose. “I love your nose too.”

He shook with amusement. “Hey.” He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me back. I missed his massage already. “Let me tell you, I’m especially fond of these.” He ran his hands over my breasts. I sucked in a breath. “And this.” He placed his hands between my legs, and I jumped.

“And that’s all?” I asked, breathless.

“No,” he answered, and I waited for another sexual remark like my ass or something silly like my hair. “I also want this.” He put his hand firmly over my chest, where my heart was beating hard. “I’m a bit desperate for it,” he whispered at the end.

I was speechless.

I turned and kissed him. “How can you be so sweet sometimes?” I asked him as I stared at his piercing gaze.

“Stick around and you’ll find out.”

“I think I will.”

***

I spent the rest of the day at Graham’s house. After the relaxing but hot bath, Graham dressed me up in one of his shirts and fed me food. I was starving.

Then, we lazed around in his bed, watching movies until it was late, and I couldn’t remain at his place any longer before my parents started to actually freak out.

He drove me home and kissed me hard at the end of the night.

I couldn’t help but feel lightweight once he was gone.

I almost sighed.

However, when I entered home, guilt ate me. My parents were watching a movie, snuggling together and gushing at the scenes. I was thankful they didn’t notice my starry eyes, or they’d know I wasn’t with Melissa.

As I looked at them, I smiled softly and was a bit jealous. I wondered if I’d ever have what they had.

“Did you have fun, honey?” Mom twisted around to greet me.

I blinked and smiled back at her. “Yes.”

“There’s food in the oven if you’re hungry. You can also join us.” She shifted, patting the side next to her, but never disentangling herself from my father. I wanted to give them their space and time together. Only the two of them.

“It’s okay. I’m a bit tired.” I yawned, which wasn’t a lie. Graham didn’t let me sleep much the previous night. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight, Hazel,” Dad said.

“Goodnight to the two of you,” I said, heading to the stairs.

Once I climbed into my bed, I fell asleep and all night long I dreamed about a future with Graham. Prom. Moving in together. Marriage?