Chapter 43

We fell back into a routine.

In the morning, we rode together to class. Each morning, Graham surprised me with a new note.

On Monday, he wrote: ~You’re the best thing in my life.~

On Tuesday: ~I miss you all the time. When you’re gone. When you’re close. I can’t stop wanting you with me all the time.~

On Wednesday: ~You have the cutest snort.~

“Snort? Seriously?” I asked, offended.

He laughed. “It’s cute. You think it is offensive and threatening, but it isn’t.”

I shook my head. “I can’t believe you. You suck.”

He smiled softly at me and leaned forward to kiss me. That calmed me on the way to school.

At school, Graham couldn’t keep his hands to himself. He needed to constantly touch me, whether he was grabbing my hand or securing his palm on my lower back.

We spent lunch at the popular table.

Melissa was there.

She was friendly, acting as though everything was all right between us. As though she hadn’t picked sides and ditched me. I tried to be polite to her. But since she didn’t seem apologetic, I wasn’t interested in continuing our close friendship.

It hurt. She was a close friend for a long time. But I didn’t want disloyal people in my close circle. I didn’t want people who prioritized their status over their relationships.

If she had apologized, I would have given it a second chance, yet she wasn’t regretful at all.

After swimming and football practice, I rode with Graham to his place.

Sometimes we studied in silence. I would get lost reading texts and taking notes. However, whenever I lifted my gaze to check on Graham, I always caught him staring at me.

“What?” I questioned him.

He smiled. “Nothing. I just can’t believe you’re mine.”

I blushed at that and narrowed my eyes at him. “Stop distracting me.”

He chuckled and turned back to his homework, only for me to catch him staring at me again.

Other times we spent watching movies. Graham was correct in what he wrote in his letter. Five minutes into the movie and we were making out.

By the end of the movie, we were both breathless, naked, and in each other’s arms. I loved snuggling with him.

***

On Thursday night, I couldn’t go to Graham’s place.

I had a long shift and was exhausted after work. I prepared my nightly routine: lavender tea, and a call with Graham.

But before I could even finish the tea, I fell asleep. I was worn out. Tired of schoolwork, swimming practice, and shifts at Ashton’s~. ~And now I was catching up on my lost time with Graham.

My head was in a fog, but I managed to wake up in a dark bedroom with someone’s hands moving over me. They brushed under my clothes and over my stomach and thighs.

I sighed when I smelled Graham’s citrus cologne.

“Graham,” I croaked, half asleep. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m sorry, baby. I needed to see you. I couldn’t resist it,” he whispered against my back. He pushed my shorts and panties down and his fingers stroked up my inner thighs to my slit.

I felt hot and wet.

As much as I wanted him, this wasn’t a good idea. My parents were next door. They could hear us.

“Graham,” I groaned when he touched my clit. He tugged my shirt up, exposing my breasts.

“We don’t have to if you are too tired,” he muttered, kissing my shoulder. “We can cuddle. Or I can be quick.”

“It’s my parents,” I protested.

“I’ll be quiet. I just need you,” he said.

“Okay.”

He rolled me to my stomach, and I felt his body behind my back. I inhaled. He raised my hips before thrusting in.

I groaned against the pillow as he grunted with each pound. He took me hard and fast. He groaned softly until we both came. He collapsed on top of me, but rolled off and completely removed my shirt. He loved it when our bare skin touched.

I didn’t protest. I was too satisfied and sleepy.

Graham got me on my back and kissed my breasts and clavicle. Then, he lay down and wrapped his arms around me. He pressed our bodies together, close and warm. He dropped his mouth on my shoulder.

“Good night, baby,” he whispered.

“Graham,” I opened my eyes in alarm. “You can’t stay here.” What if my parents decided to check on me in the morning before going to their shifts?

“Shh,” he whispered. “Let’s not discuss it or we’ll wake up your parents.”

~And now he decides to care.~

I pressed my lips together, fighting back a smile and willing indignation to bubble up instead. “I’m serious. What if my parents walk in?”

He exhaled. “I’m not staying. I promise I’ll be gone, and they won’t find out.”

“Okay…”

I closed my eyes and was ready to fall asleep when he whispered against my ear.

“Baby?”

“Yes?”

“Would you go with me on Thanksgiving at my mom’s place?”

My eyes opened and I rolled on my back, so I was facing him. “What?”

“Please? I go every year. And it is…strained. We don’t talk about football or college because she disapproves of it. However, this year I thought about talking to her about it. I want to fix our relationship.”

I absorbed it all.

“You don’t have to go if you can’t. It would just suck less if you were there.”

“I want to go,” I replied quickly. I wanted to support him in any way. I wanted to be there with him. “The only issue is convincing my parents. Thanksgiving is kind of sacred to them.”

“Leave that to me.” He squeezed my side and I chuckled. I didn’t doubt he could charm them into anything. My father was basically sold on any idea Graham threw his way. Mom would be a different matter, though.