Limitless Love: A Polyamorous Charity Anthology

9. Graham

Three days after I have dinner at Eric’s, he asks me on a date as we steal a few moments together in the back office.

“Really?”

He smiles and shrugs. “I want to wine and dine you, if you’ll let me.”

“I thought my kissing you the other night was agreement enough.”

“You deserve a proper night out, Graham.”

“This is a bad idea.”

“So you’ve been saying.”

I glare at him and he grins. Rolling my eyes, I sigh and give in. “Fine. But nothing too fancy, or I’ll leave. And don’t expect me to put out just because you buy me a meal.”

He grimaces. “You know better than that. At least, I hope you do. I will never do, expect, or pressure you into anything you’re not willing or wanting to give.”

Stepping close, I rise up on my toes and plant a soft kiss to his mouth. “I know. I’m sorry. I might be young, but I feel like I’ve heard all the insults a person can. High school boys are mean, and the men I tried to date after graduation were just as bad.”

His hands go to my hips and he pulls me flush against him. “I understand. The extra years I have on you mean I’ve been there, done that.”

“Ah yes, how could I forget you’re so old.”

Eric dips his head and nips at my bottom lip. “God, you’re a brat. Why do I want to date you?”

“Because I’m cute.”

He huffs a laugh. “That’s it.”

Our lips meet in a kiss that’s as teasing as our words just were. I want nothing more than to deepen the kiss, but I won’t for many reasons—the main one being we’re at work.

After one last, lingering brush of my lips against his, I pull away. “When do you want to go on this illustrious date?”

“Tonight?”

I grimace. “I’m watching the kids tonight.”

He hesitates, and then says, “I could bring dinner over?”

I’m shaking my head before he even finishes his question. “That’s the last thing I need.”

“It’s okay to say no, Graham. It was just an idea.”

“You don’t get it. My mother and sister already hate me for being gay. I absolutely cannot have my older, gay…whatever you are over there. I know for a fact the only reason my mother hasn’t kicked me out by now is because my sister needs help with the kids.”

“So they’re homophobic, and use you at will as a babysitter.”

“That’s about the scope of it, yeah.”

He closes the small distance between us and hugs me. Taking a shuddering breath, I let him hold me up. The past few years of bullshit roll through me and my eyes burn with tears.

I haven’t had anyone to vent to the entire time my sister’s been back home. No, before that. I came out at fifteen, and things haven’t been the same since. My mother has always been a little…abrasive, but the hostility that rolls off of her now only started when I told her I wasn’t straight.

“Sometimes I wish she had kicked me out,” I whisper. “It’d be easier, I think.” Letting out a stuttering breath, I cling to Eric. “I know it would have been horrible. I was too young to be on my own, but I would have figured it out. Knowing they only keep me around because I’m useful to them?” I can’t find the words to express the emotions that have been quietly churning in me for the past four years.

Eric rubs a hand along my back. He doesn’t say anything, but what could he say? There are no magic words that will all of a sudden make this better. Besides, I wouldn’t want them if there were. Him being here, listening and holding me? It’s enough. More than.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to tell you like that.”

“There’s no right or wrong way to tell someone your trauma. I’m sorry your family is a bag of dicks.”

A laugh escapes me and I reward Eric with a kiss for that. “I need to get back to work. I’m working until close tomorrow, but we can go out after?”

“I’ll make a reservation. Nothing too fancy, I promise.” He steals another kiss before I can pull away.

I tug at my shirt and then run a hand through my hair. My insides are churning with anticipation, but there’s also…happiness there. I’m nervous as all hell, but excited, too.

A knock on the office door makes my breath catch in my throat. Eric gives me a soft smile before calling out to whoever it is. When the door opens and Callie appears, all my happiness dissipates.

“Oh.” She looks between me and Eric. “I didn’t realize you were in here, Graham.”

“We were discussing his ideas for the revamp,” Eric says.

“I see. That’s what I came in here to talk about, but I can leave.”

“No need,” I reply. “My break’s over. I better go clock back in and get up front.”

I want to look back at Eric, but I don’t dare. Not with Callie watching my every move.

* * *

When Callie comes backup front, it’s busy enough that she has to jump in to help me and Jem and I can avoid having to talk to her for a while. Sadly, it doesn’t last nearly long enough. There’s nothing that needs my immediate attention aside from the drink I’m putting together, so she’s able to eventually corner me.

“How’d your talk with E—Mr. Wallace go?” I ask, hoping to throw her off.

“He said he had a meeting but can talk to me tomorrow. What were you doing in there?”

I try to keep the defensiveness out of my tone. “He wanted to hear more about my ideas.”

“That’s all?”

I turn to her. “Yes, that’s all. I don’t know what you’re insinuating, but I don’t appreciate the third degree.”

Callie purses her lips. “I’m just curious, is all. You seem to be…infatuated with him.”

I scoff and turn back to the drink, quickly finishing it and sliding it over to Jem to put at the other end of the counter.

“He’s the boss. I’m nothing but respectful towards him.” The lies taste like ash on my tongue, but I’ve worked with Callie long enough not to let her sniff out the truth.

“You sure?”

“I’m sure I would know if we discussed anything other than the revamp, yes.”

“You know that’s not what I mean.”

Thankfully, someone steps up to order, so I don’t have to respond to her. I try my best to stay out of Callie’s way the rest of my shift, but I can feel her eyes on me the entire time.

* * *

Eric leaves before I do,and I can’t help the pang of disappointment that rushes through me. When I clock out, I quickly get my stuff together and throw a goodbye over my shoulder as I rush out the door, not giving anyone a chance to say something to me.

It’s windy outside, and I sigh as I trudge down the street to the bus stop. Hopefully the buses are running on time today, so I won’t have to stand out here in this weather for long.

A car pulls up alongside me, and I can’t help the smile that crosses my face when the window rolls down. “Need a ride?” Eric asks.

“I thought you’d left?”

“I did, but I wasn’t going to let you take the bus. It’s too cold. Come on.”

I should hesitate, but when have I ever listened to the rational part of my brain when it comes to this man?