Chapter 7
The next morning, I arrive at work just as a delivery man appears with flowers. “Uh, hi. I have a delivery for Nora.” I smile. “That's me. Thank you.” Bianca comes around the corner and stares in surprise. Puzzled, I take the card. It reads:
I hope you have a good week. I'm sorry I won't be able to stop by your work this week. I can't wait to see you.
Graham
Bianca presses her hands to her chest. “Aww, Nora. He's so sweet.” My cheeks heat with embarrassment. I take out my phone and text Graham.
Me: Thank you for the flowers, but please don't send any more.
Graham: You're welcome. Why not?
Me: I get embarrassed easily.
Graham: Then my answer is no. Try again.
Me: They're expensive?
Graham: Is that a statement or a question?
I press the phone to my face, giddy as a schoolgirl. Who is he turning me into?
Me: You tell me.
Graham: Here's what I'll tell you, beautiful. I'll keep sending flowers, knowing your cheeks go red whenever you see them. And I'll hope you let me kiss that blush off every inch of your body in return. ;)
Fuck, that's hot. He's turning me on with a text. If we were face-to-face, my body would go through the roof.
Me: Aren't you smooth.
Graham: So I've been told. I'd like to see you this weekend, maybe take you fishing. Interested?
Me: Ah, you've found my weakness. I definitely know how to fish. Count me in. :)
Graham: I'll pick you up Saturday at noon. See you then, beautiful. :)
Bianca grins from ear to ear. “For someone who doesn't want to date, you're certainly interested in him.” I bite my lower lip, imagining his lips all over me. Bianca snaps her fingers in front of my face. “Oh my God. You were imagining sex with him, weren't you?”
I throw up my hands. “It's his fault. The way he kissed me... I've never been kissed like that. And the message he just sent. He's really getting to me.” She giggles. “I love seeing this side of you. You deserve someone who makes you feel like that.”
All week, I can't stop thinking about Graham. He's been too busy for me to see him. At last, Saturday morning arrives. I've been looking forward to it all week, though I've tried to hide that from Bianca. She'd only tease me.
I put on ripped denim shorts, a black tank top, and Converse.
A knock sounds at the door. I walk down the hall and open it to find Graham leaning against the frame, his cutoff shirt showing off his muscles, the sides of his abs, and his pecs.
He notices me checking him out and smirks. “Like what you see?” he asks smoothly.
I swallow and open the door wider. “Yes, I do.”
He follows me inside. When I turn, he catches my arm and pulls me against him.
“Good.” His lips meet mine, his hands settling on my waist to draw me closer.
“Mmm. I've missed this all week,” he murmurs against my mouth.
My cheeks turn bright red. He bends to kiss along my jaw, moving toward my neck.
Between kisses, he murmurs, “I told you... I'd kiss the blush... off every inch... of your body.” His lips finally brush my neck, and I moan. He grins, knowing he's the reason for the sound. “Ready?” he asks.
I pull myself out of my daze. “Yes.” He chuckles and heads out of my apartment.
At the lake, we take out a couple of fishing poles.
He's brought a blanket to spread on the ground.
We sit and talk, enjoying each other's company.
Feeling mischievous, I grab a worm and drop it down the side of his shirt.
“Hey!” He jumps up, trying to shake it out.
I spring to my feet and run, unsure what he'll do when he catches me.
With Damon, I wouldn't even have considered it.
He would have knocked the crap out of me.
In that moment, I realized I couldn't compare Damon and Graham.
They were as different as night and day.
Damon was cruel, abusive, threatening. Graham may have anger issues, but he's sweet, compassionate, and really fucking sexy.
“You'd better run! Just wait until I get my hands on you!” Graham calls. I run as fast as I can. Then arms close around my waist and swing me into the air. We tumble to the ground, Graham on top of me. I start giggling. “Oh, you think that's funny?”
He starts tickling me, and I squirm wildly. “Graham! Stop... please... stop! I'm... so ticklish!” At last, he stops, then kisses my collarbone and works his way up my neck.
“Mmm... Graham.” My moan only makes him more eager.
His mouth reaches mine, his tongue asking for entry.
I part my lips and let him consume me. His hands move over my body.
Soon his lips return to the sensitive spot on my neck, drawing another moan from me.
His hands travel from my thighs to my ass and squeeze. “Graham... maybe... mmm...”
He stops and kisses my lips. “I know. But I can't help myself around you. You're in my head all the time. I want you so badly.” His voice is breathless. I feel the same fucking way.
He helps me up, and we gather our things. I climb into the passenger side of his truck, and he starts the engine. He takes my hand, lacing our fingers together in his lap. I could get used to this. He's so caring with me.
When we reach my apartment, he walks me to the door. I tug on his hand. “Stay and watch a movie.”
He tilts his head. “Are you sure?”
I pull gently on his hand again. “Please.” He smiles, follows me inside, and shuts the door.
He heads for the TV while I smile and sit on the couch, waiting for him to put on the movie. Then he stretches out, leaning against the armrest, and draws me beside him. I rest my head on his chest and drape an arm over him.
I look up, and he looks down at me. “What are your intentions with me?” I ask.
The question surprises him. “Well, I plan to learn everything about you. Find out what makes you you, because I enjoy every second we're together. I intend to make you laugh and smile. And eventually, I plan to make love to you and make you mine.”
I swallow and turn back to the movie. As we lie there, his fingers trace circles over my back. It feels amazing. I've never experienced this kind of intimacy with anyone.
I fall asleep on his chest. Later, I feel him sit up and kiss my face. “Nora, I should head home. I'll text you tomorrow morning.”
I get up, take the blanket, and begin folding it. “You could stay, you know.” What the fuck am I saying? Stay the night? Nora, get your shit together.
He shakes his head and lifts my chin. “No. It's already hard enough to control myself around you.” He kisses me deeply. “Good night, Nora.” I blush. What if I don't want you to control yourself? God, Nora, what's wrong with you? No man has ever affected you this much, especially sexually.
Before he leaves, I give him a quick kiss. “Good night, Graham.”