Chapter 23
The rest of the week has flown by. Of course, Owen's and Bianca's words about Graham have stayed with me. I can't get him out of my mind. It also irritates the hell out of me that he's going on a date with Vanessa.
Early Friday morning. Too fucking early…
I rush around my apartment and toss my toothbrush into my bag. I've packed enough for a couple of days. Bianca and I are coming back Sunday morning.
A voice calls from my living room. “Hey, Nora, are you ready?”
I shake my head. It's Bianca, fifteen minutes early. I zip my suitcase and head into the living room.
She smiles. “We'll get coffee once we're inside the airport.”
I smile and nod.
Before opening the door, Bianca pauses and turns to me. “Oh, Nora. Owen talked to Graham, and there was never a date with Vanessa. Graham agreed to have lunch with her Saturday because she kept pestering him to talk. He told Owen he'd never agree to a date with her.”
I stare at her, trying not to let anything show. Inside, though, I'm jumping for joy.
She opens the door, and we step outside. I look up to find Graham in all his glory, his V-neck T-shirt showing every abdominal muscle and his khaki shorts revealing his toned legs. Fuck, he looks good. He's leaning against his truck, laughing with Owen.
I give Bianca a confused look. “Are they taking us to the airport?”
She grins. “No. They're coming to California with us.” She winks and walks away.
I'm going to fucking murder you, Bianca.
I head around to the back of the truck to load my bag. Graham comes over, takes it from my hand, and smiles. I watch his biceps flex as he lifts the suitcase. He smirks. Fuck. He caught me checking him out.
By the time I come back around, Owen and Bianca are already in the backseat. I roll my eyes. Those two are such schemers.
Graham and I get in. He starts the truck and glances over at me. “You look beautiful.”
I raise an eyebrow. I know I look like crap. I threw on jeans, a T-shirt, and slip-on shoes—something comfortable for the flight. “Uh, thanks.”
He smiles and drives us to the airport.
Once we've parked, everyone gets out and takes their bag. Except Graham takes mine too. I touch his arm. “Uh, you don't have to carry my bag. Thanks, though.”
He keeps walking toward the airport.
“Graham, I'm serious. I can carry my bag.” I sound annoyed.
He grins. “I know.” He doesn't stop walking. Damn it, Graham.
My frustration grows. “Graham, give it to me.”
A mischievous smirk spreads across his face. He turns and looks straight into my eyes. “Where do you want me to give it to you?” His voice is deep and seductive.
I stop in my tracks, eyes wide. Heat rushes into my cheeks. My face must be as red as a tomato. Is he flirting with me?
I huff. “Please, can I have my bag?”
He chuckles. “Mmm, no. You can have it when we get where we're going.”
I roll my eyes as we enter the airport. Once we have our tickets, we stop at a café for something to eat.
We sit at a table, and a waitress comes to take our order. “Good morning. What can I get you to drink?” All four of us answer together: “Coffee.” She giggles. “Okay, I'll be right back.”
Graham sits beside me, resting a hand on the back of my chair. Being this close to him sets my body on fire, especially with the way he's been flirting. “Nora, how are your classes going?” he asks.
I look into his bright blue eyes. They have a way of hypnotizing me. I take a deep breath. “Good. I just finished my finals. I have one semester left, and then I graduate.”
The waitress returns with our coffee. “How are we splitting the checks today?” Before I can answer, Graham cuts in. “Us two, and those two.” He points to each couple.
I glare at him. “Stop, Nora. We all know you're independent. You don't have to prove it by paying for your breakfast.”
I huff at him, and we order our food.
Graham's smirk widens. “Did you ace your business analysis final?”
I nearly spit coffee everywhere. Heat travels from my stomach to the space between my thighs. All I can think about is Graham fucking me on the kitchen table, then making love to me in my bedroom. Fuck, I'm so turned on. Well, two can play this game.
I smirk back. “I aced it. I had an amazing study session. The tutor really grilled me and worked me over.”
Graham shifts in his chair, adjusting himself. Ha. I know he's turned on. Nora: one.
Owen's eyes widen while Bianca looks confused. “Oh my God. You and Nora had kinky sex the day you went over to help her study,” Owen says.
Bianca looks from me to Owen. “What? Why didn't you tell me?” she yells.
I bury my face in my hands and shake my head, mortified. I should never have started this game with Graham.
“Nora!” Bianca yells.
“God, Bianca, I don't tell you everything!” I yell back.
Graham laughs. I kick his chair, which only makes him laugh harder. Asshole.
Graham and Owen pay for breakfast, and we head for the plane.
As we board, Graham stands close behind me. He places a hand against my back, guiding me toward our seats. His touch raises goosebumps, and he notices.
He bends to my ear. “Baby, this is us.” His warm, minty breath touches my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. He's making my whole body ache for him.
We sit, and I glare at him. He chuckles, knowing exactly how turned on he's making me. Then I glance down and see I'm not the only one with a problem.
I grin and lean toward him. “Baby, do you need some help with that?” I point to the bulge in his pants. It grows as he considers what I might do to him, and I chuckle.
He leans closer. “Want to join the mile-high club? I'd fuck you in that bathroom right now.”
Fuck. Abort, abort. He's much better at this game than you are.
He laughs, takes out a book, and starts reading.
The pilot announces that we're ready for takeoff. I grip the armrest hard. I hate the climb. Fingers slide between mine, and I look down to find Graham holding my hand.
When I turn toward him, he's smiling at me. “It's okay, Nora. Everything's going to be fine.” His soothing voice works. I always feel safe with Graham. I know he'd lay down his life for me. Hell, he'd lay down his life for his country without a second thought.