Chapter 17

Melissa picked me up for school the next day. She was smiling widely and since I was feeling giddy myself too, I grinned back.

“Hey!” I greeted her as I hopped into her car.

“Hey, you look good.” She eyed my tight jeans and sweater. I might have put in a bit of extra effort that morning while getting ready.

“Thanks, you too.” She always looked great.

“What were you up to on Friday and Saturday?” she asked me. She had asked me the same the other day, and I managed to avoid the question. “I missed you at Christy’s.” And she was still saying that to make me feel guilty and go with her next time.

I didn’t believe Melissa had missed me that much. I knew she had a blast because she wouldn’t stop rambling about it during community service.

“Not much,” I answered her question, lying. I thought back to Saturday night. I remembered Graham’s hot tongue all over my breasts, licking them like a hungry man. And then I remembered his finger inside me. And the feel of his cock, soft on the outside yet hard in my hand as I squeezed and pumped it.

I was suddenly burning and squirming in my seat.

~Not much, my ass. ~

Thankfully, Melissa wasn’t noticing my reactions. Or she’d know I was lying.

I didn’t want to lie to her. She was my best friend. But after her telling me that Christy had her eye on Graham, I was hesitant about what Melissa would do if I told her about him. She could tattle everything to Christy. She could protect me. I was unsure, so I’d rather avoid the headache.

I dispelled any lingering thoughts from my head and focused on the ride to school. My stomach bubbled with anxiety. I didn’t know if it was a good kind of anxiety, or a bad kind.

When I was uncomfortable enough, writhing in my seat, I turned to Melissa. “I watched a movie, read, and studied. How was Christy’s?” I asked again because Melissa would focus only on that, instead of my flustered cheeks and queasy shifts.

“So good! We had such a blast. You definitely have to come next time. We were sunbathing and then got into her hot tub. I can’t deny it was good to watch Oliver stalk around without a shirt on.” She fanned her palm in her face. “He’s so hot.”

I was confused. “Wait, what about the other guy? From the party?”

“Dumped him. He was starting to act weird.”

“Like?”

“He wasn’t picking up my calls or texting me back. He was very secretive.”

I nodded. “So now you’re with Oliver? Did something happen between you two at Christy’s?” She hadn’t mentioned anything.

“No, but I’m getting close.” She smirked.

Melissa could be pretty determined with what she wanted. If she wanted to hook up with Oliver, she would, eventually.

We arrived at school and walked to the entrance. By the massive doors, there were Christy, Jackson, and Oliver, among other people.

“Catch you later,” Melissa whispered, running to them.

“Okay,” I said to no one.

I headed to my locker and started pulling out my books when a massive pair of hands grabbed my hips and pushed me back against a chest.

A whisper fanned over my ear. “Hey, baby.”

I smiled, surprised by Graham’s affectionate behavior. Last week, he had barely acknowledged me after the kiss in the car. I was afraid it would be the same case now. However, he was rubbing his hands over my hips like he couldn’t keep them to himself.

I tilted my head to the side and smiled at him. “Hey, Graham.”

His features softened. He looked amazing when he allowed his genuine smile to break free. His eyes were all glittering and bright, which made them look even greener.

I thought for a second he was going to kiss me, but then he pinched my chin and grabbed my books for me. My heart stilled.

“Where’s your first class?” he asked. His gesture of carrying my books for me was touching.

I’d never seen him carry books for anyone. But then, he was apparently interested in college girls before. And now me, which made me wonder if Melissa was mistaken.

“AP biology,” I answered.

He nodded. “Right away, Dr. Miller.”

I smiled at him.

He started walking with me to my class. Our hands brushed on the way there. It felt tingly and I focused on each swing, anticipating the slight touch of our knuckles and fingers. Graham surprised me when he took my hand and clasped it together with his. My knees melted. It felt so couple-y when we weren’t anything yet.

Or were we more without my realizing? God, I hoped so.

“How was your weekend?” he asked, looking down at me.

I pushed him with my shoulder, a teasing smile on my lips. “It was okay.” I feigned nonchalance. “Nothing memorable.”

He squeezed my hand as a warning but chuckled, shaking his head. “Can’t say the same about my weekend.” He exhaled. “One of the best ones so far.”

His confession was startling. “Really?” I asked, dubious, though my heart was slamming hard against my rib cage.

“Yes.” He nodded solemnly. “It would have been the best one if it weren’t for an annoying girl who couldn’t keep her hands off me and let me watch a movie in peace. I was all in for the movie, but she kept distracting me.” He shook his head in mock annoyance.

I laughed hard. “Sounds like a burden.”

“She is. Next time I’ll cuff her to my bed and see if she stays there all weekend.”

I blushed at his threat, looking around for anyone who might be hearing us. Thankfully, no one was paying attention, no one saw our hands interlocked. I liked it better that way. It felt private, like our little moment.

Then I thought of being handcuffed to a bed while Graham had his way. What would he do?

I imagined his rough hands gripping my thighs and parting them open. His mouth would descend all over my breasts and navel until it settled—

My steps faltered and I almost fell. “Sounds like a good plan.” I was flustered, my throat dry and knotted.

Graham smirked at my reaction. “It is. Think I could get away with it this weekend?”

I wondered if he was reading my mind and picturing the same thing.

My heart hammered hard, and I was breathless. Was he talking seriously?

The bravado I’d had the other day vanished. “I…I think the girl will be busy this weekend,” I chickened out, stopping next to my classroom.

Graham towered over me. His face was serious, but his eyes were mischievous. He hummed. “We’ll see about that. She owes me.”

I gaped at him as he passed me my books. I was ready to bolt the premises when he grabbed my arm and stopped me.

“Wait,” he said. “No ‘~thank you~’?”

“Right,” I flustered, unable to look him in the eye. “Sorry about that. Thanks, Graham.”

He chuckled at my disconcerted reaction. “Anytime, baby,” he whispered, leaning down. “Keep that in mind when you’re thanking me for the clothes donation, okay?”

~Oh, God, what does he have in mind?~

I exhaled, nodding, and before I could bolt to the classroom, he pressed a chaste kiss on the corner of my mouth. The sensation of his lips remained printed on me for the entire morning.

***

I was grateful the day proceeded without anything else exciting. I was about to combust because of the events of this morning. I didn’t need another reason to start feeling hot and flustered. I was actually petrified of fainting from overheating or excess accumulation of blood in my face.

I spent lunch catching up on homework I didn’t do on Friday or Saturday for obvious reasons, or Sunday because I was a bit lazy and tired by the time I’d gotten home after community service. I was on time with everything, but I liked to work ahead.

At the end of the day, I went to swimming practice without anyone bothering me. I was thankful for that.

I enjoyed my swimming practice and after taking a quick shower (though I promised myself I wouldn’t do it again after the incident), I checked my clothes weren’t stolen and headed home on foot.

On my way to the parking lot, Graham stopped me. He was leaning against his massive car and waved his hand at me.

I had to admit he looked tantalizing in his casual clothes, fresh out of the shower. His hair was wet, and his cheeks were pink. His broad shoulders were wrapped in a black shirt, which allowed me to see the contour of his muscles.

“Missed you today at lunch,” he said when I approached him.

“Wasn’t football practice over forty minutes ago?” I asked him, my brows rising.

“Seeing as you have a history of issues, I had a feeling I should wait in case you got in trouble again after practice.”

I fought back the smile. “Disaster averted,” I reassured him. “No need to worry about me.”

He nodded, shoving his hands inside his pockets. “I was also thinking…” He trailed off. “If I could drive you home.”

~Spend more time with Graham? I’m all in. Where do I sign?~

“Okay,” I said, sheepishly. “Thanks.”

He smiled and opened the door for me. He jogged to the driver’s side and started the car. He turned the music low, meaning he wanted to talk. But after a few seconds of silence, I broke it.

“So, Graham…”

“So, Miller…”

I cleared my throat. This seemed the best moment to ask him the question that had been taunting me. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” he answered casually.

“I heard something about you…” I started.

He raised his eyebrows. “As bad as the last thing you heard, or may I hope it is something good for once?”

“Well…”

“Flattering,” he said dryly. “Who is telling you these things about me?” He sounded a bit annoyed.

“A friend. Doesn’t really matter,” I brushed off, protecting Melissa.

He turned to me. “It kind of matters,” he said, scowling. “Not everyone knows the truth.”

Melissa was mistaken about him hooking up with another girl last time, so he was partly right. “That’s why I’m asking you directly,” I reassured him.

He hummed, placated. “Okay, shoot.”

“Don’t worry, it’s not exactly bad, but I keep thinking about it.”

“~Exactly?~” he questioned, his lip curling up. “How bad is it, Miller?” Though he looked a bit amused, there was something darker lurking behind his semi-smile. I couldn’t read it.

“My friend told me you are interested in college girls.”

“Sure,” he answered in a serene tone. I shifted in my seat, sitting on the edge. I waited for an expansion of his confirmation, but it never came. Was that all he was going to say?

“And, you’ve been nice to me…” I pointed out. Hopefully, he connected the dots to where I was going with this.

“I believe I’ve been more than nice.” He smiled and my blood heated up. “Your point, Miller?”

I exhaled, bracing myself.

“Just spit it out, Hazel,” he said nicely. “I won’t get offended. I told you I don’t lie. I like being honest with you.” He sounded sincere. “I also like for you to be honest with me. I want you to trust me.”

I sighed again, gathering my courage.

“I’m just not getting what you want from me.”

“I told you,” he said patiently. “I want to get to know you.”

“You also want to get in my pants,” I pointed out.

He smirked. “That too. Constantly.”

“Yet, I’m not a college girl and I just got out of a long-term relationship.”

His grip on the steering wheel hardened, his knuckles turning white.

“I’m not the kind of girl you would generally be interested in…” I trailed off.

“Yet here I am, very interested,” he said. His chest deflated as he let out the air. “Look, Hazel, you’re beautiful and sweet and fucking smart. I like your sense of humor. There’s something about you that intrigues me, and I want to know you more. You are genuine, worth trusting,” he said as though he was clear about everything he was saying. Like he had given this a thought. Perhaps more than a thought. “You hold my stare, so there’s confidence and I told you I find that fucking attractive.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his words. However, I sensed a ~but~ coming.

“I know where you’re going with this…” he said. “You want a label for what we are doing.”

“Not exactly,” I confessed in a rush, starting to feel my bravado dwindle. “Only to understand where we stand.” ~And maybe what to expect.~

“I’m going to be straightforward with you, Hazel.” He stopped at a red light and turned to me. His stare was unwavering, like he was staring at my soul. “I like passing time with you. You make me laugh, I’m interested in what you have to say, and I can’t deny I like fooling around with you. I can’t seem to stop thinking about you, and the sounds you make when you come are my favorite.” He chuckled and I squirmed in my seat as my heart jumped to my throat. His features turned stern as he looked back at me. “I don’t want you to fuck anyone else.”

I cringed at the f-word.

“I’m not interested in fucking anybody else,” he reassured me.

“So, we are exclusive,” I said with a scowl. “In the intimacy aspect.”

“I don’t want you to see anyone.”

“So, like dating?”

He nodded. “Correct.” The thought was dizzying, that Graham only wanted me. He was quiet for a second, lost in his head. When he spoke again, it sounded gravelly. “I was thinking about…about something more formal.”

“Like what?” I was curious, at the edging of my seat.

“Like you being mine. Body, mind, and heart. Your thoughts are only about me. Your heart beating for me. Your body only for me to enjoy and cherish.”

My lungs collapsed at the rawness in his words. I was a bit surprised by the level of commitment. I didn’t know what I was expecting his answer would be. I thought he was going to say something about still figuring things out as we hung out, but this wasn’t that. And I loved it, even though I was paralyzed.

“Don’t look surprised, Miller.” He chuckled, his hand landing on my thigh and squeezing it. “I’ve been trying to make you mine for a while now. I asked you out last time, but you rejected me.”

I smiled sheepishly at that, remembering when he went to Ashton’s and asked me to go to another place with him. In my defense, I was skeptical about him. It was plain weird, his sudden interest, when we had only spoken twice.

~And did a lot of intimate stuff too. ~

“What do you say?” he asked, sounding vulnerable. “Would you like that? Full commitment?”

My head was a dichotomy. Everything was going fast, and I was left a bit reeling. Shouldn’t we get to know each other more before full commitment? Maybe spend more time together? But then I pictured Graham with someone else and my mouth turned into ashes. I wanted his entire attention on me too, his full commitment.

With Graham, I discovered everything was faster than I was used to. What was coming next week? Marriage? Moving in together?

Though it should have left me terrified, it didn’t. I was a bit scared about the unknown future but couldn’t deny the giddiness inside me.

“I would like that,” I confessed. Graham grinned hard. “But, Graham?”

“Yes?”

“Can we go slow?” I asked him. It was a bit hard to adjust, to digest everything that was happening.

“Whatever you want, baby.” He gave me one of his charming smiles and I melted.

We arrived at my place, where Graham parked the car adjacent to my house.

He grabbed my face and leaned forward for a small kiss. But he stopped inches away and breathed against me, waiting for me to make the first move. He was questioning what he could do and what he couldn’t. It was cute because I had allowed him to do so much more with my body.

I erased the space between us and locked our lips.

Graham smiled through the kiss. I gasped, pulling him closer when he deepened it.

“Won’t you invite me inside?” He joked.

“My parents are home.”

“That wouldn’t stop me.”

I squirmed. “Next time.”

He chuckled when I didn’t chicken out like earlier. “Okay, then. Good night, baby.” His voice was affectionate.

“Good night, Graham.”

Before I climbed out of the car, he grabbed me again and kissed me some more enthusiastically. His tongue brushed my tongue, and he nipped my lower lip at the end with a groan, aggravated at needing to let me go. My toes curled.

“Now you can go,” he whispered against my lips while the hairs on my arms stood up.

I shook my head and left him. My legs were clumsy as I climbed out of the car.

As I entered my house, I heard Mom in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

“Hey, honey,” she greeted me. “How was school?”

“It was okay. What’s for dinner?” I eyed the pots. Everything smelled delicious, like spices.

“Pasta,” she answered, stirring a pot. “Was that Melissa dropping you off?”

I was caught off guard. Did Mom notice Graham’s car? Did she see me kissing Graham?

I blushed, opening and closing my mouth, unsure of what to do. When it was evident I was speechless, Mom cast me a suspicious look.

“No,” I managed to answer. “It was a guy.” I left it ambiguous for some reason.

Mom looked surprised by the news, and her brows rose. “Do I know this guy?”

“I don’t think so. He’s from school.”

“Oh, you should invite him for dinner next time. Why don’t you call him and tell him to come tomorrow night? I want to meet him.”

I was left reeling at the proposal. “Uh…I don’t know, I think he’s busy.” Or that was what I hoped. Twenty minutes ago, I was asking him to go slow, and now I had to ask him to meet my parents.

“Ask him anyway. Ask him when he can come.”

Mom never pushed but I was left without excuses. Would this scare Graham?

“Why the sudden interest?” I asked Mom.

“I’m always interested,” she smiled at me reassuringly. “Can’t a mother wonder about who her daughter is hanging out with? Besides, I think it’s good that you are befriending more people.”

~Oh, so that’s why she’s pushing.~

She thought Graham was only a friend.

I didn’t correct her.

“Okay,” I said. “I’ll call him after dinner.”

“Good.”