Page 24 of Walkoff Wedding

When he laughs, it’s devoid of humor, a mocking sound that does nothing for the trepidation building inside of me. In the dim street light, I can see how bloodshot his eyes are.

“Not important. What is important, though, is the fact that you’re at a park in the middle of the night with another guy.”

My hands are tightened into fists at my side as a wave of anger coils through my body.

How dare he show up like this? Drunk and acting unhinged and possessive.

“You’re drunk, and you need to leave.” My voice wavers as I speak, nerves shooting through me and stealing any conviction I had. “You never should have come here.”

“Addie, who is this guy?” Grant asks. When I glance over at him, I see all of the questions in his eyes, and I wish that this wasn’t happening right now. I’m completely mortified by Dixon’s behavior, and all I want is for him to leave.

Lifting my chin, I say, “No one. He’s leaving.”

Dixon chuckles darkly, “And you’re coming with me, Addie.”

“No, I’m not.”

“You either leave with me, or I’ll put you in the fucking car myself.” He stalks forward, wrapping his fingers around my bicep and squeezing hard.

“Ow, Dixon, you’re hurting me. Let me go!”

Tears prickle my eyes at the force of his grip, and I suck in a sharp hiss. When I try to wrench my arm free, he only tightens his hold, but before the cry even leaves my lips, he’s on the ground in front of me.

“Keep your fucking hands off of her,” Grant spits, his chest heaving beneath his hoodie. Anger radiates off him in thick, pulsing waves. “I don’t know who you are or what’s going on, but I do know that you will not put your hands on her again. Do you fucking hear me?”

Grant gently pulls me into him, rubbing the palm of his hand gently over the sore spot on my arm. He’s so tender and attentive that it causes my chest to ache.

“Are you okay?” he asks quietly, worry flickering in his eyes.

I nod, biting my lip to hold back the tears that threaten to spill from my watery eyes. “I’m fine. Thank you.” I look down at Dixon and shore up what little courage I can. “Dixon, leave now, or… I… I’m going to call the police, and even your daddy won’t be able to get you out of this one.”

My words sound more assertive than I feel. I’m shaken up and scared. But I’m completely done with this.

With him.

“This isn’t over, Addie.” Dixon seethes as he rises to his feet and flips Grant off. “We’ll see each other soon.” His threatening tone makes me wrap my arms around myself protectively.

With one final glance, he pulls the hood back up and disappears into the stormy darkness.

“What a fucking prick. Who is that guy?” Grant asks once he’s gone.

I don’t know how to answer that question, so instead, I suck in a deep, shaky breath and put distance between us.

My emotions are in overdrive, and I can feel my anxiety snaking up my spine. Dixon showing up tonight after meeting Grant for the first time burst the little happy bubble that I tried to surround myself with, and now, reality has rushed back in with force like never before.

I can’t do this. Not then, and not now.

“He’s… no one. I need to go, Grant. I’m sorry.” I turn and run out from under the awning into the rain. It pelts my skin rhythmically as I make my way to my car. The sidewalk is slick and wet under my feet, and I pick up my pace, nearly to my car when a hand wraps around my wrist, gently stopping me.

Turning, I see Grant standing there, his golden hair wet and dripping and sticking to his forehead. Rain droplets cascade down his face and cling to his dark lashes.

“Why do you keep running away from me, Ar—Addie? Are you running away for that asshole?” he asks over the thundering sound of the storm.

I reach up, pushing my drenched hair out of my face as our eyes stay locked, and I suck in a deep breath.

This is all such a colossal mess.

“I don’t have a choice, Grant. I’m supposed to marry him in less than two weeks.”

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