Page 80 of Walkoff Wedding

I exhale, tightening my grip on the charcoal so tightly that I’m worried it’ll snap. It’s not like I’m blind—I clearly know exactly what she’s talking about. I am very well aware that Grant is stupidly hot. I just didn’t expect to feel so… possessive over him. So jealous that these girls are even having the chance to look at him.

That’s ridiculous, I know, but I can’t help it.

“I’m pretty sure I’ve heard about him, and apparently, the sex is amazing. Clearly not surprising because look at what he’s working with.” She giggles in a high-pitched voice that makes my ears ring.

My god. This is art, and this girl is behaving like a horny teenager instead of being respectful to the model, which is just… gross.

“Everyone,” Dr. Gatti says loudly over the hushed whispers echoing through the room. “Let’s take a break and reconvene in ten minutes.” He hands Grant a robe that he shrugs into and secures around his waist.

I’m nearly fuming as Grant crosses the classroom toward me. I feel silly for feeling like this, but it was infuriating overhearing those girls objectify him like that.

He’s more than just his looks and his… package. He’s incredible, and they won’t ever get the chance to find that out. Because he’s mine.

“Hey, baby,” he murmurs, his raspy voice velvet in my ears as he walks up and presses a lingering kiss to the corner of my lips. My gaze drifts to the girls beside me, and I almost laugh at the look of pure shock on their faces.

“Hi. You did amazing up there.”

He grins, brushing his hair off his forehead with a shrug. “Not much to it, but I’m glad I could help out. And get to see you in your element. Makes me wish we had more classes together.” His voice lowers as he leans in and whispers, “Maybe more study dates?”

My pulse comes alive, racing wildly at the memory.

“Grant,” I warn.

His grin only widens into a smile that makes the dimple in his cheek pop. “Gotta go back up there, but I’ll see you after.”

When he kisses me this time, it’s heated in a way that has me burning from the inside, wishing we weren’t in this classroom. He pulls away, tossing me a quick wink before walking away.

“Uh… is that your boyfriend?” the girl beside me immediately asks.

“No. He’s my husband,” I respond smugly.

I pick up my charcoal and move back to my drawing, but before I can even press it to the paper, I pause, turning back to her, unable to stop myself.

“Oh, and just so you know, whatever you heard… it’s better.”

chapter twenty-two

Addie

The moment I step inside the bakery, I get an overwhelming sense of… unease. I can’t even really explain it, but there’s a sense of dread weighing heavily in the pit of my stomach, and the hair on the back of my neck stands up, sending goose bumps along my flesh.

My hand shakes as I feel for the light switch along the darkened wall and flip it on, illuminating the back room.

Nothing seems out of place at first glance, but still, the feeling of unease creeps higher along my spine, sending my senses into overdrive.

Maybe I’m just being paranoid, like the other day when I thought that I saw Dixon on campus. It’s probably because I’m barely functioning on three hours of sleep and have been a little paranoid since the maybe-Dixon incident. I’m sure I’m just imagining things that aren’t really there.

Amos should be here soon, and then I won’t be so freaked-out.

At least that’s what I keep repeating to myself as I turn back toward the door and lock the deadbolt.

I grab my apron off the hook, securing it around my waist before walking through the kitchen, flipping the rest of the lights on. A flood of relief washes over me when everything seems to be in place. No serial killers hiding in the shadows.

You’ve worked yourself up over nothing, Addie. Just chill.

I exhale, blowing out a pent-up breath, and then make my way to the front of the bakery.

There, I find exactly where the feeling of unease and dread came from. The sight in front of me sends me into a state of panic and pure fear. My stomach plummets, and I begin to shake so badly that I’m worried my legs will give out.

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