I furrowed my brow and recoiled a bit. “No, but—” “Then there’s nothing to talk about,” he said. “It’s over between us.” “Yes, but…” I frowned, still gripping his arm. I stared down at where my fingers connected with the sleeve of his jacket and tried not to think about how warm he felt even thr
AvaThe bags slipped from Chris’s fingers as he saw the picture on the screen. I felt like my legs might give out underneath me; there, on the phone screen, was a photograph of us kissing in front of the hotel.And then, just below it, was a picture from the press event looking awfully cozy.“What t
Ava“You two aren’t romantically involved?” Elder Elise’s gaze slid back and forth between us, clearly not believing Chris’s statement. I sat utterly frozen in my chair, wondering where Chris was going with this.Chris merely shook his head. “No. We’re not,” he explained. “You can thank that picture
As he spoke, he scrolled through more photos from the event—other people posing and hugging, smiling and holding hands. Men and women, men and men, women and women; it didn’t matter who was in the picture. The Elders bristled a bit at the displays of affection, but realization was beginning to dawn
AvaI turned slowly to see Chris watching me, that familiar grin of his tugging at his lips. Sighing, I felt my shoulders slump a bit beneath his gaze.“No,” I admitted. “I don’t. And… I’m sorry for freaking out like that.”To my surprise, Chris simply shrugged. “It’s alright; I can’t blame you. It’
ChrisI sighed as I looked around the Packhouse, watching the servants and decorators scurry about like ants. Garlands of vibrant flowers were being strung along the rafters, tables draped in fine linens, and a large wooden backdrop erected for photographs.Everything was coming together perfectly f
…The cool evening air did little to soothe the ache in my chest as I rose from my desk and walked over to the minibar that I had installed in my office not that long ago. Often, I used it to break bread during meetings and not much more; but tonight, I needed something to soothe my frazzled nerves.
AvaI sighed as I scanned the list of tasks the lead decorator had given me, my heart sinking a little more with each item. Picking up the floral centerpieces, setting up the photography backdrop, ensuring the refreshment tables were properly stocked—it was all just a harsh reminder of the reality I