Chapter 14: A Day To Thank Brownles
JULIA
Evan leaned against the edge of the table with
15 ans crossed. “When’s the deadline for this project?” he asked.
Heather was the first to answer. “It’s due next month. We still have plenty of time.”
Plenty of time.
The phrase rang in my ears like a warning bell
I glanced at the canvas, then at the two of them, feeling a sharp pang of unease settle in my chest. Plenty of time for what? To sit here in awkward silence while Heather chicped away and Evan’s presence suffocated me?
“No,” I said quickly, capturing their attention. “Let’s get started right away.”
Heather tilted her head with her ever–pleasant smile. “Right away?
“Yes,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant, though my fingers twitched against my lap. “The faster we finish this, the faster we can all move on. Plus,” I added, trying to sound practical, “I’m not exactly dying to juggle this with everything else coming up.
Heather’s smile widened if that was even possible. “That’s fine by me,” she said cheerfully. “We’ve got that other project for Mr. Matthews, so it’s best not to get stumped by too much work at once.”
“Exactly,” I muttered, looking at the blank canvas and trying to swallow the lump forming in my throat.
“Well then,” Evan said. “Where do you want me?”
“You can sit there,” I said before I could stop myself. He walked to the stool and awkwardly sat on it. I let out a deep breath. He was acting as if I had never made him my subject before.
I was about to say something when Heather, of course, took over.
“You’re too stiff,” she said, walking over to him.
“Let’s position you over here.”
She guided him to stand near the window, where the soft afternoon light filtered in, highlighting his stupidly handsome features.
He moved easily, following her instructions as she adjusted his stance, her hands brushing his shoulders, his arm, and even his jaw.
“Perfect,” she murmured. “You’ve got such strong features. We’ll have to make sure we capture that.”
My stomach churned.
I kept my eyes on the canvas, refusing to watch them interact. But they teased me like cruel whispers.
“What if I pose like this?” Evan asked, his voice playful.
“Oh, don’t be silly,” Heather giggled. “You don’t need to try so hard, Anders. You’re naturally perfect.”
I swallowed hard, gripping the edge of my seat like it would keep me from falling apart.
He chuckled, a sound that used to make me smile but now felt like a dagger in my chest. “Naturally perfect, huh? I’ll take that as a compliment.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 14 A Day To Thank tho
“Of course it is,” Heather said.
I risked a glance up and instantly regretted it. She was standing close to him–too close. Her hand rested lightly on his forearm as she adjusted his posture, and they were smiling at each other like they shared some secret joke.
It was like watching a memory play out before my eyes, except it wasn’t mine anymore..
Evan glanced at me suddenly, his eyes searching for something. A reaction, maybe? An emotion?
But I wasn’t going to give him one.
I forced my face into a mask of indifference, turning my attention back to the canvas. My fingers itched to pick up a pencil and sketch–just so I could stop thinking about the two of them.
“Okay,” Heather said, stepping back to admire her work. “think this is a good starting position. What do you think, Julia?”
I looked up, trying to keep my expression neutral. Evan’s gaze met mine for a second.
“It’s fine,” I said quickly, looking away again.
Heather didn’t seem to notice the tension–or maybe she did and chose to ignore it.
“Great! Let’s get started then.”
She went to the canvas and began working, her pencil gliding effortlessly over the page.
Right–this was a paired project, so we had to draw on the same canvas.
I tried to focus, but my mind kept drifting to the way she had touched him, the way he had smiled at her, and the
way he had glanced at me like he was testing the waters.
I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to focus.
But then Heather spoke again. “Anders, babe, you’re so handsome that I don’t think I can draw you well.”
He smirked softly. “Well, I’ll do my best to make it easy for you.”
“Oh, but you’re not,” she said, her tone flirty. “With you standing there like a handsome snack, the only thought I have is to devour you.
I clenched my jaw, my pencil digging into the paper. This wasn’t just irritating. It was excruciating.
“Julia, how’s it going over there?” Heather asked, her tone as cheerful as ever.
“Fine,” I said shortly, not looking up.
“Good,” she said, turning her attention back to Evan. “You’re being such a good sport about this, babe.”
He smirked, leaning back slightly in his chair. “Anything for you.”
I wanted to scream..
Then, as if on cue, a loud beeping sound came from the kitchen.
Heather gasped, her eyes widening. “Oh no, the brownies!!
She set her pencil down and hurried out of the room.
All I could say was–thank you, brownies.
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Chapter 14: A Day To Thank Brownies
You’re always there to save the day.
