Page 157 of Withered

“Yeah,” I say quietly, my eyes still closed. “When you messaged me earlier, I was both irritated and concerned. It’s difficult to be angry now that I see you.”

“Does that mean that I’m forgiven?” His eyes twinkled.

“No,” I laugh.

He steps back a little, and I take my time staring at him. I notice he has used hair gel, yet his hair is all tangled up and he has his style. He’s also sporting a watch. Posh.

“You clean up well, Henderson,” I say, my gaze fixed on the model in front of me.

Jake winks as he puts his hand inside his pockets. “Of course. You’d know it better than anyone else.”

Istillhaven’tforgivenJake. He’s right in front of me, but I can’t ignore the nagging anxiety in the back of my mind. I know something is wrong. I have a feeling that he is hiding something from me, but I choose to remain silent. Everyone is in a good mood, and I don’t want to ruin this for them, for me, or for anyone in particular.

I'm so caught up in my thoughts that I didn’t notice we’d been standing here silently for a few minutes. Jake is staring at the shore with a blank expression, and I’m not sure what he’s thinking.

It’s difficult to take my gaze away from him in a tuxedo. The black tux complements his dark hair and draws attention to the intriguing look in his forest-green eyes. As if sensing my presence, he turns his head and smiles at me. It’s not the most beautiful smile that reaches your ears, but it’s a good one that warms my insides.

Autumn air mixed with the ocean breeze flies past us, dancing its way through Jake’s soft strands of hair and resting as goosebumps on my skin.

I curse myself for not bringing a jacket. My dress is off-shoulder, which exposes my bare arms and a hell of a lot of skin.

Jake chuckles, and before I can blink or stop him, he slips out of his jacket and drapes it over my shoulder.

“Don’t you need it?” I ask as he tightens the jacket around my shoulder blades, as it was about to fall away.

Jake gives me his infamous smirk. “I won’t deny that I look dapper in it. But, even without it, I’m attractive like a magnet. This,” he points to his face, “is what God spent his time on.”

I laugh. “You are so full of yourself.”

I pause for a moment to take in the scenery in front of me. He’s right; even without the jacket, he stands out in his white button-down shirt tucked into his black trousers.

I grab his hand in mine and thread my fingers through his. “Let’s go inside. Everyone was asking about you.”

I pull him along, and we make our way through the tables to the lawn. The majority of the guests have returned to their seats, but Tyler and Kristy are still dancing at a slow pace.

We draw some attention, most of which is directed at Jake. I had my moment when I arrived here. My parents are sitting at the far end with Mr. Jones, and they are all smiling at us.

I glance at Jake and notice his first two buttons undone and his sleeves folded up, revealing his cute tiger tattoo.When did he even roll his sleeves up?

If I said he looked good in a tux, then scratch that. He looks just as good, if not better, in a basic white button-down shirt. Is that even possible?

I get close to him and whisper, “Everyone’s staring at you.”

He leans back, his eyes focused on everyone. “You should start wearing those cute glasses. It’s been a while; maybe you’ve gotten glasses.”

Is he mocking me?“Why?” He recalls me wearing glasses. I’m touched.

Jake tips his head forward. “They’re looking atyou, notme.” His eyes met mine. “They’ve been looking at you for the past half hour.”

Confused, I ask, “Why me? And how do you know? You just got here.”

Jake shrugs, his lips curling into a smirk. “I mean, one, you’re with me.” Contrary to the smile on my face, I roll my eyes at him.

He leans in, his lips grazing my ear, his breath fanning my neck. “And two, you look stunning. Drop-dead gorgeous.”

I’m damned if it doesn’t make my heart race. I have a thousand butterflies in my stomach.

He moves back. “As for your second question, how do I know? I’ve been here since you started dancing to that ridiculous tune. I spotted you the moment I walked in; it’s impossible not to notice you.”

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