by Heart,Skylar
I check the paper. It will be the first Thursday after the new year. It’s less than a month away. “How long have you been planning this?”
“For a while.” She shrugs. “But I didn’t want to put too much pressure on everyone. I just want to showcase some art that isn’t specifically made for this.”
I sigh. “A little bit more advance notice would have been nice.”
“Nah, I’ve seen what you’ve made recently. You don’t need more advance notice. You just need to do this and be proud.” She looks at us both. “I expect those papers back in a day or two. Take pictures of the things you want to put up and I’ll make it all work.” She eyes me specifically. “Just don’t bring something that takes up the whole room, yeah?”
I laugh. If I wanted to be annoying, I could do that. But I’ve got a couple of ideas on what to use. There are so many different specializations in here, and behind the scenes, Lizzy and I have been working on something new together. Something that showcases both our skills.
“So, Mr Porter, Miss Benton. Could you show your projects?” Prof Cartwright sits in front of the classroom.
My project was finished only an hour ago, so close to the deadline. I take it from the tube and roll it out, putting it on one of the easels and bring it closer to him.
He looks at it and hums. I’m not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing.
He looks up. “And you, Miss Benton?”
I turn to Lizzy. We need to do hers together. I grab two easels and put them a bit away from each other. At the same time Lizzy carefully takes her drawing from the tube. We span the top holder over the two easels and Lizzy slowly lets the rest slide down. Then we pick the easels up together and walk them to the front of the room, right next to mine.
“It’s two-sided.” Lizzy’s voice is quiet, shy.
I’m not sure if I imagine it or not, but I think I saw Prof Cartwright smile a little. “Different, surprising, good.” He stands up and walks around the easels, looking at both the drawings. “Interesting, you took the assignment a little further than the rest. Good. Shows initiative and creativity.”
We stand back, Lizzy trying to suppress her proud smile, but she doesn’t seem to be able to. It’s adorable to see her try though. It’s good that people recognize how good her art is, more people anyway.
“Well, I’ll take a look at these and you should have your grade in a week or two.” He looks at us both. “You did well. I know that it hasn’t been the easiest semester for you two.”
I nod. Yeah, not the easiest, not the worst either. I take Lizzy’s hand and hold on tight. But with Lizzy at my side, I was able to get through.
“Can I… I need…” Lizzy keeps her head low.
“I’ll make sure that Tamara gets your project before the exhibition.” Prof Cartwright smiles. “It’s always a pleasure to have her students in my class. I’ll make sure she gets it.”
“Thank you.” Lizzy nods.
“Good luck with your exams and essays, and have a great holiday.” Prof Cartwright sits back down at his desk.
We walk out the room, making our way to the front doors, and I can’t help the laugh that is bubbling up. One project down, just a few other things to go. Maybe I can actually do this college thing.
Lizzy stops me, wrapping her arms around me as she looks up. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” I put my hand on her cheek and lean in for a kiss.
Lizzy wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me closer, and our lips meet, first carefully before they get rougher.
I pull her closer, dipping my tongue into her mouth, making her moan slightly.
I think that we’ll have a very good holiday…
=THE END=
Acknowledgments
Thank you so much for everyone who made this book possible!
Firstly, my Significant Other, for putting up with me when I worked until early in the morning and he had to be at work on time. And for keeping me grounded when things got a little insane.
Next, a thank you from the bottom of my heart to Jo Raven, who gave me the courage to write this book and who has been there for me to make sure I didn’t turn it into one big mess. Without you this book would never have been written!
Lots of love and gratitude to the people who put up with all my odd questions and requests, but a special shout out to Olivia Rigal, Kim Linwood, Sophia Barron and Clarissa Wild.
There are two people without who this book would have been less than it is now, my lovely editor, RJ Locksley, and my amazing cover creator, Cormar Covers. Thank you so so much! Any issues remaining with this story are totally my own.
Of course, thank you so much to all my ARC readers and everyone who has been helping me with the promotion of this book!
And thank you, dear reader, for reading this book and making it all the way to the end!
About the Author
Skylar Heart loves sexy romances and has a particular soft spot for broken boys and their damaged girls. When she’s not reading or writing steamy stories, she loves to nap with her two cats, preferably under a fluffy blanket, and play videogames. She has studied literature and creative writing but often finds that the couple of classes she took on coding is much more of a help in this new adventure as an author.
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