Autumn forced her focus back to her work, hands moving on instinct as she tried to shove Julian out of her head.
It was useless.
Julian was like a bad fever. The kind that clung to your bones and refused to break, no matter how much you tried to ignore it.
Every whisper around her felt louder than the ovens. Every glance burned.
She could feel them watching her. Measuring her. Judging her.
Should I explain myself?
The thought came and went.
Why should I? she told herself bitterly. They are no one to me.
Still, her chest tightened.
I just need to make sure Caleb plays along.
The lie sat heavy on her tongue. A fake fiancé should not feel like a lifeline. And yet, right now, he was the only thing keeping her from drowning.
She slid the last tray of pastries out of the oven and turn
