And since we’ve begun this dance, I’ve been able to relax. In the morning, he’ll message me to eat breakfast and go on a run, then tell me whether I can go to the gym that night or if I need to be ready to be picked up for a trip to his house in town.
He never asks me what he should order, just somehow knows what I like, and always has some show or movie planned for us to watch on the couch.
All decision-making is left up to him. He is completely in control. I firmly believe that if I ever dressed in anything other than my work uniform or gym clothes, he’d try to dictate my daily outfits too.
It’s perfect.
When he leaves, I know it will hurt so badly I’ll fall apart. I know it with everything in me.
And Atticus hasn’t met Kim, Hailey, or Michael yet. If it’s not just the two of us, it’s only ever Cassie who joins. I have the feeling that Atticus doesn’t like meeting new people.
That’s why I’m so surprised when he accepts the invitation Cassie sent to our little group chat, the one inviting him to another party. It’s Kim’s birthday, and Cassie is hosting once more.
At my party, the one she held for my new job, I don’t think Atticus ever interacted with the others. He was too busy kissing me in the guestroom. But now, it might be the perfect chance toforce him into mingling. To make him more permanent in my life.
I’m staring at the message thread where he sent a simple,Alright,in response to Cassie’s invitation several days ago when a private message comes through.
Atticus 4:34 p.m.
Be ready by 8—I’ll be picking you up. Wear something nice but easily removable.
So fucking bossy. It’s like he can’t help himself, like he gets off on telling people what to do and where to go. It makes me horny.
Cameron 4:35 p.m.
*thumbs up emoji*
Uncle Danny comes out of the office, walking into the garage with steady, confident strides. He looks similar to the pictures of my Dad that I’ve found with his short black hair and dark brown eyes. Tall and strong.
“How’s the Mustang coming along?” he asks as I slip my phone back into my pocket, reaching for the closest jack so I can start the oil change I was assigned.
“Eh, I haven’t had a bunch of time to fix it up yet. Soon though,” I reply.
I would probably have made some decent progress in the past few months if it weren’t for Atticus. Instead of fixing up the car, I’ve spent my time in his bed. And on top of that, with him picking me up and dropping me off most days, I haven’t reallyneededa car.
Uncle Danny watches me for a moment, an assessing and curious look in his eyes. “How have you been, Cam? You seem… happier lately. Is your mom doing better?”
I want to cringe. She most definitely isn’t; I’m just not home as often for her to bother me.
“Uh, she’s the same as always,” I murmur, kneeling next to the Ford we have docked on this side of the garage.
“So what’s got you so relaxed? You smile more now.”
“I’ve just been… hanging out with friends, is all,” I lie. How can I explain to my uncle that I’m so relaxed because I have a hot guy dominating and controlling me? He’d freak out.
He hums, still watching me as he chooses to believe my bluff. “Well, I’m happy for you. And remember that you can get spare parts from the pick-apart place on the other side of town with your employee number. For the ‘Stang, I mean.”
“Right. Thanks, Uncle Danny.” I smile at him, then return to focusing on my work.
It’s nice that he cares so much that he’s gone out of his way to offer me a job that I wasn’t completely qualified for in the beginning and even gave me that beat-up Mustang.
For a moment, I wonder if Dad would have been this kind, too. If it’s a genetic thing.
Uncle Danny wanders off, speaking to another one of his employees just as my phone buzzes again. I pull it out, reading the screen.
Cassie 4:46 p.m.
Can’t wait to see you and Atticus tonight! The party is gonna rock. Is he bringing his girlfriend?
