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“He is,” Paul agreed, his voice softening. “And he’s so crazy about you. He’ll take good care of you, Atlas. I know you’re worried about keeping him safe and happy, but I’m glad you’ve found someone who will put you first and always have your back.”
There wasn’t a doubt in Atlas’s mind that he’d found that in Declan. “Thanks for helping me get my head around this. And for trusting me with Chicago and Lake Cliff.”
“Hey. YouearnedChicago and I trusted you because you’ve never let me down. I couldn’t think of anyone better for both jobs and you keep making me look good, kid.”
“I learned from the best. I’ll let you go but tell Reginald I said hi.”
“I will.”
“Oh!” Atlas hissed at the calendar. “I’ve got to cover for the duty agent this weekend, but I don’t want to tell Declan yet. I’m going to invite him up here so he doesn’t think I’m standing him up. I just can’t tell him until Friday or he’ll spend the whole week winding himself up.”
“I will not say a word to Declan.”
“Or my mom?” Atlas asked hopefully, but all he got out of Paul was an evil laugh as he hung up. Atlas mimicked his laugh, then glanced at the calendar again. “Let’s hope this weekend is as magical as last weekend—minus the drugs—and we have more good news for everyone.”
ChapterTwelve
Declan’s Friday morning was off to an auspicious start. He woke up feeling only slightly panicked and was able to eat a decent breakfast. Chores were quickly knocked out and it was a brisk, chilly day outside. Sweater weather was Declan’s favorite and he felt cute as he admired his reflection in one of the many mirrors in the foyer. He was borrowing a chunky cream-colored cardigan from Reginald and Declan thought it made him look less pale and lanky.
“I think I’ll wear this tonight,” he said, nodding at his reflection. His phone vibrated in his pocket and Declan’s heart raced when he took it out and saw Atlas’s name and the new message.
Atlas
Need to talk to you. Promise it’s nothing bad. Can I call?
“I’d still rather you texted, but OK,” Declan said under his breath as he typed.
Declan
Sure! Was on my way to the kitchen to plan dinner.
His phone rang almost as soon as he hit send and Declan was a touch startled when he answered. “Hello?”
“About that…” Atlas said with an apologetic hiss. “I should have said something a few days ago, but I was afraid you’d assume the worst and worry yourself sick waiting for tonight.”
“Why…? What happened?” Declan didn’t like the sound of that and hadn’t bothered to hide his wariness. “I knew this was too good to be true.” He glared at his reflection and shook his head.
“It’s still good!” Atlas insisted. “The agent who was supposed to be on duty is in the hospital—which isn’t great for Fillmore—and I have to stay in Chicago this weekend to cover for him. But I was hoping you’d come up here and keep me company.”
“Oh!” Declan blinked at the man in the mirror and he was blushing. “Are you sure? I don’t want to be in the way if you have to work.”
“I won’t have to work unless someone attacks Chicago.” Atlas chuckled softly, making Declan’s tummy flip as his face grew warmer. “I have to keep my phone turned on and play dispatcher if a call comes in, and I have to be ready to coordinate with other agencies if something big does happen. I’m always on call, technically, but there’s always a duty agent after-hours and on weekends.”
“That makes sense. And you’re sure I won’t be any trouble?”
“How could you be any trouble? I know you don’t like the city, but we don’t have to go out. I’ll order something tonight and we can stay in all weekend if you want,” Atlas offered.
“I don’t mind the city! At least, not Chicago. I never wanna go anywhere near New York and most of New Jersey, but I didn’t mind being in Chicago with you,” Declan explained in a rushed mumble, then bit down on his lips at the last part.Why can’t I stop before I say something desperate?
“I’m so glad!” Atlas sounded relieved. “I didn’t know if taking you out for pizza and to the game was traumatizing for you,” he said.
“No. I was traumatized because it was the Cubs and because you think it’s OK for the sauce to be on top,” Declan said, making Atlas laugh again. Which made Declan feel like he could do this. “I don’t mind Chicago. It’s growing on me, actually.”
“Good. Come up and spend the weekend with me. It’ll be nice to have you to myself instead of Reginald and your friends sending us on runs or getting you high.”
“OK. I guess I’ll see you later. Same time?”
“That’s perfect. I can’t wait.”
