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“So do you,” I told him as I took in his outfit. He was wearing dark jeans that hugged his body perfectly. It was paired with black boots and a black button-down shirt. It was just casual enough but still looked like he put effort in. It ironically matched the little, black dress I’d chosen for myself.
“I figured one of my favorite restaurants was in order tonight. Do you have anything against Italian food?”
Atlas looked less confident and more vulnerable now. He ran his hands nervously through his dirty blond hair.
“I’ve never met a carb that I didn’t like,” I joked. “Pasta is definitely on my list of favorites.”
“Perfect,” he said as he held out his arm for me. I wrapped mine through his and let him lead me down the sidewalk.
It was crazy to think he was related to the guy who had screamed at me over coffee.
“You’re going to love this place. The couple who owns it actually moved here from Italy. They retired and wanted to be close to their kids who’d moved over earlier. They make the best fresh breadsticks and lasagna. You’ll regret it if you don’t order it.”
“Well, I’m sold,” I said easily. It felt effortless with Atlas. There was none of the tension or awkwardness I felt with Ezra and Collin.
It was a short walk to the restaurant but there was already a line waiting outside. Instead of pulling me to the back of it, Atlas walked right to the hostess stand in the doorway.
“Reservation for two.”
The hostess grinned at him and I had to bite back a growl of annoyance.
“Oh hey, Atlas, good to see you again! Your date is so pretty!” the middle-aged woman praised, giving me a wink that had any jealousy ebbing away. “I’ve got you down for a romantic table in the back.”
Atlas gave her his best flirty smile. “You guys always treat me too good,” he said, blowing her a kiss. I love that he wasn’t afraid to be himself around me and didn’t dull his personality. He was flirty by nature but the entire time he talked to her his hand was on me or he’d glance my way.
“Speaking of their kids, Natalia is their daughter. She somehow can’t cook to save her life as far as she’s told me, but she runs the front of the house and is amazing at it.
“Keep talking those sweet words, big guy,” she joked, cackling as she dropped the menus on the table and walked away.
Atlas pulled out my chair for me and pushed it in after I sat before taking his own. it was more chivalrous than I’d ever been treated and I loved it.
“Did you move here from the big city?” he questioned as he pretended to look at the menu. His eyes barely shifted to the words, instead looking at me almost the entire time.
“Compared to Lockwood, isn't everything a big city?” I joked. “Yeah, I’ve been in a few cities. I thought I could use a change of pace after life took an unexpected turn.”
“Sounds like a story is there,” he teased. “How are you adjusting to the change?”
I loved that he acknowledged there was more to my story but didn’t push me for information. First dates weren’t exactly a good time to explain my horror story.
“I’m a lot happier than I thought I’d be,” I admitted. “I didn’t think I’d like how small it is. I think my favorite part is that I’m starting to recognize the locals. In the city, I barely knew my coworkers.”
“That’s crazy,” he laughed. “I’ve lived here my whole life and I couldn't imagine not knowing anyone walking down the street.”
“I do miss late-night diners and takeout being open, though,” I said. Even Ezra closed up shop at eight.
“The only nightlife we have to offer here is karaoke every other Friday at Jake’s bar. Otherwise, it’s just us regulars hanging out the rest of the time and an old jukebox with far too limited of a selection.”
“Sounds exciting,” I joked.
“My brother and I used to talk about leaving but as we got older we started to appreciate it more. Plus, my dad’s here and he’s kind of sick now, so we aren’t…” he paused, stumbling over the words and then correcting himself. “Let's just say I’m not looking to leave right now.”
“It’s nice that you’re sticking by your family. He must be a great dad.”
Atlas’s eyes lit up. “He’s the best. It was hard sometimes but he never showed how much he was hurting when mom and her other alpha ran off together. They said they wanted more than this town. Apparently, that meant more than us, too. But Dad took us to games, got us through school, never let us down.”
“I’m so sorry,” I said, my heart breaking for the little boys left behind. It even had me feeling bad for Dean momentarily.
“Shit, that got darker than I meant for it to. Clearly, I’m not great at first dates.”
