AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The peaceful sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the nearby trees remind me to breathe. Centering myself, I tap the ball, but it curves off to the right instead of going straight toward the hole.
“I’m terrible,” I exclaim, feeling embarrassed.
“You are not terrible,” he reassures me. “You're getting better.”
I laugh nervously. “Thanks.”
The corners of his lips hook upward. “Don’t worry. You’ll get the hang of it.”
We walk to the next hole in silence. “Thanks for being patient with me.”
“Of course. I want to see you improve. Remember to keep your eye on the ball and follow through.” His swing is smooth and effortless as if he possesses some secret golfing superpower.
I nod, remembering his instructions for my turn, but I can't hit the ball gracefully. The ball hits the edge of the putter and flies off into the bushes, causing a flock of squawking birds to fly into the air in protest. My face burns, and I let out an exasperated sigh. What's so good about golf anyway?
My enthusiasm for golfing is rapidly diminishing. I'm tempted to take out my anger by slicing into the perfectly groomed grass, but instead of throwing a tantrum and appearing ungrateful, I drop the club with a heavy sigh and collect a handful of scattered balls.
I toss them into the air, watching in awe as they rotate in a perfect arc before dropping into my open palm. I repeat the action until I easily have all three balls spinning in the air.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” I ask.
“Like what?”
“Like I’m an exhibit in the zoo.”
“It’s an impressive trick,” Atlas says with admiration. “Where did you learn to juggle?”
“I grew up in the circus. My parents were performers, and so is my brother.”
“But you're not,” he states, matter of fact.
I shrug. “I looked after the animals. I don't have any talent.”
“I disagree,” he says.
I've never felt anyone staring at me so intently. His eyes are as dark as the midnight sky, full of unfathomable mysteries. A spark of electricity passes between us, and heat rises to my cheeks.
“Atlas—”
“You know, if you keep looking at me like that, I’m going to forget I’m your boss,” he says.
I lift my chin. “Is that a problem?” I ask, watching as he flares his nostrils. What would I need to do to get him to take a chance?
“I heard there's a hidden waterfall nearby, and I'd like to see it,” I suggest pointing toward the woods. Atlas pauses, glancing uneasily at the dense foliage.
I roll my eyes in mock exasperation. “Oh, come on. I'll protect you.”
He laughs. “Okay, but let's be careful,” he replies.
He follows me as I make my way through the trees and into the woods. As we venture deeper into the woods, the trees grow taller, and the branches above us block the sunlight. The only sounds are our footsteps crunching on the dry leaves and the occasional rustle of bushes as small animals scurry away.
We only walk a short time before we reach a clearing. A light breeze dances through my dark hair. I flick a lock from my face and beam at Atlas.
Atlas is the most masculine man I’ve ever seen — or met or could imagine in my wildest or most vivid fantasies. He’s always in control and dominates any space. I need to push his buttons if I want his attention, but I'm in charge now. I'm going to make him lose control.
“I don’t see a waterfall,” he says in mock seriousness when he realizes what I’ve done.
“Maybe I just wanted to get you alone,” I say.
