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“My family isn’t much better. My father is a workaholic and always puts his career before us. He’d rather spend time with his whores than be a husband. He only married my mom to be a trophy wife, but she’s in love with him.”
“Enough of the sad stuff. What is your favorite food?” I ask him. “Let me guess, steak?”
He smiles and shakes his head. “Peanut butter and banana sandwiches.”
I crinkle my nose. “Sounds disgusting.”
“It’s not bad, especially when you dip it in milk.” He grabs one of my fries, dips it in ketchup, and feeds it to me. The gesture feels intimate, and adrenaline hijacks my blood.
“Even more gross.”
“You should try it.”
“Maybe.”
It’s getting late and I should head home. I want to make sure I’m in a place where I feel safe before it pours down again.
“I want to go home,” I say.
One the way to my place, I think about allowing him inside for sex, but I told myself I wouldn’t put myself in a position to get my feelings hurt again. I’ve seen the kind side of Atlas, and I don’t know how to handle it. I still can’t believe he used to bring me flowers and sing to me. The thought of him doing that warms my soul. I’m surprised because he never led on he cared about me in a romantic way.
The driver stops in front of my brick building, and Atlas climbs out the car to walk me to the door.
I take out my key from my purse, stick it in the lock, and push the door open. “Thanks for everything tonight, and I’ll Venmo you the money for dinner.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He stands oddly close to me, and I feel his body heat. Warmth pools in my stomach, and goosebumps decorate my arms.
His eyes go down to my lips as he licks his own, and my mouth itches to kiss him, but it’s not a good idea. I need to keep my word, and if I linger out here long enough, I’ll invite him in, so I hug him quickly instead.
“Bye.” I step inside and shut the door in his face, exhaling loudly.
Atlas comes into my office with a peanut butter and banana sandwich.
Ever since the night we hung out, he’s been keeping his distance from me. I should be happy about it, but I’m not.
He drops in the chair in front of my desk. “My goal is to make you fall in love with the magic of my sandwich.”
“You ignored me last night,” I blurt out. “I called you about the book I lent you, and you never answered or returned my call.”
“I didn’t respond because I got drunk with Jasper and Trent. You’re not mad, are you?”
Realization hits me like a ton of bricks. The last thing I want is to be crushing on Atlas. I feel more for him than sexual attraction, and I enjoy his company more than I care to admit. I don’t want to wake up in the morning with him on my mind, nor do I want to think about him throughout the day. Besides, I highly doubt Atlas feels the same way I do. My cheeks warm, my chest flutters as adrenaline courses through my veins, and my gaze lingers on his face.
“Of course, I’m not.”
He crosses his leg over his thigh, gripping the armrests. “I finishedDesperate Measurestwo days ago, and I’m readingLearn My Lessonnow.I won’t ever look atAladdinthe same. Those erotic books are holding me over until you allow me to fuck you again.” He smooths out his tie, and a wicked grin spreads across his face. “Who would have known, erotic books are better than porn?”
I mentally pat myself on the back, then smile. “You’re welcome.” I inhale. “You can always sleep with someone else.” I regret my words the minute they leave my lips.
He crinkles his nose. “I don’t want anyone else.”
His words make my heart skip a beat, and my pulse accelerates as I fight back a grin. I eye the sandwich like it’s going to jump up and bite me. “Are you really going to make me try it?” I ask, changing the subject.
Nodding, he removes the sandwich from the Ziploc bag and holds it to my mouth. “Yeah.”
I’m not going to lie, the sandwich smells yummy.
“Go on, take a big bite.”
