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Does Atlas know how he left me? I don’t recall telling him about it.
“It’s not the right time, Carter,” I snap.
Atlas kisses me hard, and I feel my heartbeat loud in my ears. “Let’s go home, Boots.”
We climb into the car, and Thomas drives on the dark asphalt. This day has been hell, and I’m ready to go home. I’m ready to curl on the couch, watch mindless TV, and forget my sorrows for the day.
“I don’t like your ex,” Atlas says. “For what it’s worth, you deserve someone better than him.”
“Someone like you?”
“Someone better.” He smirks.
I sit on the lounge chair outside on the balcony, overlooking the city at Atlas’s penthouse. The wind blows a few strands of my silky hair across my face, so I tuck it behind my ear. I’ve been here since the funeral, and I didn’t want to go home because shortly after my mom passed away, I had to store most of her things at my condo. Her lavender scent invades my condo, and I can’t bear to come to terms with the fact that I buried her.
Yesterday was brutal for me, putting my mother to rest was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I feel as if I’m a towel that has been wrung out so many times. The pain in my chest grows deeper than the sky, and I’ve been trying to hold it together. I barely sleep, and most of the time, I zone out. I’ve been living a nightmare, only to be awake. Another thing that bugs me was seeing Carter at the funeral. Why would he show up there knowing it’s not the right time? When I looked at him, I didn’t feel anything. I didn’t feel hurt when I saw Odette. She has the life that would have been mine but, to be honest, I don’t want it. I don’t want to be someone’s trophy wife, be put on a shelf, only be shown off at events. I didn’t know what he wanted to say to me, and I didn’t care. He needs to stay away from me. I have dreams and goals I want to accomplish, not be a lonely housewife to a rich guy. My mom went through hell, and it wasn’t easy for her. I should have known Carter and I was doomed from the start, but I was so infatuated with him.
I ignored the signs. He didn’t treat me as well as Atlas does. He didn’t put my needs before his, and he’s not attentive. When I think about my old relationship with Carter, we had nothing in common—we were two people using each other. I used him to ease my loneliness, and he used me for my beauty until it faded. Being with Atlas makes me feel as if I can be myself. He makes me feel safe and cared for. I like him more and more every day.
I hear the sliding glass doors open, and I twist my view to Atlas. A tight white t-shirt is fitted to his muscular arms, and dark jeans hang off his hips. He must have changed from his suit earlier. He looks carefree, but bags hang under his eyes. My heart pitter-patters against my rib cage, and my lungs seize. No matter how many times I’m around him, he turns me into a horny teenager. I like the way he tries his best to comfort me and help me out of my slump. He’s been to work, but I haven’t. I’ve been cooped up in the penthouse all day.
“How was work?” I ask.
I’m trying to find something that makes me feel back to normal. Nothing has worked. I haven’t worked on a newer design, and I can’t concentrate on the latest episode ofAmerican Horror Story: Cult.
“Horrible. The temp EA is stupid. And the stress of the fall runway is about to kill me, but that’s not important.” He comes up to me, places both palms on my face, and gazes into my eyes. Goosebumps sprout across my flesh at his touch. The more I’m around him, the more I realize we have more than sexual attraction.
“I have a surprise for you, come with me,” he says.
Without a word, I follow him outside to where Thomas opens the door for me.
I slide in, strap my seat belt on, and lean against the polished seat. Atlas kisses my hand, and a shiver snakes up my spine. He’s been too good to me. After my mother’s funeral, he snuggled up with me until I fell asleep and made sure I ate a healthy meal. His behavior shocked me because I didn’t expect him to be so attentive.
“I love surprises. Where are we going? I ask, watching as we pass cars.
His gaze lingers on mine for a second longer, and excitement flashes in his eyes.
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.”
We drive for what seems like forever until I doze off.
Atlas shakes me awake. “We’re here.”
Glancing up, I see the most beautiful lake house I ever saw. The sun sinks between the tall trees. The house is made from white rhinestones, and a wooden porch wraps around the bungalow. I must have slept for hours because we’re not close to the city.
I slowly unbuckle my seat belt. “Where are we?”
“Seneca Lake.I figured you’ll need a week away from the city,” he sighs. “It’s what I wanted when my grandmother passed away.”
He did all this for me. No one has ever been so thoughtful toward me.
“I didn’t pack any bags.”
“Don’t worry, I packed them for you last night while you were sleeping.”
I smile for the first time since the funeral. He’s so incredible, I don’t know how I would have survived my mother’s death without him.
Once we’re inside, I take a tour around the house. It’s beautiful and big. It has three bedrooms, two baths, a fireplace, and a spacious living room that’s been decorated. The navy love seat makes the home feel cozy. My eyes beam at the pictures on the wall of an elder couple, holding each other, and living in a cramped condo makes me appreciate the house. I step outside on the deck, and Atlas stands next to me, his body heat engulfing me. We listen to the sound of the crickets humming from the leafy trees. This place is a slice of heaven on earth, and I love it.
