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Woods looks down at the ground and back up again. “What the hell is that asshole doing back here, anyway? When was the last time he saw the kids?” This is the other thing about small towns. Everyone knows everyone’s business.
“It’s been months. I don’t even know what made him show up tonight.”
Woods laughs. “He was probably doing something shady. I’ll see what I can find on him and keep him out of the way.” He tips his hat. “You want a ride home, Peyton?”
I should take the ride home. Atlas looks pissed. “I’ll be okay. Thanks for looking out.”
The sheriff nods and takes off toward his truck as I look toward Atlas whose jaw is locked.
“You know, you’ve got a real attitude problem.”
He glances toward me, one hand on the wheel, the other on the windowsill. “I do?Wow.Thanks for letting me know. I’ll be sure to adjust accordingly.”
“See… like that. You didn’t need to say that.”
“What should I say, little rabbit? Should I thank you for scaring the bear away?”
My heart flutters at the use of that name again, but I don’t let the sentiment fool me. “No, but you should thank me for saving your ass with the cops. I could’ve had you hauled in for kidnapping.”
He huffs out a low sigh and rolls his head in a shallow circle before glancing toward me. “You’re right.” His tone has dropped. He’s genuine. “Thank you. That could have been a disaster.”
This small victory has me reeling. “Well, I should’ve been more thankful for what you did too. While I don’t agree with how violent it was, I’m lucky you were there. I don’t think Rick will ever bother me again with you around.”
There’s silence in the truck for a moment before he pulls to the side of the road and turns toward me. “I don’t want to leave here without you.”
My heart squeezes. “Okay… are you leaving?”
“Not yet, but I will.” His head lowers. “Look, I know I come off like an asshole. I don’t know the right thing to say, and I suck at emotional shit, but when I’m with you… something real happens.”
God help me. I shouldn’t ask this man what the real thing is, but I feel my lips starting to move.“What’s that?”
He shrugs. “I can’t explain it, but I know it’s wrong. I know a man my age shouldn’t be thinking about a young woman likeyourself. I know I shouldn’t want a family with you. I know I shouldn’t want to do dirty fucking things to you, but I do. I really fucking do.”
“What are you saying?”
He glances away then back again, his gaze steady with mine. “I’m saying I like you, little rabbit, and I want you for my own.”
Blood leaves my chest cavity and deposits somewhere less helpful. This moment is terrifying because on one hand I know I’m attracted to Atlas. I know I want his big hands all over me. I know I want his lips on my skin and his teeth scraping against the edges of my bones.
“I’m scared of you,” I finally say.
“Scared of me, because of the fight? I’d never hurt you, rabbit. Not ever.”
“I know you wouldn’t hurt me, Atlas.I know.It’s not that. If anything, I want you to hurt me a little.” I bite back a grin. “It’s the emotional stuff. I… it’s hard for you and I’ve already got so much going on. I can’t be trying to figure you out on top of everything.”
“I’m not a golden retriever, that’s for sure.” He clears his throat and stares toward me. “I’m a Doberman. I don’t look pretty, and I bark too damn much, but I’ll protect you and I’ll be loyal.” There’s conviction in his eyes as he speaks. Conviction that says more than his words alone. I believe this man, and honestly, his truth, his reality, only makes me want him more.
“You’re a Doberman?”
He laughs under his breath. “It’s a stupid comparison, but it’s accurate, no?”
I tip my head to the side. “Actually, it is kind of accurate.”
“Okay then. We agree on something.”
“What if you change your mind? What if you hate being a stepdad and you realize this whole thing was a terrible mistake? You’ve been alone for so long.”
He squeezes my hand in his and his gaze lights up. “I’m not going to regret loving you, and I’d never for a second disappoint you or those kids. I’d do everything I could to make sure of that. But I have one question that you still haven’t answered.”
