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“And obviously, we’ll be sending you a bill.” Andre added with a smirk.
“What are you guys doing standing around, doing nothing? Is this what y’all are being paid for? To gossip?” Jasmine’s voice had him turning around. Her beautiful smirk lit up the room like the sun breaking through the clouds.
“Hey, sweetheart.” He opened his arms to give her a hug and then thought better of it. “Sorry, I’m all sweaty.”
“That’s okay. I like you all sweaty and dirty.” She winked playfully as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
The three other men in the room groaned in unison.
“That’s too much information.” Mikel cringed.
Jasmine’s throaty laughter spilled out. “Payback’s a bitch.”
Mikel waved her off. “I’m going to go do some real work.” He and Andre left out the rear exit.
Jasmine turned to her remaining brother. “Hey, Bent, I wondered if you could watch Zoey two Saturdays from now? I’ve got a wedding event at the inn.”
“I can do it,” Atlas offered.
Bently and Jasmine turned to him.
He shrugged. “I mean, if you’re comfortable with that. I can take her for lunch and ice cream. Maybe to the park after that?”
“You would do that? Alone?”
Atlas reached out before brushing a lock of hair away from her face. “Of course. You don’t have to do this on your own anymore. I’m here. I’ve got your back.”
Jasmine nodded. “I guess I just keep forgetting.”
“Well then, I’ll keep reminding you.” He kissed her nose.
Her smile widened.
His body heated. It had been so long since they’d been together. He was giving her space like he’d promised, going slow. She set the pace, and he’d be patient for as long as she needed to feel safe enough to take this next step. He’d done a lot of damage leaving her the way he did. Trust took time to build. Jasmine was worth the wait.
“Okay, well, since that’s settled, I’m gonna see myself out. I’ll be back Saturday, with beer.” Bently excused himself.
Atlas didn’t take his eyes off Jasmine as he said, “Yeah, thanks again.”
Jasmine took a step forward, leaning into him. His lips melded with hers, softly and sweetly.
“Have they been giving you a hard time?” she asked.
“They’ve been great—highly entertaining.” They were treating him like one of their own. And it meant the world to him after losing his own family for pursuing his own desires. He hadn’t heard a word from his brother or parents since he left the city to set up shop in Shattered Cove. He was just grateful his grandfather hadn’t cut off his access to his trust. The biggest loss had been Oliver. But his twin’s true colors had come out, and he was ashamed he hadn’t seen them sooner. Atlas would be a better man. He’d choose his family from here on out.
“Hey, while you’re here, I wanted to see which tables you thought I should order.” Atlas walked over to the counter and picked up a magazine. Jasmine joined him as he pointed out his top three choices.
“The reclaimed wood ones would be perfect. But I know my brothers could probably hook you up with them for cheaper or refer you to someone local to make them.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. It should help with your budget.”
“I’ll ask them.” Atlas looped his arms around Jasmine, pulling her against him once more. “I think I love you more every day.”
She giggled. “I think it’s my family.”
“Them too. I don’t know what I did to deserve you all.”
