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Chapter 38
Jasmine
1 month later
Jasmine walked into the restaurant, searching for Atlas. The walls had been painted with a soft grey. Pendant lighting hung over the newly refinished bar and the spaces where tables would be. A few stunning blown-up photos of local farmers harvesting their crops and fishermen with their catches adorned the walls. Atlas had secured agreements with all of them. True to his vision, he’d tried to source his ingredients locally.
“Is he in the office?” Zoey asked, tugging Jasmine’s hand towards the back room.
She shifted the cup of coffee in her hand so it wouldn’t spill as she took in the rest of the room as they walked. Faux, dark cherry wooden beams covered what used to be exposed pipes through the center of the room. Several boxes were stacked, unopen on top of the bar.
They walked down the hallway, past the new bathroom, and stopped in front of a frosted-glass door.
Atlas’s light snores drifted out. Jasmine turned to Zoey, putting a finger to her lips. “Be really quiet. Atlas is still sleeping.”
Zoey nodded and mirrored the action, whispering, “Otay, Mommy.”
Jasmine opened the door to find Atlas stretched out over the brown leather couch that barely contained him. His feet hung off the end, paint-stained work boots still on, like he’d crashed here after yet another long day of hard manual labor. He’d stopped by the inn last night for dinner and to help put Zoey to bed, which had become their nightly routine. He’d also tested out some dishes for the restaurant and got their opinions. Zoey thought she was a food critic now.
Jasmine’s rooms had been booked solid all summer, but wedding season was winding down now that it was September. She and Zoey were still sharing a room, so that meant Atlas had had to find other accommodations. Bently had offered him a room, but he’d insisted he was fine on his own and had been sleeping in his restaurant.
Jasmine sat on the edge of the couch, running her free hand over his chest. Zoey walked over and planted a kiss on his cheek.
His eyes fluttered open before he smiled. “This is definitely my second favorite way to wake up.” Atlas stretched and sat, swinging his legs onto the ground. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes. His hair was a wild mess, making her want to run her fingers through it.
“What’s your favorite?” Zoey asked.
Atlas chuckled, his voice still hoarse with sleep. “That’s a secret.” He winked at Jasmine.
“We brought you coffee.” Jasmine offered the still-warm cup to him.
He studied it suspiciously as he took it from her. “You made it?”
She rolled her eyes. “Just try it.”
He took a tentative sip, his eyes widening. “This is good.”
Jasmine smiled. “I got some tips from Remy.”
Atlas took another sip and grinned. “It’s perfect. Z, I’ve got some of the juice boxes you like in the fridge in the kitchen if you want to go grab one.”
“Yay!” Zoey clapped and wandered out of the room.
“Can she get it by herself?” Jasmine asked.
Atlas placed his hand on her thigh. “I put it on the lowest shelf.” He leaned into her neck and breathed her in. “I missed you.”
“You saw me last night.” She giggled as the scruff of his beard tickled her tender skin.
He set the coffee down on the desk to his right before wrapping both arms around her. “It’s never enough.”
“Well, I do happen to have a room opening up today.”
He perked up. “Oh, yeah?”
“I think it’s time you moved in. I mean, if you want to.”
“Fuck yes I do.”
