Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 119476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 597(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 597(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
Got sidetracked there, Diary, so let’s get back to the point. I’m as anxious as I am excited for tonight, because I think I want to go all the way with Atlas.
I want us to have sex. For him to be my real first. He’s a man worthy of it, and I know he’ll take care of me—and more importantly, I know he’ll stop if I say so.
But what if I’m… bad at it? What if he doesn’t enjoy being with me? What if I flip out, and he realizes how broken I really am? What if he decides I’m not worth the trouble?
NO! STOP IT, NORA!
Atlas is a good man. The best kind of man. He is everything I’ve ever wanted and never thought I would have—and then some. He is kind and caring and patient and has the gentlest heart out of anyone I know.
He’s the kind of man my parents would have loved. He’s worked tirelessly to earn my trust, and deep down in my soul, I know he loves me.
No matter how things go between us tonight, I know it won’t change the way he feels about me.
Flustered, Nora
CHAPTER 27
NORA
Getting ready for a first date is hard enough as it is—at least, according to the shows and movies I’ve seen—but it’s even harder without anyone around to guide you.
I don’t have my mom to help with my hair and she never taught me to put makeup on—not that I own any anyway. I don’t have a best friend to help me pick out an outfit. Here’s to hoping leggings and a sweater are appropriate for whatever Atlas has planned, because even with him spoiling me, I don’t have any date-worthy outfits.
I’m half-tempted to call Scarlet and beg for her help. But even I know asking your boyfriend’s ex to help you get ready for a date is weird.
Is he even my boyfriend? We’ve done everything so out of order, I’m not sure I know up from down when it comes to explaining our relationship.
I’m pregnant, we live together, and share a bed, but haven’t had sex. He told me he loves me, and his actions more than back up his words, but his dad abused me for years on end.
It’s safe to say we’re complicated. But if I’m being completely honest, Atlas Wallace is by far the best complication to ever come into my life.
He’s caring, observant, intuitive, and kind… he’s just… every good thing. So much so that the word boyfriend doesn’t feel big enough to encompass all he is to me.
I flop down onto the bed, throwing one arm over my head and the other over my eyes. This is hopeless. Atlas is going to all of this trouble to do something nice for me and I—
A knock on the door derails my pity party. “Nora…”
Why is Ellis outside of my door? “Yeah?”
“Can I come in?”
I roll my eyes from the ceiling to the door. “I guess.”
“You all ready for your big da—” He eyes me sprawled on the bed, dressed in a pair of my old leggings and one of Atlas’s hoodies. “Clearly not, what gives?”
“Ellis.” I sigh his name. “Are you here for girl talk?” It’s not fair for me to take my frustrations out on him, especially when he’s always so kind to me. “That was rude, I’m sorry. What’s up?”
“Just wanted to check on you.” He shrugs and crosses the room, claiming Atlas’s desk chair. “Figured you might need some assistance getting ready, and while I know I’m not a chick, I am your best friend—right?” He shakes his head. “Of course, I am, so voilà, here I am.”
“Riiiight.” I force myself into a seated position. “And how do you plan to help?”
“Listen, I am a man of many talents.” He springs up from the chair and stalks over to my closet—well, Atlas’s closet.
I watch as he flips through the hangers, trying to figure out what exactly he’s up to.
“Perfect!” He grabs a hanger and tosses it my way. “Put this on with your green leggings and boots.”
“That’s… Atlas’s sweater…”
He rolls his eyes and grabs my green leggings. “Clearly.” He drops them onto my lap.
“It’s—are you sure?” I love wearing Atlas’s clothes, so I’m all for it, I just can’t imagine it being date appropriate.
“You don’t watch as much Gossip Girl as I do without picking up a thing or two. Now, go into the bathroom and get dressed.”
Reluctantly, I get to my feet and head into the bathroom. Shucking off my current pair of leggings is harder than I’d like to admit, but with this little bump disrupting my center of gravity, simple tasks like taking off and putting on pants have become a freaking chore.
I tug off my hoodie next, and then appraise myself in the mirror. My boobs have definitely grown and my belly is perfectly curved. I can’t help but wonder what Atlas sees when he looks at me.