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)
“You ready to pumpkin chuck?” Atlas asks as we pass through the gates marking off the festival grounds.
I link my arm with his, holding him as close as possible while also trying my best to keep my anxiety at bay. Logically, I know I’m safe with Atlas, but being around this many people out in the open is… unnerving.
I refuse to let my trauma ruin our day out together though. And so, with a wobbly smile, I reply, “I’m ready to watch you do it. What I’m excited for is donuts and cider.”
He clutches at his heart with his free hand, kindly not remarking on the mini freakout I know he’s aware I’m having. The man is more tuned into me and my emotions than I am sometimes. “Donuts? You like the donuts? What about the funnel cake?”
I shake my head. “Nope. My dad and I used to come every year, and the donuts were always our favorite part. Cinnamon sugar is superior to powdered sugar. It’s just science.”
“She’s right, you know,” a deep, masculine voice says out of nowhere, sending me into a blind panic.
My heart gallops in my chest, thundering in my ears louder than an entire herd of wild horses as my head swivels side-to-side, looking for anything out of place.
But there’s nothing. Just normal people strolling about, not paying me a lick of attention.
“It’s just me, Nora,” Ellis says, his hands out in front of him as he slowly moves closer.
Of course, it’s just Ellis. Safe, trusty Ellis, who we planned to meet in this very spot.
I turn into Atlas, burying my face in his chest as a generous dose of mortification and shame burns my cheeks. If not for his bulk supporting me, I’m not sure I’d be able to stand.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
“Nothing to be sorry about, Pip,” Atlas says, kissing the top of my head. “This jackass knows better than to sneak up on you.”
“Sneak?” Ellis raises a brow. “I did not sneak up on anyone. Hell, I was waving my arms like a damn car dealership inflatable.”
The visual is enough to put a small smile on my face. “Gonna put a freaking bell around your neck,” I mutter, spinning to face him.
“Like a cat?” He tips his head to the side. “Kinky. I like it.”
“What? No!” I giggle. “Well, kind of. But just so I can hear you. It’s unnatural for someone of your size to be so stealthy.”
He rolls his eyes before dropping down to his knees. “From here on out, I will loudly announce my arrival. Please forgive me, Nora.”
The smile on his face tells me he’s kidding, but oh my God, my embarrassment is real. “Get up! Get up right now and I’ll forgive you—this time.” I point my finger at him in faux warning. “But only because you agree with me about the donuts.”
“Noted.” His eyes crinkle in the corners as he looks between Atlas and me.
“You’re really okay, Pip?” he asks, looking down at me with the most tender look.
“Promise.” He stares at me for a beat before nodding and turning his focus to Ellis.
“Where’s Scar?”
“I was just about to ask if either of you have seen the she-devil.”
“Don’t call her that!” I scold, which only serves to make both of them laugh.
“I love it when you give us sass, Pip,” Atlas murmurs, wrapping both of his arms around me so he can rest his chin on the top of my head. “I love the little spitfire you’re turning into. Want more of it.”
“Y’all gonna kiss?” Ellis asks, wagging his brows, erasing any lingering tension from my episode. “Lemme know first so I can look away. Gotta protect my innocence, ya know?”
I huff out a small laugh while Atlas only glares.
“Geez, tough crowd.” He checks his watch. “Seriously, where is she? I told her to meet us by the gate ten minutes ago.”
“You weren’t even here ten minutes ago,” Atlas says.
Ellis shrugs, his face looking like he sucked on a lemon. “When is she ever on time? I should’ve told her twenty minutes early.”
I sigh and snuggle deeper into Atlas’s embrace, content to leave the conversation to them while we wait for Scarlet to join us.
Which she does, after about ten more minutes.
“Sorry! Had to stop and get gas. And coffee.” She thrusts her paper cup in the air toward us.
“Didn’t you learn as a kid that if you’re going to bring something, you need to bring enough for the class?” Ellis crosses his arms, glowering at Scarlet.
“Oh, get over yourself, you big baby.” She cradles the cup to her chest before raising it to her mouth for a long sip. “So good.”
Ellis strikes like a cobra, snatching it from her and stealing a sip for himself, only to promptly spit the coffee out. “The fuck is this? Warmed ice cream?”