Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
I shrug, playing it off. “It’s good.”
“Good, huh?” He raises an eyebrow. “You’re not exactly the casual type, North. Is it just good, or is it… you know, something more? Because dating a teammate’s sister is a big deal.”
I sip my shake, considering how much to share. Atlas has become one of my closest friends since we both joined the Titans, and I know I can trust him. Still, putting this into words feels vulnerable.
“It’s more,” I admit finally, setting the glass down. “But it’s complicated.”
Atlas leans forward, his expression curious. “Why her? I mean, don’t get me wrong, Farren’s great. Smoking hot.” I glare at him, and he laughs. “But what is it about her that’s got you all twisted up?”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “She’s different. I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. It’s just something I feel inside.”
“That doesn’t tell me shit,” he says.
Fair point. “She’s not like anyone else I’ve ever met. She’s smart. Like, scary smart. You can see the wheels turning in her head all the time, and when she finally speaks, it’s like, damn, why didn’t I think of that? And she’s funny as hell, but not in an obvious way. It’s more… sharp, quick. She’ll say something that seems normal at first, and then a second later, it hits you, and you’re dying laughing. She keeps me on my toes.”
I cross my arms on the table and realize I’m rambling but can’t seem to care. “She’s the kind of woman who makes you work for it, you know? Like, she doesn’t hand anything over on a silver platter. You’ve got to earn it with her, every smile, every laugh, every moment she lets you in. And that… that’s addictive. She doesn’t let me get away with shit either. Calls me out when I’m wrong, doesn’t hesitate to challenge me. I like that about her. Hell, I love that about her. Makes me want to be better, not because she asks me to, but because she deserves it. She makes me think about things differently. About myself, about what I want. She just gets to me, man. In ways I didn’t even know someone could.”
“But?” Atlas prompts. “Because while that was quite the mouthful and she should practically be elevated to sainthood in your eyes, I sense a but.”
“But,” I say with a nod. “She’s holding back. Despite all that stuff I just told you that she gives me, she’s got walls up, and I don’t know why. Something happened in her past, something that makes it hard for her to trust people.”
“Let me say, I still find it absolutely weird that Rafferty is championing your cause with his little sister, but what insight does he provide?”
“He has no clue why she’s like that either.”
Atlas nods slowly, digesting. “Do you think you like her because she’s a challenge?”
The question hits like a slap, and I don’t have an immediate answer.
Atlas notices my hesitation and raises his hands. “I’m not saying that’s all it is. I’m just saying sometimes we go after things that feel unattainable because it feeds the ego. You’re also a professional athlete and we’re programmed to win. To climb mountains. To reach goals. You think that might be part of it?”
I sit back, rubbing a hand over my jaw. “Maybe it started that way,” I admit. “But it’s not about that now. I’ve seen too much of her. I’ve seen glimpses of what’s behind those walls, and I want all of it. Not just the parts she’s willing to give me.”
Atlas studies me for a long moment, then nods. “All right. So, what’s your plan?”
I sigh, shaking my head. “I’m trying to take it slow. Not scare her off. Give her space.”
“Maybe that’s your problem,” Atlas says, stabbing his index finger at me. “You’re holding back too much. Maybe you should just put it all out there. Tell her exactly what you want and let her decide. She’s either going to bolt, or she’s not. Wouldn’t you rather find out now?”
I mull that over, the truth of it settling over me. “Yeah,” I say finally. “Maybe you’re right.”
“Of course I’m right,” Atlas says, grinning. “I’m always right.”
“Don’t push it,” I warn, reaching across the table to grab a fry from his plate and pop it in my mouth. One little fry won’t hurt.
Atlas sits in his chair, swirling the last of his iced tea in the glass. “Have you been in a serious relationship before? You seem like the type who likes to be part of a couple.”
“Just because I don’t try to nail everything that smells good and looks pretty the way you do doesn’t mean I want to settle down.”
Atlas cocks an eyebrow at me. “You’re not getting off that easy. You’re investing way too much time and effort into someone who’s not on the same page as you. So spill.”