Booktree.ngIt-Starts-with-Us-Colleen-Hoover

“These are perfect,” I say, motioning for him to enter. “Come in. I need,
like, fifteen minutes to get dressed.”
I’ve been so busy today, I haven’t even had a chance to eat. I open one of
the cookies and bite into it. Then, with a mouthful, I say, “I’m sorry if this
is tacky. I’m starving.” I point toward my bedroom. “You can wait in my
room with me while I get ready; it won’t take me long.”
Atlas is looking around, taking everything in as he follows me to my
bedroom.
My dress is laid out on the bed, so I pick it up and walk to my bathroom.
I leave the door cracked a bit so that I can talk to him while I change.
“Where’s Josh?”
“You remember Brad from that poker night?”
“I do, actually.”
“His son, Theo, is at my house with Josh. They go to school together.”
“How’s he liking school?”
I can’t see Atlas, but he’s closer to the bathroom when he says, “Fine, I
guess.” It sounds like he’s right next to the door. I slip the dress over my
head and open the door farther. I chose a merlot-colored fitted dress with
spaghetti straps. It has a matching shawl, but it’s still hanging in the closet.
Atlas looks me over when I appear in the doorway. His eyes journey up
the length of me, but I don’t give him time to compliment me.
“Can you zip me up?” I give him my back and lift my hair, but I can feel
him hesitate. Or maybe he’s soaking in the moment.
A couple of seconds later, I feel his fingers press against my back as he
raises the zipper. It sends chills rolling over my skin. When he’s finished, I
drop my hair and turn and face him. “I need to put on makeup.” I start to
back into the bathroom, but Atlas grips my waist.
“Come here,” he says, pulling me until I smush against him. He admires
my face for a couple of seconds, smiling appreciatively. Seductively. Like
he’s about to kiss me. “Thank you for inviting me.”
I return the smile. “Thank you for coming. I know you’ve had a busy
week.”
Atlas’s eyes look tired. The usual glimmer has dulled a little, like he’s
been stressed and could use a night of relaxation. I can’t help but touch his
cheek when I say, “We can Uber there if you want. You seem like you could
use a drink.”