Page 35 of Claiming Atlas

I must be out of my mind.

“He’s like, really hot, Kay.”

Brandon nudges her shoulder. “I’m right here, you know. I can hear you.”

She nuzzles her nose against his. “Not as hot as you, babe.”

Sorry, Brandon, but Atlas is way hotter.

When we make a quick pit stop because Staci needs fruity vape juice, everyone shuffles off the bus, leaving me alone with my thoughts of Atlas, and how I just turned him down.

Twice.

I grab my phone from my purse and open the Instagram app, then pull up his account. I’m only one of hisbajillionfollowers, think he knows who I am?

LOL.

The most recent photo is from backstage at their last show. Nothing from tonight, or even a hint that he’s in Las Vegas. Disappointment tightens in my gut again. I’m not sure what I was expecting; like, what, he was going to post something saying where he was headed next? Because that’s what famous people do all the time, right?

Oh, I know, maybe he’ll post about me, the girl who got away.

Yeah.I snort. Not likely.

And why the hell am I disappointed anyway? I turned him down, not the other way around. He had another girl’s lipstick on his mouth while his hands were onme.

“I really must be crazy.”

“Talking to yourself is a pretty good place to start,” Des says as she climbs back onto the bus. She pours me a fresh glass of champagne, then joins me in the back as everyone boards and we take off for our next destination.

When I haven’t taken a sip yet, she nudges my arm. “Drink, girl.” She nods toward the front of the bus at Lexi and Scarlet who sit together whispering. “I have a feeling you’re going to need it with those two.”

I look over at them and shake my head. Whatever they’re conspiring about won’t push Atlas from my mind. I sigh and take a sip of champagne. Oh well. I’ll see him tomorrow, dance for him, then move on with my life. At least I know Icouldhave been with Atlas Reynolds, and that’s more than most fans can say about their favorite musician.

We finally pull up to the Wynn, and I tuck my phone back into my purse, then exit the bus with my friends. Lexi and Scarlet stop whispering as soon as my heels hit the pavement.

I groan. “What did you girls do?”

Last time we all went out together, it was my twenty-fifth birthday, and they acted like I’d just turned fifty or some other major milestone. Every new place we went had a surprise awaiting me.

It’s like they really don’t understand that I hate surprises.

They giggle, then split up, shaking their heads innocently and acting like that wasn’t the most obvious thing in the world as they cuddle up to Brandon and whatever that other guy’s name is.

Des links her arm through mine as we walk through the casino. “If it makes you feel any better, I’m not in on any other surprises tonight.”

I side-eye her. “I don’t believe you.”

“It’s the truth, girl. Promise.” She holds her pinky up.

I wrap my pinky with hers. “You know I hate surprises.”

Des laughs. “But your best friend loves them.” She glances up ahead at Scarlet. “You should know better by now, Kay.”

I roll my eyes. “I know. But, hey, I figure this is the only time I’ll retire, so there’s nothing else coming my way for her to go nuts over.”

Des laughs, pausing briefly to stare at me like I’m crazy as we step inside the Wynn.

“What?” I ask.

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