Page 18 of Dash to Me
“Love?” The word escapes his throat.
I brace myself, ready for the storm, for the protective fury. Then his expression shifts. Ryan exhales—a gust that seems to sweep away the remnants of his initial shock—and in two strides closes the gap between us.
His arms wrap around me in an embrace. “Atlas, huh? You really blindsided me there, Sis. But you know what? I’ve seen the way he looks at you when you’re not paying attention. It’s... it’s real.” He lets out a chuckle, shaking his head. “I saw it coming. You always did have a way of seeing the best in people, even when they couldn’t see it themselves.”
My breath hitches, relief washes over me. “Thank you for understanding.”
“Hey, no thanks needed between us, okay? We’re family. And if Atlas is who makes you happy, then he’s got my vote. Besides,I’d be a pretty lousy big brother if I stood in the way of your happiness.”
The load that lifts from my shoulders leaves me feeling lighter. With Ryan’s blessing, the future seems less daunting.
My phone vibrates.
Atlas: I’m back in town. Sorry I had to rush away after the wedding. I miss you.
Things are changing so quickly, but for the better. My brother has given his blessing for us, and even though Atlas wanted to be the one to break the news, I can’t lie to my brother.
Me: Glad you’re back. I told my brother, sorry. Couldn’t wait. He’s fine with it. So when do I get to see you?
Atlas: Dinner tomorrow night? I promised my dad I’d have dinner with him tonight when I got in.
Me: It’s a date =)
EVA
I tracethe eyeliner along the curve of my eyelid, preparing for our first real date. The sound of a truck engine purring to a stop outside draws my gaze to the window. After a moment, the doorbell chimes. My hands flutter to the dress, smoothing out nonexistent wrinkles.
Ryan stops me at the bottom of the staircase. “You look beautiful, sis. My wife and I are going out of town for the weekend. So you’ll have the place to yourself.”
I wrap my arms around to thank him. He could have been so against this, but instead he is letting us have our space. “I love you! Have fun.”
I grab the doorknob and open it, revealing Atlas, his tall frame in a pair of dark pants, and button up. His dark hair is combed back, a few rebellious strands defying order, much like the man himself.
“Wow, Eva,” Atlas says. “You look... stunning.”
“Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself.”
Stepping across the threshold, my hand takes his as we approach his truck. Atlas opens the passenger door, and I slide into the seat, the leather cool against my skin. As he rounds the vehicle to take his place behind the wheel, our eyes meetthrough the windshield and then he takes his rightful place next to me. The engine hums to life, a soft purr. His hand takes mine, not wanting to let go until we reach our destination. The truck slows to a stop, its headlights illuminating the refined sign of “La Lune” etched in graceful script against the dark canvas of the night.
“Wow.”
“Only the best for tonight,” he replies.
I step out of the truck, using his head to steady me upon the drop, and then he offers his arm. He is such a good man, and I still have no idea how I am so lucky. We approach the entrance, and inside it’s classy.
“Table for Two under Lockwood, please.”
They lead us to a secluded table, tucked away in a corner. “Atlas, this is incredible.”
“Tonight is about us, Eva. It’s taken me years to gather the courage for this evening,” he confesses, leaning forward, his elbows resting on the edge of the table.
“I’ve always admired that about you. Your boldness, your ability to chase after what you want.”
“Except when it came to you,” he admits, a rueful chuckle escaping him. “With you, I’ve always been afraid of stepping across the line, of risking what we have for what could be.”
We don’t have to worry about that anymore. Atlas and I are meant to be here. It might have taken a lot longer than either of us anticipated, but we made it.
“Good evening. My name is Arthur. I’ll be your server tonight. May I suggest the Chateaubriand for two?”
