Page 47 of Curses and Cornstalks
We freed Atticus from his century-long torment.
Warmth fills my chest at the thought of Atticus finally leaving the cornfield. Of him finally getting to live life.
Of him getting to be with me.
Rather than getting dressed, Atticus lies down once more and tugs me against his chest. I nestle into his warmth, trying to adjust to the new sensation, and listen to the steady pound of his heart.
“What’s the first thing you plan to do now that you’re free?” I ask to break the silence as I trail my fingers over his chest.
“I’m not sure.” He thinks for a moment. “But I’ll be just fine with whatever you want to do, darling.”
One Week Later
Cassie
Atticus exhales with relief when we pull into a parking spot in front of Mrs. Lucinda’s diner, and I can’t help but giggle. He’s not a fan of my driving.
“It wasn’t that bad, was it?” I pat a hand on his thigh, and he shoots me a glare that makes me laugh harder. “You didn’t complain the other night.”
It’s been a week since Halloween.
A week since we broke his curse…
In that time, I’ve been slowly introducing him to everything he’s missed over the last century. Netflix, cell phones, internet, risque lingerie that made him blush bright red…
But this is the first time we’ve left the farmhouse and ventured into town.
“I think I was too excited to be afraid,” he mumbles before reaching for the door handle. I move to grab my own, but his eyes shoot back in my direction. “Don’t touch that door.”
It’s a playful warning, but I freeze anyway.
He gets out of the car and hurries around the front before opening my door for me. I blush, my cheeks burning as he offers me a hand and helps me out of the car.
I could get used to this old-fashioned chivalry.
He interlaces his fingers with mine as we head for the diner, and a little bell jingles as we step inside.
“Welcome, welcome,” a brunette waitress calls from behind the counter straight ahead. “Seat yourself and Mrs. Lucinda will be there in just a minute.”
I smile and nod in her direction before dragging Atticus across the mostly empty dining room to a booth in the corner. It’s technically after lunch, and the rush has passed.
“Ladies first,” Atticus says, gesturing to the empty booth seat. With a grin, I slide in and he follows suit, sandwiching me between him and the wall.
“What do you think?” I whisper as his eyes travel across the dining room again, admiring the rustic decor.
“It’s cute,” is all he says before his eyes snap back in my direction. “But I have to admit, I’m more excited to have you alone again.”
His hand lands on my thigh, and he squeezes before sliding it higher. Heat blooms low in my belly, sinking between my thighs, and my eyes widen.
“Atticus,” I hiss under my breath. “Can you at least save it for the car?”
He wiggles his eyebrows. “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”
It’s been days since we had any alone time; Uncle Wayne has kept him busy around the house, helping with heavy lifting and dirty jobs. When he isn’t working, he’s helping cook or clean. Doing any and everything he can to contribute and earn his keep.
I was worried about asking my aunt and uncle if Atticus could stay in the other guest room, at least for a few days until we figured something out. But they caved easily, especially when I told them he had nowhere else to go.
It wasn’t a lie.
