Atlas
Iawoketothe sun streaming across my face and a warm, soft body pressed up against mine. I swallowed a groan and buried my nose in the top of Wren’s soft mass of curls, inhaling deeply. Her sweet, vanilla scent caused a shiver to run through me.
I held her tightly, highly aware of every part of my body touching so much of hers. I was mystified by how attracted I was to her. Wren had held so many secrets. I would’ve never guessed this girl, this woman, currently curled up in my arms, had endured so much. The amount of bravery it took for her to get away from the monster who manipulated and hurt her astounded me.
My molars clenched together so hard I thought they might break as anger scorched through me at the thought of the man who had taken advantage of an innocent, young girl. A girl he was supposed to be helping. A girl he’d betrayed.
Wren stirred but didn’t wake. I realized I was squeezing her too tightly and loosened my hold. She would never go through something like that again, if I had any say in it. Wren was strong enough to fight her own demons, but if she allowed me, I’d do anything to protect her.
I planted a soft kiss on her cheek and glanced at my watch. I worked today, but it was early. I wanted to make sure she had plenty to eat when she woke up. I slid my body carefully out from under the quilted comforter. The bed shook and squeaked, but it seemed nothing would wake Wren before she was ready. I was glad for that. I padded quietly to the door and slipped out.
I detoured around the garage as I headed to the main house, making sure Ty had gotten all the paint washed off the doors. He had; nothing but a faint stain of red remained from the nasty words that had been written there. I hoped whatever bad memories those words had drudged up in Wren, she’d forget them just as quickly.
I turned from the garage doors, heading inside to the kitchen to make an elaborate breakfast tray to bring to my sweet, strong, brave girl.
I paused in front of the door to the guest house, a tray full of food in my hands. I wasn’t sure if I should knock. I didn’t want to wake her, but also didn’t want to make her feel as if I felt I was welcome in her space without permission. I shifted on my feet, sweat beading on my skin in the hot summer morning.
I pressed my ear against the door. All was quiet. No movement. I sighed, deciding not to knock, and carefully opened the door, peering inside before I entered.
Wren sat straight up in bed, her eyes wide and panicked and the comforter gripped in her clenched fists.
I rushed inside, shutting the door. “Wren?” I frowned, setting the tray on the small table and walking to her. “Is everything okay?”
She watched me with that look of shock mixed with panic.
I sat down on the edge of the bed, reaching for her and smoothing down her unruly curls.
“You—you weren’t here when I woke up,” she said softly, and my heart panged.
“I woke up early. I wanted to make you some breakfast.” I smiled, trying to ease her discomfort.
She swallowed hard, her eyes flicking toward the tray on the table. Her shoulders relaxed. “I thought that maybe I’d dreamed everything.”
I brushed my thumb over her plump bottom lip, my stomach stirring at the memory of the taste of it. “Definitely not a dream.”
Her eyes lit up, shifting to my lips. God, I wanted to kiss her. But not now. Because when I kissed her next, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to stop kissing her, and she needed to know things about me before that happened. She’d shared her secrets with me, and it was my turn.
I turned my head before she leaned too close, nodding at the food. “You should dig in before it gets cold.”
She blinked, frowning in confusion. But she looked at the tray of food again, and I was almost positive her stomach growled. “Did you make pancakes?” A flush touched her cheeks.
I grinned. “Of course.”
She nodded and threw the covers aside. I stood to get out of her way, watching her walk to the table. She was still in her tank top and shorts from yesterday. I’d changed into new clothes while cooking breakfast but needed a shower before work.
Wren sat at the table, looking at me expectantly. “Are you going to join me?” She raised a brow.
“I’d love to,” I said. “But I have to get ready for work.”
Her face fell, and my chest tightened. “What are you doing tomorrow?” I asked quickly.
She glanced to the side, head tilted in thought. “I’m working the lunch shift tomorrow, so I’m free for the night.”
I pressed my lips against a smile as I approached her, placing a hand on the back of her chair and leaning in. “Would you like to go out with me tomorrow night?”
Her mouth dropped open as her eyes widened. It took a moment before she responded. “Like…on a date?” She sounded hopeful but guarded.
I let my smile come on full force. “A date.”