It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

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.”
Atlas touches my hand that’s cupping his cheek. He tilts his face so that he
can kiss the inside of my palm. Then he pulls my hand away and threads his