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“I don’t think so.”

“Okay. Well, I appreciate you keeping me company tonight. Thank you again for the flights and the goodbye.” She winks and I can’t help but chuckle. She seems less affected than I am, and she’s staring at me pointedly again because I still haven’t moved.

I snap into action, taking another backward step toward the hallway. “No problem. You’re welcome. Bye, Lily.”

“Bye, Beckett.”

I nod as I leave, pulling the door closed behind me before staring at it for a good thirty seconds. What the actual fuck, Beckett?

I haven’t kissed a girl in years—I’ve never even let myself get close—and now I’m kissing my sister’s best friend. Good thinking, douche.

I’m not sure how much time passes with me lost in thought back in my room, but when my phone buzzes in my hand, I groan, letting my head fall back after seeing a text from Henley. Dammit. I was supposed to meet her before brunch.

HENLEY: I’m running late. See you there instead?

That’s a relief but…

ME: I’m probably passing on brunch.

The three dots appear almost instantly and I sigh, ready for her sass.

HENLEY: I’ll be down there in a few, just come say goodbye at least.

ME: Maybe.

I’d rather not. It was going to be awkward enough having to talk to her after discovering she spent the night with some random guy. Then I kissed Lily and… I think it’s better if I just sneak away. Hunter wasn’t expecting me anyway. I’ve maxed out my socializing for the weekend.

After packing my bag, I open my door to find my bodyguard waiting and startle at the sight of him. “Shit. Sorry. I’m heading to the airport.”

“I know. I’m here to take you.”

Thank you, Hunter. He knows me so well.

It’s nine forty by the time I press the button for the elevator, and I find relief in knowing everyone will already be settled at brunch.

That is, until the doors open, and any hint of a smile drops from my face when I find I’m not alone. Instead, Atlas is already inside. We’ve spoken a couple of times this weekend, but it’s always been in a group setting.

He has his eyes locked on the floor, but when I clear my throat, he looks up, his brows lifting as I speak. “Morning.”

His gaze shifts to my bag and a huge smile lights up his face before he chuckles to himself. “Good morning…” he trails off and silence surrounds us. I almost expect him to call me out for leaving, but I guess where not close enough for that anymore.

Atlas nods a few times before tugging on the chain around his neck. The one he’s been wearing for years. The one that holds his grandparents’ rings that are currently hidden by his T-shirt. “I’m sorry we didn’t get to talk more this weekend.” He hits me with another genuine smile. A far cry from the cocky grin he reserves for his fans. “Maybe we’ll have more time at the wedding?”

“Yeah. That would be good.” A pit forms in my stomach because the distance between us has been my fault, and for the first time in a while, he looks hopeful. “It’s been too long.”

“That’s an understatement.” He laughs and I smile along with him, though there’s an underlying sadness to it.

Atlas opens his mouth to say more until the elevator comes to a stop, making him pause. And the second the doors open, he’s making a move. “Sorry, man. They’re all waiting for me.”

“You’re fine. You can let them know I said goodbye.”

“Will do. See you at the wedding, then?” His voice lifts at the end, likely unconvinced I’m actually going to be there, and I nod in return as he disappears.

I’ll be there. I’ve got no choice.

Though I have to admit, this weekend wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

THANKSGIVING