Page 60 of North

Atlas nods slowly, digesting. “Do you think you like her because she’s a challenge?”

The question hits like a slap, and I don’t have an immediate answer.

Atlas notices my hesitation and raises his hands. “I’m not saying that’s all it is. I’m just saying sometimes we go after things that feel unattainable because it feeds the ego. You’re also a professional athlete and we’re programmed to win. To climb mountains. To reach goals. You think that might be part of it?”

I sit back, rubbing a hand over my jaw. “Maybe it started that way,” I admit. “But it’s not about that now. I’ve seen too much of her. I’ve seen glimpses of what’s behind those walls, and I want all of it. Not just the parts she’s willing to give me.”

Atlas studies me for a long moment, then nods. “All right. So, what’s your plan?”

I sigh, shaking my head. “I’m trying to take it slow. Not scare her off. Give her space.”

“Maybe that’s your problem,” Atlas says, stabbing his index finger at me. “You’re holding back too much. Maybe you should just put it all out there. Tell her exactly what you want and let her decide. She’s either going to bolt, or she’s not. Wouldn’t you rather find out now?”

I mull that over, the truth of it settling over me. “Yeah,” I say finally. “Maybe you’re right.”

“Of course I’m right,” Atlas says, grinning. “I’m always right.”

“Don’t push it,” I warn, reaching across the table to grab a fry from his plate and pop it in my mouth. One little fry won’t hurt.

Atlas sits in his chair, swirling the last of his iced tea in the glass. “Have you been in a serious relationship before? You seem like the type who likes to be part of a couple.”

“Just because I don’t try to nail everything that smells good and looks pretty the way you do doesn’t mean I want to settle down.”

Atlas cocks an eyebrow at me. “You’re not getting off that easy. You’re investing way too much time and effort into someone who’s not on the same page as you. So spill.”

I lift a shoulder. “I mean… yeah. I like the stability. I like having someone to rely on, and I love providing that in return.”

“You’re a real romantic,” Atlas drawls sarcastically. “Ever been in love before?”

“There was someone. A few years ago.”

Atlas straightens, his interest piqued. “And?”

“And it didn’t end well,” I say simply, but Atlas isn’t having it.

“Details, man. What happened?”

I poke at the fruit on my plate, the memory flickering to life. “She cheated. Found out she was hooking up with one of my teammates.”

Atlas’s mouth falls open, and for a second, he just stares at me. “No way. One of your teammates? That’s the ultimate no-go zone. You don’t cross that line.” He grins mischievously. “Second only to hooking up with your teammate’s little sister.”

“Yeah, well,” I say with a humorless chuckle, “he didn’t get the memo.”

“What did you do?” Atlas asks in disbelief.

“I beat the crap out of him,” I admit. “Not my proudest moment, but he had it coming.”

“Fuck,” he mutters low. “How in the hell did you play with him after that?”

I grin at my friend. “Lucky for me, the asshole wasn’t that good of a player. He got sent down to the minors not long after, and as far as I know, that’s where he stillis.”

Atlas shakes his head, his expression a mix of shock and approval. “Damn. That’s rough. But I gotta say, I’m impressed it didn’t turn you into a paranoid trust-issues guy like Farren. Most people would’ve sworn off relationships after something like that.”

I shrug, picking up my fork to finish my fruit. “I don’t know. I just don’t think you can lump all people into the same category. One person screws up, yeah, it sucks. But it doesn’t mean everyone’s like that.”

Although I’m pretty sure that’s the root problem of Farren’s trust issues. She’s taking one experience and applying it to all.

Atlas studies me, then nods. “Fair enough. Still, I’d have a hard time not letting that mess with my head.”

---