Page 119 of Atlas
“A what?”
“The term maid is short for maiden, which refers to an unmarried female servant. The male equivalent depends on what role we’re discussing. If it’s a lady’s maid, it would be a valet, but if it’s a housemaid, it would be a footman.”
“Wow, you know your history. I thought it was a butler.”
I leaned over her. “Are you trying to make me your butler?”
She gave me another of her cute cheeky grins, and it made me wipe my thumb over her lips.
“Nice try. Tomorrow I’ll have to remind you that I’m the man of the house and not your butler.”
“Are you going to come inside me again?”
I smiled and walked to the door.
“Atlas. Are you?”
Turning in the doorway, I answered in a soft voice. “You know I am.”
Her eyes lit up, and we shared a warm smile before I walked back to the living room with the most amazing warm feeling in my stomach.
I had only just turned on the TV when my phone rang.
“Lumi, what’s wrong? Why are you still up this late?” It was almost ten here in Chicago, which meant that it was close to four in the morning in Dublin.
“I can’t sleep.”
“Is something the matter? Are you sick?”
“No.” She sighed. “I just needed to talk to someone who loves me.”
“Why, what happened?”
“Nothing. Were you in the middle of something?”
“I’m folding laundry.”
“You?” There was a small snort. “Since when?”
“Since my girlfriend insisted we didn’t need help with any house chores except cleaning.”
“And how do you like it? Folding laundry, that is.”
“It’s not that bad.” A smile grew on my face. “We made a big decision tonight, but you can’t tell anyone.”
“Tell me.”
“We’re having unprotected sex now.”
Lumi was quiet.
“Did you hear me? If everything goes right, I’ll be a father soon, and you’ll be Aunt Lumi.”
Lumi’s voice sounded forced. “That’s amazing. I’m so happy for you and Jolene.”
“What’s wrong, sis. I thought you’d be happy.”
“I am.”
