Chapter 54

Makenna came to a stop outside her dorm and Atlas stopped beside her. She turned to him,

"Thank you for walking with me,"

Atlas put his hands in his pockets to hide his nervousness. He'd given himself a pep talk as they walked to her dorm, but he still didn't feel ready to come out and say it. There was a huge chance she would say 'no' and he'd have to work on asking her again and again until she said yes. A bruised ego wasn't what he was scared of, rather it was having to wait to take her out on a real date.

"Alright, see you."

Makenna turned around about to walk away, but Atlas impulsively reached out and grabbed her hand.

"Makenna,"

Makenna turned to look at him, but he remained quiet trying to find the words. Her gaze dropped to her hand in his before returning her gaze to meet his,

"What is it?"

This is it! C'mon!

Atlas tried to motivate himself.

"Stay back for a minute?"

Makenna wasn't sure what was happening and she wasn't sure if she would be able to comprehend anything that could happen with the hammering of her heart in her chest. Atlas gently pulled her towards him and soon she was standing inches away from him, looking up at him in a way that did things to his heart.

"I don't know why it's taken me so long to say this, but I really like you," Atlas let out a breath, "From the moment I first saw you, under all the black clothes and your raven black hair, there was a connection I couldn't deny. You've got this whole 'all bark and venomous bite' thing going on and goodness, you're tougher than most people,"

Makenna swallowed hard, trying to process everything he was saying and all that she was feeling.

"But the thing is, I've gotten glimpses of the real you behind your carefully put-together exterior. I know there's more to you than just your clothes and beautiful hair. There is a hidden vulnerability underneath it all that has touched me deeply. I see you, and I want to get to know you without the thousands of walls you've put up."

Atlas looked at her, really looked at her, trying to gauge what she was thinking but she was not easy to read.

"Go on a date with me. Not another casual hangout, a real date this time."

Makenna stared at Atlas, unable to process everything he'd said. She looked at him intently like she was seeing him for the first time.

"I kept wondering if you have some serious issues for taking a liking to me," Makenna spoke softly, "But now I'm certain you do,"

Atlas smirked,

"If by serious issues, you mean my genuine feelings for you, then yes - you've got me there. But I wouldn't call it an 'issue'. It's more like an unexpected pleasure."

"How do you do that?"

Atlas loved the way her voice had dropped to almost a whisper. It felt like they were in their bubble,

"Do what?"

"Say things that make me swoon,"

The thought of Makenna swooning pleased Atlas immensely, especially if it was because of something he said or did.

"You don't look like you're swooning right now,"

"Believe me, I'm trying so hard to stay upright,"

"You don't have to," Atlas held her waist with his other hand and stepped even closer, "I've got you,"

Makenna was already standing close to him when she placed her other hand on his chest and leaned into him.

"Your heart is racing,"

Atlas winced,

"You weren't supposed to know how nervous you make me. Not yet anyway,"

Makenna smiled, pleased to know she wasn't the only one feeling nervous.

"You like knowing that," Atlas was amused,

"I do," Makenna was grinning now,

Atlas' breath was knocked out of him at seeing her grin for what was probably the first time.

"Gosh, Makenna," Atlas bent his head, bringing his face closer to hers, "You are so beautiful to me,"

Makenna closed her eyes, truly believing she would pass out from pure undiluted bliss. She let out a breath,

"You're not making it easy for me to think,"

"I'm just repaying the favour,"

Makenna had to forcefully will herself to step away from him and breathe air that wasn't mixed with his intoxicating scent. Keeping her hand on his chest, she reluctantly pushed away from him. Steadying herself, she breathed in several times before opening her eyes, her hand falling by her side.

Atlas watched her, still waiting for her answer. Now that Makenna's thoughts were starting to return, she couldn't believe what was happening. She'd fallen into Atlas and acted like a lovesick teenager.

"This is insane," Makenna said, mostly to herself but loud enough for Atlas to hear,

Breathe.

She reminded herself.

"Which part?"

"All of it," Makenna avoided his gaze, "I..."

She was still feeling slightly disoriented from standing so close to him that she was unable to put her thoughts into words.

"You what?"

What the fuck is happening to me?

Makenna's head was spinning and she didn't think it was a good time to give him an answer. Not only was she unable to put her thoughts into words, but a part of her cringed in embarrassment at how she was acting. Something told her, it would only get worse when her head had stopped spinning.

"I have to go,"

Atlas looked confused when Makenna eventually looked at him.

"Now?"

"Y-yeah." Makenna pulled her hand out of his, slowly backing away, "But I will get back to you on, you know, everything you just said."

"Al...right."

"Thanks," She smiled, turned around and quickly entered her dorm building.

Atlas stood there for a moment after Makenna had disappeared. His confidence wavered for a moment for the obvious reason that she hadn't given him an answer. But soon he smiled, remembering how she'd willingly fallen into him, looked into his eyes and smiled bigger and truer than he'd ever seen her smile. She may not have given him the answer he was hoping for, but he'd gotten it from her actions.

Take all the time you need, Makenna.

Atlas thought with a smile as he walked away.