"Darling, let me help you with that." Atlas's heat disappeared.
"Up." He ordered and it took me a while to realize that he was talking about my feet. I obeyed and watched as he pulled off my sweats. Soon, I was being scooped up and carried bridal style to my bathroom.

"Where...?" I asked laying against his chest still in between a state of reality and ectasy.

"You need a shower, am I mistaken?" He asked peering down at me.

I nodded. He opened the door carrying me into the small dark tiled bathroom. He shut the door behind him engulfing the room in his icy scent. He sat me down on the lavatory and began fiddling with the works of the shower.

"I don't need your help." I grumbled then scowled when my hand made contact with my clammy and sensitive legs.
This was so unbelievably...what's the word; revolting, embarassing, hot, sweet, fast, insane...Yep that's the one.

Steam began to engulf the tiles of the chamber, sticking to the dimunitive vallums. I watched Atlas stick his hand under the water, checking the temperature.

"Feels like sex." He decided. Which probably meant great. He moved to my side bringing me to my feet. He motioned for me to move to the shower. I walked past him brushing his arm lightly.

"You can leave now." I said well more like ordered. He was so close that I could feel the heat of his body radiate onto me.

"Do you truly want me to leave?" He questioned hotly. His breath caressed my ear.

Didn't I just say that I wanted you too? I questioned myself skeptically.

"Yep." I answered quickly. I turned pressing my palms to his chest. He looked down at my hands as if he had just been scorched. "Okay, so you helped me get off that doesn't mean you'll see me naked." I clarified. He remained silent.

"Atlas, this is a little invasive even for you."

No words were uttered. He stayed lifeless staring vacantly.

"Atlas?" I demanded.

"You are right. I should leave." He answered flatly.

Wait...what? Why is he agreeing?

"Um....I mean you could stay outside."

"No, the acrimony you possess for me is clear."

"What? I don't hate you." I exclaimed. But, there was no changing his mind. He turned to walk out. The truth was I didn't want him to leave and he wanted me to admit it.

"Fine! I want you to stay!" I cried out. He turned around toward me with a huge Cheshire Cat smile.

"Thank you, butterfly." He leered taking a seat on the lavatory. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Close your eyes." I growled. He abided. As his eyes were shut. I took the time to examine him. The dark hair swept to the back of his head, the few strands that fell in his face, his creamy skin, his perfect lips, perfectly arched cheek bones and his cute dimple that appeared every once in a while.

He was gorgeous and I wanted to kick him out. Genius. I growled to lowly resisting the urge to smack myself in the face.

I ripped off my shirt and panties then jumped into the shower trying not to slip on my ass. That would be mortifying.

The hot flow of water rained slightly against my skin. My water pressure sucked but at least I was getting cleaned.

"May I open my eyes now?" He questioned from behind the dark grey shower curtain.

"Yes." I answered trying to wash away the sticky residue on my legs.

"Need assistance?"

I stuck my head outside of the curtain, sticking my tongue out then reentered.

"We could continue truth or dare, if you like?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"You mean a game that consists of only truths." He corrected. I beamed to myself as I closed my eyes to feel the rush of water on my face. My hair would be a mess. Yet, it was worth it.

"When can I see you again?" He asked. I pondered on the question for a few minutes. I was busy every day of the week and I had the graveyard shift on the Sunday after next. I was to suffer through it once a month.

"Two weeks give or take."

"That's a very long while from now." He sighed. It was only two weeks, gorgeous. I wanted to say but I didn't. I turned off the shower sticking my hand out.

"Towel?" Soft fabric met my hand and I draped it quickly around my body and stepped out.

"I know...but I'm busy." I'm not the clingy one. 1 point nurse. 0 points CEO.

"I see." He answered. I moved past him and out of the bathroom.

"Someone's being clingy after only one date?" I smirked looking over my shoulder at him. Atlas grimaced revealing his white teeth.

"Well, I guess I will be leaving." His blue eyes eying my white towel. I bit my lip from saying something needy. I gave him a tight nod.

"I bid you adieu, and do enjoy the rest of your confectionaries." And then he was gone.

Abrupt.

I pulled on a black oversized sweater and sat on my bed gobbling the rest of my chocolate similar to a greedy pig. My problems at the moment were more than the calories in these sweets.

What should I do?
A. See where this goes
B. Tell Dane that Atlas drugged me.
C. Jump head first into this relationship

I'll go with A.

_|_

"Atlas Knight, Columbia University alumnus; proprietor as well as CEO of the esteemed Knight Cerebral Rehabilitation Facility has recently granted awaiting patients entrance to the newest member of his centers. Nevertheless, this is the first in Brooklyn, New York." The pretty reporter announced with a smile from outside of the huge structure near my neighborhood. Someone has a crush. I thought taking a sip from my overly sweet coffee.

"Goodie Goodie." I growled. It was 6:20 A.M. on a Monday. Let's just say Mondays were always the hardest. Your body and mind were still stuck on the weekend. A few minutes later I was heading out. I walked passed Danes apartment. He would be asleep at this moment. I envied him. I wished I could sleep in. I was to sleep half of Saturday and all of Sunday instead I couldn't for the most part. I blame it on thou who shall not be named. My phone beeped.

Are you on your way to work?

Right on time. I thought to myself.

Yep. Tired. Not in the mood for the subway.

Excellent. I've sent a driver to take you to work.

I bursted out laughing then shot my hand to my mouth to muffle my snickers.

You're freaking joking right?

No.

Yeah, well, I'll believe it when I see it. Oh and that was a nice thing you did...by opening a restoration facility here...

My part of Booklyn didn't house as many rehabilitation centers as you would think. Moreover, they were overpriced and those who truly needed them couldn't afford it. This Knight Center catered to all in need.

I must accredit you. Anyone, who dedicates over 55 hours a week to assisting others has my heart.

He was sweeter than my coffee.

I popped my phone back into my pocket. I entered the elevator then hit the down button praying not to fall asleep today. The elevator opened out into the lobby downstairs. The floor was covered in dark green tiles while the walls were made of hardwood. There was a dark timber front desk with a tall shelf housed behind it. It was occupied here and there with keys and the ones that were empty sheltered mail.

Yep, the building was behind the times. But, I was a stickler for the past. I loved letters. The idea of putting pen to paper and truly having to think about what you had to write was so romantic. Unlike emails. Stop rolling your eyes!

I walked past Nevada, an old dark skinned African American woman who owned the building. I gave her a smile and asked "Any mail?"

"Not the kind that will keep you up at night." The skinny woman smiled. I gave her a nod then walked out the front door. I hurried out of the building to be met with a sharp black BMW.

Oh hell no! I am not going to single handedly jump into a unstable Christian Grey. relationship.

What? They're great books.

I marched to the drivers side. The tinted window rolled down revealing a brown skinned man who seemed to be in his late thirties. He had slick black hair and perfect teeth. He was dressed in dark dress shirt and dress
pants.

"Hey sweet stuff." He beamed. "Why don't you get in so I can take you to work?

He seemed really laid back to be a driver.

"Uh... I don't think so."

Confusion splattered over his face.

"You're not taking up a free ride?" He cocked his eyebrow up in amusement. "Are you serious?"

I nodded turning down the road toward the direction of the subway.

"Wait!" He exclaimed followed by the vehicles door opening and closing. The Indian guy was by my side in a flash. I looked up at him with narrowed eyes.

"Phone call." He said grimacing with his white teeth. He handed me a black phone which I took cautiously. I brought it to my ear twisting away from him.

"Butterfly?" Atlas's voice came out calmly.

"Blue Eyed Maniac." I responded coldly.

"Why are you being difficult? Just get in the car. It is faster. You know you do not want to ride on the subway..." He cooed.

"It isn't."

His snicker bit at my ears.

"You got me love. Nevertheless, it is a great deal more comfortable. Furthermore, you can go back to sleep in the car and or use WiFi." He explained. "Additionally, no irritatingly civil strangers." He snickered. I could just imagine his smirk. He made it sound like like a good deal. He always did. I looked down the road toward the stairs that led down into the subway then to the BMW.

It seemed like a no brainer right?

"Fine." I sighed.

"That's my girl." He sounded generally enlightened.

"I'm not your girl." I growled lightheartedly then hung up. I gave the phone to the man and walked back to the vehicle. The guy followed close behind.

"Name's Grey by the way."

"Amber." I answered then got in the car.

You're infuriating! I texted Atlas for good measure.

I know.

I rolled my eyes and put my phone in my pocket.

"So, ...Grey? Is that your birth name?" I asked out of the blue.

He gave me a weird look in the rearview mirror.

"Let me guess you were expecting a Sanjay, or Ravi?" He joshed chuckling to himself.

"No!" I exclaimed. "Yes." I admitted embarassed.

"It's okay. I get that alot." He admitted. "Now get some shut eye, you look dreadful." He said shaking his head.

I stuck my tongue out at him to which he replied with two fingers shaped as a V.

"Nasty." I hissed then went to sleep.

_|_

After that the week rolled by. Grey continued to pick me up every morning. He was funny and outgoing. He listened to everything I talked about when I wasn't asleep. However, he was always quick to alter the topic when I asked about Atlas.

Nevertheless, he was always there in the evening as well. Even if I had to stay extra. It seemed that he was my own driver. Absolutely insane. But at least I can enjoy it while it lasts. Atlas and I continued our texts back and forth. His more flirtatious than mine.

It was a slow Thursday at 1:55 P.M. I was sitting in the recreation area. Clair and Clover, the twins, sat beside me. They were good friends of mine. They had fiery red hair with emerald green eyes along with freckles sprinkled across their faces. They are part of the reasons I was keen to meet Atlas. They have consistent relationships with their doctor boyfriend's that have been going on for wait for it two years. Luckily, the counterparts didn't work at Lenox Hill. So, I was blessed with not seeing their PDA.

PDA... I thought lowly as I watched Clover blow a kiss into her phone texting Hunter clearly.

"Stop mentally ripping my throat out." Clover joked without looking up at me.

"Sorry..." I sighed.

"Didn't you get yourself a guy?" Clair stated.

"What happened with that online piece?" Clover demanded putting her phone down.

"We went out." I answered honestly. Not really wanting to get into all of the details. I shouldn't make a big deal out of such trivial things. So what he came over to my place barring gifts and apologies....then made me cum...

"And?" They demanded smiling in unison. Their long straight red hair were in ponytails. Their pretty emeralds glowed brightly. They were definitely pretty. So much so that every man in our hospital wanted to date them. But, they were taken. Didn't I say the good ones on both sides were always taken?

We had become friends easily because we all bonded over pizza. On my first day of work which was last Monday. I forgot to pack a snack so I ordered pizza from a place in the neighborhood. They were in the center when I brought it in my leftovers practically pleading for a slice. Obviously, I gave in. Bam! Instant friendship.

"And, he's...cool." Dang that was lame.

"Oh no." Clair sighed.

"Don't do that." Clover continued.
"Do what?" I asked.

"Don't friendzone him because you're scared."

"I'm not friend-zoning him!" I countered raising my voice an octave higher.

"Is he is hot?" Clair asked. I nodded.

"Has he been over?" Clover inquired. Again another nod was given.

"And you didn't have sex?" I nodded slowly.

"What the hell?" They demanded.
"You're 22. You need to have sex."
"You haven't had sex in two years!"

"Shh." I hissed. "Why don't you tell the whole hospital, while you're at it?"

"Text him." Clair decided sternly.

"What?"

"Now." Clover ordered.

"Or we will." They said smiling wickedly. I narrowed my eyes taking out my phone. I had never texted him first before...

"Are you sure? Isn't that desperate?"

"It's only desperate if you're insecure." Clair clarified. I skimmed through my contacts finding Blue Eyed Maniac.

"Something fun." Clover commanded. Clair nodded with a smile.

I dare you to guess what color my panties are.

That was mischievous, right? I waited with apprehension. I tilted my head lower and inhaled deeply. Silence masked the room except for Franco's light snores from the couch. Another taken friend of mine.

Then my phones notification tone went off. All breathing was halted. I opened the message.

White. Lace.

My eyes widened. He was right.

"What did he say?" They asked almost on the edge of their seats.

"Something." I beamed.

"Bitch!" They shrieked.

"You all are for not letting a man rest!" Franco yelled giving us an icy stare.

Good guesser.

Stalker remember? So, we're playing Truth or Dare...in that case I dare you butterfly, to make the most authentic orgasmic sound you can think of.

You're crazy!

Crazy=Genius.

More P!ATD?

What can I say? You got me hooked. Now fulfill my desires...I mean dare.

Sure you did.

I stood telling them that I had to use the restroom. They gave me sinister smiles almost as if they knew what I was about to do. Once, in the confinement of the thankfully empty bathroom I began to think. What should it sound like a moan, his name, both?

I'm waiting.

You're impatient.

Likewise.

I pressed record and brought my phone to my mouth. I moaned out Atlas followed by a intense ectasy filled whimper. It was the best I could do, okay? I hit send. I stared at the screen waiting for the indication that it had been heard. One second went by then two then he heard it.

Hot. But, I believe I could make you scream louder.

Uh huh. Sure big boy. Do you want to have sex with me?

Is that even a question? Yes.
What do you want me to do with you?

Fuck me. Just too scared to admit it.

Why did I text that? I swear I suck at this. I looked to the stalls confining me. When did I become a bag of mush? Why was I even in the bathroom texting?

"You could've done better than that sweetheart." An unfamiliar woman's voice said from out of the stall. I almost fell off the toilet seat as my eyes widened. I stood walking out of the confinement. A curvy tan woman with curly black hair stood by the sterile white sink washing her hands. I recognized her as Willow our superior.

"I am s-sorry." I stuttered.

"Girl please." She chuckled. "Next time scream louder." She added then walked out. I brought my hand to my forehead shaking my head. I checked my phone as I waited making sure Willow was at least at a safe distance.

Interesting. Why was I not made aware of this vital information?

Altering the topic of discussion I added another dare.

I dare you to send me a picture of you without your shirt on.

I did want to see that chest. A second slid by followed by another.

Sorry, butterfly. I am in a meeting.

Then, why are you texting me?

First, because I'm uninterested in the recent topic of discussion and second because why wouldn't I text the woman I love.

*****
Sorry, Sorry, Sorry for the long wait. I'm trying to get all my applications in for college while simultaneously studying my ass off for the SAT. -BDX