15. Chapter 15

RAPHAEL

I haven’t slept that well in a while. Sure, Atlas has been here the last few nights but yesterday was the first one where I think we finally saw eye to eye. He’s more than just my lover. He’s my boyfriend. The word feels foreign on my tongue but I love knowing that we’re one step closer to where I want to be.

Unfortunately, time waits for no man and we’re both late getting up. Atlas attaches himself to my side, that adorable sleepy smile making me want to take him back to bed. Even so, I miraculously find enough self-control to feed him and get him out the door. “Would you like me to drive you to the bus, Atlas?”

“Huh?” He whips his head toward me, a frown replacing his soft smile. “No. We’re dating. I’m also late. But I have classes first. Could you still-”

I nod, chuckling at his logic and climb into the car before grabbing his hand so that I can hold it during the drive. He pulls it to his chest, running his free hand over my knuckles.

“Can… can we do that date again? I’m sorry the last one didn’t work out but I want to go to the wharf. With you. Please.”

I cut him off before he says sir. “Of course. You mentioned finals, though. When’s that?”

“It’s been moved so a few days.”

“Friday?”

He squeezes my hand a little and then places a soft kiss on my knuckles before repeating what I said. “Friday.” Atlas continues to hold my hand like that as if now that we’ve discussed our relationship, he’s more than happy to show everyone that he’s mine. That I’m his. Atlas scrambles from the car the moment I pull up to the sidewalk and I hold my breath, wondering if he’ll say goodbye at the very least. I’m not ready for the way he runs around the car and taps on my window, demanding that I roll it down.

“Yes, little one?”

Atlas reaches inside and grabs my face before pulling me into a rough kiss. “I love you,” he whispers against my lips and then nods to the lack of gel in my hair. “I like it.” He scurries off like a kid who’s just bought every piece of candy in the shop but I feel the same way. My heart feels like it’ll beat out of my chest with the giddiness that Atlas exudes. I had no idea how important it was to define what we are but it’s an assurance we both needed.

The drive to work is lackluster without Atlas and even more so nervewracking when I stop by HR to declare my relationship with my lover. Ollie tilts her head to the left and then barks out a laugh when I slide the paperwork across the counter. Atlas was more than happy to sign it last night when I mentioned it, saying that he didn’t want me to get in trouble. He’s so adorable.

“Ollie, this isn’t a laughing matter.”

She grins as she pulls the paperwork toward her. “Oh, honey. It really is. You should have filed this three months ago. What? You don’t smile often but whenever that kid is around you light up like a Christmas tree. He’s good for you. You’ve morphed from the grump to Daddy Pierce.” Her giggles fall so easily from her lips as I pat the counter and head up to my office.

I had no idea it was so obvious but in many ways, I’m glad it is. I love that my adoration and need for Atlas is public, and that everyone can see how in love we are.

Karla is standing beside my desk when I enter my office and I can see that she has a lot to say by the smile on her face. “Raphael, you look like you slept well. Your mother couldn’t keep her mouth shut about Atlas and what happened last night. Seems that everyone watched you walk him out of the venue and then not come back.” She wiggles her eyebrows as she points to my ready-made coffee and a stack of papers needing to be reviewed. “You make things official yet or are you still waiting to have a conversation?”

Heat rises to my cheeks as I clear my throat and try to hide my reaction by fiddling with the files she left. Karla is too observant and I’m sure my mother has already shared my obsession. I might not have told my mother who Atlas was over the last few months, but she can put two and two together. “We talked, yes. And yes, I just handed Ollie the paperwork.”

“Good boy. It’s about time. You know she asked yesterday if HR needed to sit you two down, especially after that event. Be gentle with him, though. If you break him,” Karla slaps her hand on my desk and I meet her gaze, startled. “I will come for you. He has a whole lot of happiness waiting to be shared with the right person and I won’t have you using him like you have the others.”

Her warning isn’t needed but I hear it loud and clear. “Karla, I’m not playing with him. Atlas is different. You would think you’re his mother by the way you scold me.”

“I’m anyone’s mother who needs one. Just make sure you get ahead of this because everyone’s already talking about it and it needs to come from you before they crucify that boy. The board will bring it up later today and I hope you have your words ready.” She waits for me to nod before removing her hand. “Good. Now, drink up. Two of the board members decided to show up early today to have a chat.”

“Which ones?”

“Octavia and Garret. Aren’t you glad you handed over the paperwork?”

I groan at the wild grin on her face, Karla all but skipping out of my office as I take a seat. Octavia and Garrett have done wonderful work for the company. They know the ins and outs of everything and have been invaluable. They are also set in their ways, some of which would prohibit workplace romances, especially ones of this disparity. I barely have time to sip my espresso before both of them are stalking up to my desk, determined expressions on their faces.

Octavia prides herself in her dress suits, always a bright, bold color with an extravagant bowtie to accompany it. Her stilettos make my feet hurt just staring at them but she pulls them off expertly. Her aura is fierce and it’s easy to tell that she takes absolutely no bull-shit from anyone with the way her hair is pulled into a tight ponytail, accentuating every sharp line in her face. Garrett is nearly the opposite. His aura is muted, soft but that doesn’t make him any less dangerous. His logic is almost always spot on, but he prefers dress pants and a casual shirt as if golfing is the activity after for work.

For him, it probably is.

It’s odd that they both seem to match with this turquoise-green color code but I ignore it as Octavia places her hands on her hips and speaks first. “Would you like to explain what happened at the venue last night? You were supposed to make an announcement and then you just disappeared. Word had it that you walked out with one of your employees. A barista at that.”

Garrett twists to face her, raising a brow as if he didn’t know. I lean back in my chair and run my hands through my hair before blowing out a heavy sigh. I had planned to make an announcement this afternoon so that everyone was on the same page but I should have known a few would trickle in demanded answers before then. “First off, no one except a chosen few knew about that announcement. I didn’t even mention when it would happen, just that it was. You assumed that it would be yesterday. Second, I am allowed to disappear. It’s an event to have fun and relax. Nothing was structured. Third, who I choose to disappear with is not your concern.” My words come out much harsher than I intended and I already know that this is going to be an uphill battle.

I don’t mind though. For Atlas, I’ll do anything to prove that he’s more than just my employee. He’s my lover, my boyfriend—dare I say, my everything.

“But if you’re so curious, Atlas Stoll is my boyfriend. His presence here has not affected my work so I’m not sure why you’re spitting fire with your words when you refer to him. I’ve also followed the appropriate steps with Oll–HR so whether you like my relationship or not, it’s not your decision to make.” I tilt my head to the side and fold my hands on the desk, waiting for her to respond. Garrett is the one who does, however, and I’m not surprised by his words either.

“It hasn’t gone unnoticed that he brings you your coffee most mornings from a café that isn’t bringing in enough money to fund its existence.” Garrett runs his tongue along his top teeth, throwing that back at my face.

Neither one of them seem to approve of Atlas or his relationship with me. It’s a good thing I own the company and can do as I please. However, Atlas’ words flow through my head and I see what he means that money can be a crutch, but I would also cheapen his place at my side by threatening people I work with that don’t approve of us. I stand, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves and then go about this differently. “Octavia, Garrett, thank you for bringing this to me, however, unless my relationship is keeping me from my work then I don’t see how it’s any of your concern. Garrett, as for the profitability of the café, it was never about that. If you did any homework, you would notice that the finances incurred from the café are part of my personal expenses. I brought Heather here because I wanted good coffee and she makes the best. She told me on one condition—that I bring the café with her.”

Octavia and Garrett’s expressions change at the same time, both of them ashen at approaching me without all of the information. “But-” Octavia begins.

I just shake my head. “I appreciate you looking out for the company but I also think you wanted to accuse me of something. The announcement—the one where I am actively looking for someone to take over my position—will happen within the next week but I wont rush it. Besides, it will be a majority vote from the board and I already have someone in mind.” I wave them out of my office, wanting the headache gone so that I can deal with the multitude of other things that need attention today.

Right after I text Atlas.

I hope your day goes smoothly. Let me know if you need anything.

Seconds later, the bubbles pop up.

Stop worrying.

Everything is fine. I think. Well, Tracey keeps giggling about it.

Why did you say that?

Is something wrong?

My phone starts ringing and I laugh at Atlas’ need to ensure I’m okay. “I’m fine, little one. I promise. I was just saying have a good day.”

“Oh. Right. Of course. Sorry.”

“I’ll see you this afternoon.”

“Mmhmm.”

God, I love him.