Everyone burst into laughter. I knew Carol was trying to cover for me so people wouldn’t guess I was with Atlas.

However, Ryan smiled at me, and I felt bad. Why did Ivanna tell me he liked me? Now, I felt like I had done him wrong.

Ryan was thoughtful, so he only talked about work matters with me and asked nothing about Atlas’s extravagant treat.

Carol went to settle the bill, but Atlas had already paid it. I wasn’t used to such special treatment.

As we went to our cars, my phone rang again. I knew who it must be and answered, “You’re not spying on me again, are you?”

“Mm-hmm.”

A beam lit the path before me, and I squinted but couldn’t see who it was. Even though it was dark, I knew it was Atlas.

Had he waited for me again? Somehow, I was touched.

I walked over to his car, and he opened the door. “Get in.”

Knowing I should not spend another night away from home, I paused. However, he held out his hand, and I entered the car. “I can’t stay with you tonight, okay?”

“That’s