Botanical Garden
Weeks go by and Anna still hasn't seen Conrad, but he was on her mind everyday since they met. “Who is this massive man? How did he do the things he did? He's obviously carrying a heavy burden, but what could it be?” She thought to herself.
She's gone to the gym every night after work hoping he would walk in with no luck. She lived in the apartment above the gym, so at least it was easy to get there. She had started to give up hope until he walked through the doors, perfect smile and all.
Anna froze mid-squat, the bar on her shoulders, as she watched the familiar figure walk through the gym doors. For a moment, she wondered if she was imagining things, if her mind, having replayed that night so many times, had finally conjured him. But there's no mistake. That perfect smile, those tattooed arms, that impossible height and width. Conrad-Atlas was back.
She racked the bar with more force than necessary, the metal clanging loudly in the otherwise quiet gym. "Well, well, well," she said, walking over to him, a mix of relief and excitement in her voice. "I was starting to think you were a figment of my imagination. Or that maybe you were just a ghost who haunts this gym when I'm not looking for you."
She stopped in front of him, her own imposing figure matching his in its own way. "You're back. I'm glad. I've got questions.”
“Well, hello to you too?” He chuckled, his imposing voice booming from his chest. “What questions?” He asked as he set his things down and started stretching, with an amused glow in his eyes.
Anna's lips twitched into a smile at his greeting. "You know exactly what questions, Conrad Atlas. You disappear for weeks, then just waltz back in like you own the place. I'm a detective, not a mind reader. I like answers. I like to know when people are going to show up, when they're not, and why they're lifting weights that are almost illegal in some states." Anna was feeling particularly feisty today. It was a hard day so her tone was sharper than usual.
She watched him stretch, her eyes following the play of muscles under his tight t-shirt.
"So, spill. You said you'd be back. You were right. Now, I'm waiting. What's your story? What's so important that you have to live on a mountain with 500 acres of your own? What's the burden? And don't you dare tell me it's nothing. I don't buy it."
These questions were burning inside of her for weeks and she didn’t know if she was ever going to see him again so she wanted answers now. Her tone is teasing, but there's an underlying seriousness to it, a genuine curiosity that's been building for weeks.
“Hahaha!” He laughed, and the floor seemed to vibrate. He stood next to her and towered over her, not in a dominating way, but in a playful way as to show his might. “You're very curious aren't you? I seem to have left an impression.” He said as he flashed that perfect smile and winked. “It's ok, you left an impression on me too.” He tried to hide his blush but Anna caught it as he turned and started doing hand stand push ups with ease.
"That's what happens when you walk into a room and make steel bend with ease and then disappear," Anna said, a slight teasing edge to her voice as she watched him perform the handstand push-ups. "It's hard to not notice that. And it's hard to forget."
She walked around him as he worked, her eyes tracking his movements with professional interest. "You're something else, you know that? Most people can't even do one of those. You're doing them like they're... well, like they're easy for you. Which, for you, they probably are."
She stopped in front of him as he finished his set, her expression softening slightly. "You said I left an impression on you too. What impression was that? And don't give me that stupid line about my physique. I've heard it all before. I want the real answer. The one you're actually thinking about.”
He landed back on his feet with a grace that didn’t match his size. “Why do you care so much? Who cares if I can lift more weight than anyone you've ever met? What does it matter?”
Pausing for a moment to look Anna up and down he said “I can't lie, your physique is a big part of what left an impression on me. And I don’t think that’s a stupid line. It’s just the truth. I've been wondering how strong you are. I'm honestly impressed. I've never seen a woman as strong as you, yet still stunning in beauty.” He said with a genuine tone in his voice.
Anna watched him land, appreciating the grace and control. She considered his words for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "I care because I don't like mysteries. Especially mysterious men who can lift more than a small car and disappear for weeks at a time. It's a cop thing. We like to know who we're dealing with. And as for your compliment..." She gave a small, self-deprecating laugh. "It's nice to hear. People usually see one or the other, the cop or the muscles. Not both. It's... refreshing to be seen as a whole person."
She stepped closer, her voice dropping slightly. "You're not so bad yourself. In the beauty department, that is. And the strength department. And the mystery department.” She chuckled. “I'm not just impressed, Conrad Atlas. I'm fascinated. And I don't get fascinated by many things. So, what's your story? What's the big secret?”
“Well as for the disappearing part, I just went back home. I told you I was just out here visiting my parents. Remember? That was my last night in town. I flew back to Big Bear the next morning. I just got back in town tonight though and I'll be here for a few days, so I won't disappear like that again.”
Anna's lips curved into a genuine smile, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "You did tell me that.” She crossed her arms, her impressive biceps flexing slightly. "So, you're back for a few days. That's good. That means we can actually get to know each other, beyond the gym and the mysterious disappearances. What do you have planned while you're here? Besides working out and impressing the local police officers with your superhuman abilities, I mean.”
Conrad looked at Anna with a puzzled, yet appreciative look in his eyes, as if he was trying to figure out if she was real. As if he was just as intrigued by her as she was with him.
“Instead of talking, how about we work out? We are in a gym after all, and besides, I didn't get to see you lift last time I was here. I want to see what you can do. That looked like a lot of weight on that squat rack. How about we start there?” He asked with that playful perfect smile on his face.
A genuine, confident smile spread across Anna's face. "Now you're talking. I like that. Actions speak louder than words, right? Fine. Let's do it. But don't be surprised if I can keep up."
She walked over to the squat rack, grabbing a barbell and loaded it with impressive weight. "So, how much are we talking about here, Atlas? I want to see what you've got. Or should I say, what you think you've got. I don't go easy on anyone. Especially not mysterious men with perfect smiles and impossible strength." She stood under the bar, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Ready when you are. Let's see if that mountain air gives you an advantage or not.”
Conrad walked up to her squat rack and looked at how much weight was on it. His eyes slightly bulged for an instant as he realized how much she had loaded. “You're going to lift that?” He said with a genuinely impressed tone in his voice. “I gotta see this. I'll go after you. Let me see what you got.”
Anna adjusts her grip on the bar, her massive biceps and back muscles bunching with the movement. "That's the plan, big guy. Watch and learn. Or don't, if you're not ready for what you're about to see. Ready to be impressed?" she asked, her voice carrying that same calm, confident tone.
She took a deep breath, nodded once, and began her squat. The movement was powerful and controlled, the bar moving with purpose as she descended and then exploded upward with a controlled grunt. She didn’t just lift the weight, she mastered it, her form perfect, her breathing steady. After three perfect reps, she carefully racked the bar and turned to face Conrad, a small smile of satisfaction on her face.
"Your turn. Don't disappoint me now.” She said, her voice oozed with confidence.
Conrad's jaw dropped and he covered his mouth to try and mask the look of shock on his face. Regaining himself he said. “That was truly impressive. I've never seen a woman squat even close to that much weight let alone three perfect reps. My turn, huh?”
Anna could see the genuine shock in his eyes, and it made her smile widen. She appreciated the reaction, it wasn’t often she got to truly impress someone in the gym. "I told you I could keep up. Now it's your turn to put your money where your mouth is. Let's see what that mountain air and 500 acres of personal space can really do for you. Don't be shy. That bar's not going to lift itself.”
Atlas' mouth slowly turned into a mischievous smile. “I said I was impressed, I didn't say you could keep up.” He chuckled as he stepped under the bar un-racking it with ease. Looking Anna right in the eye with that perfect smile on his face, he did ten reps standing on one leg and re-racked the weight. “How was that?”
Anna stared, absolutely stunned. Her jaw actually dropped slightly in disbelief. "Did I just see that right?" she asked, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "Ten reps. One leg. That's... that's not possible. That's not even human."
She walked around him, circling like a predator, her eyes wide with disbelief and fascination. "Okay, what's the trick? What's the catch? Because I've seen a lot of things in my life, but I have never, ever seen anything like that. Are you sure you're not some kind of cyborg? Or alien? Because that's the only explanation that makes any sense right now."
Her tone was a mix of awe and disbelief, her professional demeanor completely shattered by what she just witnessed. "I need answers, Atlas. Right now. Before my brain explodes.”
“I am human, I can assure you of that much. Just as human as you actually. I guess you can just say that I've unlocked my true potential.” He said with a sheepish smile on his face.
“I actually have something I want to show you. I know you want answers, and I really am sorry that I can't tell you everything. Let's get out of this gym and just go somewhere we can talk. I want to get to know you better. I promise to answer some of your questions, if you promise to answer mine too.”
Anna studied him intently, her cop instincts warring with her curiosity and the inexplicable attraction she felt. "Unlocked your potential? That's one way to put it.” She said sarcastically. “I have to be honest, I'm torn between dragging you to the nearest lab for testing and being thoroughly intrigued by you. But I'm a woman of my word. If you want to talk, I'm listening. And maybe, just maybe, you can give me a hint about what you're really so good at besides bending steel and making women's jaws drop."
She grabbed her water bottle and towel, taking a moment to compose herself. "Alright, Atlas. Let's go. Where are we heading? Somewhere private, I'm assuming. I don't think we'd get much done in a public place with you looking like that and me wearing my 'can't be bothered' face.” She said flatly. She was a little frustrated that he was dodging her questions.
“Do you have something a little warmer than a tank top you can put on? It's December after all.” He said as he zipped up his hoodie.
Anna looked down at her tank top, then at the December chill that's started to seep into the gym through the windows. "You're right. I'm so used to the heat from the workout that I forget about the weather." She walked over to her gym bag and pulled out a hoodie, pulling it on over her tank top. "Better? Though I have to say, I like the look on you too. That hoodie does nothing to hide that frame of yours." She giggled.
She zipped up her own hoodie, her eyes never leaving his. "So, where to? Your parents' place? A coffee shop? A secret government facility where you were experimented on? The possibilities are endless with you, Atlas.”
Atlas watched her zip up her hoodie, his eyes never leaving her, with a look of amazement on his face, as if he was just as surprised by her as she was by him. He led the way out the door and said it's not far, we'll just walk. And don't worry, no one is going to experiment on us.” Conrad chuckled with a deep, husky, thunderous voice.
Anna followed him out of the gym, her senses heightened as she took in the crisp winter air. She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling the cold seeping into her bones despite the hoodie. "Good to hear,” she said, “because I'm not sure my gun could handle a fight against whoever's got you locked up in a lab. Though, I have to admit, I'm curious now. What do you want to show me?”
Seeing how cold she was he wrapped his massive arms around her shoulders and said. “Do you mind if I help keep you warm?” Walking down the sidewalk, arm around Anna he said. “It's this little hidden gem of a place my parents told me about and it's not far from here.”
Anna's eyes widen slightly at the sudden warmth enveloping her, but she didn't protest. In fact, she leaned into him, feeling the comfort of his massive frame and the gentle pressure of his arm around her shoulders. "No, I don't mind at all," she said, her voice a little softer than usual. "In fact, I'm grateful. It's freezing out here.”
“I'm glad I told you to put something warmer on then.” He said with that perfect smile she’s come to look forward to seeing. “Do you like botanical gardens, by chance?”
Anna's eyes light up at the mention of botanical gardens. "Oh, I love them! I've always loved plants and flowers, and there's something so peaceful about being surrounded by nature, even in the middle of the city." She snuggled deeper into his side, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her. "This is a great idea, Atlas. Lead the way.”
Feeling her push into him, Conrad squeezed her a little more firmly. Turning down a small side street he said “It's this way. Earlier you said that people either see the cop or the muscles, what did you mean by that? It sounded like there was something a little deeper than the surface with that statement.” He asked with genuine curiosity.
Anna's heart skipped a beat at the squeeze, and she looked up at him with a hint of surprise. She hadn't realized she was leaning into him that much, but it felt natural, comfortable.
"Ah, yeah," she said, her voice a little softer as she thought about her words. "I guess what I meant was that people tend to reduce me to one aspect of who I am. Either they see me as just a cop, or they see me as just a strong woman. But there's more to me than that.” Her tone was soft, but not fragile.
“I believe that there is more to you than that." Conrad said matter of fact. “I could see it from the first moment I saw you. Most women aren't bold enough to walk right up to me and start talking to me.” The sound of his voice vibrated through Anna’s body. “You seem like the complete package to me.” A playful flirtatious smile developed on his face.
Anna's cheeks flushed slightly at his words, and she looked away, trying to hide her reaction. But her heart was racing, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest. She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "Well, I guess I'm not like most women, then," she said, her voice a little shaky. "But thank you, Atlas. That means a lot coming from you.”
Conrad stopped at a dark alley and turned them both to look down it. “Now I know this is going to make your cop alarms go crazy, but the Botanical garden I am taking you to is down that alley. I promise I won't do anything. Do you trust me?” He asked with a genuine look in his eyes, hoping beyond a hope that this beautiful perceptive police officer would trust him so he could show her this hidden gem.
Anna's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked down the alleyway, her cop instincts screamed at her to be cautious. But there was something in Atlas's eyes that made her hesitate. It was a sincerity, a genuine desire to show her something special. She took a deep breath, weighing her options. "Okay, Atlas," she said finally. "I'll trust you. But if this is some kind of trap, I swear to God, I will arrest you." She paused, her eyes searching his face. "And I'll make sure to cuff you extra tight.”
“Be careful. I might actually like that.” He chuckled with that perfect smile on his face. “I promise, I would never hurt you, thank you for trusting me.”
They walked down the alleyway. It was familiar to Anna, and she didn’t remember a garden being in it. Just as she was about to change her mind and turn back, Conrad turned and took her through a small opening in the alleyway that opened up to the most beautiful Botanical garden she had ever seen. Since it was night, the garden was covered in colorful lights.
Anna's eyes widened as she stepped through the opening and into the garden. She couldn’t believe her eyes, it was like stepping into a fairy tale. The lights cast a magical glow over the lush greenery, making everything seem ethereal and enchanting. She walked further in, her senses overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and scents of the garden. She looked up at Atlas, her eyes shining with wonder. "Wow," she breathed. "This is incredible. I had no idea this was here.”
Atlas slid his arm from her shoulder and reached down to her hand, lifting it to his mouth, he kissed it softly, and said “I'm glad you like it.”
He intertwined his fingers with hers and led her down a path through the garden. There were beautiful flowers and plants on both sides of the path. The trees, that have no leaves, are wrapped in colorful lights that change to every color of the rainbow. “Do you like being a cop?” He asked with a genuine tone.
Anna's heart skipped a beat at the kiss on her hand, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. She looked up at Atlas, her eyes locked onto his, and saw a genuine interest in his gaze.
"Yes," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love being an officer. It's a tough job, but it's rewarding knowing that I'm making a difference. Plus, I get to meet interesting people like you." She smiled, feeling a sense of connection with him that she couldn’t explain. "But sometimes, it's overwhelming. The stress, the danger, the politics... it can be exhausting." She paused, looking around at the serene beauty of the garden. "This is a nice break from all that.”
“I've always looked up to cops.” He said as they walked hand in hand down the path of the garden. "I used to want to be one when I was a kid? I loved all those old cop movies. The Lethal Weapon movies were always my favorite."
Anna chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Leathal Weapon? Really? I love those movies too! Riggs and Murtaugh were the best partners ever." She glanced down at their entwined hands, feeling a sense of warmth and companionship wash over her. "I never thought I'd be walking through a beautiful garden with someone who loves Mel Gibson as much as I do," she teased, smiling up at him. "What made you decide not to become a cop?” Anna asked.
“My parents thought it would be a bad idea.” Conrad replied as he looked down at his feet. “Not so much the danger part. I don't think anyone is worried about me meeting danger.” He laughed with that thunderous laugh that shook the air around them. “More the politics of it. They didn't want me getting manipulated, and they always said I have a higher calling. In the end I agreed. Too bad though. Would've been fun. You ever get into any trouble like Riggs and Murtaugh?” He asked with a grin.
Anna laughed, enjoying the sound of his laughter and the way it made her feel. "Oh, you have no idea," she said, shaking her head. "I've gotten into my fair share of trouble over the years. Nothing too serious, but enough to keep things interesting. And yes, sometimes I've had to use a bit of creativity to get out of sticky situations." She grinned mischievously. "Let's just say that my skills in hand-to-hand combat have come in handy more than once.” She bragged.
“Hand to hand combat, huh?” Conrad asked with a hint of excitement in his voice. “I love martial arts. I've been training in martial arts for my whole life actually. I bet you're pretty good. I'd definitely put my money on you in a fight.” He said as he squeezed her hand, his massive hand engulfing her own.
Anna's eyes sparkled with amusement at his enthusiasm. "Oh, I'm decent," she said modestly. "I've had my fair share of sparring matches and self-defense classes. But I'm not invincible. Anyone can take me down if they're skilled enough." She glanced up at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But I'd love to see you in action. Show me some moves." She squeezed his hand back, feeling a thrill of excitement at the prospect of watching him fight.
The path they were on opened up and in front of them, a massive fountain came into view. “You want me to put on a little show for you? Ok, but let's wait until this one is over first.”
Right as he stopped talking, music started playing. The lights in and around the fountain started flashing in unison with the music and the fountain started jetting water to the beat.
Anna's eyes widened in amazement as she gazed at the spectacle unfolding before her. "Whoa," she breathed, her mouth agape. "This is incredible!" She spun around, taking in the sight of the dancing water and flashing lights, feeling a sense of childlike wonder wash over her. When she turned back to Atlas, she saw that he was smiling at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I think this is a great idea," she said, laughing. "Let's enjoy the show first." She squeezed his hand, feeling grateful for this unexpected treat.
Atlas pulled Anna into himself and wrapped his arms around her. Her back firmly against his chest. She could feel his hard muscles enclose her body against himself, each fiber seeming to press into her as he rested his chin on her head and they watched the show together.
Anna felt a jolt of electricity run through her body as she pulled into his embrace. She could feel the hardness of his muscles pressing against her, and the warmth of his breath on the top of her head sent shivers down her spine. She relaxed into his hold, feeling safe and protected in a way she hadn't experienced in a long time. As they watched the fountain show together, she closed her eyes and let the music wash over her, feeling the vibrations of Atlas's chest against her back. “This is what happiness feels like”, she thought, and it was a strange, new sensation.
The show concluded with a spectacular grand finale. They both cheered, clapped and laughed as it concluded. Anna turned in Conrad's arms and they locked eyes. He gazed into hers as if he was peering into her soul and loved what he saw. Anna's heart skipped a beat as she gazed into his eyes, feeling like he was looking deep into her soul. She swallows hard, her mouth dry suddenly.
“You want me to put a show on for you now?” He said as he released her and backed away as if he was making room.
"Yeah," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'd like that." She took a step towards him, her eyes never left his. "Show me what you've got.”
Conrad pulled out a sizable knife. “Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you. I want to show you a knife form from this martial art I have been studying.” He said excitedly.
His eyes became intense as he began to slash and thrust at the air with incredible skill. Mixing in kicks and flips, he looked as though he was fighting 100 men in his mind's eye. Finishing with a 360 backflip and landing with grace he said “What did you think?” He wasn't out of breath at all. It's like he never even exerted himself.
Anna's eyes widened in amazement as she watched Conrad demonstrate his martial art skills. She couldn’t believe the speed, agility, and power he displayed with the knife. She's seen plenty of demonstrations in her time, but none have ever left her feeling so awestruck. When he finished, she applauded enthusiastically, but in her mind she thought “who is this guy?”
Conrad grinned a huge grin and said. “Thanks. I appreciate it. Maybe we can do some light sparring sometime. I'd love to see what you can do. In the meantime, I have one more thing I want to show you.” He took Anna's hand, and flashed that perfect smile again.
Anna's heart skipped a beat at the touch of his hand, and she felt a spark of electricity run through her veins. She couldn't help but smile back at him, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. "I'd like to spar with you sometime. That sounds like fun to me. Most guys are worried they would get beat by a girl in front of their friends." she said, her voice strong and confident. "And what's this one more thing you want to show me?”
“Follow me.” He said with a childlike glee in his voice. They walked hand and hand down a long path with a colorful archway. Like walking through a tunnel of lights that resemble a rainbow more than anything else. The path opened to a large inner garden full of colorful flowers and lit trees. In the center, a large gazebo on a small hill covered in white lights. The handrails of the concrete steps leading to the gazebo were also wrapped in white lights.
“Isn't it stunning?” Conrad asked.
Anna gasped in wonder as she stepped out of the tunnel and into the breathtaking inner garden. The colors and lights were even more vibrant than she expected, and the scent of blooming flowers filled her nostrils. She couldn’t help but twirl around, taking it all in, her heart swelling with joy. When she saw the gazebo on the hill, she felt a sense of magic wash over her. "This is amazing," she breathed, her voice barely audible over the sound of her own heartbeat. "I've never seen anything like it." She turned to Conrad, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you for bringing me here. This is truly unforgettable.”
Walking to the gazebo together, Conrad said. “You're welcome. I thought you would like this place. I was hoping you would anyway."
They stopped in the center of the gazebo so Anna could see the full 360 degree view of this stunning garden and smell all the scents of the flowers. She heard the soft trickle of water from a waterfall. Tall as it was, the water falling was not voluminous. It created a mist that casts a rainbow when the white lights hit it just right.
Anna's eyes widened as she took in the breathtaking view from the gazebo. She could smell the sweet fragrance of the flowers, and the soft sound of the waterfall created a soothing melody that calmed her nerves. She felt like she stepped into a dream world, one that's full of beauty and wonder.
She turned to Conrad, her eyes shining with appreciation. "This is truly magical," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel like I'm in a fairy tale." She looked around, taking in every detail, and then back at Conrad. "Why did you bring me here?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity. "Is this your special spot?”
“I brought you here because…” he pulled Anna into his massive muscular arms. His face was so close to hers that their noses were almost touching. Anna's heart skipped a beat as Conrad pulled her into his arms, his face inches from hers. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin, and the strength of his muscles wrapping around her. She looked up at him, her eyes locked onto his, and felt a surge of emotions course through her body.
“As beautiful as this place is,” Conrad continued, “you're more beautiful. I wanted to see you in this place. I wanted to hold you in this place.” He squeezed tighter. “I wanted to kiss you in this place.” He leaned in and softly kissed her lips.
When he leaned in to kiss her, she melted into it, her lips parting slightly as his tongue explored her mouth. The kiss was soft and gentle, but it sent shivers down her spine. As they pulled apart, she looked up at him, her eyes shining with emotion. "I've never felt this way before," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "I don't know what's happening, but I don't want it to stop.”
“Then don't.” He pulled her in for a deeper, more passionate kiss. This time his right hand grabbed her butt and his left hand grasped her hair as he pulled her into himself. His hard muscles against her soft skin created a contrast that was electric.
Anna moaned softly as Conrad's kiss deepened, his hands exploring her body with a possessiveness that sent shivers down her spine. She could feel the hardness of his muscles against her soft skin, and the roughness of his calloused hands on her tender flesh. She responded eagerly, her own hands reaching up to wrap around his neck, pulling him closer as she kissed him back with equal passion. The sensations coursing through her body were unlike anything she's ever experienced before, and she knew that she wanted more. As they broke apart for air, she looked up at him, her eyes burning with desire. "I want you," she whispers, her voice husky with arousal. "Take me home."
“You want me huh?" he said as he pulled her back in and softly kissed her neck. Whispering in her ear he said, “let me take you home.” They locked hands and started to make their way out of the garden.
Anna shivered as Conrad's hot breath tickled her neck, sending goosebumps down her spine. She couldn’t believe how quickly things had escalated between them, but she didn’t care. She wanted this, needed this. As they left the garden, she felt a sense of excitement mixed with nervousness. “What will happen next?” She thought to herself. “Will it be worth it?” But she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment and the man beside her. She squeezed his hand, feeling a sense of security and trust wash over her.
Conrad and Anna made it back to her apartment. “There I got you back safe and sound, officer Anna.” He chuckled, as that perfect smile returned to his face.
Anna unlocked the door to her apartment, her heart raced with anticipation. She turned to Conrad, her eyes locking onto his. "Thanks for bringing me home safely," she said, her voice husky with desire. "I had a wonderful time tonight." She took a step closer to him, her hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair out of his face. "Would you like to come in?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "We can finish what we started in the garden.” She grinned.
Conrad gave her another soft kiss, this time he lingered for a little, as if he was enjoying being in her presence. Pulling away he said, “not tonight. You're no one night stand, Anna. You're something special. I'm sure we'll finish what we started in the garden someday, just not this day.” He kissed her hand and started to walk down the steps.
Anna's eyes widened in surprise at his words, and she felt a pang of disappointment. She wasn't expecting him to leave, not after what just happened. But then she looked into his eyes and saw the sincerity there, and her heart skipped a beat. "You're something special too," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think we'll find our moment soon." She watched as he disappeared down the stairs, feeling a sense of longing wash over her. She knew that she wanted him, and she hoped that someday soon, they would get their chance to explore each other fully.
With a sigh, she closed the door behind him and leaned against it, replaying their evening in her mind. It may not have ended the way she hoped, but it was definitely a night to remember.
Atlas, heard the sigh as he was leaving, and shouted from the street below, his booming voice filling the air. “Don't worry, I'll be back tomorrow.”
Anna's heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice, and she rushed to the window to peer out. She saw him standing on the sidewalk, looking up at her with that perfect smile. "Tomorrow?" she repeated. She couldn’t believe it, he was giving her hope for a second chance. "I'll be here," she called back, her voice firm and determined. And then she watched as he disappeared into the night, leaving her with a sense of anticipation and excitement for what tomorrow might bring.