Archer arched a brow.
“Time is a-wasting, son.” His father sighed. “I’d hate for you to let her slip away. Assuming I’m right and you’re hoping Eden will stay for more than just bookkeeping purposes?”
But he already knew her answer. She wasn’t interested. “I don’t think there’s much chance of my changing her mind.”
“Women are mysterious creatures, son. Might be she’s more in your corner than you realize.” His father smiled.
Archer stared at his father, waiting for some explanation.
“Just...try.” His father’s tone was hard. “And be nice. Chasing her off would be the biggest mistake of your life.”
“Momma plays chase, too,” Ivy offered.
Archer shook his head, smiling at her.
“I’m gonna grill some burgers for dinner,” his father said. “Why don’t you go bring her back to the Lodge tonight? Might take the wagon out for a hayride, too. Look at the stars.”
Archer frowned at his father before glancing at Clara. The woman was holding Lily, pointing at the poster that listed all the recognized dog breeds. Lily’s little hands and feet kicked and reached, soak
ing up what Clara was saying softly.
Was this night hayride for her?
He wasn’t sure how he felt about his father’s new...crush. At the end of the day, it had nothing to do with him. His father had been alone for a long time. When Eden left, Clara would go, too. His father wasn’t stupid. If he wanted to set himself up for heartache, Archer couldn’t do much to stop him.
As for himself... He didn’t know what the hell to do. He’d spent the longest night tossing and turning in his bed. Long after he’d made his way home, he’d felt her mouth on his. She’d been so soft, so eager, against him. And the taste of her, her sweet scent, kept him teetering on the edge of sleep.
He knew she was unhappy.
He knew he wanted her.
Other than that, he didn’t know much about her. How could a man like him, analytical and cautious, give in to something as insubstantial as these feelings?
Ivy’s excited squeal stopped all other conversation.
“A hayride? With horses?” she asked.
“Your momma said we have to wait on the horses,” Clara said, glancing his way. “They’re bigger than the chickens and the baby goats.”
“And the kittens,” Ivy added, staring longingly at the little orange tabby.
“It’s supposed to be a clear night,” Archer said, hesitant. “I don’t see why we can’t go for a hayride. You’ll meet plenty of horses. Okay?” Seeing Ivy’s smile was a thing of pure delight. He liked that he could make this little girl happy. He wanted to do the same for Eden, to make her smile like that. He may not know much about Eden now, but that was something he could fix.
“Tank you, Dr. Archer,” Ivy squealed.
* * *
EDEN HEARD THE door to the administration offices open and tensed. Would Teddy have told Archer the truth? Would he be furious? His boots echoed off the floor, straight to her door. She didn’t know what to feel—excited or anxious. After last night and the phone call this morning, she was a ball of contradictory emotions.
“I brought you something.” Archer entered, placing a brown paper bag on the edge of her desk. “Ivy said it was your favorite.”
She stared up at him, immediately caught up in his blue gaze. “Ivy?”
“She was at the vet hospital, picking out kittens.” He grinned. He was so beautiful her heart thumped.
“A kitten? That’s better than a chicken, I guess.” Eden picked up the bag and peered inside. “You brought me a pastry?”
“Dad said you had a rough morning, didn’t eat.” He shrugged. “Not good for you.”