After Archer has changed into his own clothes, he comes out and tries to hand me the hangers, but I shake my head. “Those are yours.”
“Everleigh,” he prompts.
“It’s my way of saying thank you. They looked amazing on you. Perfect for a date.”
I swear I see his eyes darken a shade. “I’m not going on any dates unless you’re talking about the one at the deli you promised me.”
“Oh, right,” I say as he opens the back door of the shop for me.
"Y’all rocked that rush,” I tell my employees as I meet them up front.
All three of them are working today because we’ve been super busy since Black Friday.
“I’ll see y’all tomorrow,” I say with a wave, then lead Archer outside.
“So, was today everything you expected?”
He grins, walking beside me. “Didn’t realize I had ‘showing you my underwear’ on my bingo card, but here we are.”
“Better get used to expecting the unexpected with me,” I tease, though I’m being serious. As we get closer to my car, I see the same Escalade parked across the street. My eyes focus on it as concern washes through me.
"What’s wrong?" Archer asks when he notices my demure change.
"Did you see that black SUV?" I ask after I start the engine.
He nods. “Yeah, why?”
"It's probably nothing, but I just keep seeing it parked around town. It's odd because I know what everyone drives here, and I’m pretty sure whoever it is, isn’t a local."
He scratches his cheek, then glances over his shoulder to look at it. As soon as he does, the Escalade makes a U-turn, then speeds off.
“Maybe they just moved here, and it’s someone new in town?”
"Hmm, you could be right. I think I’m just paranoid after what happened with Tyler and Noah."
“Possibly. Or maybe it’s a serial killer.” He flashes me a grin, which causes me to laugh.
“Thanks, that makes me feel a lot better,” I deadpan.
Archer laughs, and it warms my heart to hear his deep baritone.
Once we’re home and inside, I take Sassy out, then grab my laptop from my room. I get cozy on the couch and load the photos into my editing software.
Archer scoots closer beside me, peeking at my screen.
I brighten some, soften others, and do some cropping so they fit nicely on my Instagram page.
"Wow," he mutters. “They were good before, but now they look super professional.”
"Once I post these, prepare for a lot of attention." I glance at him.
That same heated gaze from earlier returns, and I’m tempted to kiss him just to see what he does.
"Anyone can look like that when they're dressed and posed by a pro."
I suck in a deep breath and purposely zoom in on his abs.
"Clothes don't create this." Moving the mouse around, I go to his biceps. "Or this." Then I zoom into his seductive eyes. "I'm literally gonna have to lock you in my house." I chuckle.
“I’ve been locked up long enough.”
My smile fades at the realization of my stupid comment, and I mentally slap myself. “Oh my God, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Though if I could choose to be a prisoner to anyone...” He lingers with a sexy-ass smirk, and my bottom lip falls into my mouth. “Being yours wouldn't be so bad.”
Fuck. Now I really want to make a move to see how he’d react.
Before I can do anything, Sassy jumps up next to Archer and steals his attention away.
"You're a sweetheart, aren't you?" he coos, petting her.
Sassy looks up at him with big puppy dog eyes, and it makes me snort.
“I think she’s adopted you into our family now.”
He continues petting her, then turns toward me with a somber look. “Sometimes, I think about prison and try to find something positive from it, so then I’m not so resentful.”
“And have you?”
“Yeah,” he says with a smile. “Meeting your brother changed my life for the better.”
“I’m glad you did because without him, you wouldn't be sitting next to me.”
“And there’s no one else I’d rather be rooming with. Even though the circumstances which brought me here are sucky, I’m grateful for what I have now—a nice place to live, a good job, and my very own pooch.”
I gasp when Sassy pushes herself into his lap. “Excuse me, show him who your mama is!”
She puts her paw on Archer’s arm.
“You traitor.” I scowl, but then laugh at how cute they look together. If I have to share Sassy with anyone, I’m glad it’s Archer.
Chapter Seven
ARCHER
Everleigh’s launching her new items at nine today. When she asked me to model, I hadn’t known what to expect, but I actually had fun with her and Gemma. I can’t deny the way she makes me feel. Deep inside, I want to give her everything her longing gaze begs for, but I can’t.
One thing about that day has been bothering me— the way Everleigh reacted to seeing that black SUV. After I’ve had a few days to think about it, I wonder if it’s someone from my past. Based on the numerous letters Chad’s family sent to the judge, they weren’t happy I was getting out early on parole. They’re the only ones who’d have the nerve to come for me. Well, more specifically, his sister, Krystal. She’s always been crazy and couldn't accept that her brother was the abusive one in the relationship.