Although that’s not what he meant, seeing him squirm is worth it.
“I’m gonna wash up. You can pick the show or movie,” he says, walking toward the bathroom.
“What’re you in the mood for?”
“I’m afraid to even answer that,” he calls out over his shoulder, causing me to laugh.
“Oh come on. Am I that predictable already?” I shout from the living room.
“Everleigh, the only predictable thing about you is how unpredictable you are.”
Those words fill my chest with warmth. Archer’s an onion whose layers are slowly peeling away, and I like that he’s letting me in.
“Alright, what did you pick?” he asks when he returns and takes a seat next to me on the couch. I can smell his cologne, dark and sensual, mixed with whatever body wash he uses.
“Only Murders in the Building,” I finally reply when he catches me gawking. “It’s a new show.”
“Everything’s new to me.” He chuckles. “But let’s do it.”
“Martin Short and Steven Martin? Love them.” He crosses his leg over the other.
“And Selena Gomez. She’s a doll,” I say, giving him a full rundown of Selena Gomez for the next five minutes. “An epic cast,” I reiterate.
“Damn, okay.” He laughs, and I click play.
“I’ve thought about hosting a podcast,” I admit halfway through the show when the characters discuss starting one.
“Oh yeah? I could see that. You’d be good at that, always talking and having an opinion.”
I pop a brow, unamused. “Really?”
“In a good way!” he exclaims quickly. “People love hearing others’ thoughts and rants. Plus, you’re one of those social types.”
“You should do it with me then. I bet people would love to hear about your experiences.”
He shrugs uncomfortably, and I mentally slap myself. Of course he wouldn’t want to talk about prison.
“You could discuss being a boxing coach. Maybe find some new clients,” I suggest.
“Maybe. Though I’m booked up as it is now.”
“Really? That’s amazing! I didn’t realize that many guys around here would be into that. The ones I meet are either rednecks who live in hunting gear or twentysomethings whose mothers still wash their dirty sheets.”
Archer snort-coughs as if he’s trying to hold back laughter.
“Yeah, it’s a real good time trying to date in small-town Alabama.” I groan.
“Well, I do have a few male clients in their twenties, but I actually have more women over the age of forty who want to learn self-defense. They like the morning sessions after they’ve freshly showered and caked their face with makeup.” He smirks.
“Oh, so you’ve met the cougars of Lawton Ridge,” I taunt. “Surprised Tyler allowed that.”
“Why? Their money’s just as good as anyone else’s.”
I shoot him a glare. “I bet.”
He snickers, and we bring our attention back to the TV. It’s not until it ends that we both gasp.
“Ohh, I did not see that little twist comin’. What a way to keep you wantin’ more.”
“No kidding,” he agrees. “Wanna start the next one?”
“Hell yes!”
Three episodes later, we’re both yawning and falling asleep.
“I think it’s time for bed,” he says. “I still need to shower since Tyler’s picking me up at seven tomorrow.”
Shit, now I feel bad for keeping him up this late. “Sorry. I wouldn't have kept you up if I’d known.”
He stands and stretches, giving me a nice sneak peek of his torso.
“Nah. I’ll be fine. I consider it a luxury to binge-watch shows with you and be exhausted the next day. Haven’t done that in ages.”
I swallow hard, getting to my feet so I can clean the kitchen before I call it a night. Sassy’s passed out, so I call for her, then take her out back.
Archer goes to the bathroom, and the water turns on. Picturing him in the shower is enough to make me double-check that my vibrator is charged.
Once Sassy’s done outside, I rinse off the rest of the dishes. Sassy returns to the living room and waits for me to finish.
Just as I’m loading the dishwasher, Archer rounds the corner. Water drips down his muscular shoulders and back, and I’m temporarily frozen in place as my eyes drop to the towel hanging low around his waist.
My fingers slip, and a plate falls to the floor, crashing loudly. Archer turns just as I quickly reach and pick it up.
“You okay?” he asks, walking over. “Did it break?”
“No, it’s fine.” I place it in the rack and try not to stare, but the scent of his clean skin is overpowering. “How was your shower?”
“Great. Well, I’m heading in, unless you’d like some help?” He cocks a brow, and as much as I’d love his company, there’s no way I can be around him looking and smelling like this.
“Nah, go ahead. I’m almost done.” I swallow hard, taking in his tattoo-covered chest. My gaze falls to the tattoos on his arms. “You’ll have to tell me the meaning of those someday.”