The vulnerability in my tone isn’t something I’m used to. However, when it comes to Archer, I want to show him all sides of me, even if he’s not ready to show all of his with me.
With a tight and serious expression, he towers over me with his hands on either side of me.
“Fuck, Everleigh, it is. Every goddamn night, I fight not to touch you. I struggle to keep my fingers out of your little cotton panties, but I’d rather set myself on fire than not have you in here with me. Consider me co-dependent.”
His face is so close to mine, it’d only take an inch or two to press my mouth to his.
But considering how hard this is for both of us, I don’t move.
Swallowing, I nod. “I’m not going anywhere, Archer. I’ll sleep in here for as long as you allow me to.”
When he leans down, I close my eyes, and his lips gently press on my forehead. Our first kiss wasn’t where I needed his touch the most, but I’ll take anything he’s willing to give me—even if it kills me in the end.
Chapter Eleven
ARCHER
I wake up to the smells and sounds of frying bacon. Rolling over, I grab my cell phone and check the time—almost seven. Deciding to get up, I look at the Santa pajamas left for me on Everleigh’s side of the bed. The note on top says wear these! She drew a heart and signed an E beside it. A smile touches my lips when I put them on.
Last night, there was no way in hell I was letting her sleep in her room, not when I needed her close—regardless how hard it is for me. I can’t believe I’ve already been here a month and am already fighting against falling for her. She hasn’t exactly made it easy for me, and she’s buried herself deep inside my thoughts.
Once I’m dressed, I find Everleigh in the kitchen. She’s standing at the stove wearing the shirt I got her and some shorts. If you want to call them that since they barely cover her ass. Of course, there are miniature reindeer on them. While she’s occupied, I take my time drinking in every inch of her. Eventually, she turns and notices me, and a grin slides across her lips.
“Good mornin’! I’m makin’ us breakfast.” She studies my tattoos.
I move and stand beside her, seeing Sassy begging at her feet. I look at the ingredients on the counter, plus the food she’s already cooked. “Bacon, eggs, hash browns, and pancakes?”
“Of course, Christmas morning tradition! Also, I’ve got red and green syrup and whipped cream.” She bumps me with her hip, then notices what I’m wearing. “You look good in those.”
“Everleigh, you didn’t have to get me anything else. Seriously, that Apple watch is amazing.” I lift my wrist, showing her that I have it on. She’s so goddamn generous, and I wish I could spoil her too.
“Excuse me? Yes, I did. I love buying things for the people in my life. Also, I made some coffee.” She takes the bacon out of the skillet, then starts whipping up the pancakes.
“You’ve already done more than enough.”
Her face softens. “And I’m gonna keep doing more.”
“I’ll never be able to repay you if you keep gifting me things and doing so much for me,” I say. I hate owing her because I grew up doing what I could for my sister and me. Always doing things on your own and not expecting anything in return is a hard habit to break.
“You don’t owe me anything, Archer. I do things because I like to, not because I expect anything in return. It makes me happy to make the people I care about happy.” Everleigh has no idea how much her words make my body ignite. I care about her so damn much already.
“You’re amazing, you know that?” I fill a mug full of her strong-ass coffee.
“I try.” She smirks.
Once our pancakes have a whipped cream beard like Santa, Everleigh leads me to the living room. Sassy follows in our wake, finds her place on the floor, and stares as we eat.
“This is another one of my annual traditions,” she explains around a mouthful, pointing at the Christmas special on TV. “Next up, we’re opening presents.”
I look over at the tree and notice all the boxes stuffed under it.
“I’ve never had a Christmas quite like this,” I admit with an appreciative grin.
“There’ll be many more. Don’t you worry.”
Just as the show we’re watching ends, our plates are cleared, and I put them in the sink. My watch buzzes, and I see it’s my sister on FaceTime, so I quickly grab my phone.
As soon as I answer, Annie smiles at me.
“Merry Christmas, sis,” I tell her.
“You too! Whatcha doing?” Behind her, Sadie’s on the floor surrounded by colorful wrapping paper.