Forcing You Away (Archer & Everleigh 1)

She squeezes my bicep and waggles her brows. “Noted. Also, I wonder how many women wish you’d say that to them.”

The alcohol has made her lips a lot looser, which isn’t saying much, considering she’s so outspoken. “Not many,” I tell her.

“You have no idea how wrong you are.”

I scoff.

“Every damn day, I get questions about your relationship status because of those pictures I posted. You have no idea what it does to me when they drool all over you.”

“Probably the same way I felt having that bartender hit on you. Too many guys look at you like they’re hungry vultures and you’re their prey.”

She snorts. “And now you’ve officially started to sound like my brother.”

I shake it off and force a smile although it wasn’t meant that way. Right now is not the time to spill what my heart is feeling. When we’re finally up in the room, we change our clothes. Though the room has two beds, she crawls into mine just like at home.

“Thanks, Archer,” she whispers as I turn off the side lamp.

“For what?”

“For coming with me and not being a complete and utter creep. Most guys would’ve tried to bring me back to their room to do nothing more than have sex. With you…it’s different.”

I stare into her eyes, and my face softens.

As hard as it is to admit, I say, “We can’t cross that line.”

She closes her eyes, and a small smile plays on her lips. “Yeah, but it sure is fun to fantasize about.”

If my heart was available, Everleigh would have it. But right now, Tyler’s words continue to play in my mind on repeat.

Tonight, I shouldn’t have kissed her, but the only regret I have is not doing it again. Boundaries—I need to find them again before I end up breaking her heart and disappointing one of my best friends.

Chapter Sixteen

EVERLEIGH

Monday morning comes early, but I was ready for it after a day of recuperating from New Year’s Eve. At the beginning of each year, I try to wake up earlier, eat healthier, and focus on self-care. It lasts about a month, but I always give it a good hurrah even though I consistently fail.

When I get up to grind some beans, Archer’s in the kitchen scrambling eggs and making toast. He even cut fruit and put them in little side bowls. Bonus, he already started the coffee.

“You made me breakfast too?” My smile widens.

He nods proudly. “Of course.”

“What’s the occasion?” I ask as he hands me a mug of coffee just the way I like it.

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” He smirks, and I can’t help but focus on his lips. Ever since our New Year's kiss, I haven’t been able to think about anything else. When he holds me at night, I contemplate making a move, but I’d rather not know how it feels to be rejected by him.

“New year, new you, right?” He winks.

I wish he’d roughly rake his hands through my hair and devour my mouth. Instead, he hands me a plate with a fork.

“Maybe it’s more like, new year, new you?” I challenge.

He sits in front of me, and sometimes, his gaze is so intense, my body just can’t handle it.

“I guess it could be my year,” he says. “It’s gotta be better than the past five.”

I smile. “I’m sure it will be. You’ve got a good job, a nice place to live, and a hot as fuck roommate. You’re basically winning at life.”

“All very, very true.” There’s a rasp in his voice, and his eyes darken with desire. I nearly choke on a grape, and Archer stands. “Are you okay?”

Coughing, I say, “I will be if you give me mouth-to-mouth.”

A roar of laughter escapes him. “You’d need the Heimlich if you were choking.”

I clear my throat and chuckle. “Can’t blame a girl for tryin’.”

He sits, and we finish eating, making small talk about our upcoming day.

“I have a bunch of one-hour sessions and some thirty-minute ones too. I’m gonna be exhausted tonight.”

“Use my tub,” I offer. “Let your muscles soak.”

His brow lifts as if he forgot I had one. “I might take you up on that.”

“You know, it’s big enough for two,” I taunt.

“Hmm. Might take you up on that too.”

I nearly stop breathing and narrow my eyes at his teasing grin. “Don’t mess with me.”

“Gotta get a rise outta you somehow.”

We say our goodbyes, then I head to work after Tyler picks up Archer.

As soon as I turn on the lights of the boutique, I post a coupon on my Instagram page. I put in the caption that anyone who shows the image at checkout will receive twenty percent off. Most people are tired of shopping after the holidays, so it’s just a little nudge for those who aren’t.

By nine, Lexie arrives with a gigantic coffee in her hand. She has sunglasses on, and her posture tells me how hungover she is.