I lift a brow.
“Don’t ask,” she grumbles.
“Ahh. To be young and twenty-three again. I remember those weekends, but hey, at least you look adorable.”
“Is it sad that I told them to add two extra shots of espresso to my latte?”
All I can do is chuckle when she takes off her glasses because she looks rough.
Unfortunately for Lexie, when I open the doors, customers flood in.
“I can’t believe you posted a coupon! Give a sister a warnin’.” She laughs as she rings up a customer. I grab extra inventory from the back while she swipes credit cards. We have a good system and work really well together.
When only a couple of people are browsing in the store, we organize and refold clothes. I’m sure business will pick up again around lunch. It usually does.
“So...” Lexie drawls out. “How’s Archer?”
I laugh because she’s mentioned him at least once every shift ever since the photo shoot.
“I swear you’re like those thirsty cougars on Instagram beggin’ me to share his number.”
“I love my husband, but if I wasn’t married...” She waggles her brows. “Wait, they really ask for his number?”
I nod “Yes! Some drop in my DMs asking for his Snapchat.” I don’t think Archer even has one.
“They’re brave. Well...are you givin’ it out or what?” She playfully pulls out her phone.
I scowl at her but laugh. “I mean, the clothes did fly off the shelves, but if it were up to them, they’d be peeling them off Archer’s body with their teeth. Damn vultures.”
She chuckles with a shrug as she hangs a shirt. “But do you really blame them?”
“Not at all. It’s why I respond with the message that he’s currently out of stock with no current plans to be available.”
Lexie snorts, nearly choking on her own laughter. “You just had a look on your face like he’s out of stock for everyone else but you. Don’t even lie to me.”
I tuck my lips into my mouth, needing to tell someone but knowing that I shouldn’t. “Well…” I hesitate for a moment, then decide to just blurt it out. “We’ve been sleeping with each other.”
Her eyes go wide, and she releases a loud gasp. “What! Are you two finally doin’ the dirty?”
“Shit, I wish. We’re actually sleeping, in the same bed, with no sex.”
She gives me a look that says I’m crazy.
“Neither of us likes sleeping alone, and now we’re used to it.” I shrug like it’s not as big of a deal, though every night I get to lie with him is the best night of my life.
“Okay…” Her voice lingers as if she’s waiting for more.
“And…” I contemplate telling her the bombshell of the other night. I trust her and have told her things in the past that she’d take to the grave.
She’s nearly bursting at the seams. “I won’t tell anyone. I swear on my job.”
“He kissed me on New Year's Eve,” I blurt out.
“Oh my God, how was it?” she asks without taking a breath.
“Everything I ever imagined it’d be. Seriously, he’s the best kisser.” Not to mention how possessive his hands felt on me. “Also, no one else knows except for you, me, and Archer. So, keep your lips sealed, please. I haven’t even told Gemma and Katie yet.”
“Do you think they’d be against it?”
“I don’t think so, but I don’t want it getting back to my brother. He’s been adamant about Archer getting a fresh start without any outside distractions, aka me.” I give her an annoyed look. “I just don’t understand why starting over can’t include me.”
She starts straightening the crumpled jeans on the front table that were picked through this morning. “Well, you know I’m all for it. Plus, I’d rather him be with you than anyone else. He’s hot as fuck and so are you. Together y’all are like one of those Instagram couples. The ones I usually hate too.”
“Oh stop,” I say with a snort. “I don’t know if it’s really going to go anywhere. He’s determined to stay loyal to my annoying brother.”
“But would you want it to?”
I don’t even have to think about the answer. “Yes.”
“You’d really settle down for Archer?”
I nod with a grin.
“Wow. That’s a pretty big deal for you.”
“I know, but who in their right mind wouldn’t? He’s the whole package. Polite, kind, appreciative, protective, sexy as sin.” I shrug with a dazed look. “I don’t know. There’s just something about him and how he makes me feel when we’re together. It’s not even about what he looks like. It’s about how he treats me and makes me feel special. Like I’m the only woman in the world he sees.”
“Jesus, woman. You have it bad.”
“I know.” I stick out my lower lip.
She snickers. “I don’t want kids right now, but I’d be happy to let him knock me up.”