“So, can you tell me anything else about this Archer guy? Does he live here?”
I smile and nod. “Yeah, he does. But he’s not really looking for a relationship at the moment.”
She sighs. “That’s too bad.”
“It was nice of you to stop by. Make sure to leave a review online and tag the shop. Would love that!”
“Absolutely. I’m sure you’ll see me again sometime soon,” Kay says with a hint of something I can’t detect.
“I sure hope so!” I offer and give her a wave as she exits.
Lexie comes over to me. “She was so sweet.”
“Right! And good upsell with the leggings. I’m totally going to have to give you some more shit to wear,” I say.
“Welp, I wouldn’t deny the offer.”
Lexie’s called over by Mrs. Fergurson to see if we have more sizes in the back. I’m pulled away by someone else, and the rush bleeds into our lunch breaks. By the time it calms down again, it’s nearly two, and I finally tell Lexie to go eat.
When Lexie returns, it’s nearly three, and the shop is empty again. I go in the back and throw a frozen dinner into the microwave and check my Instagram.
My inbox is flooded with questions about Archer once again, and I send them my canned response of the day.
He’s currently out of stock, but we still have graphic tees buy one, get one-half off.
They usually laugh and don’t pester me after that. Today, someone actually came to the shop begging for information, and though she was nice, it came off a little pushy. It’s the first time that’s happened by a non-local. I hope she didn’t come all this way just with the hopes of seeing him.
That’d be creepy.
I can’t wait to get home and tell him about it.
Chapter Seventeen
ARCHER
“How’ve things been going?” Annie asks when I call her during my lunch break.
“Great, no complaints.” Pretty sure I’ve never said that before in my life. Though if I’m being honest, things with Everleigh could always improve from friendship to more.
“That makes me so happy! So now that you’re settled and getting used to civilian life, I’d like to take Everleigh up on that offer and come visit.”
I don’t think it’s a good idea for her to be here since we don’t know who’s being followed or by who. The last thing I want is for Annie to be put in the crossfire because of me.
“What if I came to you instead?” I suggest. “I’ve been wanting to visit Wyoming since you moved.”
“Oh, Archer. I’d love that so much and so would Sadie. It’s been too long since I’ve hugged you.”
I smile, loving how excited she is. “I’m going to make it happen! Let me see if I can get some time off.”
“Yes, please come soon.”
“If I can, I will.” I promise. Looking at the clock, I realize I need to get ready for my afternoon lesson. My next client will arrive in five minutes.
I tell Annie I’ll call her later, and we say our goodbyes. Getting to spend some time with her and Sadie is something I want so badly.
On the way to the boxing room, I stop Tyler.
“Hey man, I was thinking about planning a trip to go see my sister. Do you think that would be okay?” I ask. “Probably just be a weekend.”
His eyes soften. “Yeah, of course. Just tell me when and I’ll rearrange your schedule. I’m happy you’re gonna make some time to see her. I imagine she misses you a lot.”
“She does, and I’m looking forward to seeing my niece too. Sadie basically grew up when I was away.”
His eyes soften. “I completely understand.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
Tyler gives me a grin before he’s pulled away.
As I put on my gloves, Everleigh pops into my thoughts. It’s been almost two weeks since I kissed her, and I haven’t stopped thinking about how she poured herself into me. It was more than just a friendly kiss, and we both know it. It’s hard to forget how I feel when her ass is pressed against me under the blankets every single night, and she moans my name in her sleep.
While I tried to lock her out of my room, the reality is I can’t. I love having her sleep next to me. She’s become my comfort after a long workday.
Today is exhausting. Since the first, I’ve shown up earlier and stayed later. By the time I’m finished and clean up my area, it’s around seven, and the sun has already set. I walk outside and am completely surprised to see Everleigh waiting in her car for me.
“I could’ve walked,” I tell her when I climb inside.
She playfully rolls her eyes and zooms off. “You’re welcome.”
“I’m sorry,” I say with a laugh. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
She winks. “It was too chilly outside. How was your day?”