“As long as you’re not left for twelve years,” I add with a teasing smirk.
“Yeah, well…” She shrugs. “He came back running and knocked me up, so I can’t complain too much.”
I snort. “That’s one way to look at it.”
“All I have to say is you better get out there before Dana claims your man.” Lexie gives me a pointed look while washing her hands. “She was getting a little bit too friendly with the arm touching. I think she was asking him about his tats.”
“I’d like to see her try, honestly.” I shrug, then decide not to take any chances. The rest of the girls follow me out of the bathroom, and I find Dana flirting with Archer at the bar.
“Dana, here’s that hemorrhoid cream you were askin’ me about. I use it for my under-eye bags, so luckily, I had some in my bag.” I hold it out with a wide smile.
“Um, thanks?” Reluctantly, she grabs it and quickly shoves it into her purse.
“No problem. Hope you feel better soon.”
Dana walks away and chats with another table while I sit next to Archer.
“That was some mean girls shit you just pulled,” Archer leans in and whispers in amusement.
“Are you saying you wouldn’t try to rescue me if the roles were reversed?” I arch a brow, then grab his drink and suck on the straw.
“I’ve been telling guys at the gym for months now that you’re unavailable,” he admits, and I nearly choke on his whiskey sour.
“Excuse me? They’ve asked you about me?”
“Yeah, they know I’m rooming with you, so they book a session to get the dirty details about you.”
I nudge him with my mouth wide open. “You little vagina blocker!”
“Just protecting you, roomie.”
I narrow my eyes, wondering what he’d do if a guy really tried to bring me home. “Alright, bet.”
He furrows his brows. “What’s that mean?”
“You’ll see.” I pat his shoulder, then walk away to find me a single man.
Sadly, not as easy as it sounds.
A couple of hours later, Tyler and Gemma say good night, followed by Katie and Noah. They’re kid-free for the night, so I expect them to fully take advantage of that. Even with them gone, the pub is full, and the party's still going. We’re supposed to leave for cake soon, but not until I prove my point to Archer.
“Smith!” I squeal when he walks in with a few friends. “You finally showed up!”
“Yeah, sorry we’re so late. Got caught up at a job.”
I loop my arm with his, leading him to the bar. “Better late than never. First round’s on me.”
We take a few shots together, and one of Smith’s friends, Cain, offers to buy me one.
“Sure, I’ll have a rum and Coke.”
Archer’s on the other side of me, slowly finishing his drink. His eyes burn into me as I give all my attention to Smith and Cain.
“Want a refill?” I turn his way and ask.
“No, I think I’m done after this.”
“What? It’s not even midnight.”
He shrugs. “I don’t wanna be hungover tomorrow.”
“Well, that’s the whole point. It’s how you know you had a fantastic birthday.”
“So what do you do?” Cain asks me from my other side.
I turn toward him, thanking him for the drink. “I own Ever After. That adorable boutique in the downtown district,” I explain.
“Oh, my little sister loves that place.”
“Really? You should bring her in some time. I’ll hook her up!”
“Yeah? Thanks. She’d love that.” He flashes a white smile. “Then maybe we could hang out after? Grab some dinner and drinks?”
Bingo.
Archer’s hand finds my waist, and he makes it obvious that he’s squeezing my hip.
“I’d love that. Let me give you my number so you can let me know when you’re comin’.”
Cain hands me his phone, and I input my digits while Archer’s jealous eyes peek over my shoulder.
“Cool, thanks.” He pockets his phone, then looks around me. “Oh, hey, Archer. Happy Birthday, man.”
When I spin around, Archer looks like he wants to stab Cain with his empty beer bottle.
“Hey, Cain. Thanks. Glad you could make it. Didn’t bring the wife tonight?”
My heart drops. Wife?
“Nah, kept her home with the kids.”
Kids?! Oh my God.
“You’re married with children?” I squeal when I face him.
“Yeah. I heard you liked married men.” He flashes me a wink.
“Wow…” I blow out a breath, feeling humiliated and angry. I sleep with one man who ended up being married, and now I’m pegged as a homewrecker. “You better be glad I don’t punch your face in and make a scene.”
“Archer, control your bitch. Jesus,” Cain breathes out.
My eyes widen, and before I can do anything about it, Archer pulls me to the side. His fist twists tightly in Cain’s shirt.
“Archer, don’t,” I say firmly. He can’t afford to get into any trouble while on parole. They won’t think twice about locking him up again. “He’s not worth it.”