“Thank you,” he tells me. “I could’ve lost my sister again if it weren’t for you.”
“I promised I’d take care of her, Tyler. I meant every word.”
“I know you did, and I appreciate it so damn much. Also, you should take the rest of the day off and be with her. I’ll cancel your afternoon appointments. This is more important.”
“I agree,” I say.
I get in the car and start the engine but don’t drive off yet.
“Lexie’s gonna go in. I owe her so fucking much. And you?” She faces me with a look of disbelief. “I owe you everything.”
I shake my head. “No, baby. I’m here to protect and love you. It’s my honor to keep you safe.”
“Archer, you could’ve been shot today.”
“You’re right, but I would’ve taken a bullet for you, Everleigh.”
Tears begin to fall down her cheeks. I reach over and pull her into my arms. “Don’t cry, sweetheart.”
“It’s just too much. All of this. I’ve constantly been looking over my shoulder, waiting for when she’d come after me again. The thought of losing you…”
“Baby, I’m not going anywhere. You’re safe. I’m safe. And we’re going home to snuggle for the rest of the day.”
“That sounds like heaven,” she says as I wipe away her tears.
I do a U-turn and drive us home.
When we get inside the house, Everleigh bends down and tightly hugs Sassy. The dog has no idea what’s going on and that she almost lost us.
“Babe, you know what sounds nice right now?” I ask, hoping to calm her.
“What’s that?”
“A hot bubble bath and a glass of wine.”
Her face breaks into a small smile. “I love you more than life itself, Archer Boone. You’re seriously my dream come true.”
“I could say the same about you, baby. Now go get undressed and start the water. I’ll grab the wine.”
She nods. “Sounds like a plan.”
Chapter Nine
EVERLEIGH
Besides winter, because Christmas is everything, summer is my favorite season. Alabama weather in early May is perfect, and everyone’s moods brighten with the school year ending. Before it gets too hot, I open the boutique doors and bring sales racks of clothes onto the sidewalk. It’s the best.
This time, it’s even better knowing that Natasha is behind bars. I haven’t completely let my guard down because Krystal is still out there somewhere, but the woman who tried to kill me twice is no longer a threat.
After evidence and statements were provided and collected, there was enough to put her away for a while. She was charged with stalking in the first degree along with attempted murder. Though I do hope she’s able to get some kind of psychological help since Eric’s murder is what essentially made her snap.
It’s been a few weeks since the incident, and besides the threatening messages from Krystal, life has gone back to normal. Archer and I have grown closer than ever, but a few women have still come into the boutique asking about him. But now, I get the pleasure of telling them he’s all mine. What’s even more exciting is attending Katie and Noah’s wedding as a couple next month.
Today I’ve stayed so busy with customers and keeping things stocked that hours pass before I realize what time it is.
Everleigh: Make sure to wash your face after dinner tonight.
Archer: Huh? Why?
“What’re you smiling at?” Lexie asks as I read the text on my phone.
“None of your business.” I smirk.
“I know a sexting face when I see it.”
I roll my eyes, then type out my reply.
Everleigh: Because I like my seat clean.
Archer: Jesus fucking Christ.
My cheeks redden. I can imagine his deep, gravelly voice saying those words to me right now.
“Yep, totally sexting,” Lexie sing-songs.
“I can’t help it. I miss him during the day,” I admit, grabbing a few pairs of jeans to refold.
“You live in the same house and see each other when you’re not working,” she reminds me. “Missing one another is good for a relationship. If I saw Brett too much, I would’ve been sick of him within the first six months.”
I burst out laughing, knowing she’s not joking. They have a solid marriage but were high school sweethearts, so their honeymoon phase ended years ago.
Dana shows up for her afternoon shift, and the three of us work effortlessly to keep things running smoothly. Most of the time, Dana stays to herself, but it doesn’t bother me. Since my employees have been working so hard, I invite them out for drinks, my treat. Being together outside of the store is good for morale and team building.
“So, I spoke with Heidi, and she said she can meet us for drinks tomorrow night after the boutique closes. You guys in?” I ask Lexie and Dana.
“Hell yes!” Lexie immediately responds.
“I have plans with my new roommate,” Dana says.
“New roommate? Who?” Lexie asks.
“She’s not a local. Y’all wouldn’t know her.”