Wanting You Close (Archer & Everleigh 2)

He kisses me, and I sink into him, getting lost for a moment.

“Okay, come look at my back room,” I say, leading the way. Right now, it’s just a wooden structure with studs and no insulation yet.

“Do you have more space here too?”

“Noah hooked me up by bringing it out a few feet on each side.”

“I would say so.” Archer looks around. “I can’t wait to see it when it’s done.”

“I also asked him to install better lighting because it was always so dark.”

Archer smiles. “Baby, I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks, babe. You seriously kept me from jumping over the edge when things felt too overwhelming.”

“And now it’s over halfway done. Before long, you’ll get back to normal, and we can put this all behind us.”

My heart pounds hard in my chest, and we meet each other’s eyes. “Still, I hope we can find out who’s responsible. I’m not sure I’ll feel completely safe until we do.”

Archer pulls me into his chest and kisses my forehead. “I know, love. I know.”

After I lock up, we meet everyone in the park. There’s a stage set up and booths with activities for the kids. Owen runs over with a huge corn dog in his hand. There’s mustard squirted up and down the sides of it in a zigzagged mess. That thing is dangerous.

“Hey, you sharin’?” I ask, pretending to steal it.

He nearly shoves it in my face. “Sure, take a bite!”

“No, no,” I say with a laugh. “I was just kiddin’, but thank you. Such a little sweetheart..”

“Did you get some napkins?” Katie asks him as her parents trail him with the twins in a double baby stroller. They’re wearing matching outfits and hats with red and white striped sunglasses. They look adorable.

“Uhh...” Owen shrugs and takes a big bite. He already has yellow smeared on his cheeks.

Katie’s mother hands him a napkin. “Thanks, Grandma.”

“I brought you guys a blanket,” Tyler says, pointing at a spot that they saved for us. Archer sits, and I settle down on his lap.

“Did you really want a corn dog?” he asks.

“Yes.” I waggle my brows, and he chuckles at my insinuation. “I actually think I want some chili cheese curly fries.”

“That does sound good,” he admits.

“I got this.” I kiss him, then stand. “I’ll be right back.”

It doesn’t take long for me to find the food stand. They’re curling whole potatoes right out front, and everyone in line watches in amazement. Minutes later, I have two large plates of fries, and my mouth waters as I carry them back to Archer.

When I return, we sit next to each other and listen to the first band that plays some old country tunes. I eat and sing to the music, knowing all the words. Laughter and chatter surround us, and there’s no doubt this is my definition of summer.

“Oh you’re a Southern-Southerner, aren’t you? Didn’t know you knew Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.”

“Willie is my homie.” I chuckle as I finish my food.

Archer throws our plates in the trash then lies down. I lay my head on his stomach and chat with Katie and Gemma.

“How are things moving along with the rebuild?” Gemma asks.

“Well, thanks to Noah, I think it’ll be finished even quicker than I anticipated.”

Katie beams. “That’s my man.”

Noah grins sheepishly. “I’m just happy you trusted me enough to do the job.”

“Of course! You’re the only person who I knew would do it right,” I tell him.

“Yeah, it’s been an experience.”

Archer chuckles.

I tilt my chin up to meet his eyes, then poke his side. Archer squirms, and everyone laughs at him.

“No, no, no,” he pleads, trying to escape.

“Take it back,” I offer with a wink.

He grins. “Okay, fine. Erase what I said from your memory.”

“I mean, he’s not lying.” Tyler shrugs.

I scowl at him. “Excuse me, but I’m a ten out of ten. I’m highly recommended and give amazing experiences.”

“I can agree with that. Would return for the exceptional service alone.” Archer mocks, settling back onto the blanket, so I can lean into him.

“So, are you two…boyfriend and girlfriend?” Owen blurts out, and I nearly forgot he was within hearing range. Oops.

I meet Archer’s eyes and smile. “Yep. We are.”

Owen beams as I take a sip of the beer Noah brought. “Are you gonna get married?”

“Maybe one day,” Archer answers truthfully. “Just depends.”

“On what?” Owen asks.

“You’re treatin’ them like they're on trial, son,” Katie interrupts with a laugh, and I can tell Noah still had more questions.

Owen shrugs. “Dad, can I go play with my friends?”

“Sure, but stay where your mom and I can see you,” Noah reminds him.

Seconds later, Owen runs off and meets a group of kids his age.

“Is that his girlfriend?” Gemma asks, squinting her eyes, and I laugh when I see Owen hugging a girl.

“Yeah, that’s Amelia.” Katie sighs.

“He’s going to be driving soon, ya know,” I remind them both.