Wanting You Close (Archer & Everleigh 2)

I narrow my eyes. “When what was over?”

He shrugs. “Liam didn’t say.”

I pace the living room. “Why wouldn’t Archer tell me? Or bring me with him? I could’ve helped!”

“Krystal was threatening you and Annie to get to him. Honestly, I’m glad he chose to leave, or I would’ve had to step in,” Tyler states.

“What?” I ask shocked. “How could you say that?”

“Because your life was in danger. Regardless of our friendship, you’re my sister, and I’ll always protect you.”

“I’m a grown-ass woman. I can defend myself. And that’s no excuse for him bailing on me. We could’ve done this together.” Tears surface again, but I don’t care. I could’ve lost Archer forever, and I’m pissed that he kept me out of the loop.

“He made his choice, Ev. You need to sit here and wait because this is the safest place for you right now. If I hear anything else, I’ll tell you, okay?” he says in his soft big brotherly tone. It irritates me even more.

“I think he’s right, babe,” Gemma chimes in. “Plus, Liam is the best at his job. Whatever they’re doing, Liam won’t half-ass it.”

I only know Liam through Tyler, so I don’t have a personal relationship with him, but he better make sure Archer returns in one piece.

Once I’ve settled back on the couch, we chat for a few more minutes before they leave for work. I glance at Sassy, and she gives me those sad puppy dog eyes as if she’s wondering where Archer is too.

“I can’t just sit here and wait,” I mutter to myself, reaching for my phone and searching for Maddie’s number.

Tyler met Liam in California years ago. When Liam started dating Maddie, my brother knew immediately we’d get along. So he gave her my number, and we started casually talking. It led to phone calls and FaceTimes, and at some point, we were chatting weekly. After a while, we both got busy with life, but we still keep in touch. If anyone will have information on Liam and Archer’s whereabouts, it’s her.

“Everleigh! Hey!” she answers.

“Where’s your husband?” I immediately ask, not in the mood for small talk.

“Uh, why?”

“Because he’s with my boyfriend, and no one can give me any info as to where he is.”

“Archer didn’t tell you where he was going?”

I sigh because I know how that sounds. “No, and you’re my last resort.”

“I booked two hotel rooms in Vegas, but that’s all I know, sweetie. Liam told me about a crazy chick they were gonna get arrested but didn’t say anything else.”

Shit.

“Can you tell me which hotel?”

“Sure, let me screenshot and text you the confirmation email.”

“Great, thank you.”

“Everything okay?” she asks after I receive the image she sent.

“I don’t know, but is there any chance you can call and add me to Archer’s reservation?” I beg. “I can explain everything later, but for now, I need to get on a plane and make sure he’s okay.”

“Yeah, babe. I got you. I’ll do it right after we hang up.”

“Thank you.”

After the call ends, she sends me a message confirming she took care of it. I managed to book a flight for this afternoon, which means I need to pack and haul ass to the airport.

After I have everything I need, I drive Sassy to my grandparents’, giving them only a couple of details. Once I’m on the highway, I speed and make it just in time to board my flight. I breathe a sigh of relief when I’m in the air, soaring toward the man I love.

When I finally see him again, I’m going to squeeze him tight enough to break his ribs, then smack him for leaving me. I’ll make sure he’s okay first, then be mad.

I take an Uber to the hotel once I land. Luckily, it’s off the Strip, so I don’t have to deal with a thousand tourists. If the circumstances were different, I’d be excited to be in Vegas.

Once I arrive and get a speech about their amenities, the receptionist hands me the room key and directs me to the elevator.

“Thanks so much.”

I wheel my luggage to the elevator and head up to the sixteenth floor. I knock before entering so I don’t scare him, but no one answers, so I let myself in.

The room is dark, so I flick on a light. His bag is on the floor, and the bed is unmade. I didn’t think about what I’d do once I arrived, so I make myself comfortable and hope he returns soon.

I decide to freshen up, then turn on my phone since it was still in airplane mode. As soon as I do, I’m flooded with voicemails and texts from Tyler and Gemma.

Tyler: Mimi said you dropped off Sassy hours ago. Where the hell are you?

Gemma: Babe, send me your location. I’m getting worried.