Forcing You Away (Archer & Everleigh 1)

“That’s some very off-pitch singing,” Archer teases as he walks out of the bathroom just wearing a towel. Though I’ve seen him half-naked a dozen times now, it never gets old.

“You kissed your gram with that mouth?” I tsk. “That’s not very gentlemanly.”

The edges of his lips tilt up into a cocky smirk. “Never said I was.”

I rest a hand on my hip. “If you’re gonna fit in with the Southerners, you better learn some manners.”

Archer's chuckle radiates heat between my thighs. “My apologies, queen. May I bow down and kiss your royal feet?”

“Do it and I’ll knee you where the sun doesn’t shine,” I retort.

“My ankles? How rude.”

I snort, shaking my head. “Hurry up and get dressed so you can help decorate the gingerbread cookies.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“There’s that Southern accent,” I tease. “You’ll be saying y’all and howdy in no time.”

“God, I hope not,” he mumbles, walking to his room.

While I wait for Archer, I gather up the gifts from under the tree and put them in a box. Tonight is our friends' gift exchange at Noah and Katie’s house, and I have volunteered to bring the sweets. Of course, I spoil my nieces and nephews rotten with loads of presents. Archer and I have agreed to exchange gifts tomorrow morning, but I’m bringing one for him to open tonight.

“Wow, you clean up very nicely,” I say when he returns. Dark jeans sit perfectly on his hips, and he’s tucked in a dark button-up shirt that’s rolled to his elbows. Those damn tats taunt me every time he shows them off.

“Figured I had to up my game since you’re all dressed up.” His eyes wander down to my legs, then back up to my chest, admiring my dress along the way.

“Well, of course I did.” I smirk. “Okay, add some candy buttons, and I’ll do the sprinkles.”

“I see you left the dicks off this time,” he muses.

“There will be children around,” I remind him.

We get the rest of the cookies decorated, then he helps load the car. Though I haven’t spotted the black SUV since it sped off outside the hardware store, I still keep an eye out for it because I’m not convinced it was just a tourist. After Gemma brought up the idea that I could be a person of interest in Eric’s murder, I’ve been more paranoid that someone’s watching me.

“Aunt Everleigh! Uncle Archer!” Owen calls out, then rushes to give me a hug. I absolutely adore that he already considers Archer family because we are, regardless of blood.

“Hey, buddy! Merry Christmas!” I kiss the top of his head. “I swear, you’ve grown an inch since Thanksgiving.”

Archer gives him a fist bump. “Yeah, he’ll be taller than me soon.”

Owen grins. “I’m almost taller than Mom,” he informs us.

“That’s not hard to accomplish,” I tease when Katie comes into view. “Probably taller than Gemma already.”

“I heard that,” she calls from somewhere in the house.

Archer carries the gifts into the living room as I bring the tray of cookies into the kitchen.

“Hey, sis.” Tyler gives me a side hug.

“Hello…Merry Christmas, y’all!” I go around, hugging everyone.

“Where are Jerry and Belinda?” I ask.

We go into the living room, where Archer and Owen are chatting about boxing.

“They’re off celebrating,” Gemma answers. “Dad finally popped the question.”

“What? No way!” I exclaim. “That’s so exciting.”

“Speaking of…” Katie interjects. “We set a date for next summer in Magnolia Springs.”

“About time!” I wrap my arm around her. “That time of year will be stunning.”

“Where’s that?” Archer asks.

“It’s just over an hour away,” Noah explains. Archer and I sit next to each other on the couch, though we’re not close enough to touch.

“It’s this quaint little town that my grandmother used to live in, and we’d go visit every summer. One time, Noah came with me, and last April, he surprised me with a weekend trip to a B&B. Ever since, we knew we wanted to get married there.” Katie beams at Noah, who’s holding one of the twins.

“I can’t wait,” I say. “We better get to planning.”

“Small and simple,” Katie says, giving me a warning glare. “I’m aware of how extra you get.”

“Uh,” I gasp. “I may never get married, and my brother went and got hitched without telling anyone, so yours might be the only one I’ll ever help plan.”

“You can plan mine, Aunt Everleigh,” Owen informs me.

“Aw…thanks, bud. You have a bride in mind already?” I ask in a teasing voice. “Because if so, we only have seven years until you’re eighteen. I better start now.”

Owen rolls his eyes as he rocks the other twin baby.

“You tryin’ to give me a heart attack?” Katie scolds.

Her panicked tone has me chuckling.

“I hope someone warned you, Archer,” Gemma says to him. “You stay with Everleigh long enough, she might trick you into walking down the aisle with her.”