Wanting You Close (Archer & Everleigh 2)

He checks his watch. “Well, if we didn’t have to be there in fifteen minutes, I’d say bet.”

“Mm-hmm. Guess you owe me one.” I give him a wink, then quickly let Sassy outside before we leave.

Jerry and Belinda got hitched last weekend and are having a party to celebrate their nuptials today. I can’t believe they got engaged just four months ago, and it’s already April. Though Tyler has known about Archer and me for almost a month, it’s the first time everyone will see us together as a couple. When we’re in the car, I let out a sigh and grin.

“What’s up?” he asks as we head that way.

“I’m just a tad nervous for Tyler to see us together, I guess.”

“It’s normal to feel nervous. I was too when you met Annie, but she loves you,” Archer admits. “Also, if I want to hold your hand or kiss you, now I can. It’s a relief not to have to hide how much I love you.”

“You’re right. And there’s no more fighting the urge to grab your ass anymore,” I tell him.

“You wouldn’t dare.” He tilts his head at me, and I pinch my fingers toward him.

When we arrive at Jerry and Belinda’s, so many people are already at their house that we have to park a few blocks down. Archer grabs my hand as we make our way to the front door.

“Ready for the show of a lifetime?” He gives me a wink and rings the doorbell.

“The way I feel about you isn’t a show, Archer. We’ve got the real deal.”

“You’re absolutely right, sweetheart.” He steals a kiss right as the door swings open. Belinda’s wearing a tiara with a beautiful and simple white dress that falls to her knees.

“There’s the beautiful bride,” I sing-song. Archer and I take turns hugging her.

“Hope your sweet tooth is ready. Might’ve gone a little overboard on the pies and cakes.” She beams.

“I’m more than ready,” I admit, always craving her food.

We find Gemma and Tyler sitting on the couch with sweets piled on their plates. As soon as Gemma sees us together, her face breaks into a wide smile. Tyler gives Archer a head nod.

Jerry’s happily holding Scarlett as he chats with Noah and Katie. Half the town is here along with the cooks and servers from the deli. The house is packed.

“Want to grab some food?” Archer asks, then leads me into the kitchen. I pull him close, sliding my tongue between his lips and not giving a shit who sees.

A clearing of a throat behind us pulls us apart. Tyler’s standing behind Archer with his arms crossed, but he’s not mad.

“So, should I be expecting a wedding invite soon?” he taunts, filling his cup full of Belinda’s famous pineapple punch.

“What if we’re already married?” I ask with amusement, giving him an evil eye. “It’s funny because you don’t know if it’s true or not, and considering you did it to me, you’d deserve it.”

Tyler scoffs. “Okay, but there was a very good reason for that.”

“Yeah, but I haven’t forgotten,” I remind him.

“Archer wouldn’t propose without asking me first. So, you should sleep well at night knowing that I’ll know about your engagement before you do,” he teases, and I groan at the accuracy.

“He does have a point,” Archer says, and I smack him.

“Whose side are you on?” I try to escape him, but he snakes his arm around my waist and pulls me closer.

“Yours,” he whispers in my ear.

“Just glad you two aren’t still sneaking around like we’re all stupid or something.” Tyler gives me a pointed look. “And I’m leaving before you give me any details.”

I snicker, then shrug because I love watching him squirm.

Archer and I grab plates, then find all the pies and cakes. “Wow. Belinda wasn’t joking.”

I notice the island is full of brownies and cookie squares too.

“I might gain ten pounds today.” Archer takes little slices of everything.

“Oh, you have to try this.” I point at the whipped cream concoction. “It’s Southern coconut cream pie.”

“A delicacy?”

“An absolute must-have,” I say, grabbing the knife and cutting us both a piece. “Gotta say, I’m glad we didn’t eat beforehand because I plan to try everything.”

Katie, Noah, Gemma, Tyler, Lexie, and her husband, Brett, are sitting at the dining room table, and we join them, taking the last two chairs. Archer rests his hand on the inside of my thigh, and I love the way it feels.

When I look over at him, I smirk as I take a bite of the coconut pie.

“This is orgasmic,” I say, holding back a moan.

Lexie snorts. “It really is. Pretty sure it got me pregnant.”

Her mother-in-law turns and raises her brows with a disapproving glare before going back to her conversation with Belinda. Immediately, Lexie sinks back into her seat, and Brett excuses himself.