“Alright, who’s ready for my Better than S—”
“Cuddling,” Katie quickly interrupts as Everleigh brings it to the table. Katie gives her a look and nods her head toward Owen.
Everleigh forces a smile. “Better than Cuddling cake, yes.”
“What’s in it?” Jerry asks.
“Chocolate, caramel, and toffee.” She places it down. “With whipped cream and chopped candies on top.”
“Oh my God…” Noah groans with a smirk. “I wish I would’ve saved more room.”
“Especially since you have to wait five more weeks...to cuddle,” Everleigh taunts, and the room fills with laughter.
“If he’s lucky…I’m thinking longer.” Katie deadpans.
Noah’s brows rise. “Excuse me, woman?”
“Yeah, right. You two could hardly keep your hands off each other. Pretty sure that’s how she got knocked up in the first place,” Everleigh blurts out, then realizes Owen’s hanging on to her every word.
“Forget I said that,” she tells him.
After everyone has a piece, we dive in. It’s, in fact, the best dessert we’ve ever had, something we all agree on.
“Don’t eat too much. I still need models for the boutique,” Everleigh says, directing her attention to Tyler and Gemma. “Assuming you’re not game?” she asks Katie.
“Not unless it’s for post-maternity moumous.”
“How’d I get roped into this?” Tyler asks. “Is it an athletic line, at least? Because I could support that.”
“No, but you’re my brother, and I need some male models since I’m adding a men’s line. Nice jeans and shirts, ties, and shoes. You look good all dressed up,” she tells him.
“I’ll do it as long as you don’t make me wear anything too tight,” Gemma says. “I have ten pounds of baby weight I still need to lose.”
“You’re crazy, but fine. I have some cute winter dresses I can put you in.” Everleigh shrugs.
“What about Archer?” Gemma states, and every set of eyes is on me as I stuff cake in my mouth.
“Yes…he’d sell your entire collection in a heartbeat with his tats,” Katie agrees.
“Especially since he gives off a whole bad-boy vibe,” Gemma adds.
Tyler and Noah give their wives a look of disapproval, and I hold back a grin.
“What?” Gemma and Katie say in unison.
“That’s actually not a bad idea…” Everleigh arches her brow as she scans down my body. She reaches over and squeezes my arm. “Good biceps. Sexy smile. Intense brown eyes. Maybe a little hair trim and you’d be the best eye candy in the state.”
“Y’all critiquing him like a piece of meat,” Tyler says.
“Don’t be jealous, brother,” Everleigh taunts, and he rolls his eyes.
“Well, what do you say, Archer? Can I get you naked?”
I nearly choke on my dessert. If I looked at Tyler right now, I’m sure he’d be sporting a disapproving scowl, so I don’t.
“To dress you in my clothing line, of course,” she emphasizes, and enjoys catching people off guard.
“Considering you’re letting me invade your space, I’d be happy to help,” I say honestly. Though I’ve never modeled before, I can’t deny the excitement I feel at spending more time with Everleigh outside of the house.
“Yay! You can even keep a few outfits. They’ll look great on you in case you need them for a night out or something.”
“Especially if he has a date,” Noah says. “As soon as chicks see him at the gym, I have a feeling membership numbers are gonna climb.”
I stiffen and wait for Everleigh’s smart-ass remark, but she stays silent.
Clearing my throat, I speak up. “Nah, I have no plans on dating anytime soon. Gonna focus on getting clients and working.” I promised Everleigh I’d pitch in as soon as I got paid, and I plan to keep my word.
“I’ll be your first client!” Owen announces.
I flash him a wink. “Thanks, buddy.”
Belinda talks about some of the stories she’s heard at the deli recently as I continue eating. It's weird to know personal details about people in this town I haven’t even met.
After a while, the babies get fussy, and everyone decides it’s time to leave. Belinda takes me by surprise when she gives me a big hug and invites me to come have lunch at her deli again.
“Will do, ma’am,” I tell her.
“You gotta try the upside-down turkey and gravy sandwich,” Everleigh suggests.
“You gonna join me?” I ask.
She looks at me with a smile. “Yeah, it’ll be a date!”
Everleigh drives us back to her house and immediately takes Sassy for a walk. The dog nearly leaps out the door and looks like she’s walking Everleigh instead. It causes me to laugh as she runs to keep up. Perhaps I should try walking the little shit.
I change into some joggers and a black T-shirt. Just as I’m settling on the couch, my phone rings, and I smile when I see my sister’s name on the screen.
“Hey, sis.” I answer the FaceTime call. “Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Hey, brother.”
“Uncle Archer!” Sadie hops onto Annie’s lap.
“Hey, kiddo! Did you eat some turkey?”
“Yep! And mashed taters, gravy, and corn. Mom made me eat veggies too.” She sticks out her tongue.
I chuckle just as Everleigh returns with Sassy. She notices my phone and pinches her lips. However, Sassy doesn’t get the memo and begins barking at me.
“Do you have a dog?” Sadie squeals in excitement.
“My roommate does. Wanna see?”
“Yes!”
I flip the camera around and face Sassy, who’s sitting at my feet, glaring at me.
“She’s so cute! I want a puppy, but Mom said no.”
“I said not right now,” she corrects. “Not while we’re in an apartment.”
Sadie’s shoulders sag, and I wish I could help them get a house. Something bigger and with a yard.
Everleigh comes into view and gives my niece a little wave. “That’s Everleigh, Tyler’s sister.”
“Oh, she’s pretty,” Sadie says nice and loud. “Is she your girlfriend?”
Everleigh grins, and it’s obvious she overheard.
“No, we’re friends,” I say awkwardly because…are we friends? Or just roommates?
“But you live together?” Sadie gives me a look, and Annie’s just seconds away from sending her off.
“Yeah, but we have our own rooms,” I try to explain.
“Why don’t you get ready for your bath so I can talk to Uncle Archer for a minute,” Annie tells her.
“I’ll talk to you soon, kiddo. Make sure to call me later, okay?”
She blows me a big kiss. “I will! Bye!”
Annie sighs and waits until Sadie’s out of earshot. “How was your Thanksgiving?”
“Great. Tyler and Everleigh invited me to lunch with their friends, and I ate my weight in turkey and cake.”
“Cake? No pie?”