I chuckle. “Nah, Everleigh was in charge of the dessert and made Better than Cuddling cake.”
Everleigh cough-laughs from somewhere in the kitchen, and it’s obvious she’s listening.
“Is that a Southern recipe?” Annie asks as I try to hold back my amusement.
“You could say that.” I shrug.
We chat for a few more minutes until Sadie returns and says she’s ready to get in the tub. I tell them goodbye and that I love them before hanging up.
“Your niece sounds adorable,” Everleigh says when I open the fridge. “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop.”
“No, it’s fine. Sadie’s loud like her mother, so it's impossible not to hear her.” I take out a bottle of water.
“I bet you miss them being far away.”
“I do, but then again, I’m kinda used to it. I hate that I wasn’t around when Sadie was born and only got to see her during their monthly visits. It’s all she’s known of me, and I hope to change that eventually.”
“Should have them come visit. They’re more than welcome to stay here. I can get an air mattress and make room for them in the living room. Could have one big slumber party.” She leans against the counter and smiles genuinely. When she crosses her arms, the movement lifts her breast and I find myself lowering my gaze, then quickly meeting her eyes.
“I bet they’d love that,” I say. “But I don’t want to put you out even more than I already have.”
“Archer.” Her voice lowers and it’s obvious she’s being serious. “This is your home now. At least that’s how you should think of it.”
Reluctantly, I nod, shoving my hands in my pockets. “I’m trying. It’s a big adjustment for me.”
Pushing off the counter, she walks closer, causing my heart rate to increase. She’s so damn beautiful, I have to remind myself not to stare like a creep.
“Would it help if I slapped you around a bit?” She playfully punches my arm. “I assumed you and Tyler got into some fistfights being around each other all the time. When he’d bother the hell out of me, I always got the urge.” She laughs, and it makes me laugh too.
“Only when we were boxing or working out,” I admit. “He actually taught me a lot.”
I’m not sure how much of my past Everleigh knows, and although I’m tempted to share some of it with her, I don’t. The last thing I want is for her to regret letting me live here or think the worst of me. Whatever Tyler decided to tell her will have to be enough for now.
“Yeah, he’s pretty good at that. Maybe I’ll join Owen and come kick your ass someday.”
Now that has me howling. “You’re half my size, but I’m up for the challenge.”
“Are you saying I’m too small to defend myself?” She acts like she’s insulted.
“No, but the thought of you trying to take me down makes me wonder if I should be locking my bedroom door at night.”
She backs up a little, glaring at me. “You should. You really should, Archer Boone.”
Her taunting voice has me fighting back a smile.
Chapter Six
EVERLEIGH
“Ouch,” I groan as I soak in the tub and rub the bottom of my feet. My body feels like it’s been hit by a dump truck. Black Friday at the boutique was a madhouse, and Saturday was just as busy. We opened early, stayed late, and I don’t think I took a lunch break on either day. The shelves need to be restocked since every holiday item sold out. Thankfully, I have more inventory arriving first thing tomorrow.
My customers were so excited that they lined up along the sidewalk beginning at four in the morning. I overbought with hopes to sell out, and it actually happened.
The only thing I missed was not seeing Archer that much. By the time I got home, we ate dinner, then pass out.
After I’m out of the bath, I put on some jeans and an oversized sweater. Today Archer and Gemma are modeling the new items I’m launching this week. Thankfully, Lexie and Dana are working today, so I have plenty of time to take photos. I can’t wait to post the pictures of Archer in the new clothes because with his good looks, tattoos, and golden-brown eyes, selling them won’t be an issue.
I never planned on carrying a men’s clothing line until my customers asked, well begged. They wanted to buy them for their husbands, sons, and grandsons, so after being asked for months, I looked into it.
There’s already a men’s store in town but they only have basic things like fire-proof jeans and fishing shirts. I’ve researched all the new trends in men’s fashion, and Lawton Ridge isn’t gonna know what hit them when I launch, especially since I have a secret weapon—my new roomie, Archer Boone.
It’s just past ten, and I’ve been up for a couple of hours doing laundry and cleaning up around the house. I asked Gemma to meet me at eleven, and considering she’s just as punctual as my brother, I need to get going. I go into the living room and find Archer on the couch. He looks up at me with a boyish grin. I love it when his gaze slides up and down my body.
"Wow, you look nice. That color really suits you," he says.
"Thanks. It’s called Holly Berry.” My cheeks heat to the same color as my sweater. Not wanting him to notice, I move into the kitchen to grab some water. “Are you ready?”
"Absolutely. I already took Sassy out too. And fed her again,” he admits.
I give him a look. “You’re gonna fatten her up. She won’t fit into her doggy sweaters.”
He chuckles with a shrug. “She looked hungry.”
“She’ll give you those begging eyes even when she’s full. Sassy played you big time!”
As soon as I say her name, she jumps up on the couch and rests her head on his lap. “Told you it wouldn’t take long for her to warm up to you.”
Archer pets her and tries to get up so we can leave, but Sassy’s dead weight.
"Wanna treat?" I bribe. Once the magic word is spoken, she immediately makes her way to the kitchen. I pull some bacon treats from the bag and give her some commands to sit and shake. Archer stands and stretches, allowing his shirt to ride up. After catching a glimpse of his abs, I turn and grab my keys before he notices.
As we're pulling out of the driveway, he seems nervous. “Today’s gonna be fine. I promise.”
“I’m sure it will. I’m just not used to…the attention.”
I glance over at him and smile. “I’m happy to help debut you to the world.”
“That sounds absolutely terrifying.” He chuckles.
We park a block away from the shop because the lot is full. Before I unbuckle, Gemma pulls in behind us. "I knew she was gonna be here thirty minutes early!"
When we get out of the car, Gemma greets us. She looks amazing with glammed makeup and perfectly curled hair. There’s not a strand out of place.
“Damn, woman. Aren’t you a reminder of exactly why my brother married and knocked you up?”
She snorts and flips her hair. “You're damn right. Guess I still got it.”
Archer laughs. “Tyler was always obsessed with you, and I don’t think that’s ever gonna change.”