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So maybe I’d be wrangling some different volunteers for the other three trees. For now, I’d be happy to just get theoneup the stairs. I put the clipboard down on one of the worktables set uparound the main hall, then moved into position at the middle of the tree.
When I realized East really wasn’t going to help, I glanced back, ready to go head to head with him—and zeroed in on the main doors, where Archer had just stepped inside.
Gorgeousdidn’t even begin to describe just how fine the man was. His dark blond hair was slightly windswept from the cold breeze whipping through the city this morning, and dressed as he was in a heathered light blue suit and vest tailored to fit every inch of his body, it was difficult to look at him and not go over and touch. Especially when that body had been over me, under me, and inside me less than forty-eight hours ago.
The tree, and the argument I’d been about to have with East, was overrun by the pleasure I now felt from seeing Archer. I knew I should look away, that if anyone caught the direction of my stare and my smile, there might be cause for speculation. But then again, they’d probably just assume I was smiling at…my girlfriend’s dad.
Okay, that didn’t feel right. Not anymore. But before I could analyze why, Archer’s eyes collided with mine, and my heart just about stopped.
It was as if everyone in the hall vanished in that moment until only he and I remained, and every single kiss, touch, and word we’d shared in private came rushing back in. The smile on my lips widened, heat rushed to my cheeks, and I tried to think up an excuse to go to him. But before I could form a rational thought, Archer blinked and turned away from me, his expression neutral as he guided his head decorator out of the hall.
“Ouch. Buuurn,” Travis said, which had me snapping out of my delusion and back to reality as I watched Archer disappear around a corner.
Burn was right.Damn. I’d known we weren’t going to be able to act like we had the last time we saw each other, but I hadn’t expected him to brush me off as though he didn’t even know me. It wasn’t like we’d never talked in public before. I could act. I’d proven that much to him already, hadn’t I?
Did he really think I was going to give him away by doing something stupid?
“Earth to Preston?”
“Huh? What?”
Travis snorted. “You do something you shouldn’t? He looked pissed.”
“He isn’t pissed.” At least, I didn’t think so. “He’s just busy.”
“Yeah.” East’s lip curled in a derisive grin. “Busy ignoring you.”
“Shut up.”
“Ooh, someone’s touchy.”
“I’mnottouchy.”
East’s eyes widened. “Could’ve fooled me.”
No one could fool East—that was part of the problem. The pretentious asshole was too perceptive for his own good, and while Iwouldn’texactly say I felt touchy, I did feel confused at being dismissed so coldly.
Did Archer regret what had happened between us? Was he back to thinking I was a mistake?
Donovan came over to where I stood staring at the empty space Archer had left behind.
“He’s probably just being careful.”
“Yeah.” Travis joined us in looking over to the main doors. “It’s not like he could come over here and plant one on you.”
He had a point, but that didn’t help shake the mood that had just descended over me like a dark cloud.
“Damn, you’ve got it bad.” Donovan chuckled. “You look like Travis whenever he sees?—”
“Say it and die.”
Donovan held his gloved hands up, and Travis scowled. “I’m just pointing out how strong feelings?—”
“Of hate.”
“—ofanythingcan make you feel…out of sorts when it’s not what you expect.” Donovan looked back to me. “You should go find him.”
“What?” My face must have relayed how insane I thoughtthatidea was, because Donovan scanned the room and groups of people caught up in their assigned projects.
