While the moment reminded her of something normal, it wasn’t normal at all. She didn’t fit here. But did she fit at home? Not the way she used to.
For years she’d been the oldest daughter, the stand-in parent. Fixer of disasters and breaker-upper of fights.
She was twenty-eight and had already entered her empty-nester years. What did people do with a second life once the first one ended?
Archer leaned close enough that his shoulder brushed hers. “You okay?”
She pushed pasta around her plate with her fork. “Just having a small identity crisis.”
“Good sauce, though.” His eyes twinkled even as they held a shadow of concern.
She laughed softly. Under the table, his hand found hers for one secret second and squeezed. She took the touch as a way to tell her he wasn’t ignoring her needs—he would wait until they were alone.
Cannon set his phone down on the table with enough of a thump to halt conversation. All eyes snapped to him, but his gaze found Jolie’s.
“We’re not moving you tonight, Jolie. I’m sorry.”
She compressed her lips. “What happened?”
The flex of his jaw was the only indication that he held back information. “There’s movement where there shouldn’t be. Until I know who it is, you’re staying here.”
If there was danger on the route back to the motel, she didn’t want anything to do with that. But disappointment hit.
“My family.” It came out as a soft whimper.
“We got word to them that there’s a delay,” Cannon assured her. “They know you’re safe. We’ll get you in touch with them as soon as we can.”
Her eyes burned and she managed a nod. “Thank you.”
She still wanted to go home, but beneath it waited a small, shameful happiness—one more day with Archer.
Under the table, a warm thumb moved across her knuckles, sending electricity rippling down her spine.
The men didn’t talk much as they ate, but soon dinner was finished and the plates cleared. Rome pushed away from the table with an announcement that made the whole room perk up.
“Poker night.”
That was her exit.
Archer caught her wrist before she could go. She swung toward him, aware of how close he stood. “You okay?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know how to play poker. I think I’m going to my room to read.”
“You don’t have to play. We can do something else.”
O turned from the dishwasher he was loading. “Bro’s already whipped.”
Laughter broke out.
Archer didn’t flinch at the teasing. “Tonight our guest gets to choose the entertainment. Movies?”
Her heart gave one stupid thump, and she carefully disguised her expression. “I thought I saw board games.”
At the question, Townie was already moving toward the common room. “I got you.”
They all followed, and Townie pulled out an ancient Monopoly box, battered and taped in several spots.
She laughed and plunked into a seat around one of the card tables. “But there are too many people to play.”
