Page 105 of A Million To Fall

He smiles, hugging her back. “Hi, Mrs. Monroe.”

My mom releases him, studying his face. “Look at you! Oh, it’s so good to see you. Skye told us you were back.” She sounds emotional. “We’re all so glad to have you home. Skye was so worried about you.” She glances at me fondly.

Archer’s fingertips press into my hips.

“Yeah, it’s good to be back,” Boston says just as my dad steps in.

“How you doing, son?”

“Really good, sir. Keeping busy.”

My dad gives him an approving nod. “Glad to hear that. You look great.” My eyes widen when my dad reaches out and squeezes Boston’s bicep. “You work out a lot?”

“Uh, just here and there,” Boston mutters.

“Huh, great genes, then.” My dad chuckles. “What are you up to these days? College?”

Boston’s expression falters, his gaze dropping to the floor. “No. Just working right now.”

“Boston can be found all over town,” Archer says smoothly. “Gym. The rec center. AJ’s.”

He says it like he’s merely providing information.

I know better.

My head snaps to him, brows furrowed at Archer’s casual cruelty. As if Boston’s situation was something he had control over.

“Nothing wrong with that, Boston,” my dad says, giving Boston a pat on the arm.

“I don’t think we’ve met,” Mr. Longfellow says, reaching a hand out to Boston.

He takes it. “I’m Boston. Boston Rawlings.”

Mr. Longfellow’s eyes narrow. “Rawlings?”

His gaze lingers on Boston. I know exactly what’s happening.

“Huh.” Mr. Longfellow lets go of Boston and turns his attention to Archer. “Well, we should head out. I have an eight-thirty hearing before Judge Dupuis. Gotta look sharp. Lexi, Rick, thank you for having us tonight.”

“Come on, baby, I’m itching to get you alone already,” Archer says too loud, already nudging me toward the door.

Heat crawls up my neck.

“You better consider putting a ring on my daughter’s hand soon with the way you’re talking, young man,” my dad says, no doubt only half-joking.

My parents have told me more times than I can count that they think Archer and I “are a match made in heaven.” Why wouldn’t they, considering how beneficial this relationship has been for everyone involved.

Archer beams like he just won himself the biggest prize. I, on the other hand, swallow hard. Because Boston heard that.

Something behind his gray eyes goes dark.

Jake reappears, keys in hand. “You ready, Boss?”

Boston nods. “It’s good seeing you all,” he says to no one in particular. Then his eyes find mine again. “Glad you’re not alone tonight.”

He doesn’t sound “glad” at all.

Boston doesn’t wait for a response. He just turns and follows Jake out the door.