Page 60 of A Million To Fall

Several hours later, Archer stashes our haul in his trunk with a dramatic groan. “If I die today, it’ll be from carrying six-hundred pounds of skincare products.”

“I bought exactly one moisturizer,” I say, handing him another bag.

“You bought one moisturizer today. And a toner, and like three different serums, and—”

“Hey, you offered,” I remind him with a giggle.

“I’m clearly a masochist.” He tosses the last couple of bags into the trunk, then reaches up to slam it shut. But before he can, a long black case catches my eye.

“What’s that?”

Archer pauses, then grins widely. “Oh shit, right. I forgot to show you my new rifle. Just picked it up this morning.”

He lifts the hard case out of the trunk with obvious excitement.

I glance around the parking lot. “Arch,” I hiss, lowering my voice. “Not in public.”

He laughs. “Relax, baby. It’s not loaded.”

He pops the latches. Inside the case, nestled in foam, rests a sleek black rifle.

“Nice,” I say, trying to sound convincing.

I don’t like guns. My parents don’t own any, even after what happened two years ago. The Longfellow men, on the other hand, are quite the gun enthusiasts with their own little weapons arsenal stored away in a gun safe that’s quite frankly bigger than me.

“Right?” Archer beams, running a proud hand along the matte barrel. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

I stare at the weapon. “I mean, sure.”

Archer carefully lifts the rifle from the case, checking it instinctively before holding it up for me to see. The thing looks huge in his hands. I wish he’d put it back and lock it in the trunk.

“I’m taking it on the hunting trip next month.”

My stomach dips. “The hunting trip?”

He lowers the rifle slightly. “Yeah. We’re going fox hunting the weekend after July fourth. Me, my brothers, Jake, Pacey, our dads.” He pauses. “I thought I told you.”

Nope. I definitely would’ve remembered that. I would’ve begged him not to go.

“Arch,” I say slowly, “that’s when my parents are in Florida.”

He winces. “Oh. Shit.”

The disappointment hits so fast it almost embarrasses me.

“You said you’d stay with me.” The house always feels too big when it’s just me. Too many noises. Too many shadows. My pulse spikes just thinking about it.

“I know, baby, I just totally forgot.” He carefully places the rifle back into its case before stepping closer. “Sorry, Skye. I can’t back out now. Everything’s already booked. Permits, campground, all of it.”

I sigh.

“Oh, come on, Skye, don’t be like that. Let me have some fun,” he says. “You can set the alarm. Sleep with the lights on. You’ll be fine.”

Fine. As if I can just flip a switch and not be afraid.

I sigh again. “Okay.”

“That’s my girl.” Archer smiles and finally shuts the trunk. “And I’ll make it up to you.”