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“Okay, what? You’re both dating, and no one told me?” His voice echoes, and I adore his protective side. It reminds me of Tyler in a way.
“We’re not dating… We just hang out,” Annie insists. “He’s still grieving his wife who passed last year, so we’re more friends than anything.”
Archer points a finger at her, then at Sadie. “No boys.”
Annie rolls her eyes, grabs a plate, then meets us at the kitchen table.
“So besides you getting hitched and you being friend-zoned, what else do I need to know?” Archer asks as I open the second box and squeal.
“Pineapple!”
“Archer told me it’s your favorite.”
“I love you already,” I say, taking a slice and inhaling the first bite.
“Don’t change the subject. Tell me,” Archer insists.
“Nothing, overbearing brother,” Annie interjects. “I work, drive Sadie around, do endless loads of laundry, and sleep somewhere between.”
“Okay, good,” he says, smiling. “Any more sightings of you-know-who?”
“Nope.”
I’m lost, so I need to remind him to tell me later.
“Wanna watch a movie?” Sadie asks after we clean up and make our way to the living room.
“Sure, kiddo. What did you have in mind?” Archer pulls her onto his lap as I sit next to them.
“You’re gonna regret asking that,” Annie muses.
At the same time, Sadie replies, “Tangled!”
“Told ya,” Annie mutters.
“That’s my favorite Disney movie!” I exclaim in all seriousness.
We settle into the couch, and halfway through, Sadie asks for popcorn, so we pause for a break. Once we have snacks and take bathroom breaks, we watch the second half.
By the ending credits, Sadie’s passed out in Archer’s arms, and I can’t deny how my heart flutters when he carries her to Annie’s bedroom. Archer is going to be an amazing father. I’m not sure if he wants kids. It’s not something we’ve talked much about.
“Well, I’m exhausted so I’m gonna crash, but you two feel free to stay up as late as you want. Make sure to get some rest because the trails are the best right after sunrise.”
“I’ll be sure to set my alarm,” I taunt, already dreading the elements. “Night, Annie.”
Archer returns with a pillow and a blanket. I hate that he’s staying on this couch. I’d ask him to join me, but I don’t want to sound too attached.
“I’m so tired that I might immediately fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow,” Archer says, yawning.
“Yeah, same. Gonna wash my face and brush my teeth, then head in too.”
Before I can walk away, Archer gently grabs my wrist and pulls me into his chest. Thanks again for joining me. Having you here means a lot.”
I wrap my arms around his body and feel his heart beating. “Of course. They’re amazing. Must run in the family.”
“Nah, I don’t know about that,” he says, pushing away. “But they love you, just like I do.”
My breathing stops, and I blink a few times. I know he means in a friendly way, but that doesn’t mean those words don’t affect me. Because holy shit, they do.
“Uh, well good night.” I swallow hard, then make my way to the bathroom.
After I’ve brushed my teeth and changed my clothes, I climb into Sadie’s bed. Closing my eyes, I count to ten and try to fall asleep, but it doesn’t happen. After fifteen minutes of lying here, I grab an extra pillow and wrap my arm around it. Definitely not the same as Archer.
As I’m slowly drifting off, I feel the bed dip, and then the pillow moves out of my hold. When I open one eye, Archer’s sliding in next to me. His arm snakes under my body, and he pulls me close.
“What’re you doin’?” I whisper, resting my arm over his muscular stomach.
“I didn’t want to miss you mumbling my name,” he taunts.
“Very funny,” I mutter. “I was dreaming about Ashton Kutcher, thank you very much. It just sounded like Archer.”
“Oh really?” His chest vibrates with soft laughter. “Ashton from early 2000s or Ashton 2020s?”
I flash a lazy grin. “From That 70s Show.”
“Oh God, that’s bad. He was like twenty when that show premiered. Guess that makes you a cougar.”
“He was my teen heartthrob crush,” I say with a half-shrug. “Though he’s aged like a fine wine.”
“Alright, that’s enough, maneater. Back to sleep.”
“Is that jealousy I hear?” I tease.
Archer wraps his leg over mine, and I instantly relax. “Shush, woman. You need to save your energy for our hiking trip tomorrow.”
“Ugh, fine.”
His warmth covers me like a blanket, and I instantly drift off.
My eyes snap open as an earthquake rolls through the room. Scratch that, a tiny human who’s shaking my shoulder.
“Hi,” I say softly.
“Are you awake?” Sadie asks with a bright, hopeful smile.
“Uh, yeah.” I blink a few times before sitting up, then quickly look around for Archer. The blankets look like he never snuck in last night.
