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Archer laughs, and it warms my heart to hear his deep baritone.
Once we’re home and inside, I take Sassy out, then grab my laptop from my room. I get cozy on the couch and load the photos into my editing software.
Archer scoots closer beside me, peeking at my screen.
I brighten some, soften others, and do some cropping so they fit nicely on my Instagram page.
“Wow,” he mutters. “They were good before, but now they look super professional.”
“Once I post these, prepare fora lotof attention.” I glance at him.
That same heated gaze from earlier returns, and I’m tempted to kiss him just to see what he does.
“Anyone can look like that when they’re dressed and posed by a pro.”
I suck in a deep breath and purposely zoom in on his abs.
“Clothes don’t create this.” Moving the mouse around, I go to his biceps. “Or this.” Then I zoom into his seductive eyes. “I’m literally gonna have to lock you in my house.” I chuckle.
“I’ve been locked up long enough.”
My smile fades at the realization of my stupid comment, and I mentally berate myself. “Oh my God, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Though if I could choose to be a prisoner to anyone...” He lingers with a sexy-ass smirk, and my bottom lip falls into my mouth. “Being yours wouldn’t be so bad.”
Fuck.Now I really want to make a move to see how he’d react.
Before I can do anything, Sassy jumps up next to Archer and steals his attention away.
“You’re a sweetheart, aren’t you?” he coos, petting her.
Sassy looks up at him with big puppy dog eyes, and it makes me snort.
“I think she’s adopted you into our family now.”
He continues petting her, then turns toward me with a somber look. “Sometimes, I think about prison and try to find something positive from it, so then I’m not so resentful.”
“And have you?”
“Yeah,” he says with a smile. “Meeting your brother changed my life for the better.”
“I’m glad you did because without him, you wouldn’t be sitting next to me.”
“And there’s no one else I’d rather be rooming with. Even though the circumstances that brought me here are sucky, I’m grateful for what I have now—a nice place to live, a good job, and my very own pooch.”
I gasp when Sassy pushes herself into his lap. “Excuse me, show him who your mama is!”
She puts her paw on Archer’s arm.
“You traitor.” I scowl, but then laugh at how cute they look together. If I have to share Sassy with anyone, I’m glad it’s Archer.
CHAPTERSEVEN
ARCHER
Everleigh’s launchingher new items at nine today. When she asked me to model, I hadn’t known what to expect, but I actually had fun with her and Gemma. I can’t deny the way she makes me feel. Deep inside, I want to give her everything her longing gaze begs for, but I can’t.
One thing about that day has been bothering me— the way Everleigh reacted to seeing that black SUV. After I’ve had a few days to think about it, I wonder if it’s someone from my past. Based on the numerous letters Chad’s family sent to the judge, they weren’t happy I was getting out early on parole. They’re the only ones who’d have the nerve to come for me. Well, more specifically, his sister, Krystal. She’s always been crazy and couldn’t accept that her brother was the abusive one in the relationship.
