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“Well you shouldn’t have to and won’t now that I’m here.”
Everleigh places a palm over my cheek, and the heat of her skin sends intense waves of electricity down my body. “You’re a good guy, Archer. I hope someday you’ll let me look out for you too.”
CHAPTERTEN
EVERLEIGH
I dancearound the kitchen as I listen to Christmas tunes. I bellow out the chorus of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas.”
Sassy gives me a judgy stare, but I don’t care. Mariah hasnothingon me.
Not only is it Christmas Eve and the happiest time of the year but the past two and a half weeks have also been the absolute best. The boutique has been busier than ever. The new men’s line has sold out twice since I debuted it, and I already have pre-orders for my March clothing launch.
Though I’ve always loved the holidays, having Archer here has made it even more special. He’s frosted cookies and shopped in Mobile with me, and has allowed me to sleep in his bed every night since that first time.
I truly don’t think I realized how lonely I was until he arrived. I’ve always been a social person and even liked living alone, but Archer’s presence gives me something to look forward to.
While our sleeping arrangement is unconventional, neither of us has brought up the conversation of stopping. What’s even weirder is that I’ve never slept with a man without having sex. The only point of getting into a man’s bed was to get off, and though I’m tempted to tear off Archer’s clothes nearly every minute of the day, I’ve controlled myself. We’ve developed this bond, a friendship that’s already unbreakable, and he makes me feel safe. We’re like an old married couple—we watch specific shows with each other, take turns cooking, and drink our morning coffee together. And though I wish we could be more, spending time and being friends with him is enough.
Okay, scratch that.
I want him to rip off my panties with his teeth.
I want to suck on his nipple ring, and I want to watch him unravel as I ride him.
And by the way his body responds to mine, I’m positive he wants the same.
Neither of us is willing to make a move, mainly because of my overbearing brother and his stupid rule. Archer’s loyal to him, and I don’t want to be the reason he breaks that. But I swear to God, I might die from the tension between us.
“That’s some veryoff-pitchsinging,” Archer teases as he walks out of the bathroom just wearing a towel. Though I’ve seen him half-naked a dozen times now, it never gets old.
“You kissed your gram with that mouth?” I tsk. “That’s not very gentlemanly.”
The edges of his lips tilt up into a cocky smirk. “Never said I was.”
I rest a hand on my hip. “If you’re gonna fit in with the Southerners, you better learn some manners.”
Archer’s chuckle radiates heat between my thighs. “My apologies, queen. May I bow down and kiss your royal feet?”
“Do it, and I’ll knee you where the sun doesn’t shine,” I retort.
“My ankles? How rude.”
I snort, shaking my head. “Hurry up and get dressed so you can help me decorate the gingerbread cookies.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“There’s that Southern accent,” I tease. “You’ll be sayingy’allandhowdyin no time.”
“God, I hope not,” he mumbles, walking to his room.
While I wait for Archer, I gather up the gifts from under the tree and put them in a box. Tonight is our friends’ gift exchange at Noah and Katie’s house, and I have volunteered to bring the sweets. Of course, I spoil my nieces and nephews rotten with loads of presents. Archer and I have agreed to exchange gifts tomorrow morning, but I’m bringing one for him to open tonight.
“Wow, you clean up very nicely,” I say when he returns. Dark jeans sit perfectly on his hips, and he’s tucked in a dark button-up shirt that’s rolled to his elbows. Those damn tats taunt me every time he shows them off.
“Figured I had to up my game since you’re all dressed up.” His eyes wander down to my legs, then back up to my chest, admiring my dress along the way.
“Well, of course I did.” I smirk. “Okay, add some candy buttons, and I’ll do the sprinkles.”
