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An hour passes, and I know if we don’t get out of here, we might not be able to walk back to the hotel. Plus, Everleigh’s yawning from working all day.
“Ready?” I finally ask.
“Yeah,” she tells me with fire in her eyes.
I lead her through the crowd, and she nearly trips in the parking lot. I catch her, though she’s in a fit of laughter.
“The more I drink, the clumsier I get. The heels ain’t helpin’ either.”
“Well, if I need to carry you, just let me know.”
She squeezes my bicep and waggles her brows. “Noted. Also, I wonder how many women wish you’d say that to them.”
The alcohol has made her lips a lot looser, which isn’t saying much, considering she’s so outspoken. “Not many,” I tell her.
“You have no idea how wrong you are.”
I scoff.
“Every damn day, I get questions about your relationship status because of those pictures I posted. You have no idea what it does to me when they drool all over you.”
“Probably the same way I felt having that bartender hit on you. Too many guys look at you like they’re hungry vultures and you’re their prey.”
She snorts. “And now you’ve officially started to sound like my brother.”
I shake it off and force a smile although it wasn’t meant that way. Right now is not the time to spill what my heart is feeling. When we’re finally up in the room, we change our clothes. Though the room has two beds, she crawls into mine just like at home.
“Thanks, Archer,” she whispers as I turn off the side lamp.
“For what?”
“For coming with me and not being a complete and utter creep. Most guys would’ve tried to bring me back to their room to do nothing more than have sex. With you…it’s different.”
I stare into her eyes, and my face softens.
As hard as it is to admit, I say, “We can’t cross that line.”
She closes her eyes, and a small smile plays on her lips. “Yeah, but it sure is fun to fantasize about.”
If my heart was available, Everleigh would have it. But right now, Tyler’s words continue to play on repeat in my mind.
Tonight, I shouldn’t have kissed her, but the only regret I have is not doing it again. Boundaries—I need to find them again before I end up breaking her heart and disappointing one of my best friends.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
EVERLEIGH
Monday morning comes early,but I was ready for it after a day of recuperating from New Year’s Eve. At the beginning of each year, I try to wake up earlier, eat healthier, and focus on self-care. It lasts about a month, but I always give it a good hurrah even though I consistently fail.
When I get up to grind some beans, Archer’s in the kitchen scrambling eggs and making toast. He even cut fruit and put them in little side bowls. Bonus, he already started the coffee.
“You made me breakfast too?” My smile widens.
He nods proudly. “Of course.”
“What’s the occasion?” I ask as he hands me a mug of coffee just the way I like it.
“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” He smirks, and I can’t help but focus on his lips. Ever since our New Year's kiss, I haven’t been able to think about anything else. When he holds me at night, I contemplate making a move, but I’d rather not know how it feels to be rejected by him.
