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Sadly, not as easy as it sounds.
A couple of hours later, Tyler and Gemma say good night, followed by Katie and Noah. They’re kid-free for the night, so I expect them to fully take advantage of that. Even with them gone, the pub is full, and the party's still going. We’re supposed to leave for cake soon, but not until I prove my point to Archer.
“Smith!” I squeal when he walks in with a few friends. “You finally showed up!”
“Yeah, sorry we’re so late. Got caught up at a job.”
I loop my arm with his, leading him to the bar. “Better late than never. First round’s on me.”
We take a few shots together, and one of Smith’s friends, Cain, offers to buy me a drink.
“Sure, I’ll have a rum and Coke.”
Archer’s on the other side of me, slowly finishing his drink. His eyes burn into me as I give all my attention to Smith and Cain.
“Want a refill?” I turn his way and ask.
“No, I think I’m done after this.”
“What? It’s not even midnight.”
He shrugs. “I don’t wanna be hungover tomorrow.”
“Well, that’s the whole point. It’s how you know you had a fantastic birthday.”
“So what do you do?” Cain asks me from my other side.
I turn toward him, thanking him for the drink. “I own Ever After. That adorable boutique in the downtown district,” I explain.
“Oh, my little sister loves that place.”
“Really? You should bring her in some time. I’ll hook her up!”
“Yeah? Thanks. She’d love that.” He flashes a white smile. “Then maybe we could hang out after? Grab some dinner and drinks?”
Bingo.
Archer’s hand finds my waist, and he makes it obvious that he’s squeezing my hip.
“I’d love that. Let me give you my number so you can let me know when you’re comin’.”
Cain hands me his phone, and I input my digits while Archer’s jealous eyes peek over my shoulder.
“Cool, thanks.” He pockets his phone, then looks around me. “Oh, hey, Archer. Happy Birthday, man.”
When I spin around, Archer looks like he wants to stab Cain with his empty beer bottle.
“Hey, Cain. Thanks. Glad you could make it. Didn’t bring the wife tonight?”
My heart drops.Wife?
“Nah, kept her home with the kids.”
Kids?! Oh my God.
“You’re marriedwithchildren?” I squeal when I face him.
“Yeah. I heard you liked married men.” He flashes me a wink.
