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Archer led the way to a BMW that wasn't one of William’s.
I went around to the passenger side and got in. Melting into the seat, I tried to make myself as invisible as possible.
We drove up to the gate in silence. Once through, Archer turned to me. Frowning, he took in my form that was as far away from him as the car allowed. “Where to?”
“Morena. The truck is on Friar’s Road just after you get off Cabrillo Freeway.”
Fiddling with my phone, I scrambled for something to talk about to break the charged silence after I’d given him directions. When it rang, I startled, throwing it in the air, only for it to land on Archer’s lap before it slid down to the floor.
I looked at his legs, then up at his face, noting the tight clench of his jaw.
“I’m so sorry. I don’t know how that happened.”
The ringing stopped, only to start up again right away.
“Do you mind if I…?” Not waiting for an answer, I leaned over, reaching between his legs.
I could see the phone, but I was still too far away to grab it.
“What are you doing? Sit back down,” Archer ground out.
“I’ve almost got it.”
It started up again for the third time, and I was determined to answer. Leaning over farther, my face was now close to his crotch, my nose one sneeze away from touching things I had no right to even think about.
A strangled sound from Archer startled me back to my task, and I reached down, finally grasping the phone.
I wasn’t strong enough to pull my whole weight back with only my abs. And since Archer’s leg was right there, I put my free hand on it, pushing up.
I let go as soon as I was sure I wouldn’t topple forward again, the feel of his muscles forever imprinted on my palm.
My chest felt hot, and I knew I’d be flaming red from embarrassment. My phone was still ringing, and I answered.
“Hello, stranger,” Everleigh’s familiar voice greeted me.
Chuckling, I leaned against the door, putting some much-needed space between myself and Archer. “Stranger? I saw you last week.”
“Exactly. I barely even remember what you look like.”
“The same as I did six days ago. But I’m sure you didn’t call to ask me about my looks. What’s up?”
“Any chance you’re up for a sleepover with Sofie tomorrow?”
We’d been texting every day, and she knew I was going crazy with William packing me in cotton wool. I was ready to get back to my life, as uneventful as it was.
“Of course, I am. You know she’s always welcome.”
“Sofie’s been asking about you nonstop. She’ll be so excited to hear she can have you all to herself.”
I loved Lucius and Everleigh’s daughter. I’d been suspicious when Everleigh came back from Guyana madly in love with a criminal. One who also had a daughter. But he’d quickly won me over with the way he was utterly devoted to my best friend.
And he turned out to be a good guy no matter what had happened in the past.
She was the best person I knew and deserved all the happiness in the world. I loved that she’d found the person who’d do anything for her.
And she’d not only found the other half to her soul, but she’d also gained a daughter. One who she adored and planned on adopting.
“I’ll be home all day. Tell her to come early so we can spend time in the pool.”
