Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 75656 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75656 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“Thank you so much for having me,” I tell Palmer and Brooks. Everyone is starting to pack up and leave, and it’s time that I do the same. I don’t know if I’m still going home with Archer. I’ve been trying to avoid looking at him most of the night. I’m sure they can all see right through me, but no one has said anything.
“You need a ride?” Brooks asks.
“No. I only had one beer, and that was when I first got here.” I had one drink with my dinner but stopped soon after. I wanted to make sure that I had my wits about me for later, or now, I guess. If it’s still happening. I chance a look at Archer across the room and find his heated stare already on me. I give a slight nod, and his lips tilt into a smile.
Why is that so sexy?
He bobs his head, satisfied with my answer.
“I’m so glad that you came,” Palmer says, pulling me into a hug.
“Thank you for including me. It was nice not to sit at home on my own for once.”
“Oh, girls’ night is on,” she tells me. “We forgot to talk about it, but I’ll start a group chat with the ladies and include you in it.”
I laugh. “That sounds like a plan. I’ll see you all later.” I wave, then wave at Archer, Ryder, Maverick, and Merrick. The twins are staying here, I overheard, and I think Ryder is too. Everyone else has already left to get their kids home and in bed.
“I’m going too.” I hear Archer say.
“You good to drive, man?” Brooks asks him.
“Yeah, I only had half a beer.”
“You got a hot date or something?” Brooks teases.
“Nah, just a long week. I have a shit ton to get done around the house tomorrow that I didn’t get to today. I worked this morning.”
“Damn, bro, I’m sure you’re tanked. Be safe driving home. You sure you don’t want to stay?” Brooks offers.
“I’m good. I’ll text you when I get home.”
I don’t hear what Brooks says next. I’ve stalled long enough eavesdropping, so I open the front door and step out onto the front porch. It’s a nice night, a little chilly, but summer is right around the corner. I’m excited for all the flowers to start to bloom. My finger practically itches to pull out my camera and document the landscape of this charming, small town.
My foot has barely reached the second step when I hear the front door open and close behind me. I stop and look over my shoulder to find a grinning Archer taking long strides. He reaches the second step and slides his arm around my waist.
“You want to leave your car here or follow me?” he asks once we reach my Subaru.
“I can’t leave my car here. They’re going to know I went home with you.”
“Is that supposed to be a secret?”
“I mean, yeah, don’t you think? It’s not like we’re dating or anything.” His expression is neutral, and I wish more than anything I could tell what he’s thinking.
“You good to drive?”
“I’m fine. Promise.”
“All right. I don’t live far. Just about a ten-minute drive. I’ll drive slow.”
“I can keep up, Kincaid. Just because I’m new in town doesn’t mean I don’t remember how to get there.”
“I think you’ve already proven that.” He winks. Leaning around me, he pulls open the driver’s side door and waits for me to climb behind the wheel. He braces his hands on the hood of my car and leans down so he can see me. “Put my number in your phone in case you need me.”
“You act like I’m going to war.” I laugh.
“Just humor me, Firecracker.”
I pretend to be annoyed, but in all honesty, I’m anything but. And that nickname… From anyone else, I would hate it, but when it’s from Archer’s lips, it almost feels like a warm embrace. “Fine.” I reach into my purse for my phone and open a new contact. I nod, letting him know that I’m ready, and he rattles off his phone number.
“Send me a text.”
“So bossy,” I tease but do as he asks. “You could have just asked me for my number like a normal person.” I stick my tongue out at him.
“Hold that thought, beautiful. We’ll put that tongue to good use.”
“Hmm, I was hoping we could use yours,” I reply boldly.
He laughs. It’s a deep, throaty sound that intensifies the already throbbing ache between my thighs. “Both, Firecracker. We’re going to use both.”
“Promise?” I ask with a saucy grin.
He leans in and presses his lips to mine. “Promise.” It’s a one-word reply, but the conviction in his tone has me pushing at his chest.
“Go. Go. Get on the road. We have tongues to use.” I wave him away. He stands to his full height and closes my door. I start my car and watch as he climbs in his truck and flashes his lights. I assume it’s a signal to follow him. He has nothing to worry about. I intend to make sure he keeps his promise.