Page 111 of A Million To Fall

“What would you say if I told you there was something going on between Skye and me?” I keep my voice quiet, neutral. “Just… hypothetically?”

He studies me. No smile this time. “I’d say I’m not sure Archer’s right for her.”

My heart skips a beat.

“I’d say she deserves… better. And you’re a good guy, Boss. You really are. You… see her. Archer… he doesn’t know how to be soft. Not with her. But you do.”

His words hit me like an arrow. Straight through my chest.

“Hypothetically,” he continues, gaze fixed to mine, “what do you feel for her? Do you… like her?”

I don’t respond, but whatever Jake sees in my face makes his eyes go wide. “Or… love her?” he adds. “Hypothetically?”

I swallow. Do I? It’s not a question I’ve permitted myself to explore. But the truth is that Skye’s always been important to me. I’ve always been drawn to her, since before I was old enough to understand what it even means. Not that I understand it now. I don’t think I’ve ever been more confused than I am right now.

I only manage a pathetic shrug. “Yeah. Maybe,” I say quietly. Then, “Hypothetically.”

thirty-four

Boston

As promised, Jake, Jonathan, and Pacey show up at the gym this morning. And although Jake said Archer wouldn’t be with them, he struts through the door minutes later, dressed in a too-tight ringer tee and blindingly white sneakers.

He drops a cardboard drink carrier onto the counter.

“Protein shakes,” he says, nudging it toward the guys. “Figured you idiots would forget breakfast again.”

“Damn, Arch, don’t spoil me like that. I might get used to it,” Jake says, grabbing one.

“You’re not seeing Skye?” Pacey asks, also helping himself to a drink.

“Nah, she’s pissed at me about some shit,” Archer grunts.

I don’t mean to look up, but I do anyway. Skye’s pissed at him? There’s a twisted, ugly flicker of hope in my chest before I can stomp it down. I hate that part of me wants something to be wrong between them.

Jonathan chuckles. “What’d you do now?”

“Nothing, which is apparently her fucking problem,” Archer mutters.

“Please elaborate,” Pacey urges.

I keep folding and refolding the same towel, pretending to be preoccupied.

“I told her I wouldn’t eat her out last night and she’s mad about it. Not sure why it’s suddenly so important to her,” Archer says.

My hands freeze.

While I was staring at my fucking ceiling last night, imagining Skye in Archer’s bed, she stood up for herself and he still refused.

“Wait… we’re talking about oral sex, right?” Pacey asks, head cocked.

I’m all fucking ears.

“Yep,” Archer confirms.

“She asked you to go down on her and you… refused?” Jonathan asks, incredulous.

“Damn straight. I don’t do that shit. I don’t eat pussy,” Archer says.