Page 65 of A Million To Fall

Jake chuckles from the sofa across from me. “Don’t do it, man.”

I tear my gaze from the door. “Huh?”

“Don’t do it,” he repeats.

I frown. “Don’t do what?”

“Skye,” Jake says, deadpan.

My frown deepens. “What are you talking about?”

He leans back, arms stretched across the cushions like he’s just enjoying the show. “Dude, you may have been gone two years, but the look on your face when you see her? Still the same.”

“What look?”

He smirks like a smug little shit. “That look like you’re fighting a whole damn war not to kiss her.”

I shake my head. “You’re full of shit.”

He just laughs. “Boss, you’re my best fucking friend. You think I didn’t know you had a thing for Skye back then? Come on.”

I don’t say anything, maintaining a poker face.

“I don’t know why you never made a move, but I’m telling you: don’t go there now. Get her out of your head. Archer’s a loose cannon.”

“What do you mean?”

He shifts on the couch, his grin fading a little. “He’s… weird about her. Possessive. Sometimes a little too much, in my opinion.” He rubs the back of his neck. “After you left, he beat the shit out of some sophomore who supposedly had a thing for Skye. Thought the guy was trying something and just snapped. His dad had to have a come-to-jesus with the superintendent so Archer could still walk at graduation.”

My eyebrows lift.

“He has this… macho rage thing, you know? Acts like Skye’s his property.”

I shake my head. “Why the fuck are you guys even friends with him? He’s such an entitled asshole.”

Jake winces. “I don’t know, man. He just kind of happened, I guess.” He shrugs. “We played soccer together. Our moms are always hanging out. He and Skye obviously got together. Same circles and all.”

I nod.

Jake stands, stretching. “Alright. I’m calling it. But seriously: don’t run away again!”

I chuckle. “Man, how often are you going to tell me this?”

Jake shrugs. “Until I believe you won’t.”

He disappears down the hallway toward his room.

I sit there a while, thinking about Skye. About the way Archer touches her like she belongs to him. The way his social media posts always call her his girl, but never once mention her accomplishments.

Archer’s feed is all about himself. Skye’s success only ever shows up when it reflects back on him.

But Jake’s right. I can’t go there.

Not tonight. Or ever.

I head to the bathroom for a quick shower.

Hot showers before bed? Absolutely glorious.