Page 128 of Let Me Love You

He smirks. “Might be able to make that happen.”

“Oh my God. If it were up to all of you, I’d be pregnant before the end of the year,” I exclaim.

“Would that be a bad thing?” Archer asks, and I contemplate his question.

“You’re pregnant?” Tyler exclaims when he returns, holding a freshly changed Scarlett. Belinda swipes her from his arms.

“No!” I blurt. “That’s how rumors get started!” I look around the room, repeating myself to make sure everyone hears my answer. Though it might still spread around, it’s a rumor I wouldn’t mind. Archer would make a great dad, and if I’d like to eventually have kids with someone, it’d no doubt be him.

The subject is changed, and Archer leans in and whispers in my ear, “You’re blushing.”

I grin and lick my lips. “And it’s all because of you.”

Monday morning comes quickly, and I couldn’t be happier to be at work. Sure, sometimes it’s so busy I don’t have time to think, but I love it. If I’ve learned anything while being on bedrest, it’s how much I enjoy my job. Not being at the boutique was pure torture.

After I open the shop, customers flood in as usual. A few more months are left until summer arrives, but it’s already starting to get hotter outside. Right now, the store is still covered in pastel-colored clothes, but in a few weeks, it will be full of colorful neons.

Before lunch, we get a quick break, and it gives me a chance to chat with Dana. It’s been a while since just the two of us have worked together.

We start folding a pile of crumpled shirts, and I take the opportunity to ask questions. “How have you been lately?”

“I’ve been doing great. Reading a lot. Hanging out with my new roommate.”

“Oh, you found someone to finally move in?”

She smiles, but it doesn’t quite meet her eyes. “Yeah, it was by luck, honestly.”

“I bet you’re relieved. I know you’ve been looking for someone for a few months.”

“I was. She was in the area looking for a place to stay and ran into me. Sometimes, it’s like the universe puts people in your life for a reason, ya know?”

I nod, then walk over to a rack and re-clip some pants that were hanging haphazardly. Though we’re chatting, there’s a weird vibe in the room that I can’t place. It’s been like this ever since the night of Archer’s party at the bar, but it could also be my anxiety.

Since the accident, I’ve been suspicious of everything and everyone.

Granted, I shouldn’t have embarrassed her the way I did. Between the alcohol and my jealousy, I should apologize, but it happened so long ago that I wonder if it’s worth it. So I awkwardly keep it inside and try to keep the conversation going.

Checking the time, I realize it’s almost eleven. “You can head out for lunch if you’d like. I’m meeting Gemma and Katie in an hour.”