Page 29

I swear I see his eyes darken a shade. “I’m not going on any dates unless you’re talking about the one at the deli you promised me.”

“Oh, right,” I say as he opens the back door of the shop for me.

“Y’all rocked that rush,” I tell my employees as I meet them up front.

All three of them are working today because we’ve been super busy since Black Friday.

“I’ll see y’all tomorrow,” I say with a wave, then lead Archer outside.

“So, was today everything you expected?”

He grins, walking beside me. “Didn’t realize I had ‘showing you my underwear’ on my bingo card, but here we are.”

“Better get used to expecting the unexpected with me,” I tease, though I’m being serious. As we get closer to my car, I see the same Escalade parked across the street. My eyes focus on it as concern washes through me.

“What’s wrong?” Archer asks when he notices my demeanor change.

“Did you see that black SUV?” I ask after I start the engine.

He nods. “Yeah, why?”

“It’s probably nothing, but I just keep seeing it parked around town. It’s odd because I know what everyone drives here, and I’m pretty sure whoever it is, isn’t a local.”

He scratches his cheek, then glances over his shoulder to look at it. As soon as he does, the Escalade makes a U-turn, then speeds off.

“Maybe they just moved here, and it’s someone new in town?”

“Hmm, you could be right. I think I’m just paranoid after what happened with Tyler and Noah.”

“Possibly. Or maybe it’s a serial killer.” He flashes me a grin, which causes me to laugh.

“Thanks, that makes me feel a lot better,” I deadpan.

Archer laughs, and it warms my heart to hear his deep baritone.

Once we’re home and inside, I take Sassy out, then grab my laptop from my room. I get cozy on the couch and load the photos into my editing software.

Archer scoots closer beside me, peeking at my screen.

I brighten some, soften others, and do some cropping so they fit nicely on my social media pages.

“Wow,” he mutters. “They were good before, but now they look super professional.”

“Once I post these, prepare for a lot of attention.” I glance at him.

That same heated gaze from earlier returns, and I’m tempted to kiss him just to see what he does.

“Anyone can look like that when they’re dressed and posed by a pro.”

I suck in a deep breath and purposely zoom in on his abs.

“Clothes don’t create this.” Moving the mouse around, I go to his biceps. “Or this.” Then I zoom into his seductive eyes. “I’m literally gonna have to lock you in my house.” I chuckle.

“I’ve been locked up long enough.”

My smile fades at the realization of my stupid comment, and I mentally berate myself. “Oh my God, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Though if I could choose to be a prisoner to anyone…” He lingers with a sexy-ass smirk, and my bottom lip falls into my mouth. “Being yours wouldn’t be so bad.”