Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Tessa shook her head. “Butter’s fine.”
“Welcome back to real life.” Arch laughed at his brother even as he gave him a hug hello.
Betsy joined them, and Tessa asked if there was anything she could do to help.
“Oh, you’re a sweetheart,” Betsy replied. “Would you mind setting the table? Howie is about to get started on his famous omelets, and then we can all eat.”
Tessa smiled and followed Betsy to the dining room. Buster came along as though to supervise. As she took the silverware from the drawer and laid each place, she already felt more like a part of this giant, friendly family than a guest. And though it was dangerous to let herself feel that way—as though she were actually part of Arch’s life in a permanent way, rather than just until her contract ran out—she couldn’t help but give in to the sweetness of being with his family. All her life, she’d dreamed of being part of a family like the Davenports, so for this one precious morning, she would let herself enjoy every minute of it.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Looking around the huge dining table laden with breakfast, Tessa marveled at the good nature of the Davenport family. They were warm and loving, a truly good group of people. Sitting next to Arch, after a night of the most intense and connected sex of her life, she felt like she was starring opposite him in a movie.
A super sexy, extremely satisfying movie.
It was almost too good to be true. And yet, this was her life right now. She could pinch herself.
She watched Betsy and Howie and wondered how they’d worked together to build such a loving bunch. Their deep love and affection for each other after so many years of marriage felt like something out of one of Arch’s early romantic comedies. She hadn’t thought such happy-family scenes existed in the real world.
“This all looks delicious,” she said. “Thank you so much.”
It had been a long time since she’d attended any kind of big meal, let alone a family one where each person had contributed. Howie’s omelets looked incredible—steaming hot and oozing with melted cheese. The bacon was crispy and smelled divine. The fresh fruit glistened, and the toast was perfectly browned.
She didn’t know where to begin. It was so nice to be cooked for. After so many years of looking after others and thinking about their nutritional needs, to be offered an array of food so expertly cooked was a true pleasure.
“You’re very welcome, Tessa,” Betsy said. “It’s nice to have you here. I know this meal isn’t nearly enough, but we’re all so thankful that you’re doing such a great job of looking after Archer.”
“I can’t believe you managed to get him out of that cast so quickly,” Mila added. She should know, given her personal knowledge of recovery from injuries. “I know how pleased he is.”
Tessa flushed. It wasn’t the only way she’d managed to please him. She had to work to push the dirty thoughts out of her mind as she said, “He’s a good patient.”
“I don’t believe that for a second,” Damien said. “He’s one of the most stubborn of us Davenports. And that’s really saying something.”
“Hey!” Arch said. “That is not true. I’m not even in the same league as Mila.”
At that, the whole family burst into laughter. Mila joined in good-naturedly. Clearly, they were all used to being teased and took it with good humor. Plates of food were passed, and Tessa helped herself to a small portion of everything.
As she tucked into a perfectly crispy piece of toast, she realized that by inviting her to his weekly family brunch, Arch was letting her see yet another side of him. The softer, more vulnerable family man.
She felt honored.
“Now that you’re out of your full cast,” Finn said, “you’ve no excuse to get out of dishwashing duty.”
Tessa smiled, thinking once more that despite Finn’s being shockingly handsome, the only Davenport brother who did it for her was Arch. Until now, she’d remained quiet, but she couldn’t stay silent on this one. “At home, Arch has already proved himself to be pretty good at dishes. Cast or no cast.”
The entire table trained their gazes on Tessa. She tried not to turn pink.
“Are you saying that Arch actually helps around the house?” Erin asked, clearly surprised.
“It’s true!” Tessa slowly eased into the Davenport banter.
“I’d need to see it to believe it,” Erin replied.
“I’m a gentleman,” Arch said. “And enough making fun of the guy with the broken leg. Why don’t we ask Damien about his tour? I bet he’s got some stories.”
“Good point,” Howie said. He turned to his youngest son, whom Tessa was doing her best not to fangirl over. She loved Damien’s songs. “Do you have any stories that won’t make your old man blush?”