Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 136421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 682(@200wpm)___ 546(@250wpm)___ 455(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 136421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 682(@200wpm)___ 546(@250wpm)___ 455(@300wpm)
“You think anyone noticed we were gone?” I ask, ready to collapse on the floor.
“Probably.” He shrugs. “Let’s find something to clean up before we go back out there.”
Archer grabs a paper towel roll and rubs a sheet over my legs, then himself. Next, he helps me move my dress down below my ass, then I adjust his suit jacket and hair. We’re a sloppy mess, and it might be more than obvious what we were doing, but I’m not ashamed.
“So you’re not giving me my panties back?” I ask before I open the door and check to see if the coast is clear.
“Absolutely not. It’s a treasure.”
I smirk. “Figured as much. I’ll go out first. Give me a few minutes, then meet me at the bar so we don’t look suspicious.”
“Sounds like a plan,” he tells me, pulling me in for one more kiss.
After I leave and shut the door behind me, I make my way down the hallway. The music’s blaring so there’s no way anyone heard us—hopefully.
As soon as I get to the bar, Gemma walks up next to me with a shit-eating grin. “You look guilty as hell.”
I shrug and wave her off. “Not sure what you mean.”
“So where were you?”
“Studying the inside of a broom closet,” I say.
Her head falls back with laughter. “Were you cleaning?” she asks, then fixes my hair.
Leaning in, I whisper, “More like gettin’ dirty.”
Archer walks up behind me, wrapping an arm over my waist. “Oh, there you are.”
Now that we’re in the light, I can see how swollen his lips are and know mine probably look the same.
I snort when Gemma shakes her head. “You two need to work on not being so obvious.”
Archer choke-laughs at the realization we’re busted. Soon, we’re grabbing glasses of wine, then eating hors d’oeuvres.
We all watch as Katie and Noah have their first dance, and then other couples join in.
Archer dips me, then spins me around right before kissing me. I’m not a huge fan of PDA, but right now, I want everyone to know he’s mine.
“Get a room,” Tyler mumbles as he dances with Gemma next to us.
“Oh, I have one. Already christened it,” I blurt out, and Archer chuckles when Tyler frowns.
After we’ve danced ourselves silly, and the sun has long set, Katie and Noah cut the cake. The icing is a sweet hazelnut, and I shamelessly go for seconds. Right before I get a chance to chat with Katie, my phone buzzes. I almost forgot I had it stuffed in the secret pocket of my dress.
“Ms. Blackwood?”
“Speaking,” I say, realizing it’s my security service for the boutique.
“Just wanted to let you know the motion and smoke alarms have been tripped at your shop.”
“Oh my gosh.” My eyes go wide, and Archer’s smile fades when he notices my mood shift. Every horrible scenario plays out in my mind.
“Are you able to go there now?” the woman asks, interrupting my thoughts.
“Yes, but I’m an hour away,” I explain. My heart thuds hard in my chest.
“Alright, I’ll inform the authorities you’ll be there soon.”
“Okay, thank you.” I end the call so we can leave right away.
“What’s going on?” Archer asks.
“My shop could be burning to the ground right now. We gotta leave.” The happiness I felt before the call is replaced with pure panic. Archer doesn’t ask questions. He just takes my hand, leading me toward the exit. We pass Tyler, and he immediately knows something’s not right.
“My shop’s on fire,” I call out, then turn my attention to Gemma. “Let Katie know. I’m so sorry. I have to go.”
“She’ll understand, Ev. Keep us updated!”
Archer opens the passenger door for me, then goes around to the driver’s side. He starts the engine and pulls out of the parking lot.
“How could something like this happen? Everything is up to code.” I try not to cry, but my shop is my livelihood and passion.
Archer grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles as he drives us to Lawton Ridge. “I know it’s really hard to think positive, but it might not be as bad as you think. It could be a false alarm.”
I shake my head, the tears beginning to stream. “After what I’ve been through this past year, I highly doubt it.”
His expression falls, but he tries to comfort me in any way he can.
On the way over, I text Lexie to let her know what’s going on and ask if she knows anything.
After fifteen minutes, she still hasn’t texted back, and I’m convinced more than before that something bad has happened.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
ARCHER
I’m trying my best to keep Everleigh calm, but it’s nearly impossible when her shop could be in ashes. I hope that’s not the case and am grateful the fire department is there. When she answered the phone, I knew something wasn’t right. I’ve seen that expression on her face a few times and hope I never have to again.