Once I’m done, I sit across from him.
“So, fill me in with what's going on.”
I suck in a deep breath, not sure where to start, but knowing I have to tell him the truth. “There’s been a lot.”
“Go ahead,” he encourages.
“My girlfriend was stabbed and had to have emergency surgery.”
The man deserves an Emmy because he doesn’t react. “Is she okay?”
“Yes, she is. She’ll fully recover, just taking it easy now.”
“That’s good news. Do you know who did it?”
“I don’t. That’s why I’m worried. Not to mention I’ve been receiving threatening text messages from Krystal, Chad’s sister.”
“Archer, you need to file a report. They can’t charge her without proper evidence, so it needs to be documented now. That way, if her threats become actions, a file has already been started.”
I listen to his every word, remembering how I stressed the same things to Annie when she was with Chad. The realization that the situations are familiar nearly knocks the breath out of me.
“You’re right. I’ll go to the station after I leave here.”
“Archer, if you need me for anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I just don’t want you to get caught up in something that’s not your fault. Understand what I mean?”
I nod. “Absolutely.”
“Anything else you want to discuss?”
“That’s about it. I love being in Alabama. It was the change of pace I needed.”
“I’m happy to hear that.” He looks down at his calendar. “We should meet in sixty days unless a reason pops up that we need to meet sooner. Go to the police after you leave here and show them the text messages. Then send me an update.”
“I will. Thank you,” I tell him, standing. I shake his hand, then leave.
When I’m in the car, I scroll through all the messages I’ve gotten over the last month. I slam my fist against the steering wheel, the realization setting in that Krystal isn’t going to leave me alone—but I’m not going to let her get away with it any longer.
Chapter Five
EVERLEIGH
For the past couple of weeks, I’ve had a lot of ups and downs. I don’t like lounging around for too long and am often bored.
Though I enjoyed having Archer take care of me and being around, I felt bad I was keeping him from work. Between him and Tyler constantly worrying about me, I was more than ready to get back to work.
I can’t lift anything over fifteen pounds for another month per doctor’s orders. I’ve been doing physical therapy exercises at home to prepare me for today—my first shift back at work.
“Ev, you look so good,” Lexie says when she walks through the front door. “You’re here early.”
“I couldn’t get out of my house fast enough,” I tell her as she gives me a gentle hug. “I can only watch Netflix for so long before I go stir-crazy.”
“I figured you would’ve loved being locked in with Mr. Hunky Roommate,” she taunts, grabbing the clipboard and looking at today’s task list.
“Oh I did, but it’s more of a tease than anything since he’d walk around shirtless and wouldn’t let me touch him below the waist. He took his job of making sure I rested a bit too seriously, if you know what I mean.”
“Aw…I bet he was happy to take care of you, though. Archer seems like good company.”
“Yeah, he was. I just hate being fussed over, ya know?”
“That’s because you’re independent to a fault.” She shrugs, then heads to the back. “I’ll get these racks unloaded.”
“Don’t baby me.” I scowl. “I can hang stuff!”
Lexie chuckles, rolling the rack of clothes to the front of the store. “Yes, boss, I know.”
Heidi comes in a few hours later, and I take my lunch break, though I’m not super hungry. My appetite hasn’t quite returned since the accident.
Archer: How’s your first day back?
I read Archer’s text as soon as I sit at my small desk.
Everleigh: Lexie’s treating me like a baby, so don’t worry about me doing too much.
Archer: Good, then she’s earning her raise.
Everleigh: Did you tell her to keep an eye on me?
Archer: I told everyone who would listen to make sure you’re not overdoing it.
I roll my eyes and sigh, though I appreciate where his heart is.
Everleigh: Babe, I love you, but you’re worrying too much. The doc cleared me. My wound is basically healed. I’m fine. I mean, I’d be better if my boyfriend would finally rail me…
Archer: Don’t think I haven’t wanted to, but I don’t want to hurt you.
Everleigh: PLEASE…HURT ME!
I add a few eggplant and water drop emojis, to which he responds with an eye roll and tongue-sticking out emoji.
Once my break ends, I continue checking out customers because it’s the least taxing. Everyone has heard about the incident, so I’ve been asked about it at least a dozen times. By the end of my shift, I’m more mentally exhausted than physically.
“Alright, I’m out before I hear ‘oh honey’ one more time after I explain where I’ve been,” I tell Heidi, who chuckles and gives me a side hug.
“Oh honey, you poor thing. I just hate that someone’s out there stabbin’ people for no good reason,” she mocks in a thick Southern accent.
I burst out laughing, grateful it no longer hurts to do so. “Yep, you nailed it.”
As I drive home, I spot a very sexy man on the sidewalk and slow down.
“Hey good lookin’, you want a ride?” I shout out the window. “Or perhaps I can ride you.”
“Well aren’t you full of Southern charm,” he drawls. “Let me see that sweet rack first.”
Archer waggles his brows as he walks over to the car.
“Don’t you tease me. I’ll strip right here,” I tell him.
“I know you’re bluffing, but damn that’d be a sight to see.” He gets inside the car, and I drive us home.
After we pull into the driveway and walk inside, Archer takes a shower. I dig around in the fridge to see what I can make. Though I wasn’t hungry at lunch, I’m starving now and am craving pasta.
“Whatcha making?” Archer enters with a towel wrapped around his waist. My eyes linger on his nipple piercing and tattoos because staring at him never gets old.
“I think I want chicken fettuccini Alfredo, but now I’m reconsidering starting with you.” My gaze drops to his cock.
Archer slowly steps backward when I try to get closer. “I better get dressed and stop the temptation then.”
“Ugh, damn. You’re such a tease!” I pout, trying to yank the towel off him, but he secures it to his waist. “C’mon, four weeks is long enough!”