Charge, page 11
“You slept with a married woman? And a client? Are you out of your fucking mind?” Gunner roared.
It stung that he thought I’d sleep with a married woman. Well, technically I did. But since they weren’t together that way, I didn’t really see it as cheating. I knew I’d better explain things before Gunner said something he couldn’t take back. “Thanks for the vote of confidence. And it’s not what it looks like.”
“Then please enlighten me, because from where I’m sitting, you did exactly what I asked you not to do and pissed off one of our biggest clients.”
Sighing, I stomped over the perfectly manicured grass, needing to move. I wondered if someone trimmed it by hand every day to make sure each blade was exactly the same length. “Calm down, big guy. William isn’t mad. And no matter how much I don’t want anyone else protecting Thea, I know it’s the only option.”
There was no way I’d be able to do my job properly. I’d be distracted and make mistakes.
“He’s not mad? Are you joking? What man wouldn’t be mad after finding out his wife is having an affair?”
“I can’t explain the reasons, but please trust me. He’ll stay your client.”
He let out a disbelieving grunt. “I’m calling William. You better pray what you said is true. And you’re staying until Carter arrives. Then I want you out of there.”
“Understood.”
He slung more curse words my way, then hung up. I hoped talking to William would calm him down.
And if I only had a few hours left in San Diego, I wanted to spend them with Thea. There was nothing more important than making sure she understood I’d make us work, no matter where we lived. Hopefully it would erase the doubt I still saw flaring in her eyes when she thought nobody was watching. Because there was no doubt in my mind that she was it for me.
12
THEA
William waved me over, and I rounded the desk, leaning into him when he held his arm out. “Do you really think he can’t protect me any longer? I don’t want him to leave.”
My voice was small, my heart squeezing at the thought of Archer leaving. I wanted him close. I hadn’t even thought about the problems it would cause if we gave in to our feelings.
“I know, sweetheart. But this doesn’t look like a simple hookup to me. In all the years we’ve been married, I’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you do at him. And it looks to me like he returns the sentiment. I doubt he could do his job when all he can think about is you.”
Heat creeped up my cleavage, and I hung my head. “Being with him makes me feel whole. I don’t think I could have stopped what happened if I wanted to.”
“Then I’m happy for you. And you’ll figure out the rest. The threat won’t be there forever, and then I can figure out what’s next. But for now, one thing at a time.”
“I know. I trust you.”
Patting the arm I had around his chest, he chuckled. “It’s okay to tell me what an idiot I’ve been.”
“I’m sure Ciel has done that plenty. And I know you’re sorry for what happened.”
“Jesus, there she goes again. I don’t deserve you.”
Kissing the side of his head, I straightened up. “You’re a good man. One who’s lost his way, but still a man who’d do anything for his family. And I’ll never forget that you saved me. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”
“Probably shacked up with the guy most likely waiting outside the office for you.”
The urge to find out if he was right was too strong to ignore, and my feet carried me across the wooden floor. “Then I shouldn’t make him wait any longer.” Halfway to the door, I turned around again. “I love you.”
Waving me off with a grin, he turned to his ringing phone. “I love you too. Now get out of here before he thinks I’m trying to change your mind about him.”
But he’d never do that. Make sure I was okay, definitely. But he’d always let me make my own mistakes. Which was why my mom managed to get so much money out of me. He’d only put the brakes on when it started affecting him as well.
Archer was pacing outside the doors, his head snapping up as soon as I stepped out of the office. The sight sent warm tingles through my body, and I rushed to him.
His face lit up as soon as he saw me, his long strides eating up the distance between us. As soon as we were close enough, he pulled me into his arms and crushed his mouth to mine, his kiss hard but ever so delicious.
But no matter how they came, I liked all his kisses.
Pulling back, he put his forehead to mine. “You okay?”
Holding him tight, brushing my nose to his, I inhaled his addictive scent that was all Archer and a hint of cologne. “I’m fine. William is only worried. But he’s happy for us.”
Groaning, he peeled himself away from me. “This is so weird.” He chuckled. “Your husband is basically giving us his blessing.”
My body jolted at his words. Was he regretting getting involved with me? “I didn’t mean to pull you into my mess.” Unable to look at him in fear of seeing relief on his face of being let off the hook, I put a few steps between us.
“Stop right there.” His words were low, his voice coming out in a growl. “I don’t regret anything we did. I meant what I said in the office. I want to be with you. And if I say this situation is weird, that’s because it is. Doesn’t mean I want you any less or that I can stay away from you.”
I was too stunned at his words to see his approach or to react fast enough to evade him when he put his shoulder to my stomach and lifted me up. I flipped upside down, suddenly close to his delectable backside.
Seizing the opportunity, I put my hands on his butt cheeks, relishing their firmness. He really had the perfect body. And for now, it was all mine.
“Why is Aunt Thea over Archer’s shoulder? Was she naughty?”
Sofie’s question made me freeze in my fondling, and I glimpsed Everleigh and Sofie through the curtain of my hair hanging over my face. “Hey, guys,” I squeaked. “I thought you weren’t coming over until later.”
“We wanted to surprise you.” Everleigh threw up her hands. “Surprise.”
Sofie joined in, waving her arms in the air. “Surprise.”
Archer had frozen at Sofie’s voice, but now he slowly slid me down his body. Keeping a hold of my arms, he made sure I was steady before turning and facing his sister and niece. “Hey, Everleigh.” He then winked at Sofie, who waved at him. “Squid, how’s it going?”
Everleigh stared at him with raised brows. “What’s going on?”
Archer grinned. “Thea was very naughty, so I was about to bring her back to her bedroom.”
A strangled gasp escaped me, and I lightly slapped Archer’s arm. His response was a deep, throaty chuckle, and then he pulled me into his side in front of his sister and niece. I went rock solid, blinking at Everleigh, who was doing much of the same.
When we kept blinking at each other, Sofie decided she was bored and skipped up to us. Her arms came around me, her elbow going into Archer’s belly. He backed off with a pained groan.
“Hello, gorgeous,” I greeted her, giving her a hug.
She wiggled out of my embrace almost as soon as my arms closed around her. “Can we go swimming?”
“Of course.”
Everleigh came up, holding her arms out. “Where’s my hug?”
Embracing my best friend, I hoped it was a positive sign. After all, she couldn’t be too mad at me if she was hugging me. Unless she planned on luring me into a false sense of security.
Deciding to woman up and talk to her instead of worrying about what she thought about Archer and me, I gave her one last squeeze before releasing her. “You have a minute?”
“Of course.”
Turning to Sofie, I leaned down, brushing the hair out of her face. “Pumpkin, you want to show Archer where we keep the net and balls for the pool?”
“Is he going to teach me to swim really fast today? And how to hold my breath? Mom told me he’s her brother. And my uncle. Does that mean he’ll play with me?” The sentences ran into each other, and she barely took a breath as she was talking. Her eyes were wide, her smile bright at the idea of her uncle playing with us.
I looked up at Archer, who met my unasked question with a nod. Standing back up, I grinned. “I think today might be your lucky day.”
Cheering, Sofie rushed up to Archer, taking his hand in hers and pulling him outside. I was sure she’d make a stop in the kitchen. Jacques always made her favorite vanilla cupcakes when he knew she was coming over.
Everleigh watched them, her mouth slightly open, her eyes unblinking. “You’re a miracle worker. Last time we came over, Archer barely acknowledged us. He didn’t even freak out that I told Sofie he was her uncle.”
“Not quite a miracle. But give him time. He’s trying.” Taking her hand in mine and squeezing it lightly, I led her over to a room off to the side. We never used it, but it was the perfect space to sit and talk uninterrupted.
We sat down, but the words wouldn’t come, silence enveloping us. Turning to face me, Everleigh clasped her hands in front of her, then released them. “I know William is gay, but what’s going on? You’re still married. Unless that’s changed and you didn’t tell me.”
“It’s complicated. But I’m not using Archer as a convenient hookup. I have feelings for your brother. And I think he likes me too. And William knows about us and has no problem with it,” I finally rushed out, the words almost joined. But I had to get it out before I doubted my decision to talk to her.
Going behind her back or hiding something from her felt utterly wrong.
A huge smile spread over her face, and she jumped up. I froze in my seat, unsure if I should call for help or return her smile. But instead of punching me for having feelings for her brother, she tackle-hugged me.
We fell back on the couch, giggling.
“I’m so happy for you both.” Sitting back up, she dug her elbow into my side, all while beaming at me. “My brother has had the biggest crush on you for years. I never thought you returned his feelings. But you always had a special connection. After all, you both love those awful old Westerns nobody in their right mind would ever watch.”
Swatting at her, I sat up, making sure she knew I meant business. “They’re not awful. They’re art.”
She snorted. “Whatever. But seriously, I think you’ll be good for him.”
She was excited now, but once I told her that us hooking up meant he’d have to leave San Diego again, she might not be as happy about it. “Being with me also means he can’t work as my bodyguard. He hasn’t told me yet what Gunner said, but I’m guessing he’ll have to go back to Chicago. I’m sorry, Everleigh. I know how much you hoped you’d finally have a relationship with him again.”
Not to mention how much I enjoyed having Archer around. I didn’t know how I’d survive with him going back to Chicago. Maybe he could stay in San Diego. But that was probably jumping the gun.
You’ve only spent one night with him. Stop planning a future together.
Everleigh’s smile melted off her face, replaced with a frown. “If he really wants to have a relationship with me again, he knows where to find me. He also has my number. Would I love to have him close for longer? Definitely. But don’t blame yourself for anything. I know you. You’ll make this into a big deal when it’s not.” She sniffled. “I doubt it’ll make a difference to our relationship whether he’s in Chicago or San Diego.”
“I’m sure he’ll eventually realize how much he’s missing out on. I remember how stubborn he used to be, and it looks like that hasn’t changed.”
Sighing, she stood up. “I guess. But at least he has you now. He needs someone he can count on. Someone he trusts. And I’d be more than happy if that person is you.”
I walked her to our front door, thinking about her words. Archer and Everleigh didn’t have a big family. Their parents had no interest in them, their grandparents were long gone, and there were no uncles or aunts.
But even if things between Archer and me didn’t work out, I’d always be there for him, I hoped. The thought of not having him in my life sent a stab of pain through me. The last seven years without him had been hard enough; I didn’t want to go through another seven where he wasn’t talking to me.
“I’ll be back at six to pick Sofie up. Lucius wants to take us camping tomorrow morning.”
Everleigh pulled a face, and I laughed at her bugged-out eyes. Neither of us had much experience camping. And the thought of having to dig a hole to go to the toilet just didn’t seem all that appealing.
“Sounds fun. She’ll be ready and all sugared up for you to pick her up in a few hours.”
Blowing me a kiss, Everleigh walked to her car, pausing in the open door. “I love you.”
Waving at her, I thought for not the first time how much she and Archer had saved me. “Love you too.”
She crawled down the driveway, apparently still scared from when she nearly ran over our peacock. Perry had run in front of her car, and she nearly rolled right over him.
Ever since then, I could walk faster than she was driving when on our property. The peacock was William’s baby and had already been with him for a few years before I moved in. He usually kept out of the way but had been feeling social that day.
After getting changed into a red polka-dot bikini, I went outside in search of Archer and Sofie.
Loud shrieks and deep rumbling laughter filled the air as soon as I stepped out onto the patio. Curious, I made my way to the side of the house where the pool was to find Archer throwing Sofie high in the air.
She shrieked and landed back in the pool with a big splash. They repeated their game a few more times before Archer spotted me.
“You want to go next?” he asked, swimming to the edge of the pool.
I grinned down at him, my heart melting at the smile on his face. He was gorgeous when he was all broody, but happy suited him even better. I loved seeing the carefree expression on his face.
“Not sure you’d be able to throw me up into the air.”
He pulled himself out of the pool, and we stood toe-to-toe, wet drops landing on my body. “Now that sounds like a challenge.”
Before I responded, he’d yanked me to him, his arms tight around me, and we were airborne. The scream that escaped me could rival Sofie’s.
We went under, Archer pulling me back up with him. Gasping, I wiped the wet strands of hair out of my face. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Nuzzling his face into my neck, causing my whole body to tremble and forget the cold water, he placed a kiss on my shoulder. “Hold your breath.”
That was the only warning before he threw me into the air. If I thought my scream was loud before, this one was close to piercing eardrums. I hit the water and came back up, spluttering. “How about a little warning next time?”
He swam up to me, but I backed up, having no intention of getting thrown into the air again. “Oh no. Don’t come any closer.”
A little body latched on to my left side. “That was so much fun.”
Sofie’s giggles were infectious, and any annoyance I might have felt disappeared. “You should go again, then. But I’m too old to be thrown around.”
Sofie scoffed. “You’re not old. Ever always says age is just a number. What’s your number?”
“I’m not telling you,” I said, then tickled her until she let go with a laugh. Then I chased her around the pool, splashing Archer each time we went past him. He was leaning against the side, a smile playing on his lips as he watched us.
Sofie suddenly stopped, throwing up her arms. “Let’s play volleyball.”
“Did you and Archer get the net and ball out?”
She was already on the steps, getting out of the pool. “We did. It’s just over there.”
Sofie pointed at the other end of the pool and speed-walked to get there. We’d told her she wasn’t allowed to run, so now she walked as fast as she could.
Archer’s hungry gaze followed me as I swam up to him while Sofie was busy. The need to touch him was overwhelming.
When I was almost in front of him, he leaned forward, pulling me the rest of the way to him. After a look over my shoulder to where Sofie was gathering the net and ball, he touched his lips to mine, the contact brief. My hands went to his sides, trailing over his warm skin.
His eyes were burning with need, and I was sure mine looked the same.
A splash at the other end made us both look over to where Sofie was throwing everything in the pool. I leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his chest. “I better help her or we’ll never be able to detangle the net again.”
I moved back but didn’t get far, because his hand shot out and pulled me back in, taking my lips in another brief kiss. “I just needed one more to get me through the rest of the day.”
Chuckling, I ran my hand along his jaw. “Thanks for hanging out with us.”
His eyes lost some of their heat, and his face went soft on my words. “You don’t have to thank me. I—”
“And here I thought I’d find you crying in your room because you’re off the job.”
I looked up at the person who’d interrupted us but didn’t recognize the guy walking up. He was wearing a suit, sunglasses, and a cocky smirk.
Archer released me and pulled himself out of the pool, dripping water on the tiles. “Carter. I wasn’t expecting you until later.”
“If that’s a comment on how efficient I am, I’ll take it. If you’re asking me to turn around and come back later, I’ll tell you to fluff off. Because playtime is over, lover boy.”
He turned to me with a dimpled grin. “We met when you had the unfortunate incident on your yacht. I’m Carter.”
Forcing a smile on my face, I dug deep for my manners. After all, it wasn’t his fault that Archer had to leave. “Hi, Carter.”
Archer stepped in front of him, blocking his line of sight. “Let’s get this over with.”
Carter twisted to the side and winked at me. Archer growled a warning at him, and they disappeared inside the pool house.
