Abruptly, he lifted me and set me down two feet away. Goldie stirred awake.
“Friendly hug is over,” he said hoarsely. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a very cold shower.” He rounded to the driver’s side.
“Perfect. I have a date with a nice, long, warm bath, and a few vibrating toys for added pleasure.”
His laugh was half agony, half worship. He exhaled like it hurt. “You’re killing me, Pen.”
“No. I’m going to keep you alive long enough to regret your non-fraternization policy.”
“I already do.” He opened the car door, lingering for one last look. “One year,” he said.
“One year, Archer.” I stood on the sidewalk with Goldie, heart racing, and waved until his taillights disappeared.
I practically floated up the steps and back into Brier’s. I said goodnight to her and Westley as they sat side by side and watched Wheel of Fortune together. I should stop and thank her for her little deception tonight, inviting Archer here, but a warm bath was calling my name.
SUGAR AND TEMPTATION
Archer
My simple jauntto Steele Valley to meet Holden turned into a full production. I brought Caleb and his team to see the old lodge for themselves. Then Brooks got involved, securing Holden’s permission to let our NYU interns use the lodge as a case study, even splitting them into two teams to create designs.
I crested the last turn in my Jag, and Steele Valley unfolded below me. The mountain town had everything the rich and famous could want, including a luxury resort, five-star eateries, designer shops, and nightclubs. The only place I didn’t recognize was a new country club crowned by a hideous neon cowboy boot flashing above Main Street.
“Been some time since I visited. Interesting changes,” I muttered to no one. At least one thing hadn’t changed—the corner French-style patisserie with the best lemon Popelini cream puffs and spicy vanilla lattes. I stopped and had my fill, plus took a box of a dozen to go.
At the resort, a valet took my car. The bellman in a wool coat materialized, holding open the door to a lobby that made five stars look effortless. Chandeliers, leather couches—old money meets new. Over the stone fireplace, an oil of the lake shimmered beneath a brass plaque:The mysterious healingwaters of the valley.A stand of brochures for the spa sat conveniently nearby.
Sadly, I wasn’t here for a hot lake-stone massage or lake-water bath. Duty called.
Brooks waited for me in our shared two-bedroom suite. The rest of the interns and employees each got a room as well, all on the Bellamy Brothers’ dime.
“Look who it is, Wren. Say hi to Uncle Archer.” He sat on the couch video-calling Maisy and the kids. Wren waved, her pink bow bobbing.
“Hi sweetheart. I have a huge dinosaur to bring you at Thanksgiving.” I leaned into view. My niece was peak adorableness.
“Ew. No Dino. Bluey!” She padded off-screen.
“Well, that was a brief phase. And what the hell is Bluey?” Good thing I still had the receipt to return the gift.
“An animated show about an Australian Blue Heeler…” Maisy began, rocking a fussy, coughing Everett. I shook my head and escaped to the bedroom to unpack.
By the time Brooks ended the call, I’d braced for the conversation coming my way.
“So, Arch… Penny?” With eyebrows raised and arms crossed, he took up the entire doorway. No escaping this conversation.
“I’m fine.”
“I didn’t ask about you. I asked for details. Why did I, your brother, have to hear about this Penny situation from Rex and Richard on the group chat?”
“Because I already got an earful from them about it. I don’t need you to chime in with your opinions.” I hung tomorrow’s clothes.
“Well, get ready. I’m chiming in anyway.”
“No need. Penny works for me. That’s all.”
“According to Sophie, your eyes saw more than a colleague.”
I sighed and sat on the bed, elbows on knees. “So what if I’m interested? Look. I get it. Brianne did a number on me. I moped around for years after, and you and the guys were always looking out for me. I finally decide to move on, and who crosses my path? None other than my ex’s stepsister. It’s understandable there’d be concerns.”
