“Come on, Cici. Don’t play dumb.”
“I have a million questions, Archer. I don’t know the one you’re expecting to hear.”
An engine thundered toward us, headlights illuminating Archer’s right side.
“How I lost my arm,” he bit out. “Why haven’t you asked me that?”
I flicked a glance to his left arm where the sleeve covered it. “Because it’s none of my business. I mean, yes, I may have wondered. But that’s not the most pressing question I’ve had on my mind.”
He frowned. “Then what is?”
Noah zoomed up next to us and honked, making me jump out of my skin. He hopped out, striding toward us with a stiff gait and narrow eyes. “What’s going on here?”
“Hey, man. What’s up?” Archer said. “Did you see the sign? I saw the lights on at the bookstore and thought I’d check on your girl. A lot of jackasses come and go from the bars down there, and you can bet they’d get curious about the lights being on. I figured I’d walk her over to the bar and get her something to eat.”
Noah slid his arm around me. “That’s real thoughtful. What happened toyou?”
Archer looked down at his clothes. “Paint. I have to get home and work out before bed. I didn’t plan on staying out for this long. You two should head over to the Rabbit Lounge and grab a bite.”
“I thought they only served lunch?” he asked.
Archer gave him a sly grin. “One of the perks of being a packmate. They keep a few lunch leftovers in case one of us goes up there and is hungry, but I think Mercy’s incentivizing us to hang out there instead of Dragonfly’s.”
Noah scoffed. “Women. They’re always scheming something. No, we have to head out.”
“Are you sure?” Archer gestured toward the bar. “It’s free. Just tell them I sent you.”
“Thanks anyhow, but we’ve got plans.”
I glanced up. “We do?”
“How would you like to take a trip to your hometown?”
“Tonight?”
He chuckled. “I came back so you could pack a bag.”
“But… I plan to open the store tomorrow.”
Noah withdrew his arm. “You don’t want to go? I had this whole thing planned. Goddammit, Cecilia. Really? Now everything’s ruined.”
“Hold up,” Archer said. “One night isn’t a big deal. Some of us can get the word out that your store opens the day after tomorrow. Then it won’t be crickets when you flip the sign on the door.”
“You see?” Noah gestured to Archer, and suddenlyIfelt like the unreasonable one.
“I’m sorry. Of course I want to go.”
Noah scratched the back of his neck. “Good. We’ll be back Friday.”
“Friday? I can’t, Noah. One night, maybe. But?—”
“My job wants me working two shifts,” he snapped. “That’sthe deal. Do you think I’m leaving you home alone for that long? Anyhow, you wouldn’t be able to drive to the bookstore without a car.”
“She can stay with us,” Archer offered.
“Not your business.”
“Gotcha.” Archer held up his hands and backed off.
