Archer sat next to me when the shower started up. “Don’t let your food get cold.”
Bear had wrapped the burger in foil and kept the vegetables separate so I could assemble it. There was even a small container of special sauce that I poured onto the bun.
“Mmm,” I managed around a bite. “This is divine. You’re so lucky to live with Bear.”
Archer laughed. “You have no idea. That man can cook.” He stretched his arm over the back of the couch while I stuffed the burger into my mouth. “I heard you had a big opening today. Good job.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled. After swallowing, I said, “It was one of the best days of my life. And the worst.”
“Why the worst?”
I set the burger down. “I’ve never talked to so many people at once and made so many decisions. It was overwhelming.”
“But you survived. It’s always hard the first day. In a week’s time, you’ll be a pro.”
“I’m sure you’re right. I didn’t hate the experience. It’ll just take me time to get adjusted.” I leaned back. As much as I loved the idea of selling my father’s books, the reality was an obstacle course of anxiety triggers.
We both shared a smile when we heard Joy humming loudly in the shower.
“When Noah picked me up last night, why did you take his side?” I asked.
Archer frowned. “About what?”
“Saying that one night out of town wouldn’t matter.”
He rubbed his eyes. “Because I have no business meddling in relationships, that’s why. I guess I was just trying to smooth things over and help. Sorry about that.”
After wiping juices off my hands, I tasted the fries. “Oh my God. These are delicious!”
“Bear won’t tell us his secret seasoning.”
I raised my left arm briefly so the charm bracelet would slide out of the way.
“Do you always wear that?”
After swallowing my fry, I answered, “It’s the only thing that means the world to me.”
“Aren’t you afraid you’ll break it during a shift?”
I glanced at the charms. “My animal would never do that unless it was life or death. She’s not a predator, so maybe it’s not the same as your wolf bursting out whenever your mood changes.”
I froze up when Archer slowly pulled the elastic tie out of my hair. My scalp temporarily hurt from the weight shifting as my hair spilled across my shoulders.
“You’re home, Cici. You need to let your hair down.”
The butterflies in my stomach were raging a war with the burger.
He retracted his arm and stretched the band between his fingers. “It’s hard for me to relate to the talking thing. I’m the guy who stays to the end of the party. We couldn’t be more opposite.”
I resumed eating my meal.
“Word around town is you’re a horse,” he blurted out.
The burger sucked into my windpipe, and I choked.
Archer patted my back, immediately dislodging it.
After swallowing, I met his concerned gaze. “Does that bother you? About my animal, I mean.”
