I laughed and snapped my jaw shut.
He formed a claw over my head and used his fingertips to gently massage my pressure points.
Tension ebbed away, and my shoulders relaxed.
Archer put his hand down. “All better?”
I nodded.
“How was business today?”
“I made more than the first day,” I admitted. “There were a few serious buyers, including Atticus.”
“You don’t sound excited. That’s a big deal, Cici. That’s huge! Not everyone earns as much later as they do on the grand opening.” He stroked his bottom lip, reminding me of how soft it was. “How come I’ve never seen you at the Rabbit Lounge before?”
I shrugged. “We don’t go out.”
Archer frowned briefly before he quirked his eyebrow. “Any progress on that vision board yet?” He walked backward toward the rear of the shop.
“Don’t look,” I said, chasing after him.
Then he pivoted and took off.
Archer had an uncanny ability to make me smile in any situation. When he reached the back table, he stared up at my collage.
Only one thing had been added—a wolf.
When he looked over his shoulder at me, his cheeks were flushed.
Arms crossed, I joined his side. “It’s still a work in progress. Robyn said it’s not good to rush—that I’d figure it out in time. I can add inspirational quotes, words, anything I want that means something.”
His chin touched his shoulder, and with a soft gaze, he asked, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I replied, wondering why he kept asking me that. Then I switched topics. “Have you ever been in love before?”
He turned his gaze forward. “No.”
“The truth makes me want to hate romance novels, but they’re the only place I can feel that hope and happiness. Relationships aren’t easy.”
“Relationships aren’t supposed to be as hard as yours.”
“Is Joy in trouble?”
“For what?”
“It’s just that nobody from your pack came by the store today.”
“We had a lot going on at home.” Archer faced me and sighed. “There’s something you need to know, but I’m not sure if I should say it.”
“Why?”
“Because you might already know. You might not care. Or maybe telling you could hurt you, and I don’t want to hurt you, Cici.”
“Why do you care if I get hurt?”
He reached out and brushed his thumb across my cheek, giving me instant butterflies. “Because I do.”
I wanted to lean into his touch, but the look in his eyes concerned me.
