She pulls back just enough to grin at me, all smug. "Zach is gonna lose his mind when he sees you. He's gonna be so happy."
Cue my stomach doing the world's most unnecessary backflip.
"Where is he?" I ask, my voice already tight.
"Oh, uh... I think..." Sam's on her tiptoes, stretching her neck like a meerkat trying to spot him in the crowd. "He was just here a minute ago. Wait—hold up."
Right then, one of the Archer twins strolls past. Jackpot. Sam grabs his arm. "Hey, Archer!"
He turns, grinning, his cheeks flushed pink from way too much booze. "'Sup, little devil?" His voice drips amusement as his eyes flick to me. And then he gives me the kind of once-over that feels like he's stripping me bare with his eyes.
"Hey, gorgeous," he says, winking like it's his signature move.
I press my lips into a tight line and manage a strained, "Hi."
"Have you seen my brother?"
He crosses his arms, biceps practically flexing just from existing, lips curling into this cocky half-smirk. "Maybe. But I'll only tell you if you use my actual name. Can't just keep calling me 'Archer,' Sammy. Total disrespect."
Sam rolls her eyes so hard I'm surprised they don't fall out. She gives him a once-over, eyes narrowing at his very obvious guns on display.
"Fine. You're Luke."
He barks out a laugh and shakes his head. "Nah. Try again next time, little devil. I'm Liam."
Sam groans, tossing up her hands. "Whatever. Just tell me where Zach is." She jerks a thumb at me. "She needs to talk to him."
Liam's grin widens, wicked and knowing, and when his eyes flick back to me, it's obvious he thinks he's got the whole story figured out. That look makes my skin prickle.
"Pretty sure I saw him heading upstairs a few minutes ago with—"
"Great, thanks!" Sam cuts him off before he can finish, already latching onto my arm and dragging me toward the stairs like I might bolt if she doesn't.
By the time we hit the bottom of the stairs, Sam glances at me. "You want me to come with you?"
For half a second, I consider saying yes. I want to say yes. But then I shake my head, quick and firm. "No... no, I should do it alone. Just... get this over with."
I blow out a breath, cheeks puffing like that's gonna help calm the nerves rattling my insides.
Spoiler: it doesn't. My palms are already sweaty again. "Just—tell me where his room is."
Sam nods, pointing up. "Go upstairs, turn left, and it's all the way at the end of the hall. Can't miss it."
I heave a long sigh, then square my shoulders and start marching up the stairs like I'm going into battle. My legs feel heavy, but my brain? Oh no, my brain's doing cartwheels.
Why the hell am I acting like such a nervous freak? It's not like I'm about to confess undying love to the guy.
Right. Because that ship sailed. Years ago. Totally sunk.Titanic-style.
Damn it, calm down.
My heart's still beating like it's on a triple espresso.This is exactly why you should cut back on coffee. Or maybe switch to tea. Or decaf. Or therapy.
I grip the railing tighter, dragging in another breath, trying to keep it together. And before I know it, I'm there—standing right in front of Zach's door.
My hand hovers in the air, ready to finally knock after, oh, I don't know, the hundredth false start.Just do it, Caroline. It's a door. It won't bite.
And then—bam. The door swings open.
