My eyes fill with tears at their generosity. “Thank you so much.”
“We’re a family here, right?”
I sniff and nod. “It’s such a nice place to work.”
“I’m glad you think so.” He checks his watch. “Look, I’m going to head over to the Ark. I’m supposed to be meeting the guys to talk about staffing.” He looks at me. “I know Archer’s offered you a job. Do you think it would make things easier for you to move to PAWS now rather than stay at the Ark?”
“You mean because of proximity to Jude?” I hesitate. “I don’t know how Archer would feel about that after what’s happened.” I fight not to let the tears fall
“Why don’t you let me talk to him and Stefan,” Noah says. “We’ll work something out, don’t worry. Have the rest of the day off, too. Take some time to get yourself together.”
I can only nod my thanks. “Sorry,” I squeak, and give a half laugh as I rub my nose.
“It’s okay,” he says. “You’re going through some big changes. Be kind to yourself.” He gets to his feet. “Abby can show you the cottage and make arrangements for you to move in. But you know where I am, and my number if you need anything.”
“Thank you,” I say with feeling.
“No worries.” He rests his hand on my shoulder as he passes, then heads out of the door.
I pick up my coffee and sip it, then give Abby a wan smile. “Thank you so much for this. Noah’s so kind.”
“He sees himself as the father of the family,” she says. “Even though he’s only a few years older than Leon and his cousins. He likes everyone to know they can come to him for support.” She gestures at the plate of biscuits. “Go on, help yourself. I made them this morning, and they’re not bad, if I say so myself.”
I take one and nibble it, looking out at the view. Beyond the big garden, the Pacific sparkles in the sunshine. It’s the same color as Archer’s eyes.
The thought takes my breath away as I remember the way he looked at me as if to say,You’re mine. I thought that if Jude found out about what happened, Archer would immediately say he was sorry and be wracked by guilt. I’m sure that will come.
She’s my girl!
Not anymore.
Archer’s words fill me with a warmth I can’t ignore. But I know what’s happened has driven a huge wedge between him and Jude, and Archer is such an honorable guy that I don’t know how it will affect his feelings for me. He might not want me at PAWS. And Jude won’t want me at the Ark.
I sit there in the peace and quiet, sipping my coffee and fighting tears, and hoping I haven’t ruined everything.
Chapter Fourteen
Archer
“Archer!”
I push aside the arms that are trying to restrain me, angrier than I’ve ever been in my life. Beth isn’t a possession. She doesn’t belong to anyone, least of all Jude, who’s treated her with disrespect and has now done the worst thing possible in my eyes in physically hurting her, because I saw her wince when he grabbed her arm.
I want to hit him again, but as I struggle, someone turns me around to face them and says again, urgently, “Archer!” It’s Leon, and he stares into my eyes and says clearly, “Snap out of it.”
I blink a few times, and the red mist slowly fades.
“I’m all right,” I say as he holds me by my upper arms. “It’s okay, I’m all right.”
He releases me, and I look across at where Hal is helping Jude up. Jude shakes off Hal’s hand, but Hal slides it under Jude’s arm, says to Leon, “I’ll deal with him,” and physically propels Jude across the Quad toward the Forever Home.
I look back at Leon, who blows out a breath. “Jesus, don’t do that to me,” he says.
“I’m sorry,” I grunt. Except I’m not. I’m not sorry at all.
He gives me a wry look as if to say,Don’t lie to me, then says, “Come on, let’s go into the boardroom.” He leads the way across the Quad into the office building, and Stefan and I follow. I’m conscious of people standing around who’ve obviously witnessed our altercation, and a few more peering through the windows, and feel the first twinge of guilt. I’ve just had a fistfight with my best friend in full view of everyone at the Ark. Wow. That’s a first.
Leon crosses the office to the boardroom, and we go in. “Sit down,” he commands, gesturing at a chair. I pull it out and lowermyself into it, feeling like a sulky teenager, while he sits at the head of the table, and Stefan takes the seat opposite.
