“Perfect.” I put Lincoln in the crib, pleased when I see it’s outfitted with only a sheet, and slide a hand over his head. “Have a nice nap, Linky.”
Archer steps up beside me and ruffles Lincoln’s hair. “Have a good sleep, little man.” When he kisses his fingers and touches them to Lincoln’s forehead, I swoon.
Together, we sneak out of the room and close the door.
“Come check out the display for the monitor,” Archer whispers before leading me to the living room. “I didn’t get one of these wi-fi enabled ones you read about. Not because I think a stranger would try to hack in and talk to Lincoln, but because I think Eric would. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if Eric hacked my baby monitor to teach my son to say stupid shit.”
I can’t stop the laugh that bubbles up. “He seems like that kind of guy. I guess we know who we need to keep an eye on when Lincoln starts talking. I’ve ruled out my brother. Gavin already knows I’ll have his balls for earrings if he tries.”
“I think Eric needs to be warned of that, too. MaeLynn would kill me if I let Lincoln swear like a sailor before his third birthday.” He laughs. “Or ever, probably.”
He picks up a device from a side table in the living. “So this is the display.” He turns it on and hands it to me, a picture of Lincoln filling the screen. He’s not asleep yet, but he’s not crying, so that’s a good sign.
“That’s perfect,” I say, handing it back to him. “You have quite the setup. I’m a little surprised, actually.” Turning my back to him, I take a few steps into the living room, looking around. “This is a really nice place.”
“Thanks, I guess. I’ve been thinking it’s about time to sell, actually. But never mind that. What about the setup makes you surprised?”
I walk a little further, taking everything in. Funny. There’s no sign of a woman living here. No decorative cushions, no throw blankets, no feminine decorative touches of any kind. My heart beats double time when I realize his girlfriend must not live with him. Maybe they’re not that serious?
Never mind, Phoebe. Serious or not, he’s taken.
Aside from his oversized furniture, enormous television, full bookshelves, interesting art, and a few tastefully arranged plants, all that’s in this room is baby stuff. Tons and tons of baby stuff. There’s a swing, another rocking chair, a playpen, a basket of toys, tummy time mats, and a bouncy chair all in my line of sight. If he has all this in the living room, I wonder what he has in all the other spaces?
I wonder what his personal space looks like? His bed?
I wonder whathelooks like in his bed?
I wonder what he would look like in his bed, naked, looking down on me from above as he drives into me, his back flexing, his hips thrusting—
“Phoebe? Are you okay?”
Archer’s voice cuts into my thoughts right as they take a turn for the dirty. My face heat because he’s caught me, but even the thought of that does nothing to curb the desire that’s run roughshod over me. I need to get out of here. And luckily for me, Archer has proven he’s ready to look after Lincoln for a short time. The way he got him ready for his nap was perfect. He didn’t even get peed on this time.
I know where he lives, where he works, and what he drives. Not only that, I have the stripper cops in my corner. Everything will be fine if I leave Lincoln with his dad for a couple of hours.
“Uh, yeah. Sorry. I was thinking maybe I’ll take you up on your offer after all.” A plan takes shape in my head. “You said I could use your car? Is that still okay?”
Archer’s face splits into a wide grin, and he nods vigorously. “Yes. Definitely.” He digs his keys and a plastic card out of his pocket and passes them to me. “Here. Take these.”
His fingers graze my palm and the heat building in my belly cranks up another notch. Am I really doing this? The answering throb and rush of wetness in my underwear says yes. Yes, I am. And the sooner, the better.
“Okay, perfect. I’ll get out of here.” I jerk a thumb to the door as I ramble. “Call me if he wakes up, or if you have questions. He has extra diapers, bottles, and formula in his bag if you need. I noticed you have tons of clothes already, but he has a couple of extra outfits if he needs one.”
As I turn to walk to the door, Archer steps up and places his hand on my lower back. The heat from his fingers is scorching my already too warm skin, but I love it.
“Take as long as you need. I’ll have my phone on me at all times so you can call and check on him whenever you like. Or video call and I can show you the monitor, too.” His hand sneaks around to the side of my waist and my breath catches. “I almost wish I’d gotten the wi-fi camera now, so you could log in from wherever you want. Maybe I’ll ask if MaeLynn can have her friend send one over?”
I know he’s talking about cameras, but I can’t concentrate with his hand nestled in the curve of my waist.
“Great. Yup. Sounds good.” I throw open the door and rush out. “I’ll call you if I’m going to be longer than a couple of hours.”
Archer smiles again. “Lincoln and I will be fine. Have fun shopping.” Before it can register, he leans forward and kisses my cheek. “Thank you. For trusting me. I know this isn’t easy.”
I can only nod, stunned at the tingling his kiss leaves in its wake. What is happening? Oh yeah, I’m leaving. I walk across the small lobby and press the button for the elevator. When the doors open behind me, I walk backwards and swipe the card on the security panel, pushing the button for the parking garage level. Archer watches me the whole time, a crooked grin on his lips. I manage an awkward wave as the doors close, before sagging back against the elevator wall in relief.
Could I have been weirder? I don’t think so. But at least I’m out of there now and I can follow through on my plan.
I’m not going shopping. I’m going home to tear open that battery operated boyfriend and put it to some use, finally. Because if I don’t give my lady parts some sweet loving, I’ll never be able to stop fantasizing about Archer every time I lay eyes on him.
