“Oh, uh, well, I guess I do have a spare room, but I’m not sure you’d fit on the bed in there.” She blushes adorably.
She’s actually offering. My heart races at the thought. “I was just kidding,” I lie. “I’ll figure something out. I can always pitch a tent somewhere.”
Now she frowns, shaking her head. “No! You’ve been such a huge help and you’re going above and beyond with this whole fake boyfriend thing. There’s no need for you to be sleeping on the ground. I can sleep in the spare room, and you can have my bed.”
The thought of being in her space, in her bed at that, has my groin tightening. “If you’re sure. I’ve slept on the ground plenty. It’s really not a big deal.”
“No, you go get your things, and then we can meet at the bar like we were planning.”
“Alright, if you insist. Thanks Sage. I really appreciate it,” I tell her sincerely, doing my best to temper my joy at getting to stay with her.
Chapter Seven
Sage
I plop down in the chair next to Harper at the bar, chewing on my bottom lip.
“What’s wrong?” Riley asks from across the table.
“I think I screwed up.”
Harper’s brows pinch. “What could you have screwed up?”
“There was a problem at the Twilight Inn and I may have told Archer he could stay with me since everywhere else is booked.”
“Don’t see the problem with letting your sexy ‘boyfriend’ stay with you.” Riley shakes her head, using air quotes around boyfriend.
I glare at her. “It wouldn’t be if he were really my boyfriend, but he’s not now, is he? God, this competition has turned into such a mess. I can’t believe I let you talk me into it.”
Rylan, Harper’s fiancé’s phone dings, and he pulls it out. “Uh oh, looks like my marker’s being called in.” He kisses her forehead before standing. “Gotta go help Roe with whatever’s going on at the Inn.”
“I’ll give her a ride,” Riley offers.
“We won’t stay too long. I’ll see you at home,” Harper tells him.
“Yeah, you will.” He winks with a smile before leaving.
She turns to me after watching him saunter out. “So how is having the hot guy you’re crushing on staying with you a problem?”
“Uh, because it’s a disaster waiting to happen. We’re not a real couple and the more time I spend with him, the more I wish we were. Which is crazy because he’s only visiting and I’m done with men. Remember?” If I weren’t so jaded, I might almost believe there’s something between us. But that is absolutely not possible.
Riley rolls her eyes. “And don’t you remember I told you the right guy will find you when you’re least expecting it?”
“Or when the time is finally right?” Harper adds. “Have you ever considered that nothing has ever worked out before because they weren’t the right person? I mean, Gary? Really? You dodged a bullet with him.”
I heave a sigh. “Yeah well, you two weren’t here to help steer me clear of the douche bag. I was lonely, and he seemed charming. Which brings me to Archer. The man is too charming, a huge red flag. I can’t believe how easily he had people forking over their money today.”
“Well, from how you’ve described him, it’s not surprising. With a guy that big and good-looking, people are probably either enamored or intimidated, but if that’s him walking in right now, I’m going with enamored. Holy shitballs, no wonder you want to climb him like a freaking tree.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I confirm Riley’s guess, “That’s him.”
The two of them grin at each other widely. “About freaking time,” Harper mutters.
My brows pinch at her comment, but before I can ask what she’s talking about, Archer’s sliding into the chair next to mine.
“Evening ladies, I’m Archer.” He holds his hand out to first Harper and then Riley, shaking hands with both of them.
“These are my friends, Harper and Riley.” I gesture to each, making introductions.
