Archer laughed. “But you’re doin’ what you love, huh?”
“That I am.” She turned, following him with her eyes as he continued to check out the place.
“Holy fuck.”
“What?” She stepped out from behind the counter.
“These are impressive. Who did them?”
He was referring to the murals she’d painted at the back of the store. “That would be me.”
“Seriously?”
“Yep.”
“Wow. Simon said you were smart and beautiful, but he didn’t mention you had talent, too.”
The comment warmed her from the inside. She wasn’t sure Simon really said that, but to think he might have made her feel good.
“He’s got it bad,” Archer said, turning to face her for the first time. “I mean, bad.”
“Got what bad?” she asked, slightly confused.
Archer’s dirty blond eyebrow snapped up.
“Oh.” She felt the blush rising on her neck.
“I should warn you, he’s gonna go ape shit when he realizes I came over here.”
Violet frowned.
“I’m harmless, I promise.”
Although the man looked like he could crush a boulder in his enormous fist, Violet believed him. There was something sweet underneath that hulking exterior.
The bells jingled loudly, followed by, “They’re already talkin’ about him, Vi.”
Violet swallowed, grinning as she waited for Spencer to see thehimhe was likely referring to. You couldn’t really miss the guy unless you weren’t paying attention.
“Sue was tellin’—oh, shit.” Spencer stopped—walkingandtalking—when Archer stepped forward, coming into view.
She was mesmerized by the way the two men stared at each other. It was like the whole store held its breath.
“Uh … Spencer, this is Archer Halligan. Archer, this is one of my best friends, Spencer Elliott.”
Violet wanted to tell Spencer to close his mouth, but she didn’t want to embarrass him. He was staring at Archer like he’d never seen another human being before.
Archer wasn’t doing much better, although he did manage a few steps toward Spencer, holding out his hand. “Hello, best friend of Violet Anderson.”
“One of them,” Spencer corrected, reaching out a hand.
Violet was tempted to look away. To be standing there felt oddly like an invasion of privacy.
“What is it you do, Spencer?” Archer asked when he finally released Spencer’s hand.
“Realtor.”
“Really?”
