He waited for Spencer to say something.
He didn’t.
“We don’t have to meet at the diner.If you’re not comfortable with it.We could head into Pflugerville or Round Rock.Find a restaurant there.”
“How about my place?”
That was a surprise.One Archer was usually quick to accept, but he wasn’t sure that was a good idea where Spencer was concerned.
“I’ll cook,” Spencer added.“I’m not that bad in a kitchen.”
Archer laughed at the man’s tone.Hisnot that bad,sounded like it was said with a scrunch of the nose.
“Why don’t I grab somethin’ to go from the diner,” Archer suggested, because deep down, he knew he would be having dinner with Spencer, no matter the place.He’d been looking forward to this ever since Spencer agreed.No way was he going to miss the opportunity.
“Okay.”
“Text me what you want, and I’ll swing by there real quick.Then text me your address.You live in town?”
“Yeah.”
“Perfect.I’m lookin’ forward to seein’ you, Spencer.”
There was a slight pause, followed by, “Me, too.”
Archer ended the call, tucked his phone in his pocket, and started the engine.He pulled on the half-shell helmet he wore when he was going short distances and buckled the chin strap.Had it not been for his grandmother’s insistence that he always wear a helmet, Archer would’ve gone without one for this short of a distance simply to feel the wind in his hair.However, a deal was a deal.Even though his grandmother would likely never find out, it would weigh on his conscience.
He released the jiffy stand and started the engine, relishing the throaty rumble as he did every time he started the bike.Less than two minutes later, with traffic—which equated to passing three different cars—Archer was parking the bike in the diner’s lot.He pulled off his helmet and hung it on the handlebars before heading into the restaurant.Armed with the text from Spencer, he placed a to-go order and waited patiently for them to prepare the food.
As he stood there, he could feel eyes on him.Some were curious who he was because they hadn’t seen him yet.Others were likely wondering why he was still there.
The bells over the door jingled, and he stepped back to keep from blocking the path.
“Evenin’, Sheriff,” Archer greeted when Jeff Endsley walked in, an older, bearded man beside him.
“Archer,” Jeff said, shaking his hand before glancing at the man beside him.“Have you met my husband?”
“Haven’t had the pleasure,” Archer responded.
“Mack, meet Archer Halligan.Archer, this is Mack Schwartz.”
Archer shook Mack’s hand.“Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.You’re new in town?”
“Yes, sir,” he answered easily.“Came to check somethin’ out for a story.My buddy fell in love, so it looks like we’re here to stay.”
Mack’s bushy eyebrows lowered as he peered over at Jeff.“That make any damn sense to you?”
Jeff laughed.“We’re glad you’re stayin’.I heard Simon and Violet are buyin’ the Raikkonnen house.”
“You heard correctly.They close on it on Halloween.”
“Glad to hear it.”
The hostess appeared, greeting both men by name.
“Good to see you again,” the sheriff said.
