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He chuckles. “I was gettin’ to it. Gemma reminded me before I left this morning too.”

I speak up. “I’d like that. Thanks.”

Belinda smiles again. “Good. You’re too cute to be sittin’ at home alone. Plus, I love to cook. Speakin’ of, do y’all know what you’re havin’ today?”

“I think I’m going with the special. Add onions and cheese, please,” Tyler says.

“Same,” I tell her.

“Great choice! It’ll be right up.” She turns and walks away.

“Sorry I didn’t mention Thanksgiving dinner earlier. It’s gonna be great, though. Belinda’s an excellent cook and loves to feed us. I’ve had to run several extra miles a week because of her.”

“She’s got spunk. I like her already.” I pick up my coffee and blow on it.

“Oh, just wait until you meet Gemma’s dad,” he says. “Jerry’s her perfect match.”

“I’m sure he is.”

“So, are you excited to start trainin’?”

“Hell yeah! I can’t wait. Seriously.”

“Having you at the gym is gonna make things so much better. I have a feelin’ our memberships are gonna spike.” Tyler flashes me a smirk.

I chuckle at what he’s implying. “Thanks, Tyler. I hope it does,” I say.

CHAPTER FOUR

EVERLEIGH

Since it’s the day before Thanksgiving, it’s going to be a busy one. The boutique’s having a Black Friday sale this weekend, and I’ll be getting ready for it.

Christmas is my favorite holiday, so I’m going all out with decorations per my tradition. I even wore my Hallmark Christmas Movies and Hot Cocoa Weather sweater. Although Christmas was hardly celebrated when I was a child—mostly because my alcoholic mother couldn’t save enough money for gifts or food to save her ass—I’ve made up for it as an adult.

By the end of the night, Ever After will be glowing in white lights with red and gold garland.

I take Sassy out the back door and inhale the fresh, crisp air. It’s around sixty degrees, and I’m living for it. Though I’m a Southern girl through and through, I love it when it’s cool enough to snuggle up with a blanket and some hot cocoa. Sassy, on the other hand, doesn’t appreciate it. She quickly pees, then scurries back inside.

“You’re such a diva.” I laugh as she sprints to the couch.

Checking to make sure I’ve unplugged my curling iron and turned off all the lights, I go through my mental tasks list for the day. I’m so deep in my head, I don’t see Archer come out of his room until I nearly run into his solid chest.

“Shit, sorry.” I stumble back before I knock him over. “I’m still waking up, apparently.”

“Don’t worry about it. My eyelids are barely open.” He yawns, and when my gaze lowers down his body, I find his happy trail pointing at his morning wood. Archer’s boxers hang low on his waist, and it’s not hard to notice how fit he is. His chest and arms are covered in tattoos, and he has a nipple piercing.

“You’re allowed to have that in prison?” I ask, staring awkwardly at the silver hoop I want to lick.

He blinks, then meets my stare with a slanted grin. “No. Not really.”

“Oh. I like it. Suits your whole bad-boy vibe.”

“Thanks, I guess.”

Fuck, I’m making him uncomfortable. It’s barely been forty-eight hours since we met, and I’m already gawking like he’s a piece of fresh meat.

“Well, I’m off to work. If you’re able, will you take Sassy out around lunch? I normally come home and do it on my break, but⁠—”