Page 29 of Archer

“I appreciate that, Archer. Just tell me when you want me to come by and get started. I’m finishing up the cheating spouse case I was working on, so once I clear that off my plate, I’m free until something else pops up.”

“I’m booked with holiday portraits, so you can come by anytime. I’ll set you up in my office, and you can go through them all day.” Quincy brought me my whiskey, and I thanked him and took a drink.

“I appreciate that. This is my first real lead since I arrived, so I’d love to jump on it.”

“Okay then, come on by. How about the rest of you? What’s going on?” I looked between Hitch and Bram.

“Nothing new.” Hitch shrugged and finished off the beer he’d been drinking. I worried a little about him. He seemed bored, and he spent way too much time sitting here in this bar. I loved what he’d done with this old hotel, but he needed something more now that it was mostly done.

“Your boy’s been coming to the bakery,” Bram said, staring at me.

“He’s not my boy… yet.”

“But you’d like him to be?” Hitch asked.

“No, I wouldn’t like him to be. I intend for him to be.” I wasn’t trying to be dramatic. I was serious. I had every intention of making Crispin mine.

“I assume y’all are talking about the man who was in here with you the other night,” Cort said.

“That would be the one,” I agreed. “We went out on a date last night, but he has a late class to teach tonight.”

“I saw him when he arrived this morning, and that was early.” Bram frowned, his brow wrinkling. “That’s a seriously long day.”

“And when he isn’t here teaching, he’s outDoorDashing, trying to make extra money. He’s delivered my dinner on more than one occasion when I didn’t feel like having bar food,” Hitch said.

“I know. He works way too hard, and he doesn’t take good care of himself.”

“Well, how long are you going to let that go on?” Bram asked.

“I know I wouldn’t want any boy of mine delivering food, but maybe this job has made me cynical,” Cort added.

I shook my head. “No, you’re right. I don’t like it either, believe me. But until he’s officially mine, I don’t have any say in the matter. Speaking of Crispin, I need to order him some food before I go.”

“Aw, look at you showing him what a good Daddy you’ll be,” Hitch teased.

“Speaking of boys who need a Daddy. It appears Crispin’s going out of his way to befriend Elton,” I said.

“Ha. I noticed that, too,” Bram chimed in. “Crispin dragged Elton right out of my bakery and to a his studio.”

I couldn’t help but smile at his sweetness. “They really seemed to hit it off.”

Hitch groaned. “You’re going to regret that.” Then he smiled. “On second thought, that’s great. If they’re hanging out, maybe you can help with Elton babysitting duty.”

Bram and I exchanged a glance. The only person Hitch was fooling that he didn’t enjoy chasing around, taking care of Elton, was himself.

Crispin

My last student had no sooner exited when Archer walked in, holding a bag in front of him. “I brought you dinner,” he said, striding over and dropping a quick kiss on my lips.

Gah. He was the best. “Thank you.” I took the bag. “I’m starving.”

Archer’s brow furrowed, like it did any time I mentioned my poor eating habits. I didn’t do it on purpose, so I really didn’t know how to make him feel better. Honestly, I did the best I could. “Do you have time to sit down with me while I eat?”

He pulled me into his arms, and I wrapped mine around him, being careful of the bag holding my dinner. “As much as I’d love to, sweet boy, I’d rather you go home and get comfortable and enjoy your meal. Then you need to get some sleep.”

“No,” I whined. I wanted to ask if I could come up to his apartment and eat, but I didn’t want to be forward. “Are you sure, Daddy? I’d enjoy the company while I’m eating.”

Archer kissed my forehead. “As much as I love hearing you call me Daddy, I can’t be swayed. You’ve had a long day, and I don’t want you driving home too late.”

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