Page 173 of A Little Complicated

By the end of the night, my stomach hurts from laughing so hard, and Maverick’s deep chuckle is like a balm to my soul. They were right. This is exactly what we needed.

The fourth episode ofGame of Thronesplays on the screen, and I snuggle against Maverick’s chest. He’s asleep. Actually, I’m pretty sure everyone’s asleep, and I’m seconds from joining them. The day has finally caught up to me, and I’m exhausted. Covering my mouth, I let out a yawn when I catch Archer standing from one of the armchairs in the corner of the family room.

Careful not to wake him, I slip out from underneath Maverick’s arm and follow Archer to the kitchen.

“Hey, where are you going?” I whisper.

Hooking his thumb over his shoulder toward his bedroom, he answers, “I gotta pack.”

“Pack?”

“Yeah, I have a flight this morning.”

“Ah, man. I thought it was tomorrow.”

“Itistomorrow,” he clarifies. The light from his phone screen practically blinds me as he shows me the time with the same boyish grin I love so much.

“Damn,” I concede. “So, where are you going?”

“I have a presentation in California with my Uncle Jake.”

“Do you need a ride to the airport?” I offer.

“Nah, I got it.” Slipping his phone back into his pocket, he adds, “I’ll hire an Uber or something.”

“You sure?”

He nods. “Yeah, no big deal.”

“Okay.” I rock back on my heels. “Well, give me a hug goodbye.” I wrap my arms around his waist. “I’m going to miss you.”

“Same.” He kisses the top of my head. “This is the last business trip until I’m officially hired next year, so I’ll get a little break.”

“Good.” I squeeze him tightly. “You need one.”

He chuckles. “Yeah. I guess so.”

If there have been any positives to Maverick’s diagnosis, it’s the tension between Archer and me dissipating. It’s like we’ve finally bridged the gap I created. Like we finally found our rhythm again after it initially blew up. And it’s been nice. Really nice. Honestly, it’s more than I deserve, but I’m not going to question it.

I need him.

And I think he needs me too.

Letting go, Archer gazes down at me, and I tilt my head, waiting for him to spit out whatever he’s thinking.

When he stays quiet, I ask, “You okay?”

“Yeah.” He nods. The moonlight filtering in through the kitchen window highlights his sincerity as he keeps watching me with a look I can’t quite put my finger on. He resembles his brother so much right now it’s not even funny.

“You sure?” I press.

“Yeah,” he chuckles. “I’m sure.” His blue eyes soften.

“Seriously, out with it,” I order. “You’re making me feel all shy and stuff.”

“It’s nothing,” he says with another quiet laugh. “It’s… Well, I didn’t think I’d be able to accept you and Mav, you know? But it makes so much sense. Honestly, I don’t know how I didn’t see it. I’m happy for you, Lia. I really am.”

I pull back, surprised by his sincerity. I didn’t know I needed to hear those words, but with them spoken, I kind of want to hug him all over again. Because I know I put him through the wringer. I know I don’t deserve his forgiveness. Not really. But hearing his acceptance of…everything? It’s more than I’ve ever deserved. My eyes burn, and I blink quickly, trying to get rid of the stupid feeling as Archer watches me carefully.

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