Page 34 of Reckless Kiss

Archer had no idea what Erica did. He didn’t think to ask. She’d hired five cottages for two months, so he didn’t much care what she did for a living.

“You think?”

“Erica’s reading a thick printed-out manuscript, so I figure she’s here to work through her novel. She wants to be an expert at synchronised swimming. It must be for her book.”

“You need to talk to her before she meets Aunt Cynthia. The dragon will go through her like a dose of salts if you don’t get to know Erica thoroughly.”

“How the hell am I going to sell this to Aunt Cynthia. She’ll never believe I’ve fallen in love inside a week.”

“Maybe date her for a month, then introduce her to our aunt. Cynthia misses nothing, so be visible with her around the grounds. Then, when you introduce her, our aunt will already know you’ve been dating her.”

“Sounds good. It will take a month to organise a wedding date, and I’ve already wasted a week since the deal I made.”

“Make sure you tell us the date. We all need to be there to throw rose petals at the happy couple.”

Daisy grinned at her words. Archer had never met another person so bright and optimistic as his sister. She could see the good in everyone, including their mother, who she didn’t remember. It was the only sticking point between the two of them. He remembered his mother and still couldn’t understand why she’d walked out on her family.

“I promise to tell you when we’ve set a date. Thanks for listening to me. Go back to whomever you’re dating, and I’ll see you soon.”

“I love you, Archer. Take care of yourself. It’ll all work out.”

Daisy waved her goodbyes and ended the call.

“It has to work out,” Archer said aloud to the empty room.

Chapter 19

Archer

Teddy was growing bigger by the day. Maggie doted on him when Archer stopped by for his breakfast and dinner. Then the pair of them would wander the grounds together side by side. Archer put off looking for its owner, fearing he would want to punch a person who left a dog to fight for survival. No one ever came to the estate unless invited, so Teddy was safe unless someone approached him in town.

“Archer, there’s been a request made,” Bailey said, entering the kitchen with a stack of post in his hand.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you use an upbeat tone, but it’s sombre than ever,” Maggie replied.

Bailey looked to the cook and didn’t even smirk. Archer had never seen him smile. The man took his job very seriously.

“Miss Turner had requested you be at home from ten o’clock every night.”

“For how long?” Archer asked.

“Permanently, sir.”

Archer looked to Maggie, who did not attempt to hide her giggle. He gave her narrowed eyes and then turned to Bailey.

“Did she give a reason?”

“She wants to keep an eye on you. Is there anything you want to tell us?”

“No, no, I don’t think so.”

Archer heard his voice get higher as each word came out of his mouth. These two people were more like family than his aunt and mother ever were. How could his aunt know about Archer and Erica? He’d only kissed her once.

“I’m sure he’ll tell us when he’s good and ready,” Maggie said, wiping his hands in her apron as she approached the kitchen table.

They both knew he was lying and didn’t demand the truth. He’d forgotten that about them.

“It’s a bit complicated. How she will keep tabs on me in a big house is beyond me.”

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