I say nothing as I place them on the table.

When they begin to browse the menu, I scan the surroundings and catch the eye of the server. I motion him to come here.

“Mike will serve you tonight.” I give them a thin-lipped smile and quickly leave before he can stop me again.

???

I’m a masochist.

I have to be. Because why would I be doing this? By doing this, I mean spying on Archer.

I have claimed a spot in the darkened corridor that connects the dining room and bathrooms.

This is ludicrous. I am smart enough to detect that. So why am I not putting a stop to this spying business? I don’t know.

Or maybe I do.

Watching him with her is bothering me. It is bothering me so much that it is ridiculous. That’s why I am doing this.

I want to get rid of the stupid attraction. And I think watching him with another woman would help.

The sight before me is a prime example of why I shouldn’t want someone like Archer.

It’s simple. Because I have no chance with him. And to get that fact ingrained in me, I need to watch.

We’ve just met a handful of times and yet he is affecting me so much.

He says something to which the blonde throws her head back in laughter. He watches her with an amused expression.

I gnash my teeth hard.

My heart sinks when she reaches across the table and wipes the corner of Archer’s mouth with a thumb.

I bite furiously into my cheeseburger. Then another bite. One more. My cheeks get full but I bite again until I’ve polished off the entire thing.

A server passing me by gives me a weird look.

“What?” I snap. I chew swiftly and swallow half of my food before saying, “Never seen a girl with an appetite?”

He holds his hands up in surrender and walks out.

I chew slowly still glaring at the guy’s retreating form before glancing back at Archer. Our eyes collide and I choke on a mouthful of food.

The amusement in his eyes a moment ago vanished. An unreadable expression takes its place.

He watches as I cough and sputter.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I cover my mouth, my eyes watering and my face on fire.

I think I am going to die. Either by choking on my cheeseburger or embarrassment.

Freaking great!

He knows I was spying on him now.

I want the ground to open up and swallow me. I whirl around, eyes watering, throat sore, and run.