Page 148 of My Ruthless Neighbor

“B-but…” My voice trails as I am hauled from the hallway to the elevator.

Chapter Thirty

Iwent from planning to disappear before Archer could see me to being the center of his focus.

It was getting more and more difficult not to reach him and wind my arms around his neck and kiss him. It was a weird urge, one I never had for any man before.

At the same time, I wanted to hide away from his probing eyes. He was just sitting across from me, watching, occasionally sipping his espresso.

The soreness between my legs intensifies, making me aware of the fact that he is the one who caused it.

The food was a distraction I happily indulged in.

Though we talked—sort of—that we were going to explore whatever was between us, I was ninety-nine percent certain he would go back to ignoring me in public. But he shocked me today.

Having him all to myself in broad daylight would take some getting used to.

“Why are you avoiding my eyes?”

I choke on the morsel I swallowed, launching into a fit of coughing.

Archer is out of his seat in a flash, dragging his chair beside mine. He strokes my back with one hand and brings a glass of water to my lips with the other.

I take a tentative sip. So much for keeping my distance from him.

“Are you okay?” He keeps stroking my back.

Well, I just had a flash of what your fingers feel like on my bare skin. You think I can be okay?

“Fine,” I mumble as I take another sip.

“You didn’t like the cobb salad.” He states, resting the glass back on the table.

“N-no. It’s not that.”

He gets to his feet and offers me his hand.

I stare at it then look up at him.

“We are going to KFC.” He finally states when I don’t move.

My eyes go big. I shake my head. “What? No. Seriously, I am really enjoying this.” I grab my fork and stuff my face. Chewing with enthusiasm, I grin. “See,” I speak with a mouthful. It really is delicious.

I just don’t want him to feel weird around me. I am trying to seem nonchalant.

He studies me for a moment then sits down beside me. When I am almost finished, he speaks again.

From the corner of my eye, I see him rubbing his lower lip in contemplation. “Is this about last night?”

“No!” I blurt out then squeeze my eyes shut.

He turns his body toward me more, putting one elbow on the table. “I know you’re lying.” Disappointment rings in his voice.

“I mean it’s not completely about last night.” I turn to him.

He grips my chin gently. “What is it, Summer?”

I push his hand away subtly. “People are looking.”

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