Page 82 of The Serendipity

But things between us have felt light and fresh. Fun. Archer isplayfulwith me. Who knew the man had a playful setting?

As illustrated by my current position seated on the kitchen counter while Bellamy is smiling smugly at us. As though this is exactly how he thought he’d find us when he finally returned from his extended stay in the city.

I quickly hop down and tug at the hem of my dress, which was riding up just a little above my knees. I already miss the cool marble against my skin and the insistent press of Archer’s fingertips on my thighs.

The counter would definitely offer some relief to my flaming hot face right now.

“Welcome back, Alfred!” I give Bellamy an impromptu hug.

Bellamy, as it turns out, is a hugger. He squeezes me tightly, laughing. “Good to see you again, little baker. I hope you have some cookies waiting for me.”

When he releases me, I turn and find the box on the countertop. “Archer ate the first order, but I made you another.”

“Excellent.” Bellamy wastes no time, flipping open the box and taking a bite. “Mmm. I missed these.”

“You didn’t say you missed me,” Archer says.

“No,” Bellamy says with a smile and a mouthful of cookie. “I certainly didn’t.”

I turn back to Archer, then hesitate. Other than Sophie on the rooftop last night, we haven’t yet tried on our relationship in front of other people in our lives.Assumedrelationship. I mean, it’s as shippy as any relationship I’ve had. Definitely leagues beyond anything I’ve had since Trey. We’re definitelydating: a few romantic dinners, strolling through downtown hand in hand, oh—and he tried to make me go running with him, whichgave me a good laugh. But it’s been very isolated, a little bubble of happiness.

I’m not sure how Archer wants to play this in front of Bellamy.

Whatever. He already saw us making out. No reason to avoid touching Archer in front of him now.

I fold myself into him, pressing against his side. His arm curves around my shoulders, and I sink into his chest with a sigh. I don’t know how expensive his suits are or what they’re made of, but the fabric is so soft. I’d like to smuggle out one of his jackets and have someone sew it into a pillow for me.

Archer presses a quick kiss against my forehead, then glares at Bellamy. “Don’t you say a word.”

Bellamy’s smile is huge. “Whateverwould I say? Can I at least offer a congratulations?”

“Yes. And thank you,” Archer says.

“Also: I saw this coming.”

“That,” Archer says, pointing a finger at Bellamy. “That’s the kind of thing I meant.”

“Oops.” Bellamy gives a casual shrug, still grinning like a scoundrel. “I guess it’s true what they say: While the cat’s away…”

“Bell.” Archer’s plea is almost a groan, and Bellamy holds up both hands.

“Fine. We’ll pretend this is all very casual. No different than the first night we all met in this very room,” Bellamy says.

A sharp prickle of discomfort snakes its way up my spine at the thought. Because I don’t want to think or talk about that night. I’ve been conveniently forgetting about my magical closet, and it’s been acting on its best, normal closet behavior. I’d like to keep it that way.

Despite how things have been with Archer, telling him I’ve been magically transported not once, but two times into his apartment is a test I’m not ready to take yet.

Later. We can talk about my magical closet later. Or maybe never.

“Well, I should get back to work after my … break.” I pull away, backing toward the office. Truth be told, I’m not gettingbackto work. I never started.

Because the moment I walked in the door, Archer was on me, lifting me up onto the counter with his mouth on mine. A ripple of happiness moves through me, and I bite back a smile.

“Maybe the three of us could catch up over dinner,” Bellamy says. “Any plans?”

“Actually …” I glance at Archer, who shifts and clears his throat.

“We’re having dinner at Willa’s parents’ house,” he says.

---