Page 57 of The Archer and his Rosebud

A month? “That’s great. A house for Christmas. I’m really happy for you, Arch.” I nod, forcing a smile as I twirl the pasta on my fork. I am happy. I am, but I’m sad for myself, too.

“Hey.” He reaches under the table and curls his hand around my thigh. “Does it bother you that I’ll be so close to Leah?”

It didn’t, but now that he mentions it… What a convenient way for them to reconnect. They reconnected before. What’s to stop them from trying again? Especially if they’re only a street apart. Their history runs deep. And I know she hurt Archer. She betrayed him in the deepest way, but she’s still the mother of his boys, his first love.

“It’s obvious she has feelings for you.” Who wouldn’t? And after meeting her, I can see why he fell for the knock-out she is.

“Willa…” His mouth opens like he’s going to say more, but shuts it, rubbing his palm over his stubble.

“I could see where your living that close to her might become uncomfortable for me, but you’ve told me you have no interest in her. You don’t love her anymore, right?”

Archer shrugs with a shake of his head. “I love her as the mother of my children, as the girl I grew up with. I’ve tried to hate her yet can never fully do it. But am I in love with her? No. Would I ever rekindle us? No way in hell. One, I wouldn’t think of interfering with her marriage, plus, a second chance isn’t possible for us. There’s somethin—”

Reaching for him, I cup his jaw and steer him to my lips. “The fact that you can’t hate her after what she did is why I can’t stop myself from wanting to explore a relationship with you.”

His hand molds over mine. “So, we’re doing this?”

“We’re doing this.” My words are breathy, and my stomach fluttery.

Archer’s chair scrapes against the floor as he scoots my way. “You might want to cover her eyes because I’m about to kiss the living daylights out of you.”

Bouncing Clem on my knee, I laugh. “Slow your roll, Mr. Thomas. How about dinner now, making out later?”

“Making out?” A devilish grin has him looking boyish and, oh, so handsome.

“If you’re gentleman enough to allow me to finish this delicious dinner you cooked, yes. There will be making out.”

He tilts his head. “Can I cop a feel?” To my annoyance, my cheeks flush, and Archer’s grin widens. “Ahhh yeah, I can.”

“You, sir, are being very forward,” I chastise, pointing my fork in his face.

“But you like it.”

Trapping my tongue with my teeth, I stare him down, my eyes narrowing as I consider the man before me. “Yeah,” I sigh. “I do. Now eat, so we can move this conversation to your couch.”

“Conversation? You mean action.”

“Archer!” My napkin hits his face, as the dining room fills with our laughter.

Contrary to thestigma of getting knocked up at nineteen, I’m not overly experienced when it comes to the opposite sex. Maybe that’s how I became pregnant at nineteen in the first place. I lost my virginity the cliché way—after junior prom to my senior date at an after-party thrown at his parents’ second home on Lake Michigan. He graduated the following month, and we never spoke again. After that, I dated casually. My determination to put school and dance first is likely why nothing progressed relationship-wise until I met Ty.

So, it is with limited knowledge of men that I declare: Archer Thomas as the world’s best kisser.

Period. End of story. Fact.

“Did you just say I’m the world’s best kisser?” Archer murmurs against my jaw.

“Was that out loud?”

His fingers dig into my outer thigh, hoisting my leg higher as his weight presses me into his couch.How did he get me on my back?

“It was, and I accept the nomination.” He smiles against my skin.

I shiver. “It’s late. I should get Clem to bed.” Even as I say the words, I roll against his hips and hook his calf with my heel.

“I don’t want to let you go.” His mouth covers mine. “Besides, she’s already asleep.”

Sheisasleep. Our tongues stroke, well acquainted at this point and in no mood to stop their dance. Archer kisses me like he has no place else to be. Like hours wouldn’t be enough time with my lips. And I feel the same. My body cycles from hot to shivering with every bite, lick, and whisper of his mouth on mine. I want to remain on this couch with the world’s best kisser, but I can’t. I shouldn’t.

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