Page 131 of Paparazzi Perfect
Archie pointed at him. “See? This is exactly the kind of support I get from my friends.”
We all laughed as Dyson and Cal launched into a conversation about BioBuild.
Karson motioned toward me. “Archie, meet Ivy. And Ivy, this is Archie. An old schoolmate.”
“You know,” Dyson said, wandering over with Cal and nudging Karson in the arm, “Ivy’s the one he was so lovesick over in Abu Dhabi.”
“It’s all true.” I grinned. “Hey, Archie, good to meet you,” I said with a chuckle.
“Good to meet you too, love.” Archie’s thick English accent wrapped around the words.
“And Ivy,” Karson said, “this is Callum Rhodes. Investor, businessman, occasional babysitter of Formula One drivers.”
Callum chuckled and held out his hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Ivy. And congrats on the house. You guys will have to pay me a visit sometime and check out my car collection.”
“You too. And thanks,” I said as he shook my hand.
He lowered his voice. “Don’t tell Dyson about it, though. He’s already got my Ferrari. Good to see it’s still in one piece.” He flashed a grin.
“Hey, I heard that!” Dyson piped up. “I’m no F1 driver, but I’ll definitely keep it in one piece. Probably.”
Callum laughed and shook his head.
“Archie!” Karson’s college friends caught sight of him and rushed over. “Man, you’ve been killing it out there!”
“Thanks, lads,” Archie laughed. “Shall we head inside? That flight was a killer, I wouldn’t mind quenching my thirst, and I can fill you in about the last race if you want.”
“Hell yeah!” Tyler piped up.
The boys swarmed Archie and hoisted him onto their shoulders in celebration of his recent win. Whooping loudly, they carried him inside while Jai and Ryan followed behind, laughing.
Karson pulled me close, his arms circling my back as I linked mine behind his neck. He leaned forward, dipping me toward the ground before pulling me back against him and kissing me deeply.
As he pulled away, his fingertip skimmed the curve of my cleavage while his other arm held me close. A wave of warmth spread through me.
“I don’t think it’s possible to be happier than I am right now,” he murmured, those azure eyes glowing with heat.
“I think we died and went to heaven,” I whispered as he smiled down at me. Arm in arm, we wandered into the living room.
I took in the chic yet cozy furnishings.Just the way I like them.
“You did all this?” I smiled at Karson. “How did you manage it while we were away? Honestly, I don’t think I would’ve done anythingdifferently.”
“I’m so glad you like it,” he said with a grin. “While you were busy at the spa, I was messaging the designer. He knows his stuff. Dyson’s mom recommended him. Clearly the guy’s a genius.” He glanced around proudly.
“And here I was thinking interior design must be your side hustle. Full disclosure… I’m kind of relieved it’s already done.” I rested my head on his shoulder, taking it all in. “I love it. Thank you.”
Sass tore into the room, then froze. “Oh my god!” she whispered, her face drained of color.
“Sass, what is it?” I followed her gaze to Archie Jenson. I immediately understood.A smile spread across my face at her hard crush on him.
Kelvin called out to Karson to come over and join his group, and Karson pressed a quick kiss to my cheek. “I’ll leave you to chat with Sass.”
Sass stood transfixed.
“Girl, you’re obsessed.” I laughed softly. I’d never seen her speechless before.
“Somehow, he’s even hotter in real life,” Sass whispered, still staring at him.
