Page 140 of Archer

He reached out and tucked a damp strand of hair behind my ear. “Can a man have a little mystery?”

I laughed.

He kissed me. “You were incredible out there.”

“Thank you.”

The corridor filled with familiar faces then. Maggie arrived first at full volume, already talking, arms outstretched for a hug. Knox and Sloane came in together. Nash and Colton brought up the rear.

“You were—” Maggie grabbed both my hands, pulling me away from Archer “—absolutely unreal. This was amazing!”

Sloane pulled me into a quick, tight hug when Maggie finally let me go. “You throw one hell of a party.”

“Bren did that.” I hooked a thumb over one shoulder. “I just get to sing.”

“Beautiful and humble too,” Sloane teased.

I looked at the others, offered Nash, Knox and Colton a smile. “Thanks for being here. This was pretty huge for me.”

They offered congratulations and loose hugs, their handsome faces all a little pink.

“All right.” Bren reappeared with the insistence of someone who’d been professionally patient for as long as she planned to be. “We’ve got press outside. Controlled access, red carpet exit, maybe three minutes.” She looked at me. “You ready?”

“Yes, but in thirty seconds.”

Knox stepped forward. “You guys want to get dinner after this? We’re going downtown for a while.”

“We’re definitely sleeping in tomorrow,” Colton said. “Making the most of this town while we’re here, though.”

“Nah.” Archer raised a palm, then offered fist bumps to the guys. “We’re going home tonight.”

“Carolina Bay?” Nash asked.

I nodded. “I’ve been a lot of places lately, but that’s the only one I can’t wait to get back to.”

Archer wound his arms around me and smiled. “We’re catching a plane in a couple of hours.”

Bren tapped me on the shoulder. Waiting.

I turned back to Archer. “Come with me?” I asked.

“On the carpet?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

The press line outside the side exit was shorter than a stadium show would have generated, but it was impressive nonetheless. Cameras up, flashes popping, my name being called from behind the rope line.

Six months ago, this would’ve been more than I could handle, especially after performing a show. I’d experienced an unimaginable amount of growth and healing since then. In as much thanks to my music as Archer’s love.

I walked into the sea of photography flashes with his hand in mine, chin up, steps steady.

Paparazzi called my name. They told me to turn and asked me to smile.

I pulled Archer close, set my hand against his chest, and looked at him as often as the cameras.

He only had eyes for me, so I kissed him.

The shutters went wild.