Page 166 of Let Me Love You

Sassy’s at my feet as I sit at the table and write her a note.

Dear Everleigh,

I refuse to keep putting you in danger. Annie, Sadie, and you are the three most important people in my life, and every day, I fear something will happen to one of you. Staying here in Lawton Ridge puts you at risk of getting hurt. The only solution is for me to leave. Don’t come looking for me. This is the best option for everyone. Never forget how much I love you. Please stay safe.

-Archer

P.S. I’m sorry.

Anger fuels through me as I fold the note. I set it down on the kitchen counter, then look around at the place I’ve called home. Best-case scenario, I outsmart Krystal and return to the woman I love. Worst case, I lose my life.

I blocked Everleigh’s number, knowing that if I read her upset messages or heard her voice, I’d crack. The only reason I don’t turn off my phone is so I can keep tabs on Annie. I’m not telling her where I’m going or what I’m doing, but I’ll be watching her location to make sure they stay put. She probably thinks I’ve lost my mind, and maybe I have, but Krystal could pull some shit before I arrive in Nevada. Though she sent me pictures of Everleigh, it’s obvious now that Annie was always her target.

After traveling all day, I check-in to my hotel at midnight. I’m mentally and physically exhausted. Since I landed, Tyler’s called me three times, but I ignored him. While on my flight, I came up with a plan, but I can’t tell Tyler, at least not yet. I have no idea if it’ll work, but I’m going with my gut and trusting that it will.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

EVERLEIGH

Though it’s been a slow day at the boutique, I’ve stayed busy unboxing the new fall clothes I ordered. It’s almost October, which means it’s time for cute furry boots, Halloween-inspired infinity scarves, and pumpkin spice-themed long-sleeved tees.

Heidi runs the front of the store while I focus on hanging and pricing everything in the back. Before I know it, I’ve worked straight through lunch and dinnertime.

“You need to go home,” she tells me after finishing all the closing duties. “All that will be here for you tomorrow.”

I sigh with a small smile. “Yeah, you’re right.”

When I check my phone and don’t see a text from Archer, I frown. He usually sends me messages throughout the day, but sometimes, he gets really busy too.

Everleigh

Hey babe, I’m about to leave work. Want a ride home?

I wait for a response but realize it doesn’t show it was delivered.

That’s odd.

As I walk to my car, I call him, but it goes straight to voicemail.

His phone must’ve died.

I don’t see him walking as I drive home, so he might’ve already made it there.

Sassy greets me at the door, and I call out for Archer. No response. I let Sassy outside, then notice a folded sheet of paper with my name written on the outside.

I read every word on the page with disbelief. There’s no way he just left.

I try his cell again. Voicemail.

What the fuck? Something’s wrong.

I call Tyler, and as soon as he answers, I ask if he knows where Archer is.

“He left around lunch because he wasn’t feeling well.”

“Did he say he was going somewhere?”

“I assumed he was heading home to rest. Why?”