Page 55 of Let Me Love You

She places her hand over her heart as she stays sitting. “Archer, you've given me enough.”

“Yeah, but I love seeing you surprised,” I say, then go to my room and grab it.

Everleigh's gaze meets mine when I hand it to her and kneel next to her. “Thank you. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s perfect.”

“I hope so.” And that she doesn’t think it’s a stupid idea.

She carefully unwraps the paper and pulls out a Polaroid camera. At first, she gasps, then squeals as she wraps her free arm around my neck. I allow her to sink into me as my hand snakes around her waist. My heart races, and I force myself to let go before I lower my head and crash my lips to hers.

Everleigh creates a little space, and I wonder if she felt the spark too. I do anytime we’re close.

Clearing her throat, she speaks up. “Thank you, Archer. Thank you so much. I’ve been meaning to get one of these!”

“I was scared it’d be stupid, but you’re so good at taking photos, and I thought⁠—”

She closes the space between us and hesitates, “It’s an amazing gift.”

For a moment, I think she’s going to give in to what we both want. I’ve never had the urge to kiss her more than I do right now. The room grows still, and right before I drum up the courage to make a move, her cell phone rings in her back pocket. I swear I hear her whisper a curse.

Clarity surrounds me, and I blow out a breath.

Everleigh answers, smiling wide with strawberry-colored cheeks. “Merry Christmas!”

She’s flustered, and I get satisfaction seeing her like this. Our eyes lock together as she continues talking. “Yes, I’ll be there. Archer too.”

I know it’s Tyler by how she’s acting. It’s the reality check I needed.

“I’ll tell him,” she says, then hangs up.

“Tyler said Merry Christmas and he’ll see you tonight at our grandparents’ house.”

My body stiffens, and she notices.

Before she can ask, I speak up. “I’m actually a little nervous to meet them. I never know what to expect.”

“Oh, they’re harmless. Mimi might try to kidnap you, though. Wouldn’t be surprised if she offered you one of her spare rooms, but that’s just how she is. Loves to do things for others. Unlike those other cougars in town who wanna actually capture you.”

I chuckle at the hint of jealousy in her tone. “She sounds wonderful. Must be where you get your generosity from.”

“Yeah, she’s great. She’s actually less strict on me than my brother.” Everleigh laughs, but I don’t think she’s joking.

We clean up the living room, then Everleigh takes the camera from the box and calls for Sassy.

“Kneel beside her,” she directs, bringing the viewfinder to one eye and squinting the other. I make sure to smile as Sassy leans over to lick me. Seconds later, Everleigh pulls it out and shakes it until the picture develops.

“Look at you two.” She flips it around, smiling.

The way Sassy’s staring at me is adorable. “That’s great.”

“My turn,” she says, and I hold out my hand so she can get a pic with Sassy too.

“No, one with you!” She holds it up and somehow manages to take a selfie. Once our image appears, I see she’s making kissy lips toward me.

“You’re cute,” I tell her, and she reaches over to try to tickle me, but I’m too fast. “Don’t start that again.”

Sassy starts barking and chases Everleigh around the living room with her tail wagging. She has the zoomies as she slides down the hall and then runs back toward Everleigh.

“Okay, okay! That’s enough!” Everleigh breathlessly says. “Wasn’t tryin’ to get you worked up but thank you for the steps.” She looks at her watch, then at me with an evil grin.