Page 74 of Let Me Love You

“I can’t believe you posted a coupon! Give a sister a warnin’.” She laughs as she rings up a customer. I grab extra inventory from the back while she swipes credit cards. We have a good system and work really well together.

When only a couple of people are browsing in the store, we organize and refold clothes. I’m sure business will pick up again around lunch. It usually does.

“So…” Lexie drawls out. “How’s Archer?”

I laugh because she’s mentioned him at least once every shift ever since the photo shoot.

“I swear you’re like those thirsty cougars on social media beggin’ me to share his number.”

“I love my husband, but if I wasn’t married…” She waggles her brows. “Wait, they really ask for his number?”

“Yes! Some drop in my DMs asking for his Snapchat.” I don’t think Archer even has one.

“That’s brave. Well, are you givin’ it out or what?” She playfully pulls out her phone.

I scowl. “I mean, the clothes did fly off the shelves, but if it were up to them, they’d be peeling them off Archer’s body with their teeth. Damn vultures.”

She chuckles, hanging up a shirt. “But do you really blame them?”

“Not at all. It’s why I respond with the message that he’s currently out of stock with no current plans to be available.”

Lexie snorts, nearly choking on her own laughter. “You just had a look on your face like he’s out of stock for everyone else but you. Don’t even lie to me.”

I tuck my lips into my mouth, needing to tell someone but knowing that I shouldn’t. “Well…” I hesitate for a moment, then decide to just blurt it out. “We’ve been sleeping with each other.”

Her eyes widen, and she gasps. “What! Are you two finally doin’ the dirty?”

“Shit, I wish. We’re actually sleeping, in the same bed, with no sex.”

She gives me a look that says I’m crazy.

“Neither of us likes sleeping alone, and now we’re used to it.” I shrug like it’s not as big of a deal, though every night I get to lie with him is the best night of my life.

“Okay…” Her voice lingers as if she’s waiting for more.

“And—” I contemplate telling her the bombshell of the other night. I trust her and have told her things in the past that she’d take to the grave.

She’s nearly bursting at the seams. “I won’t tell anyone. I swear on my job.”

“He kissed me on New Year's Eve,” I blurt.

“Oh my God, how was it?” she asks without taking a breath.

“Everything I ever imagined it’d be. Seriously, he’s the best kisser.” Not to mention how possessive his hands felt on me. “Also, no one else knows except for you, me, and Archer. So, keep your lips sealed, please. I haven’t even told Gemma and Katie yet.”

“Do you think they’d be against it?”

“I don’t think so, but I don’t want it getting back to my brother. He’s been adamant ’bout Archer getting a fresh start without any outside distractions, aka me.” I give her an annoyed look. “I just don’t understand why starting over can’t include me.”

She starts straightening the crumpled jeans on the front table that were picked through this morning. “Well, you know I’m all for it. Plus, I’d rather him be with you than anyone else. He’s hot as fuck and so are you. Together, y’all are like one of those social media couples. The ones I usually hate too.”

“Oh stop,” I say with a snort. “I dunno if it’s really gonna go anywhere. He’s determined to stay loyal to my annoying brother.”

“But would you want it to?”

I don’t even have to think about the answer. “Yes.”

“You’d really settle down for Archer?”