Page 79 of Sunrise Arrows

My brother for his part has forgotten I’m even here. His attention is consumed by her and her shy return of his introduction.

The second she puts her hand in his, she’s yanking it back with a quiet gasp as if she’s been burned, her suntanned, freckle dusted cheeks turning pink.

She rubs the fingers of her right hand over her palm several times, staring down at it as if it’ll give her the answer to some unasked question before bringing them up to her lips. She looks up at me and, like a reflex she can’t control, drifts her gaze to Ryder, smiling a little more before looking down and tucking the long waves of her hair behind her ear.

Eyes trained on the hem of her lavender dress that brushes the floor, she asks, “So what now?”

Fishing my keys out of my pocket, I hand them over and answer, “Ryder’ll take you out to the ranch, show you around, and get you settled in my house. You’re welcome to anything there, including my truck—you do have an active license right?”

She laughs and confirms, “Yes, I have my license and it’s in good standing. Just had to get a new one last month for my birthday.”

“And Tinsley mentioned you wanted to learn how to ride while you’re here, right?”

“I would love to. I’ve always wanted a horse. But if it’s too much trouble?—”

“I’ll teach you,” Ryder interjects.

“Are you sure? I’m sure you’re busy. It’s kind of silly anyway. It’s not like I can have one now?—”

“It’s not silly and yeah, I’m positive. We’ll get you settled in and if you're up for it, I can take you to our family’s stables and show you around. See if you connect with anyone and go from there.”

Somehow, I don’t think my brother’s just talking about our horses.

“Okay, well if y’all are all set?—”

“We are,” my brother answers, turning Skylar’s suitcases around.

“—I’m going to check in and get going.”

“Thank you again, Archer,” Skylar sweetly says. “I know you’re doing it for Tinsley, but it’s really kind of you to open up your home to me.”

“Of course. You’re her family. And if you need or want me to look at anything else, I’d be happy to do so.”

“I can help with whatever you need,” Ryder offers, and I can’t help but laugh.

“You barely passed Algebra II and that was with me—youryoungerbrother—helping you. How are you going to help?”

My brother just glares at me and snaps, “Don’t you have a plane to catch?”

“Yes, I do. I have a plane to catch and a girl to surprise.”

At that, Skylar squeals and claps her hands, dancing on her toes. “Oh my gosh, it’s so romantic. I can’t wait to hear all about it.”

We say our goodbyes—my knocked-on-his-ass brother not even hanging around until I get on the plane—and before I know it, I’m strapped into a club chair by the emergency exit, already two fingers of whiskey deep before we even take off.

This is going to be the longest seven hours of my life.

CHAPTER27

Tinsley

“This is Archer Hayes.I apologize for not answering. If this is related to Hayes?—”

I hang up the phone and check the time.

7:00 P.M.

He should have called thirty minutes ago. He’s late—and he’sneverlate.

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