Page 143 of Comeback
She laughs and reaches for the balloons, taking one for herself and one for Knox. He is her opposite, at least in appearance. He looks a little angry, a little rough around the edges in black jeans and a black T-shirt. At least until he looks at Avery. Then he goes all soft and sweet.
Flynn wanders over, too, and silently starts helping.
“Have you heard anything yet?” Knox asks him.
By the automatic darkening of his gaze, I know he’s asking about baseball. I haven’t had a chance to talk with Flynn one-on-one that much, but I’ve gathered that he’s still feeling down after being let go by the Twins.
“You know you’re welcome to crash with me and Avery until you figure out what’s next.” Knox’s expression is filled with concern.
“I know,” Flynn says. “But I’m good here.”
It looks like he wants to object, but Knox nods and Avery leans into his side.
The oldest Holland brother, Hendrick, and his wife, Jane, are helping London hang up a banner over the island that says, “Happy Birthday, Archer”. London painted it by hand so it’s stunning, as is everything else she does. Honestly, he may not even notice the balloons. Or the confetti cannon.
“Slade just texted. They’re leaving the bar now and he says Archer is tipsy.” Brogan taps out what I assume is a reply to Slade and then pockets his phone.
My nerves ramp up with my excitement.
“Tipsy Archer is fun,” Knox says with a glint in his eye that makes me wonder about the stories he could tell me. I make a mental note to ask later.
We tie off a few more balloons and then scatter around the living room and kitchen to hide. Which is easier said than done with big, football guys. Tripp is lying behind the couch, but his feet stick out on one side, and Merrick is squeezed next to the refrigerator holding so still it doesn’t look like he’s breathing.
I’m squatting behind the island. Brogan is next to me, holding a hand over his mouth like he’s afraid he’s going to laugh out loud at any moment. And Flynn is beside him, wearing a smile that makes him look as young as he is.
The apartment is dark and quiet. When the front door opens, I hold my breath and listen for Archer. I wish I could see him right now.
“Sabrina!” Archer yells my name louder than I’ve ever heard him yell anything. My eyes widen and I have to bite down on my bottom lip to keep from answering.
“Shit. Fuck. Why is it so dark in here?” he asks in a slurred voice as his footsteps move closer.
“Watch where you’re going there.” Slade’s voice comes out in a laugh. “For a guy that’s paid to be nimble and agile, you’re struggling to walk in a straight line right now, Holland.”
“Sabrina!” He calls my name again—just as loud as the first time. “I’m home! Where are you, sexy woman?”
There’s a snicker from somewhere in the room, but Archer either doesn’t hear it or is too preoccupied with finding me.
“Sabrina, baby, I’m good and drunk and ready to fuc?—”
“Surprise!” I jump out from my hiding spot before he can say any more. My face is hot and there’s a deep chuckle before everyone else joins in.
“Surprise!” They come out of their hiding spots, and someone flips on the lights.
Archer swivels around like he thinks we’re talking to someone else. He does a full circle and then faces us again. A slow, drunk smile pulls at his lips.
“Tipsy?” Hendrick asks quietly from somewhere nearby and then snorts. “He’s wasted.”
I shove the confetti cannon at Brogan and then walk toward my boyfriend. The closer I get, the more unsteady he looks on his feet.
“You’re throwing me a birthday party?” he asks me.
I nod. “Surprise!”
“Aww. That’s so nice and you look so pretty.” His gaze slides over me. I’m wearing a new dress and my favorite over-the-knee boots. “And I amverydrunk.”
I stifle a laugh as he hugs me, nearly taking me down with his limp weight.
“I thought you were just grabbing a beer or two.”
