Page 112 of Comeback
“If I say no are you going to kick my ass?”
Her expression softens and she laughs. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
I laugh along with her, but then she stops suddenly and she’s glaring at me again.
“If you and my brother have kids, you’re going to be great at scaring your kids into telling the truth,” I tell her honestly.
“Don’t sidestep the question. Are you in love with him or what?”
Surprise makes me choke on the next sip of my beer. “Love?”
“I see the way you look at him and him at you.”
“He’s really great and we’re having so much fun.”
She keeps giving me that tough stare. “And?”
“I’m a little in love with him,” I admit finally. Damn she’s good.
London squeals and lunges to hug me, spilling a little of her beer on me in the process. “I knew it. I so knew it.”
“He doesn’t know so you cannot say anything,” I say, suddenly panicking a little. I’ve barely even admitted it to myself.
“I won’t.” She mimes zipping her lips and then breaks out into another huge smile. I can’t believe this same woman was just glaring at me a few seconds ago.
Now that I’ve said the words out loud, my stomach is a bundle of nerves walking back into the concert. Archer and Brogan are standing together, belting out the song with huge smiles on their faces.
London shoots me a knowing grin. Brogan spots us first, opening up his stance and singing directly to her. My gaze moves to Archer. He’s looking my way, no longer singing.
Everything okay?he signs.
Perfect.
I walk right up to him, sling my arms over his shoulders and kiss him. His surprise only has him hesitating for a second before he’s wrapping me up closer and sweeping his tongue into my mouth.
He said kissing was mandatory at this event. I agree. Kissing Archer is my favorite sport. It’s never just a kiss with him. It’s so much more.
My heart hammers in my chest. I want him in a way I’ve never wanted anyone else. It’s beyond a physical need.
I’m not sure how long we kiss, but when the song comes to an end and the noise falls to a dull roar, I pull back. He stares back at me with adoration, almost lazily roaming over my features like he’s trying to memorize the way I look. My insides go soft.
Another song starts up.
“Is this one of your favorites?” I ask.
He shakes his head, attention tuned to my mouth now in that way he does when he’s reading my lips. It never stops surprising me how good Archer is at making me feel heard. Some people would probably attribute it to his hearing loss and him wanting to keep up with conversations, but I think it’s just him. He cares deeply for the people in his life and he makes sure they know it.
Being one of those people he’s let into his circle is special. Which is exactly how he makes me feel. I can only hope I make him feel a fraction of that feeling in return.
“Want to go on a little adventure?” I ask him.
His brows pinch together. “An adventure?”
Nodding, I grab his hand and pull him with me. I stop in front of London and Brogan.
“Can I borrow your truck key, big brother?” I hold my palm out and fight a smile.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls it out before something snaps into place for him. Brogan pulls the key back out of reach from me.
