Page 10 of Archer
“There’s coffee too. Fresh, just made it,” I said. When she still made no movement, I was sure I knew what would work. “Ah, and the toast is from your bakery. Of course.”
Finally, she brushed by me and straight toward the dish. A breath of relief washed over me, realizing I had made a breakthrough. “So, how’d you sleep?”
That was when she picked up the plate and pivoted on her heel to face me. A coldness was in her blue eyes, an iciness I’d never seen before. It froze me in my place. Without a single word, she took the plate and coffee mug before waltzing back to her bedroom.
“Hey,” I said, unable to hide my offense, but the bedroom door was already closed, and I was alone. “Fuck.”
I took a couple steps against the wooden floors toward her bedroom, sending a crack through the silent house and I stopped. Something told me trying to force her into conversation would somehow make things worse than they already are. Instead, I shoved my pocket to make sure my keys were there, then headed out the door.
When I pulled into the Tavern, it wasn’t even noon, but I was already craving a beer. Hopping off my bike and trudging to the door, I kicked a small stone that was in my path. “Stupid rock,” I mumbled under my breath and opened the door to see the usual crew, minus Tank, there for breakfast.
“Hey, if it isn’t lover boy,” Ripper said, in between mouthfuls of pancakes. “Why aren’t you with your little damsel in distress?”
“Hmph.” I pulled out a chair and slumped into it before calling over to Evelyn. “Hey, Ev, can I get a beer with my pancakes?”
“It’s eleven in the morning,” she said, narrowing her eyes, but grabbing a pint glass. “And beer doesn’t go with pancakes.”
“Yeah, whatever.” I shoved my hands into my pocket and looked away.
“Not going as planned in paradise?” Wrench asked.
“She’s just so…madat me,” I said, baffled at the emotion.
“For what?” Crow growled. “For savin’ her life?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “Apparently.”
“Ha. Spoiled brat,” Crow said, and Ripper turned to him.
“Why do you blame her?” he asked. “Maybe Archer just isn’t as good with women as he thought he was?”
Wrench piped up next. “Quality women are harder to please than the women you pick up here.”
“I’m great with women,” I said underneath my breath, though Wrench’s words got under my skin. It had been years since I talked to a woman who wasn’t obviously turned on by the biker lifestyle. What if I was doomed to never have a chance?
“The poor girl is frightened.” Evelyn came walking up with a plate and a tray in her hand. My mouth watered as she set down the plate of fluffy pancakes drenched in gooey syrup and slab of butter on the top. Next, she set down the pint of beer I requested along with a mug of steaming coffee. “You’ll thank me for the coffee at two when you’re awake instead of having a nap.”
“Thanks, Evelyn,” I said, the delicious aroma of coffee alone perking me up. “I know she’s scared, though. I thought of that already. But this morning, I don’t know, I made her coffee and breakfast, and she didn’t even say thank you or good morning.”
“Waste of time, tryin’ with that girl,” Crow said, and Evelyn swatted his shoulder.
“Archer, she’s scared, confused, and probably lonely without her father,” Evelyn said. “It’s going to take more than food to get her to open up. She needs to trust you.”
“But what else am I going to do?” I said. “I’ve already offered to protect herandcooked for her. That’s literally more than I’ve ever done for any woman before. And the other womenlikedme.”
“If you like her, you’re going to have to figure it out.” She patted my shoulder. “I believe in you.”
She walked back behind the bar before calling, “Oh, I forgot to tell you guys. Tank is taking the day off, says it’s slow and he’s feeling a little rundown. Says you should too.”
“Great,” I said and cut off a piece of pancake. “Won’t even have anything to keep me out of the house today.” Pondering as I let the sweet and salty flavors melt in my mouth, I swallowed. “How the hell do you make a woman trust you, Wrench?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I dunno. Just prove you’re someone worth trusting.”
“Well, I am someone worth trusting.”
“How does she know that, though?” asked Wrench. “For all she knows, you’re just waiting until she lets her guard down until you swipe.”
“That’s insane,” I said. “I’m doing this to protect her, not to hurt her.”
