“Yay! We’re about to have breakfast, then go hiking!”
“Can’t wait,” I grind out between my teeth.
After we eat and get dressed, Annie takes us to one of her favorite trails that’s close by.
“When we get to the top, make sure to get out your camera,” Annie says. “You’ll want to take pics of the view.”
“If I make it up there, I’m jumping off,” I mutter, huffing and out of breath. Between the altitude difference and the cold, I’m dying.
Archer chuckles as he moves in front of me and bends down. “C’mon, hop on.”
“What? No, I can’t let a five-year-old beat me.”
Annie snickers. “To be fair, she has better hiking shoes than you.”
I grin. “You have a valid point.”
Deciding to take Archer up on his offer, I jump on his back and tightly hang onto him. “Alright, now this is what I call hiking.”
Eventually, we make it to the top, and I’m blown away by the view. White powder lightly dusts the surrounding trees, and down below, there’s a lake with bluish-green water. Being able to see the mountain peaks in the distance from up here was worth all the work. After we eat a quick snack and drink lots of water, we make our way back down.
“The descent is always easier,” Archer says as I pass him on the trail.
At the bottom, we stretch, then get into Annie’s car. Once we’re back at her place and I take a hot shower, the soreness comes. My calf muscles feel as though they’ve been twisted and stretched, and it’s the first time I’ve ever used them.
“Doing okay?” Archer asks when I collapse on the couch.
“I-I think so.”
Annie sits and meets Archer’s eyes. “So, any big plans for your birthday?”
“Wait. When’s your birthday?” I nearly jump up. “You didn’t say anything about it!”
“Because it’s not a big deal.” He tries waving me off.
“It’s February third,” Annie confirms.
My mouth drops open. “That’s like two weeks away! Oh my gosh, we need to throw a party!”
“No, I’m good,” he deadpans.
“Nice try.” I pat his leg. “I’m planning one.”
Archer shoots Annie a look, and she glances away innocently.
“Gonna be the best birthday ever,” I tell him. “You only turn thirty-four once.”
He shrugs, then blows out a deep breath. “Don’t go crazy.”
“Excuse me, have you met me?”
“Yes, and that’s why I’m afraid.”
I create a new note in my phone. “Archer’s Birthday Bonanza,” I say aloud as I type. “I assume you’ll want to invite all of your gym co-workers. Anyone else?”
“If you’re inviting all of them, you gotta invite my cougar clients too,” Archer drawls with a cocky grin.
“Not happenin’,” I snap. “First lesson in business, don’t mix it with pleasure.”
“She’s gotta point,” Annie chimes in.
Archer rolls his eyes, and I spend the next hour writing out ideas and making a guest list.
This will be the best party I’ve ever planned.
The following morning, we eat breakfast together and hang out before we leave for the airport. We could only stay the weekend since we have to work, but it was just what Archer needed. He’s missed his sister and niece a lot, and I loved meeting them in person. We’ve already talked about returning or having them visit Lawton Ridge.
When we board the plane, I put my pillow back on Archer’s arm and snuggle in against him. I easily drift off but wake up during some turbulence. Just as I’m about to sit up, I notice he’s texting with Annie.
Annie: So, you wanna tell me again how you and Everleigh aren’t hooking up?
My eyes widen at her accusation, and I’d be lying if I didn’t want to see Archer’s response.
Archer: We aren’t. I wouldn’t lie to you.
Annie: Then do you care to explain why you snuck into her room both nights?
Archer: Were you spying? I was super quiet.
Annie: Ha! Not even gonna deny it. Well, I have super mom hearing. Plus, when I got up to use the bathroom, I noticed your bed was empty. Not hard to put two and two together.
Archer: It’s not what it looks like.
Annie: It looks like you two can’t stay away from each other. Just tell Tyler how you feel. I’m sure if you explain everything before he has the chance to hear about it from someone else, he’d respect you a lot more. He’d probably understand too.
Archer: It’s more than just Tyler not approving. If we dated and it didn’t work out, I’d lose everyone I care about here. I haven’t been in a relationship in so long, there’s no guarantee I wouldn’t fuck it up. Hurting Everleigh is the last thing I want to do.
Annie: Well, if you two are as transparent about your feelings around me as you are around everyone else, I bet he already assumes.
Archer: If he had any inkling of how I felt about his sister, there’s not a chance in hell he’d stay quiet about it.