“If he’s lucky…I’m thinking longer,” Katie deadpans.
Noah’s brows rise. “Excuse me, woman?”
“Yeah, right. You two could hardly keep your hands off each other. Pretty sure that’s how she got knocked up in the first place,” Everleigh blurts out, then realizes Owen’s hanging on to her every word.
“Forget I said that,” she tells him.
After everyone has a piece, we dive in. It’s, in fact, the best dessert we’ve ever had, something we all agree on.
“Don’t eat too much. I still need models for the boutique,” Everleigh says, directing her attention to Tyler and Gemma. “Assuming you’re not game?” she asks Katie.
“Not unless it’s for post-maternity moumous.”
“How’d I get roped into this?” Tyler asks. “Is it an athletic line, at least? Because I could support that.”
“No, but you’re my brother, and I need some male models since I’m adding a men’s line. Nice jeans, shirts, ties, and shoes. You look good all dressed up,” she tells him.
“I’ll do it as long as you don’t make me wear anything too tight,” Gemma says. “I have ten pounds of baby weight I still need to lose.”
“You’re crazy, but fine. I have some cute winter dresses I can put you in.” Everleigh shrugs.
“What about Archer?” Gemma suggests, and every set of eyes is on me as I stuff cake in my mouth.
“Yes…he’d sell your entire collection in a heartbeat with his tats,” Katie agrees.
“Especially since he gives off the whole bad-boy vibe,” Gemma adds.
Tyler and Noah give their wives a look of disapproval, and I hold back a grin.
“What?” Gemma and Katie say in unison.
“That’s actually not a bad idea…” Everleigh arches her brow as she scans down my body. She reaches over and squeezes my arm. “Good biceps. Sexy smile. Intense brown eyes. Maybe a little hair trim and you’d be the best eye candy in the state.”
“Y’all are critiquing him like a piece of meat,” Tyler says.
“Don’t be jealous, brother,” Everleigh taunts, and he rolls his eyes.
“Well, what do you say, Archer? Can I get you naked?”
I nearly choke on my dessert. If I looked at Tyler right now, I’m sure he’d be sporting a disapproving scowl, so I don’t.
“To dress you in my clothing line, of course,” she emphasizes, enjoying catching people off guard.
“Considering you’re letting me invade your space, I’d be happy to help,” I say honestly. Though I’ve never modeled before, I can’t deny the excitement I feel at spending more time with Everleigh outside of the house.
“Yay! You can even keep a few outfits. They’ll look great on you in case you need them for a night out or something.”
“Especially if he has a date,” Noah says. “As soon as chicks see him at the gym, I have a feeling membership numbers are gonna climb.”
I stiffen and wait for Everleigh’s smart-ass remark, but she stays silent.
Clearing my throat, I speak up. “Nah, I have no plans on dating anytime soon. Gonna focus on getting clients and working.” I promised Everleigh I’d pitch in as soon as I got paid, and I plan to keep my word.
“I’ll be your first client!” Owen announces.
I flash him a wink. “Thanks, buddy.”
Belinda talks about some of the stories she’s heard at the deli recently while I continue eating. It's weird to know personal details about people in this town I haven’t even met.