“The boards busted?” He stands next to me, looking over the mess. Once I let Sassy inspect me, she saunters off to the living room.
“Yeah, I wood glued them together once.”
He chuckles. “How many times has this happened?”
A blush covers my cheeks—he definitely knows how it busted, considering how I look.
“A few…” I reply. “It might be time for me to replace it if I can’t fix it again.”
“Well, let’s lift the mattress and look at the damage,” Archer suggests.
As soon as I move my comforter out of the way, BUB rolls out and thumps next to me. Archer’s eyes widen in surprise.
“Whoops.” I chuckle, then kick it away.
We lift the mattress and lean it against the wall.
“Yep, just as I suspected.” I frown at the slats that are cracked right next to where I repaired them before. “I don’t have the shit to fix it. Go figure.”
“Did you use clamps to hold them in place and wait for it to dry?”
“Uh, no.”
His mouth tips up in amusement. “Might be time for some new slats.”
Releasing a sigh, I nod. “I think you’re right.”
“I can go with you to the hardware store tomorrow and fix it for ya. Might take a couple of days, though.”
“Okay, thanks. I guess I’ll sleep on the couch tonight.”
“Everleigh, no.” Archer immediately comes closer. “Take my room. Please.”
“Nah, I’ll be fine. Won’t be the first and probably not the last time I’ll sleep there.”
“There’s no way I’m sleeping in my bed while you’re on a lumpy couch.”
“Hey!” I scold. “My couch isn’t lumpy.”
Archer smirks, and I know he’s messing with me.
“Whatever. It’s no biggie.” I grab my pillow and comforter, but Archer blocks me from leaving.
“I hope you’re going to the guest room with that.” He crosses his arms, and it reminds me more of a big brother than a roommate.
“There is no guest room. That’s yours,” I say. “And honestly, I don’t mind.”
“So damn stubborn,” he tsks, shaking his head, then quickly leans down. Before I realize what he’s doing, he lifts me over his shoulder. His hands are on my bare thighs, and I’m suddenly aware of how close his face is to my panties.
“Excuse me!” I squeal as he walks through the living room. I release the items I was holding.
“Hey, caveman. I can walk!” I smack his ass as he steps into his room.
“I gave you the chance, and you didn’t take it.” He tosses me on the mattress and towers over me like a bodyguard.
“If you wanted me in your bed, Archer, all you had to do was ask,” I taunt.
“Go to sleep. I’ll be on the sofa.”