“I insist,” she tells me. “I haven’t started breakfast and could go for a donut before I need to get dressed for work. I can drop you off on the way.”
I smile, knowing she’s not going to give me a choice. “Okay, but only because youinsisted.”
Everleigh grabs her keys and slides on her slippers. After she remote starts her car, she grabs a jacket and gives me the perfect view of her hard nipples.
As she’s driving out of her neighborhood, she turns to me. “Before you crack open that nasty shake, can I tempt you with a glazed donut? There’s nothing like having sugar for breakfast.”
I snort. “Well, when you put it like that...”
She grins wide and parks in front of the bakery. We walk in, and the woman at the cash register smiles when she sees Everleigh. “Oh my God, do you just wake up looking cute?”
Yep, I want to say but keep it to myself.
“Thanks, Lori, you’re too sweet.” Everleigh dips down and looks at all the pastries in the case. “I’ll have a chocolate-covered donut and a chocolate-filled one. He’ll have…” She looks at me, tapping her finger across her plump, kissable lips. “A blueberry cake and a raspberry-filled one. I know how he likes to taste sweet things.”
The girl looks at me for confirmation, and I nod. “Fine with me. Apparently, we have a donut aficionado here.”
“Damn right.” Everleigh leans into me.
“Do you want them in the same bag?” Lori asks.
“Separate, please,” Everleigh confirms.
I hear the clearing of a throat behind me and turn to see Tyler.
“Mornin’.” He looks back and forth between us, noticing how close we’re standing.
Everleigh immediately creates space, and I straighten my stance. I have no idea how long he’s been there or if he witnessed the blatant flirting. Though I’ve done nothing wrong, it's obvious Everleigh was skirting the line.
“Guess we had the same thought,” Tyler speaks up.
“I’m surprised you want sweets for breakfast,” Everleigh says.
“Actually, Gemma asked me to pick up some for her,” he admits. “Happy wife, happy life.”
Everleigh snorts. “That’s right. You better take care of my bestie. Also, she likes Bavarian cream. Surprise her with it.”
Everleigh pays, and we’re handed our bags.
“Really? How did I not know that?” Tyler chuckles as other people enter. “See ya at work,” he tells me, then not so casually pats my shoulder as we pass him.
“Headed there now.” I nod and exit, hoping like hell he’s not going to kick my ass for whatever he thinks is happening between Everleigh and me.
Once we’re in the car, it’s quiet, and I wonder what Everleigh’s thinking.
“Thanks for the donuts,” I tell her when she stops in front of the gym. “You actually did choose one of my favorites.”
“Yeah?” Her voice raises an octave. “Don’t tell me…it was the raspberry-filled one, right?”
I shake my head and smirk. “Blueberry cake.”
“Damn. Almost!”
“So close,” I say, winking.
“Story of my life. Anyway, have a great day, Archer. Enjoy your sugar crash this afternoon.” I feel like she wants to say something more but doesn’t.
I shake my head and chuckle. “Thanks, you too.” I get out of the car and take a big bite of one as I head inside.