Page 69 of Whisper Sweet Nothings
“Absolutely not.”
“Excuse me?”
“You’re not walking in this weather, not to mention it’s not safe to walk alone at night.” He was already slipping on his cowboy boots. “Grab your coat, angel face.”
“Yes!” Melody punched her fist toward the ceiling.
“This is Rosewood River. I’m from Chicago. I am not afraid to walk alone here.” I laughed and shook my head with disbelief. “Archie, I’ve been taking care of myself for a very long time.”
“I’m sure you have. But the tourists are out, and you don’t need to take care of yourself when you’ve got me to drive you.” He paused for a second. “How about you don’t argue, and you let me win this one.”
I nodded. “Fine. I’ll take the ride and save my feet.”
Melody ran off to get her cowboy boots, and Archer turned to look at me. “You look beautiful, Winnie.”
“Thank you.” I could feel my cheeks heat. What was it about this man that just made me so reactive? “I’m sorry you aren’t coming to the party. It’s going to be lots of fun.”
“I think a night in watchingFrozenfor the hundredth time sounds far more appealing than cocktails and music and grown-up conversation.”
My gaze locked with his until Melody came bustling down the hallway. “I’m ready.”
The three of us piled into Archer’s truck, and a part of me just wanted to stay home. I’d grown so comfortable with them. Buthe didn’t want me here tonight, and he’d practically insisted I go out and meet people.
Archer’s Bluetooth announced an incoming call from his mother, and he answered.
“Hey, Mama, what’s going on?”
“Where are you?” she asked.
“Melody and I are dropping Winnie off at Bridger and Emilia’s.”
“Hi, Isabelle,” I called out, because I loved Archer’s mother. She was sweet and funny and very warm.
“Hey, sweetheart. You go and have some fun tonight.”
“I will. Thank you.”
“I was calling to see if you and Melody want to drop by,” Isabelle said. “I baked a couple pies, and they’re still warm. I’ve got ice cream and whipped cream, too.”
“Yes, please!” Melody shouted from the back seat, and I chuckled as we pulled into Bridger’s driveway.
“All right. We’ll come by after we leave here. See you soon.” He ended the call and turned to look at me. “Call me if you need a ride home.”
“Really? You think I’m going to have you bring Melody out in the cold after she’s gone to bed?” I asked. “I’ll be fine. You need not worry. Have a good night.”
“Yeah, you too.”
There was something unreadable in his gaze.
But Archer Chadwick was going to give me whiplash if I tried to figure out what was going through that head of his.
He’d made it clear that he wasn’t interested in me. I didn’t need to be told again.
“Bye, my Winnie!”
I opened the back door and kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you in the morning. Sweet dreams. And eat some pie for me.”
She was still giggling when I shut the door as a car pulled into the driveway. I turned around as Brenner Layton stepped out of his fancy black Mercedes.
