Page 63 of Archer

Loose, dry sand sucked at my shoes, slowing my progress, but I didn’t stop or look back. The posts blurred past me as I hit the path, sea oats slapping at my arms and calves. I took the deck steps in two bounds and spun through the sliding door.

I locked up, then pressed my back to the interior wall, chest heaving. I twisted at the waist to peer outside.

Archer ran back down the beach and disappeared into the dunes, moving fast and purposefully.

Thirty seconds passed. A minute.

I set my forehead against the glass and sent up a thousand silent prayers.

Should I call his team? The sheriff?

Archer reappeared, walking now, hands on his hips, chest rising and falling in big, visible breaths. He scanned the dunes behind him before crossing the sand toward the cottage.

I opened the door before he reached the deck.

“He’s gone.” Archer came inside and locked the door behind him, then stared down the beach the way I had. “He ran when I came around the dune. I got close enough to see him, but he cut through the brush into the neighboring property and I lost him.”

“Are we sure it was him?”

“Brown hair, medium build. Gray shirt.” He met my eyes. “I didn’t see his face, but I doubt anyone else would’ve run like that. No one who wasn’t up to no good.”

Archer retrieved his phone, stepping just far enough away to have both me and the window in his line of sight while he called the sheriff. He described the scene in detail, including the direction the man had run and the neighboring property’s address. Then he requested a patrol sweep of the surrounding streets.

I kicked off my shoes and moved to the couch, where I pulled my knees up to my chest. I wrapped my hands around them and rested my chin on top.

Archer joined me a moment later and sat at the other end. Not crowding me or hovering.

“You did well,” he said.

“I ran away.”

“You did what I asked you to do, so that I could do my job.” He waited until I looked at him. “You trusted me, and that means more than you know.”

I swung my gaze to the window. Sea oats waved in the breeze beyond the glass.

My stalker had been out there again today. Watching us walk. Watching Archer kiss me. Watching us talk about things that belonged to us, that should’ve been private and not for his consumption.

I wanted to be afraid, but I was pissed.

“Okay,” I said finally. “What now?”

“We just keep doing what we’ve been doing. Hopefully local police will pick him up, and you can press charges.”

He reached across and covered my hand with his. I turned my hand over and held on.

Chapter 19

Harper

Archer dialed Colton next and put the call on speaker. He repeated the story he’d given the sheriff, then crossed his legs and leaned back. “Please tell me you have good news. Harper and I could use a win today.”

“Sorry about all that.” Colton’s voice crackled over the line. “Sounds like a rough start for you guys, but I think I can help.”

Archer’s brows rose. “How?”

“I’ve got a name.”

My mouth opened, but words failed.