Page 77 of Archer

Knox and Nash exchanged a pointed look while Maggie fixed Colton a plate, piling on chicken and sides without asking what he wanted.

“When’s the last time you ate something that wasn’t delivered in a cardboard box?” she asked him.

“This morning. I had cereal.”

“Cereal literally comes in a carboard box.” Maggie set the overflowing plate in front of him. “Eat.”

He accepted it with a grin and quiet “thank you.”

I looked to Archer for an explanation, but he was busy with his green beans.

Sloane, however, bit her lip as she looked pointedly away from the duo.

Time passed quickly, and the conversation bounced fluidly from the group’s daily lives to my security and back. For them, I realized, this was the normal day to day. This was a big part of their lives. Protecting people. Loving them.

I looked around the table, appreciating again, that even in the midst of what Jeremy Webb was putting me through, there could also be moments like this.

Eventually, the group started packing up.

“This was nice,” I said as we helped clear the table. “I needed this.”

“I think we all did,” Maggie said. “I’m glad you came.”

Archer and I walked back to his truck, my hand in his. The sun was still high, the town busy with happy families.

Everything felt so achingly normal. It was hard to believe I was in danger when everything around me was so lovely and beautiful.

“So,” I said as we climbed into the cab. “Maggie and Colton.”

Archer started the engine and chuckled.

“Is that... a thing?”

“No.” He shifted into drive and shook his head as we rolled toward the main drag. “It can’t be.”

“Why not? They’re cute.”

His grin stretched unusually wide. “Because Maggie’s way off-limits. She’s Nash’s little sister. And Knox has known her since she was born. They’re best friends, and he thinks of her like family. Hell, we all do. She couldn’t be less available if she was a nun.”

“But she’s not a nun and she clearly likes him.”

“Doesn’t matter. There’s a code.”

I guffawed. “If you say bro code, I will pinch you.”

He glanced in my direction, a hint of fear in his eyes. “It’s not like that. We just don’t pursue our best friend’s sister. Ever. Period. Especially when that sister is also your other best friend’s sister.” He shook his head. “So, whatever they have, it’s not going anywhere. Plus, Colton knows better.”

“The way he was looking at her suggests otherwise.”

Archer chuckled again. “Then my man is in deep trouble.”

I waited and he didn’t continue. “Elaborate, please.”

Archer rolled his shoulders, obviously uncomfortable, but I was too nosy to care about that. “If you’re right, then Colton has to either act on his feelings or let them go. Problem is, if he acts on it and things go wrong, he’s got way bigger problems. Maggie will be hurt, which means Nash and Knox will be pissed, and internal team chaos will ensue. If he makes a move, he’d better at least plan on making it a long term, big ass deal. And if the time comes to break it off, he’d better be damn careful about that exit.”

I turned in my seat to face him. “That sounds awful.”

“That’s loyalty. There are some lines you just don’t cross.”