Page 22 of Let Me Love You

“That’s actually not a bad idea…” Everleigh arches her brow as she scans down my body. She reaches over and squeezes my arm. “Good biceps. Sexy smile. Intense brown eyes. Maybe a little hair trim and you’d be the best eye candy in the state.”

“Y’all are critiquing him like a piece of meat,” Tyler says.

“Don’t be jealous, brother,” Everleigh taunts, and he rolls his eyes.

“Well, what do you say, Archer? Can I get you naked?”

I nearly choke on my dessert. If I looked at Tyler right now, I’m sure he’d be sporting a disapproving scowl, so I don’t.

“To dress you in my clothing line, of course,” she emphasizes, enjoying catching people off guard.

“Considering you’re letting me invade your space, I’d be happy to help,” I say honestly. Though I’ve never modeled before, I can’t deny the excitement I feel at spending more time with Everleigh outside of the house.

“Yay! You can even keep a few outfits. They’ll look great on you in case you need them for a night out or something.”

“Especially if he has a date,” Noah says. “As soon as chicks see him at the gym, I have a feeling membership numbers are gonna climb.”

I stiffen and wait for Everleigh’s smart-ass remark, but she stays silent.

Clearing my throat, I speak up. “Nah, I have no plans on dating anytime soon. Gonna focus on getting clients and working.” I promised Everleigh I’d pitch in as soon as I got paid, and I plan to keep my word.

“I’ll be your first client!” Owen announces.

I flash him a wink. “Thanks, buddy.”

Belinda talks about some of the stories she’s heard at the deli recently while I continue eating. It's weird to know personal details about people in this town I haven’t even met.

After a while, the babies get fussy, and everyone decides it’s time to leave. Belinda takes me by surprise when she gives me a big hug and invites me to come have lunch at her deli again.

“Will do, ma’am,” I tell her.

“You gotta try the upside down turkey and gravy sandwich,” Everleigh suggests.

“You gonna join me?” I ask.

She looks at me with a smile. “Yeah, it’ll be a date!”

Everleigh drives us back to her house, then takes Sassy for a walk. The dog nearly leaps out the door and looks like she’s walking Everleigh instead. It causes me to laugh as she runs to keep up. Perhaps I should try walking the little shit.

I change into some joggers and a black T-shirt. Just as I’m settling on the couch, my phone rings, and I smile when I see my sister’s name on the screen.

“Hey, sis.” I answer her video call. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

“Hey, brother.”

“Uncle Archer!” Sadie hops onto Annie’s lap.

“Hey, kiddo! Did you eat some turkey?”

“Yep! And mashed taters, gravy, and corn. Mom made me eat veggies too.” She sticks out her tongue.

I chuckle just as Everleigh returns with Sassy. She notices my phone and pinches her lips. But Sassy doesn’t get the memo and begins barking at me.

“Do you have a dog?” Sadie squeals in excitement.

“My roommate does. Wanna see?”

“Yes!”