Page 48 of Autumn Kissed

“I just had a little accident, Dad. Don’t worry about it. Archer brought me here to make sure I was taken care of.”

“I’m sure he did,” Dad says. “What are the chances you’d be there for her again, Mr. Kade?”

Archer shrugs. “I guess I’m just available whenever she needs me.”

“What exactly were you doing to have caused my daughter to need to be seen at the hospital?”

“I think she can answer that for herself.”

They stand in front of me facing each other, and I sit between them, a toddler who can’t make eye contact with the adults.

No, wait. I am an adult. I’m more like the netting between two professional table tennis players—completely inconsequential and useless in preventing the ball from being lobbed from side-to-side.

“I’m asking you, Mr. Kade,” Dad continues.

“I’m aware of that, Mr. Mayor.”

Watching their battle of wills is a completely different experience than before. Dad’s disapproval is as clear as the flicker of rebellion in Archer’s eye.

I can understand why neither of them like each other, and if I wasn’t in pain right now, I’d probably do more to get them to see eye-to-eye. But I am in pain, and I want to leave this ping pong match before it gets any more heated.

“Juliet Monroe?”

The nurse at the door calls my name, and I release a pent-up breath. Both men look at the nurse, then back at me as if only now remembering I existed.

“Yeah, I’m still here. Can I get a hand up?”

They both reach toward me as if this is some synchronized swimming match—are we just going to hit all the Olympics sports now?—and I take both hands.

I’m lifted effortlessly into the air with only a slight twinge in my ankle. Dad’s hand is warm and comforting, as it has been my entire life.

But Archer’s touch unravels me.

My skin burns at his callused fingers, and his eyes connect with mine in a way that makes me think he feels it, too.

Get thee hence, crush.

I release my hold of him and give him a succinct nod. “Thanks, Archer. My dad can help me from here.”

His brows pull together, and his eyes narrow just a degree before he takes a step back. “Hope you feel better soon.”

“Me too.”

Dad gives him another look, then puts his arm around me and supports me as I hobble toward the awaiting nurse.

“Are you going to tell me what happened?” Dad mumbles.

“Just as soon as I get some pain meds.”

He nods and holds me tighter, making me all the more grateful for his support.

I greet the nurse and walk through the door, leaving the waiting room behind, but not before I steal a glance over my shoulder.

Surprise pulls at my stomach with a tight tug. Archer remains where I left him, his eyes on mine until the door closes behind me, and our gaze finally breaks.

Archer

As soon as the door shuts behind Juliet and her dad, a spark of regret burns inside me so furiously, my chest aches.