“Sassy girl, where are you?” I go to Archer’s room and find it empty.

Oh my God, she’s gone. Did someone steal her? Did I forget to bring her back in this morning? Did Archer come home early and take her for a walk?

Just as I reach for my phone, hands cover my eyes from behind, and my instincts take over. When I hear a man clear his throat, I jab my elbow into his stomach. He yelps, then I turn and hold up my pepper spray.

“Everleigh, it’s just me!” Archer nearly shouts when he spots the spray.

I lower my aim as I try to catch my breath. “Jesus. You scared the shit outta me.”

“Baby, I’m sorry. I thought you heard me.”

I shake my head. “No, I was freaking out that I couldn’t find Sassy. Where is she?”

Archer closes the space between us and holds me in place. “She’s at your grandparents’. I wanted to surprise you, but you came home early. I’m still packing.”

“For what?”

“A romantic weekend getaway.” He smiles genuinely, rubbing his finger along my jaw. “I figured we could use some time away, just you and me.”

My brows shoot up. “Really? You planned somethin’?”

“Yep, I sure did. I wanted to celebrate six months together.”

“It’s been that long already? Wow. I can’t believe it.” If the first time we slept together was when we started dating, which was after his birthday party in February, then he’s right.

He leans in, bringing his lips to mine. “Best six months of my life, sweetheart. Even if you just tried to pepper spray me.”

I chuckle against his mouth. “I was ready to tase your ass next.”

After Archer finishes packing, he drives so I can still be surprised. The car ride is peaceful as the late evening sunshine splashes through the windows onto my skin. I try to soak in the last few weeks of summer before fall arrives.

“Where are we goin’?”

“Well…it’s not too much farther.”

I furrow my brows, wondering what the heck he has up his sleeve.

“I wanted us to be alone.” He shrugs with a devious grin. “But don’t worry, the views will be worth it.”

Thirty minutes later, we arrive, and my jaw is nearly on the floorboard. “Wow, you weren’t lying. What is this place?”

“According to the website, it’s a magical mountain retreat with vintage charm,” he says. “A private place for just the two of us. It’s stocked with the groceries already, but we can drive into town too.”

We get out of the car, and Archer grabs my hand. “Let’s take the tour, shall we?”

The tall trees give some nice shade while Archer leads me around the outside of the cabin.

“That deck is off one of the bedrooms, then there’s another in the back,” he explains.