I fall asleep with Sassy next to me and wake up a couple of hours later. The doorbell rings, and my shoulders tense. Months later, and I still hate answering it.

Looking out the peephole, I see my best friends with a couple of bags in their hands.

“It’s us, Ev. Open up,” Gemma shouts.

I open the door, and they’re wearing sad expressions. Tyler must’ve said something to Gemma.

“We brought reinforcements,” Katie says as she walks past me.

“And the men are watching the kids tonight,” Gemma adds, wrapping her arms around me. “Let’s get some food and alcohol in you, then we’ll chat.”

Katie offers me a glass of wine, and I take it. When I sit on the couch with Gemma, I ask her if Archer acted unusually this morning.

“No, I only saw him for a moment. He stays busy with clients, and I’m usually jumping between reception and the smoothie bar.”

“Has he gotten any more threatening texts?” Katie asks.

“Well, to my knowledge, there were some sent a few weeks ago. He promised to tell me when he got them but didn’t mention anything recent to me,” I explain with an edge in my tone. We made a deal to be honest with each other, and he wasn’t. Now, I’m pissed.

“I know you don’t want to hear this, babe, but maybe Tyler’s right. If Krystal is after him, it affects you,” Gemma states. “As messed up as it is, he probably left without warning because he knew you’d talk him into staying.”

“Maybe Krystal gave him an ultimatum,” Katie offers.

“Like what? Because every scenario I think of doesn’t end well for him. That’s why I want to look for him. She could hurt him.”

“I’m sure Archer has it under control,” Gemma says.

I take a sip of my wine, glaring at her over the rim. I know she’s trying to comfort me, but it’s not working. The more I think about it all, the more agitated I become.

“Archer can defend himself,” Katie agrees. “And who knows, he could arrive tomorrow and tell you he took care of it.”

“As in…” Gemma makes a throat-cutting motion.

“No!” Katie nudges her arm. “Like she went to jail or something.”

I can only hope. But something in my gut tells me otherwise, and I won’t be able to sleep until Archer’s back in my arms.

Chapter Eighteen

ARCHER

There’s a chill in the air of my hotel room as I get dressed. Every muscle is tense, and I won’t be able to relax until this is over. I couldn’t sleep, knowing how badly I hurt Everleigh. This morning, Tyler sent me a few messages, and I still haven’t responded. I’ll explain everything to him when the time’s right.