Page 18 of Archer
“Okay then, let’s go eat.” We turned to the left to cut across the lobby area, and Crispin paused in front of one of the photos hanging on the wall.
“See, this is what I mean by Hitch honoring the history of the hotel. See how he chose a picture that shows the old ballroom? This whole room was designed to let in light before electricitywas an option, and the big doors on the top with the open balconies allowed people places where they could observe the people dancing below. Mostly Mothers keeping an eye on their daughters to make sure no hands were scandalously placed. Can’t you just picture it?”
“I can, actually.”
“Yeah, me, too. They did such a great job with these photographs. Like they’re modern, but they have this nostalgic feel to them. I love this photographer’s work. And the ones in the hallway over by the Luxe. Oh my gosh. They’re stunning. I love owls, and there’s one of an owl that I’d love to have, but I can’t justify the price. Not that I think he’s overcharging. I just mean, with me wanting to buy the studio and everything, I can’t afford to splurge.”
“That one of the owl is pretty amazing.”
It truly was. It was one of my favorite pictures I’d ever taken. I’d been camping up in the mountains during a full moon. I was headed down to the lake, hoping to get some good shots of the moon reflecting off the water when I heard a sound off to my right, and there was an owl sitting on a branch watching me. His whole body was backlit by the full moon, like he was just waiting for me to take his picture, so I did. It was priced higher than most of my works because it had won numerous awards that year.
“I’ve wondered if the artist has ever given any thought to selling prints. I could probably afford the cost of a print.”
“He has, actually, and I bet if you asked, he might even consider giving you one.”
“Oh, I could never. I mean, all artists should be paid for their work.” He paused for a minute when he realized what I said. “Hold on, how do you know he’s thought about it?”
I chuckled and pointed at the signature on the photograph. “AJ Baptiste.” He looked at me like, yeah, so what? So I spelled it out for him. “Archer. Jean. Baptiste.”
“Archer. Like, as in you?”
“Yeah, like as in me.”
“No way! I thought you only took, like, pictures of kids in your studio down there.” He pointed down the far hallway towards my studio.
“I do take a lot of photos of little kids, that’s true, but shots like that owl are what I really love.”
“That’s so awesome. I can’t believe you let me go on and on about them and didn’t tell me.”
“Well, like most artists, I love to hear people say they like my work.” I shrugged. “Now, let’s go to the bar and get you some food.”
Crispin
When I didn’t think I could crush on Archer any harder, he had to go and reveal that he was the photographer of all the beautiful photos hanging around the Windsor. Handsome and a truly talented artist. I’d already been a little awestruck by him before we’d ever spoken, but after today…gah. He was so attentive, and he seemed to care about everything I had to say. He made me feel seen in a way that no man I’d ever been interested in had before. He made me feel special.
As Archer and I walked into the bar, he steered me toward his friends, Hitch and Bram, and another guy I’d never met before. “Mind if we join you?” he asked them when we reached their table.
Holy shit.He expected me to sit with them? Eat in front of them? Goddess, I hoped I didn’t make a complete ass of myself.
“Please do. It’s good to see you, Crispin,” Hitch said as Archer pulled out a chair for me.
“You, too,” I said with a wave as I sat down, then wanted to hide in embarrassment. Waving? What, was I five?
But Hitch merely smiled kindly. Archer placed a chair at an angle next to mine and set his laptop on the table. “You know Hitch, Crispin, but let me formally introduce you to Bram Evans, who runs the bakery.”
Bram immediately stretched his arm across the table, holding out his hand to mine to shake. “Hey, Crispin, it’s nice to officially meet you.”
“H-hi.” My voice came out so squeaky that I was starting to hope the floor would open up and swallow me. Personally, I thought Archer was the most handsome of them all, but that didn’t mean Bram wasn’t intimidating. Between his sexy five o’clock shadow and his deep, gruff voice, the man was smokin’ hot.
Archer snorted, then pointed to the blond man I’d never seen before. “That’s Cort Thompkins. He’s a private investigator.”
“Really?” I asked, whipping my head toward him. “I’ve never met a PI in real life. What’s it like? Is it dangerous? Have you ever had to work with the police before?”
Cort responded to my enthusiastic greeting with, “It’s pretty good. Sometimes, but not usually for me. And only once. Also, it’s very nice to meet you, Crispin.”
Hitch snickered. “Well, Bram, guess you’re not as interesting as Cort. You barely got a hello.”
Archer snickered and threw his arm around my shoulders. “Don’t worry, Bram. He’s a yoga instructor, so sweet treats aren’t really his thing.”