Page 45 of Archer
For the first time since I got home to grab my stuff, Ben smiled. “Okay, yeah. I think I like this guy.”
Groaning, I flopped my arms at my side. “I want you two to meet, but I’m worried about the things Dad says. What if he makes Archer reconsider his decision to be with me.”
Elton half-stood out of the car, breaking into the conversation. “Archer adores you. There’s nothing anyone can say that will change that.”
Ben nodded. “And if he’s so easily influenced that Dad can get in his head, I’ll come help you bring all of your stuff back here. But I will say, I like that he wants to meet your family. It shows what a standup guy he is. I know Dad’s been obnoxious, but family is important, Crispin.”
He was right. Archer was, too. I jumped at my brother, and he caught me with open arms. “You’re going to love him, then. I just know it.” I squeezed him tighter. “And thank you for letting me move in with you and having my back. I couldn’t have asked for a better brother than you.”
Ben hugged me back tightly. “It was my pleasure. I’m going to miss having you around. Don’t forget, if you ever need to come back, you always have a home with me.”
I blinked back tears. “I know. Thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”
Stepping back, he ruffled my hair. “Anytime, little brother.”
I got in the car, and Ben stood in the driveway, waving at us as we pulled away. We’d pulled out of the neighborhood, headed back to the hotel when Elton said, “You’re so lucky, Crispin. You have a kickass brother who loves you and an amazing Daddy. Where do I find a hunky Daddy to help me get my shit together?”
I bit back a laugh. “There’s plenty of them running around the Windsor. We’ll have to find you one.”
Elton made an unintelligible sound, which I was pretty sure meant he didn’t believe we’d stumble across someone for him. But we would. We were two boys on a mission to find Jordy, but I’d handle seeking a Daddy for my new friend by myself. After the way I’d been manifesting every good thing I’d ever wanted—plus some—I had enough faith to find him a Daddy for both of us.
“Thanks for coming with me to grab my stuff,” I said, changing the subject.
He turned at an angle and glanced into my backseat, which we’d stuffed to the brim. “Did Archer mean for you to bring everything you own? Like, are you officially moving in with him?”
Doubt clouded my mind. “I really only had my clothes at my brothers. Most of my stuff is in storage. Do you think Archer’s going to get mad I brought so much?”Shit. What was I thinking? He told me he’d clear out some space for me, but that didn’t mean he intended for me to invite myself to move in. I gripped the steering wheel, low-key panicking.
Elton huffed. “No, I don’t think he’s going to care at all. That man stares at you like you’re his favorite snack, and he can’t wait to take a nibble.”
I giggled. “I’m okay with that.”
“I bet you are,” he said dryly.
I side-eyed him, and we both burst out laughing. Elton had the cutest little nerdy laugh. It was going to be so easy to find him a Daddy. I was going to rock as a matchmaker.
“Okay, in all seriousness,” he said. “I’m so happy for you. It really sounds like everything’s coming together. I can’t believe Aziza’s selling you her brand for so cheap.”
My heart warmed thinking of my friend. We’d chatted earlier, and she’d apologized profusely again. I didn’t blame her since I shouldn’t have jumped to my own conclusions. She blamed herself because she knew how over-the-top and hard on myself I could be. In the end, it didn’t really matter. We’d figured it out now. Although, I still thought she should at least draw up a contract for the seven percent I’d planned instead of her five percent since I wasn’t giving her anything else.
“I know. I can’t believe it. She’s going to come to town next month so we can make it official. Although, honestly, I think she only cares about meeting Archer in person.”
Elton sighed. “You’re really so lucky, Crispin. You’re surrounded by so many people who care about you.”
When he made comments like that, I wondered how alone Elton was. Not anymore. He had me now. “I am. But now I have you, too.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a tiny grin form on his face before he turned his head to stare out the window. We reachedthe Windsor, and I headed for my normal parking spot when I stepped on the brakes.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Doesn’t Archer get a second spot with his condo?”
“Oh yeah.” Elton nodded. “You should park there. Aww. This is too cute.”
“Hush,” I said, feeling my cheeks heat a little and fighting to keep my face neutral so he wouldn’t see how excited I really was. Whoever would’ve thought that I’d go from never seeing inside one of the units to staying with my very own Daddy, who owned one? Was this real life?
Since Elton lived here, he knew the unit system for out here, and he directed me to the right space. “I better let Archer know I’m here.”
“Good idea.” Elton jumped out of the car, and I followed after shooting Archer a text. “Pop the trunk, Crispin.”