Page 50 of Archer

Archer smiled approvingly. “Good boy. Let’s get that set up as soon as possible.”

I sighed. “Okay, I’ll call Ben so we can figure out a good time.”

I started to stand up so I could grab my phone, but he held me tightly. “You can do it after your nap.”

Putting off that inevitable phone call sounded good to me. Besides, I had to do what Daddy said, right?

Chapter 19

Crispin

Settling in at Archer’s place has been amazing. True, we were still in the honeymoon phase, and he hadn’t actually acknowledged that I’d moved all the way in yet, but so far, it had been more than I’d ever hoped for. It felt like that was a running theme for me when it came to him. Everything was just more.

I’d also had the opportunity to speak with Janelle about working at Harmony and Joy. She jumped at the chance—which felt pretty damn good—and I couldn't wait for her first day. She had some other commitments and obligations to take care of first, but we’d at least come up with a schedule for her that would suit us both. Having even more time with Archer in the evenings was going to be a definite plus.

“What are you thinking about, sweet boy?”

“Everything and anything to distract me from the evening ahead.”

We were currently on our way to Ben's house for dinner with him and my parents. It kind of sucked that we arranged it this way. I should’ve had Ben and Archer meet first, but for whatever reason, it hadn’t occurred to me until this morning. As it was, it had taken a couple of weeks to pull tonight together. My parents, who’d been showing up on my brother’s doorstep at a moment’s notice for months, suddenly had a full social calendar that kept them too busy to meet my new boyfriend.

He reached over and grabbed my hand, lacing our fingers together. “Stop fretting. It’ll be fine. Are you worried that your parents are going to think I’m too old for you?”

“Daddy,” I whined. “I hadn't been worried about it until you said that.” In fact, I hadn't given it a second thought since our age gap hadn’t bothered me. Would this be another thing that my father threw in my face? I really hoped not.

The GPS guided Archer to Ben’s address, so I didn't say another word until he pulled up in front of the house and parked at the curb. He pressed his palm into mine. “It’s going to be fine. Don’t forget, I’m with you.”

“Hopefully, my dad doesn’t say anything to send you running for the hills,” I said, only half joking.

Archer brought my hand to his mouth and kissed the back. “I promise you, there’s nothing anyone could say that would make me leave you.”

We went up to the front door, and Ben whipped it open before I had a chance to stress out over whether I should knock or just walk straight in.

“Crispin,” he said, ushering us inside. The minute I was in, he pulled me close for a backslapping hug. With an arm still around my shoulders, he turned and held out his hand to Archer. “Hi, I’m Crispin’s brother, Ben.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Ben. I’m Archer. Crispin’s told me so much about you.”

“All good, I hope.” Ben glared down at me.

I hip-checked my brother. “Of course it was. I know I have the best big brother in the world.”

He shrugged sheepishly. “I don't know if I’d go that far.”

Moving from Ben’s side, I slipped back under Archer’s arm as he said, “Well, unless Crispin’s severely exaggerating, it sounds like he struck gold in the brother department.”

From the other room, my mom called, “Why are you keeping them in the entryway, Ben?”

I snickered, knowing how rude she thought that was to keep company hovering in the doorway.

My father’s voice rang out after her. “Bring them in so I can meet this boy.”

Ben, Archer, and I all stared at each other. My nerves ratcheted up at my father’s tone, and I wanted to puke. Ben was obviously trying not to gag at Dad calling my Daddy a boy. Not that my parents were privy to any of those details. Archer merely looked amused. I hoped my parents didn’t say anything too embarrassing when they realized that my boyfriend was no young boy.

We made our way into where Mom and Dad were sitting next to each other on the couch. Mom jumped up and hugged me really quick, then stepped back. Dad rose slowly to his feet, glaring at Archer. Swallowing down my apprehension, I said, “Mom, Dad, this is Archer. Archer, these are my parents, Gail and Fred.”

My dad stuck his hand out toward Archer. “You can address us as Mr. and Mrs. Clark.”

What the hell? Our friends had been calling our parents by their first names since we graduated from high school. I heard Ben groan from behind me, and Mom flinched. It figured my dad was going to be a dick. With the introductions done, Ben ushered us all to the table.