Wanting You Close

Chapter 2

Chapter Two

ARCHER

I've been at the hospital with Everleigh for the past four days, sleeping in a chair that’s as hard as pavement. Then again, I would’ve slept on the floor if it meant being close to her.

Tyler’s been suspicious of my protective behavior since this happened. Regardless, I can’t bear to be away from her for too long, especially after almost losing her. Having her blood on my hands as she slipped in and out of consciousness has been a total mind f**k.

The last time I was this worried was the night I got arrested. I’d do anything to protect my sister, and I feel the same about Everleigh. She didn’t deserve this, and I hope to God that I’m not the cause of it, but I could be. Lexie’s words have been playing on repeat along with what that crazed woman said that night—what do you have that I don’t?

Yesterday, while Everleigh was resting, I went home and installed motion-activated security cameras around the house. Each corner has one along with a brand-new doorbell cam.

I don’t know what else that woman is planning, but I’m not willing to take any more chances.

“You’d think they would’ve already brought the discharge papers so I can leave.” Everleigh groans as she flips through TV channels. She’s growing impatient and has been since the doctor said she’d be released today.

“I know,” Tyler agrees. “Are you sure you don’t need me to take you home?”

“No. My car is more comfortable. Archer can drive it,” she tells him with a smirk.

“Okay, okay,” he says. When Tyler heard Everleigh would get to leave today, he left work and came up here. He’s offered her tons of support while she’s been in the hospital and even kept her company while I went home yesterday.

“The next time I’m at a hospital, it better be because Gemma is giving me another niece or nephew,” she says matter-of-factly.

Tyler shakes his head. “I’m trying! Trust me! Gotta let my little fellas do their job.”

Everleigh pretends to throw up in her mouth. “Please don’t talk about your little…nope, no. Just make it happen. Without the details, please.”

I chuckle, loving their dynamic. While Tyler is a protective hard-a*s most of the time, it’s also obvious he cares about his sister. After this scare, we’ve all grown closer.

A food service worker enters the room with a tray of food for Everleigh.

Everleigh looks down at her lunch. “I’m supposed to be leaving.”

“You were on my drop-off list, so I’m sure they’re still working on getting the sign-offs. As soon as they’ve got it all taken care of, they’ll let you know,” he explains before walking out.

Everleigh looks down at the chicken that’s white as paper. Next to it is a green mush that I’m sure is overcooked broccoli and another side of what I assume is mashed potatoes. “And I just lost my appetite. Either of you want this?”

“Nope,” I blurt out. “Looks worse than what we were served in prison. I’ve had enough gross food to last me a lifetime.”

Tyler bursts into a roar of laughter. “Holy s**t, you’re right. There’s not enough ketchup in the world that would make that taste good. Is there even any seasoning on it?”

“No,” she says, appalled. Everleigh rips the foil off the top of the apple sauce. “At least this can’t be messed up. I draw the line at instant sweet tea. Like you know it’s supposed to be sweet tea, but it tastes like dirty water.”

I make a face, and it brings me back to the nasty coffee the prison offered. Hard pass.

Moments later, Everleigh pushes away the tray, and a cop enters.

“Please tell me you have my release papers,” she tells him, and that’s when I notice it’s the same guy who took the report the night of the accident.

“No, ma’am. I’m Officer Proctor. I’m glad to see you’re awake this time.”

“Am I under arrest?” Everleigh teases. “At this rate, it might be the only way for me to break out of this place in a timely manner.”

“No.” He chuckles. “I’m here to get a statement from you so we can finalize the report on your case. We take this violent act very seriously, and we’d like to find who’s responsible for doing this to you. We’ve gotten some information from your roommate already, but now that you’re awake, I wanted to see if you could add anything that might be helpful.”

“I only remember the night before I was attacked. It’s like my memory was erased.”

“Traumatic experiences typically do that,” he explains, then pulls out his card. “If anything comes to mind, please call me. We ran the license plate to figure out who it’s registered to, but it’s under an LLC, so we can’t determine who’s been driving it. I’ll contact you if we find anything else out.” He reads out her cell number. “Is that correct?”

“Yep, that’s right. Thanks,” Everleigh tells him.

“You’re welcome. Get to feeling better. We’ll be in touch.”

Everleigh continues flipping through the channels after the officer leaves. After she’s watched two full episodes of Friends, she huffs. Before the third one ends, the nurse enters with her discharge paperwork.

“Sorry it took so long. Just needed a few signatures, and it’s hard to track people down these days.”

The woman goes through all the disclaimers, follow-ups, and privacy acts. After Everleigh has signed her name several times, the nurse offers to get a wheelchair to bring her downstairs.

“Can you help me change?” Everleigh asks her. If Tyler weren’t here, I would’ve been happy to assist.

“Sure.” She turns and looks at Tyler and me. We stand, knowing it’s time to leave the room.

“I’ll pull the car around,” I say. Tyler follows as relief washes over me. Having Everleigh back home is something I’ve been anxiously waiting for. We step into the elevator and make small talk. It’s been awkward between us, but it could just be my guilt making something out of nothing. He hasn’t asked me if Everleigh and I are a thing, but I wouldn’t lie if he did.

“Glad she’s going home,” he tells me. “Hopefully, she listens and actually takes it easy.”

“Me too. Sassy’s gonna be happy to see her too.”

Tyler grins. “Yeah, she will, though I’m sure Mimi has given her way too many treats. She might’ve forgotten about everyone else at this point.”

I chuckle. “Well, that’s what grandmas do.”

“Oh yeah. She spoils the hell out of Scarlett, and she’s only six months old.”

“She’s a very generous woman. You’re lucky to have her.”

He nods. “Don’t know what we would’ve done without her after my mom left. Mimi is an angel.”

The doors slide open, and we walk through the halls. Once we’re in the parking lot, I scan my eyes around and make sure everything looks okay.

“I’ll wait here,” Tyler states as I walk toward Everleigh’s car.

After I start the engine and move around to the covered area, I tap the brakes a few times just in case that psycho b***h has decided to cut the lines. Though I blame it on my paranoia, nothing is out of the realm of possibilities.

I leave the car idle, then stand next to Tyler as we wait. His eyes move over the area too. “I’m really reluctant to let Everleigh out of my sight,” he admits, and I see the worry lines above his brows.

“I am too.” I ball my hands into fists, ready to fight anyone—man or woman—who tries to hurt her again.

Tyler frowns. “It’s hard because of work and my family. I can’t be around her twenty-four seven like I used to, so I’m struggling with it.”

“Listen, I promise I’ll do whatever I can to keep her safe, and if that means all of my clients get rescheduled until she’s fully recovered, then so be it. I can be her full-time bodyguard.”

He shakes his head. “I can’t let you take on all of the responsibility, Archer. I have a friend I could call to help keep an eye on her, but I’m not sure that’s a good idea after what happened to Eric. They still don’t know who’s responsible for his murder.”

“I guess none of us are truly safe, but the truth is you have a family now. Your wife and daughter have to come first. You gotta stay out of danger for their sake. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of Everleigh like she’s my own sister.”

Though I mean those words with my whole heart, I hate implying that Everleigh and I aren’t anything more than friends. I want to tell him I’m in love with her, but now isn’t the time. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her from here on out.

He gives me a tight brotherly hug, knowing what I went through for Annie. “I trust you, man. I know you will. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” His words cut deep, and I feel as if I’ve betrayed him by not telling him the whole truth, but I push away the thoughts as soon as I see Everleigh.

I open the car door for her as she’s wheeled to the edge of the sidewalk. She meets my eyes, and I help her climb inside the car.

“Stay safe, sis,” Tyler says as he hands over her bag, then dips inside and hugs her.

“I will,” Everleigh tells him.

I hop in, and we wave goodbye. She winces a bit and readjusts her position. Knowing that this might be an issue, I grabbed a small throw pillow from the couch for her. After she places it against her side, she smiles in relief.

“You good?” I ask before driving away.

She nods. “Better now.”

I interlock my fingers with hers on the way. She rubs her thumb across mine. Tonight, I’ll get to hold her in my arms as we fall asleep, and that thought comforts the hell out of me.

Tyler follows us, and knowing that he’s close also eases my concern. I think it would be impossible for anyone to take us both on, considering we’re so accustomed to fighting.

Once we’re in Lawton Ridge town limits, Tyler honks a couple of times and waves, then turns off toward the gym. I notice the way Everleigh scans the downtown area, and I search around too, but the SUV isn’t in sight. I squeeze her hand as we drive to her grandmother’s house. As soon as we park, Mimi comes out with Sassy on a leash.

Her tail immediately wags when she sees Everleigh.

“Calm down,” Mimi says, opening the back door.

Sassy jumps in and pushes herself between the seats. “Aw, my sweet girl.” Everleigh coos as Sassy licks her face.

“How’re you feelin,’ honey?” Mimi asks.

“Better. Glad to be going home.” Everleigh grins.

“I’m sure you are. Hold on one second,” Mimi tells her, then runs inside. When she returns, she’s carrying a large bag. “I made some chicken and dumplings for you. I know how much you like those, and it’s the perfect weather. Also, I just fed Sassy, so she doesn’t need anything until tomorrow.”

“I love you. Thank you for takin’ care of my baby,” Everleigh says.

“I’m so happy you’re okay. Take care of her, Archer,” Mimi says as she leans in and hugs Everleigh.

“Yes, ma’am. You know I will.” I grin, and we say goodbye.

Sassy stays close to Everleigh during the short drive. After we pull into the driveway, I walk around the car and help Everleigh stand. Sassy jumps out and stays next to her. I wrap an arm around Everleigh and guide her to the door.

“Home sweet home.” She sucks in a deep breath and smiles when we walk inside. “I’m so glad to be here.”

“Me too. I hate hospitals,” I say matter-of-factly.

“Then why did you stay with me?”

“Because I love you and wanted to be close to you.”

Everleigh’s face softens.

“You hungry?” I ask.

“I’m starving. I’ve eaten garbage for days.”

“I’ll go grab the food from the car,” I tell her, then run outside. Once I’m back in the kitchen, I grab two large bowls and spoons. “Geez, she sent enough to feed a small army.” I remove several large containers filled to the brim. “And even then, I could down all of this on my own.” Everleigh chuckles.

There’s at least a gallon of soup here. I glance up at her. “No way.”

“Yeah, I literally become a dumpling afterward.” She snickers.

As I fill our bowls, gigantic dumplings splash liquid on the counter.

“I should’ve warned ya about that,” she says. “They can be messy.”

“Wanna sit on the couch?” I ask, and she nods.

After I microwave our dishes, I I carry them into the living room, then hand hers over once she’s settled with some pillows. Sassy lies on the floor and stares at us with begging eyes.

I taste the first spoonful, and my eyes go wide. “Wow, this is the best soup I’ve ever had.”

“Wait.” Everleigh stops eating. “You’ve never had chicken and dumplings before?”

“Not like this. The ones I’ve had tasted like chicken noodle soup with slivers or something.”

Her jaw nearly falls to the floor. “We’ve got to introduce you to more Southern delicacies. That’s just a travesty. For real.”

I start laughing. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”

“Abso-f*****g-lutely! Mimi’s dumplings are the world's greatest,” she claims, taking a huge bite out of a fat piece of dough. “Don’t tell Belinda I said that, but hers don’t touch Mimi’s. She gave me the recipe to make my own, but they didn’t turn out the same. I swear she uses a secret ingredient.”

I chuckle. “I’m so relieved you’re home.”

She leans into me. “I’ve missed your warmth.”

“I’ve missed your leg being dead weight on top of mine. And grabbing your a*s in the mornings.”

“I’ve missed your c**k inside me.”

I nearly choke. “About that...”

“Oh, you better not be breaking it off with me. I’ve been through enough bullshit already,” she warns.

“Never. But it’s another reason you need to take it easy and recover quicker.”

“So you can break me all over again?”

I smirk. “You better believe it, sweetheart. No s*x until you recover.”

She gives me a look of disapproval. “We’ll see about that.”

After we’re finished eating, Everleigh asks if we can watch a movie. Sassy jumps on the couch, and we cover up with a blanket. She snuggles in close to me, and I gently hold her.

“Scary or funny?” she asks, clicking on the Netflix app.

“Lady’s choice.”

She gives me an evil grin as she starts the first episode of a Ted Bundy documentary. I chuckle at her choice, but then my mind wanders. I think about the woman who stabbed Everleigh, then my thoughts move to Krystal—who I’m still concerned about getting her revenge.

I press my lips to her forehead and she lets out a small sigh of contentment. “This won’t ever get old.”

“What’s that?”

She snuggles a little closer. “Being here with you, just like this.”

“I’ll never leave you, baby,” I say, hoping it’s a promise I can keep.

“You better not,” she scolds.

I press my lips to hers, running my fingers through her hair, and she moans against my mouth.

“If I wouldn’t have gotten shanked, you’d be n***d right now,” she blurts out when we pull away.

“Be a good girl, and follow the doctor's orders, and we might be able to arrange something soon.”

Everleigh gives me an evil grin and slides her hand over my c**k. “This is harder than I thought. Literally.”