“No thanks,” Gavin amended. “Pops said he’d order us some pizza.”
My brow furrowed. “You’re sure? That’ll take longer.”
“We’re sure,” Pops said. “You ... you just text your friend about the truck. I’ll take care of dinner.”
“Fine.” I rolled onto my side and pulled up Archer’s contact information. A bright burst of nerves tipped my stomach sideways, then it righted almost immediately. This wasn’t big. Just a friend asking a friend for a favor.
Lies.
Lies, lies, lies.
Every interaction with this man was loaded, and by this point, it had gotten so far out of my control, there was nothing to do but try to keep a level head.
I needed a truck and some strong hands.
He had both.
And ... he looked at me like he wanted to devour me whole, so he’d probably say yes to anything I asked. Anything.
Any. Thing.
I set my jaw and started typing. No more nonsense. There was no need to spiral just because I was asking him for help. A grown-ass woman didn’t spiral over such things.
Me:Hey, I hope I’m not interrupting anything, but can I ask you a huge favor?
Archer:You’re interrupting a mighty battle with weeds along the side of my house. Ask away.
Me:You do your own weeding? I call bullshit.
Archer attached a picture—his face glistening with sweat, and next to his frowning, sweaty, glistening face was an angry-looking weed with clumps of dirt clinging to the roots. The picture cut off just below his collarbone, but he was shirtless. The rounded muscles of his shoulders made my mouth go dry. Those were all glisten-y too.
Forfuck’ssake. Those shoulders were borderline indecent. And looking like that while frowning? Ridiculous. Some decorum in this pseudo-friendship would not go unappreciated.
Me:I stand corrected.
Archer:Tell me what you need.
Me:You and your truck. If you’re available.
Archer:I’m going to need more specifics, because I’m not sure we should trust my deductive abilities where you’re concerned.
Me:Are you trying to flirt with me? We’re friends now.
Archer:If I was flirting with you, you’d fucking know it.
Me:I guess I’ll have to take your word on that.
Me:I was hoping you’d be willing to help move a couple pieces of furniture. My grandfather is moving in with me and Gavin, and he has a few things he’s taking with him.
Archer:Of course. When do you need me?
Me:I think we’re both at the shelter tomorrow, but the day after?
Archer:As long as it’s after one, that works for me.
Archer:Just furniture?
Me:Yeah, I’m doing a couple trips today with boxes that I can fit in my car.