Page 23 of Shots Fired

Archer Moore, resident playboy no longer.

While my head works to process the existence of Abbie, I stand alone at the back of the living area, watching Kendra cut the cake she got me into pieces and struggling to shake an unmistakable sense of disappointment.

Did I like the prospect of Archer wanting me, with the excitement of thinking he was flirting with me the other night? Yes, I did. I was so convinced I’d never go there with him—or any hockey player for that matter—and I thought I was fine with it. But now that the possibility with Archer is dead in the water, I find myself placing way too much hope on the reasons why he wants to talk to me in private.

“Girl, you look like someone accidentally dropped your birthday cake.” Jenna joins me next to the food table, reaching behind my back and stealing a piece of popcorn chicken.

I release a low groan. “Why is life so damn complex?”

She smiles at that, swallowing her mouthful. “I thought you liked puzzles. No one wants boring.”

Jack passes by with a tray of prosecco, and I quickly snag a glass. Jenna grabs an orange juice since she’s a committed athlete.

I, on the other hand, need bubbles.

My attention pauses on the entrance to the hallway and bedrooms. Chances are, Archer is already waiting for me since he isn’t anywhere to be seen. I honestly don’t know what he could want to say to me. Perhaps he picked up on my attraction to him, and he wants to make sure I’m clear that nothing can happen between us. Maybe I did go too far when I randomly showed up at his apartment, and his new girlfriend didn’t appreciate it.

Shit. Maybe he did have a girl in his room, but instead of it being some random hookup, it was actually Abbie.

Feeling embarrassed, I exhale another groan, this one louder and more pronounced.

“Share with the class, Darce.” Jenna sets her glass down on the table behind us, turning to me fully.

I don’t even hesitate. “Did you know Archer is seeing someone?”

Her mouth pops open in surprise, answering my question. “No. No, I did not.”

“He says it isn’t serious, but …” I trail off.

“Oh my God, you like him! You do, don’t you?” Jenna speaks way too loudly, the music the only thing preventing the rest of the room from overhearing our conversation.

She winces and lowers her voice to a discreet level. “Is that what’s got you standing over here, alone, at your own party, looking all hung up?”

A large part of me wants to deny it and make up some bullshit excuse for why I look exactly how she described earlier—like someone just dropped my cake. But that won’t serve me, and I trust Jenna. Plus, she recently broke up with her serious boyfriend, Lee, so she understands the importance of leaning on girlfriends when you need them.

“I think it’s possible I wanted a little more than a few laughs with him on nights out.”

Jenna rolls her lips together, smirking but seeming unsurprised. “You mean you wanted to find out if he’s as awesome as the rumors suggest?”

I tingle at the thought. “Maybe.”

She nods in understanding. “Listen, I get that. I’ve readand heardthat he can goallnight long. Some women who have spent a night with him report he’s ruined them for other men.”

I take a sip of prosecco. “Well, it’s not like I’m going to find out now, is it? He wants to talk with me tonight, but I’m pretty sure it’s to clear the?—”

Jenna holds up a hand, pulling her mobile out of her bag. The smirk she wore a few seconds ago is now a full-blown grin. “Well, well, well. Speak of the devil.”

I furrow my brow as she hands me her phone.

Archer: I know everyone wants to spend time with the birthday girl, but actually, I reserved these few minutes. Can you ask Miss Darcy Thompson to meet me in the room two doors down on the left? Oh, and this text does not exist.

I hand my friend her phone back, my excitement kicking up a notch. Even though nothing has really changed in the past thirty seconds, he sure is keen to speak with me.

Jenna tips her head toward the hallway. “Go. I’ll cover for you.”

I go to move past her, and she clears her throat, asking me to hold up.

“Listen, I’ve got zero idea what’s going on with this other girl of his, but that is one complication I wouldn’t want to get tangled up in. Be really fucking careful, babe.”