Page 37 of Shots Fired

“All right, bitches.” Collins plops down on a seat opposite us, followed by Kendra.

Jenna’s still looking at me, and Collins and Kendra share a glance. The entire table is now in silence, apart from the gentle Italian music playing in the background.

“Oookay, what did we just walk in on?” Kendra finally speaks up.

I drop my head between my shoulders. “Jenna was asking me about the party last night.”

“Annnd …” Kendra pushes. “What happened? You’re over your headache, right?”

I flush pink because I’m a terrible liar, and I knew she could see through me when I left the party early.

They do say honesty is the best policy.

Inhaling a deep breath, I look around at my friends as they gaze back with equal intensity. “I didn’t go home sick. I left earlier because I wanted to spend the night with Archer. He’d invited me back to his place and … yeah …”

“H-O-L-Y HELL.” Kendra’s jaw hangs open.

Collins tips her head toward her friend, whispering low, “You’re drooling.”

Kendra scoffs once, eyes bugging out. “Y-you slept w-with …”

“Yep,” I reply, sitting up straighter in my chair. I fold my hands on the table in front of me. “I did, and it was fucking amazing.”

Jenna leans forward, elbows braced on the table. “Ladies, you didn’t see the text I received from him, asking to talk to Darcy alone, but I think we have a boy obsessed on our hands.”

“Pah!” I swivel to my friend, the short outburst garnering a few turned heads. On a wince, I lower my voice and hold up a hand. Anything Archer said last night was in the heat of the moment, and, boy, was it hot. “That’s completely ridiculous. We’re just friends with benefits, and we’ve agreed to have fun together. Last night was the first time, and I can’t lie—we both find each other attractive. Call it scratching an itch.”

Jenna, Kendra, and Collins all raise their eyebrows, staying silent.

“Okay, are we ready to order?” A server approaches our table with a bright smile and notepad in hand.

I fluster and open the menu in front of me, finding the first item on the list. “Yes, I’ll get the chicken Parmigiana, please, and a side salad.”

The rest of the table goes about ordering while I zone out of the conversation.

Sure, Archer wants a fuck-buddy arrangement, but that doesn’t mean anything. He’s a friend, giving me what I want and benefiting from it himself in the process. To me, that sounds like the perfect scenario for a playboy.

“Earth to Darcy.” Collins waves a hand in front of me. “We aren’t done with this conversation.”

I rest my chin in my palm. “It isn’t as big of a deal as you’re making it out to be. It’s just sex. He’s hot, he thinks I’m hot, and you all know I wanted some fun after Liam. This is the perfect solution. Plus, we agreed to be exclusive, and I guess that’s ideal because I’m not sure how safe sleeping around really is.”

Kendra clears her throat. “Well, I, for one, have multiple questions.” Collins and Jenna hum in agreement beforemy sister-in-law continues, “Number one: what happened to Abbie?”

“Didn’t work out,” I reply on a casual shrug.

Kendra narrows her eyes, doubtful. “Question number two: who suggested a fuck-buddy arrangement?”

“He did.”

They all look between each other again, more brows raised.

“Question three,” Kendra presses on with her inquisition, “at what point are you both planning on breaking the news to Jack? Because I sure as hell am not. He’s already convinced Archer wants to fuck you around, and this just confirms it.” She crosses her arms, sitting back in her chair.

Drinks are set down in front of us, and I finish the last few sips of my wine before speaking. “I don’t plan on telling my brother. Ever. Archer offered to come forward and straighten things out, but I really don’t get why we should. It’s just some fun that will eventually fizzle out. Why do I need my brother’s permission to do what I want with who I want? He also doesn’t need to know everything that’s going on in my life. I’m telling you all as my trusted girlfriends and because all three of you clearly worked out something was going on. I’m not even sure I’ll tell Mum since she has no clue, and again, this whole thing isn’t a big deal.”

They all nod in understanding.

“I get that, Darcy.” Jenna smirks at me, mischief in her tone. “But my question to you is this: was he as good as the rumors suggest?”