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I don’t even know when he got this close, but I can see every detail of his blue-and-white striped shirt, so tight against his biceps it looks like it’s painted on.
His sharp scent washes over me. No man has any right to smell this good, like mint and citrus and fresh laundry thrown together in this unholy union.
God, it would be so easy to lean forward.
To rest my forehead on his chest, safe and secure in his wall of heated human stone.
“I can’t afford the cabin anymore,” I blurt out. I have to say something before I lose my courage and start honking ugly sobs. “I thought I could, honestly, but he’s pissed that I’m not coming home and—” The lack of oxygen makes my head spin, and I take a breath. “And the point is, I don’t get access to my money again unless I go home. He’s holding everything except my bank account hostage.”
Archer’s mouth is a hard, flat line.
Big surprise.
I’d be pissed too if this weird bee girl showed up with a runaway bride sob story to complicate my life. I’ve already cost him his patience, his time, his sanity—and now I’m asking for his financial well-being, too.
I don’t let myself stare at his face for too long.
“I see,” he says again, this strangely gentle tone that says maybe he really does understand.
“I’m so sorry, Archer. I never meant for any of this to happen. The last thing I wanted was to make myself your problem.” My whole body is shaking now.Get it together, Winnie. “I know this is dumb and you must be furious. I know—”
“Winnie, stop. Just look at me and breathe,” he rumbles.
He’s even closer now.
I can feel his wonderful body heat, this invisible aura comforting me, stroking me like a kitten right down to my bones.
He’s so tall. I have to look up to meet his gaze and those ice-blue eyes that aren’t so icy after all.
In fact, they’re more like a wide, welcoming sky.
I blink so fast it hurts.
Sad, scalding tears fall down my face.
The shame just keeps piling up. This is the third time I’ve cried in front of him.
“Breathe,” he says again.
I hadn’t thought this bear of a man could sound so gentle. He runs a hand up my arm to my shoulders and the gesture is so reassuring, I have to fight to keep my eyes up. If I’m not careful, I’m going to melt right into him.
“I’m really sorry to come here like this, crying all over you. To evenaskfor something I don’t deserve.”
“Enough. Stop apologizing.” The corner of his mouth twitches like he wants to smile, but he holds back, his eyes speaking with warmth and seriousness. “It’s going to be okay. Whatever else happens, I need you to know that.”
“Easy for you to say,” I whisper.
“We’ll work something out. It’s a premier property and this involves the company, so I’ll have to talk to my brothers, but they’re not unreasonable. No one’s throwing you out on the street, Winnie.”
I frown, trying to hash out what he’s telling me.
“You mean you’re… not kicking me out?” My knees feel like they’ll crumble under me.
“Nah.” The other side of his mouth twitches and he loses his grimness. “You’ve just tapped into a honey gold mine on our property, right? Why the fuck would I fire my top bee expert?”
Holy hell.
Only Archer flipping Rory could leave my heart in shambles with a single question.