The girl looks at me for confirmation, and I nod. “Fine with me. Apparently, we have a donut aficionado here.”
“Damn right.” Everleigh leans into me.
“Do you want them in the same bag?” Lori asks.
“Separate, please,” Everleigh confirms.
I hear the clearing of a throat behind me and turn to see Tyler.
“Mornin’.” He looks back and forth between us, noticing how close we’re standing.
Everleigh immediately creates space, and I straighten my stance. I have no idea how long he’s been there or if he witnessed the blatant flirting. Though I’ve done nothing wrong, it's obvious Everleigh was skirting the line.
“Guess we had the same thought,” Tyler speaks up.
“I’m surprised you want sweets for breakfast,” Everleigh says.
“Actually, Gemma asked me to pick up some for her,” he admits. “Happy wife, happy life.”
Everleigh snorts. “That’s right. You better take care of my bestie. Also, she likes Bavarian cream. Surprise her with it.”
Everleigh pays, and we’re handed our bags.
“Really? How did I not know that?” Tyler chuckles as other people enter. “See ya at work,” he tells me, then not so casually pats my shoulder as we pass him.
“Headed there now.” I nod and exit, hoping like hell he’s not going to kick my ass for whatever he thinks is happening between Everleigh and me.
Once we’re in the car, it’s quiet, and I wonder what Everleigh’s thinking.
“Thanks for the donuts,” I tell her when she stops in front of the gym. “You actually did choose one of my favorites.”
“Yeah?” Her voice raises an octave. “Don’t tell me…it was the raspberry-filled one, right?”
I shake my head and smirk. “Blueberry cake.”
“Damn. Almost!”
“So close,” I say, winking.
“Story of my life. Anyway, have a great day, Archer. Enjoy your sugar crash this afternoon.” I feel like she wants to say something more but doesn’t.
I shake my head and chuckle. “Thanks, you too.” I get out of the car and take a big bite of one as I head inside.
Ten minutes later, Trevor arrives, and we get started. After our warm-up, we box a round.
“Throw all your weight into it,” I direct, showing Trevor exactly how to do a side hook. He bounces around, putting the training he’s done the past month to the test.
I quickly move from side to side, extending a punch and then another. Trevor ducks, and his gloved fist connects with my cheek. The bell rings, and we climb over the rope. He’s smiling wide and stands proudly.
“Good job, man.” We take off our gloves, and I give him a high five.
“You think so?”
“Yeah, keep at it, and you’ll be able to enter competitions by the summer if that’s still your goal.”
His expression is serious. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted, and I’m determined to make it happen. Especially with you as my coach.”
“Would love to see it.”
“Same time tomorrow?” Trevor asks, wiping the sweat from his brow.
“Yeah.” I nod. “I got you down for the month.”
“Awesome, thanks!” He grabs his gear bag and leaves.
Tyler enters, smiling. “He’s doin’ great already. But how are you doin’?”
A big cheesy grin meets my lips. “This is the best job I’ve ever had.”
“Love to hear it. Just wanted to make sure. I mean, if you were having second thoughts, I’d respect that too.”
“Hell no. I genuinely like it here. The town, the gym, the people. It’s everything I never knew I needed in life but did. Funny because if you would’ve asked me to move somewhere like this years ago, I would’ve not only said no but fuck no. Weirdly enough, it already feels like home.”
“Good to hear, man. I know how important it is to have the proper time to focus on yourself without any outside distractions. For me, the gym opening was all I focused my energy on. Noah helped me remodel the place. But after a while, he realized that he enjoyed working with his hands and building things. I guess what I’m saying is if you find something else you want to do in life that you’re more passionate about, I support it.”
“Thanks, Tyler. That means a lot.”
He clears his throat. “So how’s living with Everleigh?”
I knew this conversation was coming.
“It’s fine,” I say.
“You two seemed close this morning.” His intense gaze pins me in place.
My heart races, but I try to keep my breathing steady. Any time I think about her, the thoughts consume me. My silence draws on, not sure what the correct answer is, and he eventually speaks up.
“While I don’t want to sound like a dick, I still have to protect my sister. I’ll never stop being her big brother no matter how old we get. Rushing into any relationship, but especially her, is a bad idea. She isn’t quite ready for the whole marriage and babies lifestyle, if ya know what I mean.”
“Oh, I’ve noticed.” It’s no wonder she’s the last of her friends to do either.