“She’s an amazing woman and mother,” Archer said. Not daring to add, “and you’re a stupid son of a bitch for letting her go”—even though he was really tempted.
Clark’s smile dimmed, the tic of his jaw muscle revealing he wasn’t all smiles, after all. “She is. But she’s not as tough as she acts. She’s lonely, that’s obvious. And one of the reasons her father sent me after her.”
Archer bit his tongue. He had no idea where this was going, but he was more than a little curious.
“She’s been pretty sheltered her whole life. Her parents, even me. Something about Eden makes you want to protect her.” He paused.
“Protect her from what?”
“Opportunists. She’s one of two heirs to a huge fortune.” He sighed.
Which was news to him. “You’re not giving her much credit.” Archer crossed his arms over his chest. “Eden’s too smart for that.”
Clark arched a brow, sweeping Archer with a head-to-toe inspection. “Guess we’ll see.”
Archer was so surprised, he laughed. He’d never considered Eden’s monetary situation. If she was set to inherit money, he knew exactly what she’d do. She’d do good things, give generously, not hold on to it or use it for personal advantage.
“She takes work and family very seriously. And even if she fights with him, she’s a daddy’s girl. What he says, goes,” Clark said.
“I’m not the one going through Eden’s things or taking things that aren’t mine.” Archer watched Clark’s reaction, wishing he’d had the time to read the letters Clark Caraway had tucked into his briefcase.
Clark’s face tightened, his gaze bouncing to the chair and couch.
“You left your coat in her room. And your bag. And the letters.” Archer stepped closer. “Guess Ivy waking up threw a wrench in things.”
Clark shook his head, staring up at the ceiling. “It’ll hurt her.”
“Is that what this is about?” he asked. “Protecting her?”
Clark glared at him, the muscle in his jaw working. “I don’t know what you think you know about me—”
“I just met you,” Archer interrupted. “Everything I know about you, I’m learning right now.”
Clark’s smile was hard, his chuckle forced. “Did you put the letters back?” he asked.
Archer nodded.
“You have no idea what you’re doing.” Clark stared at him, his anger rolling off of him.
“The only thing I’m doing right now is going to bed,” he said. He didn’t know what was in the letters or why Clark was so upset, but he’d done what he thought was right. He hoped it was the right call.
Clark brushed past Archer. “I’m doing a site review on Tuesday before I take Eden and the girls home.”
Archer didn’t bother to turn around or say a word. Only after he’d heard Clark walk up the stairs and down the hall and close his room door did Archer allow himself to relax.
He was tired, but there was no way he’d be getting any sleep tonight.
His mind was spinning. His father. Eden. Her father. Clark. No point lying in bed when his brain wouldn’t shut off.
That was the good thing about the refuge—always something to do. He’d check on River. Toben said he’d taken care of him, but he knew the horse would be distraught. A lot of them didn’t like storms. Like Fester. He could only hope the fences had held and all the animals were where they were supposed to be.
“Archer?” Eden whispered. “Is Clark still here? He left these.” She held out Clark’s coat and briefcase.
He shoved his hands in his pockets and shook his head. Seeing her, hair loose, long white nightie, bare toes, was all too tempting. He knew just how soft she’d feel pressed up against him.
She smiled. “You always do that.”
“What?” he asked.