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He moves to the stove. “Surprisingly well.” He looks over his shoulder. “How do you take your eggs?”

“Runny,” I answer, but I’m thinking about his dream.

“You like bacon?”

“Who doesn’t?”

“I suppose some people.” He smirks and straightens. “Toast?”

“Yes, please.” I lift my legs and slide my hands underneath. “I woke up early,” I mention lightly. Should I tell him? Will he be upset that I saw his dream?

“You didn’t have hash browns, so I cut up some potatoes,” he says.

“Shit, it smells amazing.” I lean to the side, trying to see around him at the delicious food.

“It’s about ready.” He turns off a burner and takes two plates out of the cupboard. “You fell back asleep, though.”

I blink. “Yeah, surprisingly.” I pull my hands out and rub my thighs. I shouldn’t start our relationship by keeping things from him.

I nibble on my lip as he moves around the kitchen and loads our plates. He knows my kitchen well, and it solidifies the rightness of our bond. He’s comfortable here, with me. Making a meal seems like a simple thing to do, but to me, it means he cares. I’ve always thought of food as a way to take care of someone you love. Yes, we need it to live, yet if made with pure intentions, it’s better than any five-star restaurant.

Archer places the plates on the counter next to me and looks at me.

“I know it was you,” he says softly.

I inhale sharply.

Chapter Fourteen

Archer

There can only be one reason why my dream changed. She’s sitting in front of me, looking sexy and adorable at the same time.

“I did.” She licks her lips. “Are you mad?”

I frown. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve had the same dream. Rather, nightmare.” I cover her hand, stopping her agitated movement on her thigh. “I’m not angry. I’m upset that you had to witness my weakness.”

“Archer,” she whispers, turning her hand, grabbing mine. “You aren’t weak.”

“Every time I experience it, that’s what I feel. I wish I didn’t remember it every time I open my eyes in the morning. I'll never forget Dad’s face and the fear in his expression. Did you try to talk to me?” I tilt my head as her face flushes.

“Yes, but you didn’t seem to hear me.”

“I think I did, but it was as if through a tunnel. Did it upset you?”

“Of course,” she breathes, and I grit my teeth. “Not in the way you think. I hated seeing the pain you felt. It broke my heart that you had to relive that nightmare.”

I nod. “I’ve always thought it was my penance. As hard as I try, I can’t remember all the good times I had with him.” I step between her thighs and palm her hips. “On some level, I was shocked that the bad scene disappeared. I couldn’t make sense of it, but then my mom appeared. I forgot about everything. She was as beautiful as I remembered, and nothing mattered except being with her. It was peaceful, surrounded by all of the things she loved. I woke up and knew you had to have been there.”

“I had to. I couldn’t let the opportunity go.” She grips my arms.

“How did it happen?”

“I didn’t go into your dream on purpose,” she rushes to say. “I fell into Brad’s dream, and got out as fast as I could. It just happened.” She shrugs.

“I’m glad you did,” I say, and her eyes widen.

“Yeah?”