7. Madison
7
MADISON
I dip my paintbrush into the tray of creamy beige paint, then drag it along the lobby wall in smooth, even strokes. The repetitive motion is soothing, but my mind won't stop churning. Where is Archer? I could really use his help with this. And his company.
Last night was... incredible. The way his rough yet gentle hands roamed my body, the heat of his kisses trailing down my neck. I gave myself to him completely. But this morning, he was like a different person. Cold. Distant. He brushed past me out the door without so much as a "good morning."
I swallow the lump in my throat as I remember the sting of his rejection. I tried to get him to come and help me by asking Ivy to call him. But he brushed her off, too, claiming he had other tasks to do. Other tasks more important than me, apparently.
I sigh and step back to survey my work. The wall is only half-painted, much like my uncertain future. Tears prick at my eyes, but I blink them back. No. I refuse to give up on us, on this, so easily. What Archer and I have could be something special. It's real and messy and passionate and worth fighting for. And that's precisely what I intend to do.
I set down my paintbrush with a determined thunk. Archer is the most stubborn, frustrating, wonderful man I've ever met. And I... I love him. I love his quiet strength, his hidden vulnerability, his crooked smile. I need to find out why he was so rude to me this morning and sort things out. Leaving things like this isn’t an option.
Squaring my shoulders, I stride purposefully across the lobby. I'm going to track down that infuriating, sexy mountain man and knock some sense into his gorgeous, thick skull. We have something amazing between us, and I won't let him throw it away. I'll make him see that he's not just hired help to me. He's a part of my future.
Ivy, seated behind the reception desk, glances up from her computer as I approach. "Hey, Madison. Finished painting already?"
I shake my head, determination etched on my face. "Not quite. I need to find Archer. Have you seen him?"
A knowing smile plays at the corners of Ivy's mouth. "Last I heard, he was heading to Cabin 12 to fix another leaky faucet. Want me to call him for you?"
"No, thanks. I think this is a conversation best had in person." I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "Wish me luck."
Ivy gives me a supportive thumbs-up. "Go get him, girl. And Madison?" Her expression softens. "Archer's a good man. A bit rough around the edges, but his heart's in the right place. He cares about you, even if he's not always great at showing it."
Her words bolster my resolve. "Thanks, Ivy. I won't give up on him." With a final nod, I set off across the property, my boots crunching on the gravel path.
I march out into the bright mountain sunshine and scan the sprawling resort grounds for any sign of Archer. A light spring breeze carries the scent of pine and wildflowers, but I'm too focused on my mission to appreciate the beautiful day.
It doesn't take long to spot Archer's battered blue pickup truck parked beside Cabin 12. My heart hammers in my chest as I approach the rustic wooden structure. Through the window, I can see Archer crouched beneath the kitchenette sink, his broad shoulders straining against his flannel shirt as he works.
No guests in sight. Perfect.
Gathering my courage, I step up to the cabin door and ease it open. The hinges creak softly, announcing my presence. Archer stiffens, his head snapping up to meet my gaze. Stormy blue eyes lock onto mine, a mix of surprise and wariness swirling in their depths.
"Madison." His voice is low, guarded. "What are you doing here?"
I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. "We need to talk, Archer. About last night. About us."
He straightens slowly, setting his wrench aside. The air between us crackles with tension, the unspoken emotions hanging heavy in the small space. My pulse races as I step forward, ready to lay my heart on the line.
“What about it?”
I take a deep breath, my hands trembling slightly as I clasp them in front of me. "Archer, I don't understand. Last night was... it was amazing. I thought we had something special. But this morning, you just brushed past me like I didn't even exist. What's going on?"
Archer's jaw clenches, his gaze flickering away from mine. "It's pretty clear what's going on, Madison. You got what you wanted from me, and now you're ready to move on. Sell the resort and head back to your fancy city life."
His words hit me like a slap in the face. "What? No, Archer. That's not true at all!"
He scoffs, turning back to the sink and picking up his wrench. "Sure it is. I've seen your type before. You come in here, batting your eyelashes and making big promises, but in the end, it's all just a game to you."
Frustration and hurt well up inside me, threatening to spill over. I reach out, my fingers grazing his arm. "Archer, please. Look at me."
Reluctantly, he meets my gaze, his blue eyes stormy with emotion.
"I'm not using you," I insist, my voice quivering slightly. "I care about you, Archer. And I'm seriously considering staying here, at the resort. This place... it means something to me."
Archer's brow furrows, a flicker of doubt crossing his features. "Oh yeah? Then who were you talking to on the phone this morning, huh? Sounded like you were making plans to leave."
Realization dawns on me, and I close my eyes briefly, cursing myself for not being clearer. "You overheard that? Archer, it's not what you think."
He crosses his arms over his chest, his posture defensive. "Enlighten me, then."
"I was talking to my best friend, Callie. She lives back in Denver," I explain, my words tumbling out in a rush. "She asked if I was coming back, and I told her I was trying to decide what to do. Callie suggested I think about what I want for my future, and I realized that if I can sort a few things out, I want to make a go of things here, at the resort."
Archer's eyes widen slightly, a glimmer of hope sparking in their depths. "You're... you're staying?"
I nod, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "I'm considering it, yes. Archer, giving up my job in the city, it's a huge decision. I needed to talk it through with someone I trust, someone who has my best interests at heart. That's all that phone call was about, I swear. I used to think my job meant a lot to me, but it didn’t really. I’ve felt more alive the past two days with you than I have the past two years in Denver."
He's silent for a long moment, his gaze searching mine intently. I hold my breath, praying that he believes me, that he can see the truth in my eyes.
Finally, Archer's shoulders relax, a slow smile spreading across his handsome face. "Well, damn. I guess I jumped to conclusions there, didn't I?"
Relief washes over me, and I let out a soft laugh. "Yeah, you did. But I understand why."