to her lips, not particularly caring what kind of statement that made to anyone watching. “I’m glad tonight is hitting you in all the right places.”
She laughed with him, but as he released her, a hand presented itself in front of him.
“Hi. Since we didn’t get formal introductions at the house, I’m Elise.”
He shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Elise.” All three women were beautiful in their own way. Each unique and different than the women Rhys knew. No fake nails or fake eyelashes. Their dresses weren’t designer, their hair not smoothed to perfection. He liked that about them. “I hope you’re enjoying the party.”
“It’s incredible,” Hazel answered with twinkling eyes. “I have never seen anything so beautiful as this—oh, look, champagne. I’ll grab us some.” She beelined for the waiter striding away from her with the tray holding the champagne flutes.
Zoey gave a soft laugh and an easy shrug. “Hazel gets easily distracted, sorry about that.”
“Nothing to be sorry for,” he said, honestly. He found all of them refreshing, but most of all Zoey, the woman making him break all his rules. “These parties can be a bit distracting. They’re always showy.” He turned to Elise and smiled. “I’ll introduce you around later. This party is full of lawyers and politicians who always need a good private investigator in their pocket.”
“I’d appreciate that. Thanks,” Elise replied with sincere gratitude.
Just then, off Zoey’s shoulder, Rhys caught Archer approaching, and he chuckled. He’d seen his friend pissed before, but nothing quite like this. Archer’s gaze was fixed on the woman they were well acquainted with now, but he grabbed two champagne flutes as he walked by.
Elise was saying something to Zoey that Rhys couldn’t catch, but she went dead silent as Archer closed in. Her gaze scanned him from head to toe before her chin lifted and shoulders squared. Ah, so she knew exactly who Archer was, and by the slight curve of his mouth, Archer knew this too.
Eyes locked on her, Archer offered her the champagne glass. “Hello, Elise.”
She gave a polite smile. “Hello, Archer. Thanks, but I don’t take drinks from strangers.”
Archer gave that smile back. “Let’s not play games, shall we? We both know we’re not strangers. You probably know more about me than I know about myself.”
Her smile now showed teeth. “I could say the same to you.”
Archer winked. “You probably could.”
Zoey looked between her friend and Archer and gave a tight laugh, taking the champagne glass from Archer. “Thanks. I’d love a drink. This champagne looks yummy.” She set it down on the table next to her.
Rhys shoved his hands in his pockets, chuckling at the tension pinging between Archer and Elise.
Something Hazel immediately noticed when she returned. She handed a champagne flute to Elise and asked, “What’s wrong with you?”
Elise took a long sip, keeping her stare on Archer then smiled at Hazel. “Oh, there’s just this annoying bug, buzzing around me, that I want to squash.”
Rhys barked a laugh, unable to help it, not surprised one bit when he looked at Archer to find him grinning too. Elise was just the type of woman Archer liked. Strong, beautiful, but more importantly, a challenge.
“I really hate bugs,” said Hazel, obviously unaware who the bug was. She sipped her champagne and let out a long sigh. “Beautiful night. Gorgeous party. Seriously, can this night get any better?”
“It can,” Rhys said then offered Zoey his hand. “Let’s go get you a drink.”
“I’ve—”
“Leave that one,” he interjected, knowing she’d never drink it, and understanding why. “Indulge me.”
Zoey looked at her friends.
Elise waved her off, still in a fierce stare down with Archer. “We’re fine.”
Zoey’s expression declared she didn’t believe her friend. “No squishing bugs tonight, all right?”
“Can’t promise that,” Elise said, smiling at Archer. It wasn’t a sweet smile.
“When did Zoey start caring about bugs so much?” Hazel asked Elise as Rhys took Zoey’s hand and led her away.
“Don’t worry,” Rhys said to Zoey, tucking her arm in his. “Archer won’t let her squish him.”
Zoey asked softly, “He’s pissed, eh?”
“That’s probably putting it lightly. Archer is not used to someone getting by him, but I’d be willing to bet he’s more intrigued than angry. He likely wants to get into her head.”
“He’ll need a key that no one has found yet to get inside that head.”
If anyone could unlock a strong mind, it was Archer. He had the skill set, confidence, and patience of a saint. The man gained trust like Rhys had never seen, and