Mine for a Moment

by Catharina Maura

“Who did this to you?”

“Please,” I whisper, my heart aching. “Tell me why you’re crying, sweetheart. Tell me how to make this right.”

I never should’ve put my happiness in the hands of someone else.”

“I’m going to make a list.”

I begin to reply, only to pause when I spot Archer standing in the corner, gray sweats hanging low on his hips, paired with a white tee.

“Then you must know me better than I know myself.”

It’s odd just how much Serenity and that damn list of hers have been on my mind. She’s single-handedly taken away all my worries about facing my grandfather, and she doesn’t even know it.

For the first time since we lost her, she wasn’t on my mind.

Archer grins as though he knows exactly how flustered I am, his expression far too pleased for my liking. Not in a million years did I think I’d actually work directly with him, and his amused smile makes it clear he’s well aware of that.

It’s clear he’s rapidly developed a crush, and my need to nip that in the bud is near tangible, a force of its own.

I follow his captivated gaze, my eyes lingering. Damn, that cream dress she’s wearing today and the way it highlights her curves… She’s beautiful in sweats and an old ratty tee, but fuck, she’s mesmerizing today, and it irritates me that I’m noticing it at all.

“I was waiting,” I murmur, turning to face her. “For what?” “You.”

It’s been years since I’ve wanted a woman the way I want her,

“You won’t have to worry about that, darling. I’m yours.”

I’m still second-guessing myself when I ring Archer’s doorbell, but my doubts melt away when he opens the door wearing gray sweats and a tight black tee, a towel in one hand and drops of water running down his neck. Our eyes lock, and he steps aside silently to let me in.

so paint for me, darling.”

can’t help but smile as I step into the room, my fingertips grazing over everything Archer bought me. He just watches me quietly as I slowly but surely immerse myself in the one thing that soothes my soul.

He knows I can’t resist him when he’s dressed like that, and when his eyes meet mine, there’s a hint of provocation in them.

All the while, the only thing I can focus on is Archer and how close he’s sitting. Ezra didn’t bat an eye at it, but my heart hasn’t stopped racing.

She gasps when I push her against the nearest wall,

I sigh happily as Archer’s arm wraps around my waist, his lips pressing against the back of my neck as he spoons me. “Wake up, darling,” he murmurs, kissing me over and over again. “You need to get ready for work.”

She thinks I’m emotionally unavailable, forever tied to Tyra, and I’m starting to wonder if that’s true.

“God, I love making your dreams come true,” he says, cupping my cheek. “There’s nothing better in life than being the reason behind your smile. Nothing at all.”

“Do I look like I’m joking?” I laugh—I can’t help it. She’s got me so fucking smitten, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Because I want to make sure you always have access to anything you want, whenever you want. Because I need to know that any time of the day, I can get you your favorite ice cream and make you smile.

“You are entitled to me. I love you, Serenity. With all I am. All I have.”

“I love your heart, your soul. I love you for who you are, every single aspect of you. I’m yours, Serenity Adesina, whether you’ll have me or not.” “I love you too,” I tell him, only to fully burst into tears at the admission. “Oh God, I love you so much, and I shouldn’t. Archer, we shouldn’t. We can’t. We both love her, and we can’t do this to her. You know we can’t.”

“You look at him the way you used to look at me,” he says. “I tried to ignore it, pretended not to notice…but how could I not? I’ve always known you better than anyone else. I’ll be there, Serenity. In a few months, or even years down the line. Maybe the time just isn’t right for us now, but maybe someday it will be. I’ll wait forever for a chance to be with you.” “Don’t,” I tell him, gently rejecting him the best way I can. “Don’t wait for me, Theo. Forever isn’t long enough for me to forget about Archer.”

When I first left, Archer tried calling me every day, but gradually, those calls and texts started to come every few days, until eventually, they stopped. I knew they would, and I knew it was for the best, but even so, I find myself startling a little each time my phone buzzes, in hopes that it’s him.