AlisaI've never been one to spill my guts to others I barely know, yet here I am about ready to tell Archer everything about my life. Starting with the bitch who took my boyfriend in middle school on up to the professor who grabbed my ass in nursing school. There's an easiness to him that allows me to talk without feeling self-conscious. Together, we clean up the mess from the breakfast I brought. With anyone else, I'd already be trying to leave, but I can't help but want to stay. "I guess I should get going?" I phrase it as a question since I don't want to. I enjoy spending time with him and I want to spend as much as I can.He reaches out, grabbing my hand. His large palm encases my hand, warming me from the inside out. "You don't have to. I'd love it if you'd hang out with me. I won't be up for more than probably lying on the couch and maybe taking a walk later, but you're welcome to stay."His soft words warm my chest. "I'd love to. If you need me to leave so you can rest, ju

Alisa     Although I got a good night's sleep, I'm still dragging ass this morning. It's what I get for working all hours. I'll be glad when I'm on a set schedule, but who knows when that'll be. Since I'm the newest nurse over at Laurel Medical, I'll be waiting a while.I try to convince myself it's not so bad as I get up and get dressed. My morning routine is pretty standard: brush my teeth, do skincare, and do my best not to fall back asleep standing up. When I get it done, I realize I'm going to need something to help me kickstart this day. Looking out my balcony, I notice Eden putting out her daily board for A Whole Latte Love. Coffee and a pastry is exactly what I need.Decision made, I head down the back stairs and out into what I hope won't be muggy air. It's still warm.But not sticky.I'll take it. As I make my way across the street, I have a one track mind. All I want is a cinnamon roll and a vanilla latte. Entering the shop, I inhale deeply. The smell of fresh ba

Alisa"Why the long face?"       Glancing up, I notice Stella's taken a seat across from me. She puts her feet up, sighing deeply.        "I don't know how to keep my heart safe from Archer," I admit, sighing right back at her.       She giggles, smirking. "Girl, why are you even trying? Those guys on the police force are the best ones I've ever known. All fucking hot as hell, especially my baby daddy."       "I haven't had the best luck when it comes to putting my faith in others. The fact of the matter is, I've been disappointed more than I've been surprised. At some point in the last few years, I started protecting myself and     not letting anyone get too close. I was fine with that until I moved here. Archer and you have started to get under my skin. I haven't even allowed myself to have friends in forever."       "And here I am, coming in with leftovers for you and an iced coffee. How dare I?"       My eyes roll heavenward. "It sounds stupid, I know. It's just…" I st

AlisaThe dishes in my sink won't wait one more minute. Not only because I can't stand to look at them any longer, but I don't have more than four plates and they're all dirty. Since I talked to Stella about the life I grew up in, I've been avoiding being an adult.       Normally, I don't tend to put off what I can get done. My parents did that a lot as a child and the amount of anxiety I have to cover up today because of it used to be debilitating.       As I'm about to start my dishwater, my phone rings. Looking at the clock, I realize it's probably not Archer. He      worked a double shift and, if he's awake now, he's in for a long day. Not only that but he's tired as fuck.       Glancing down, my stomach drops as I see Mom on the screen.       It's never good when she calls me. I learned a long time ago she's not one to call and chat. She's more the type who calls to see what she can get. I can't remember the last time she asked how I was doing. Just checked in, wanting to

AlisaI'm having the absolute worst day. Maybe it's residual annoyance because of the phone call with my mom, perhaps it's because I'm ending the second half of a double shift that would have anyone ready to go, or maybe it's because I just don't want to be here. I had such a great time with Archer at the cookout yesterday, anything else seems to be not as exciting or completely underwhelming.       Either way, anything that could've gone wrong has.       I'd like nothing more than to go back to bed and start this day over again.        However, glancing at my watch, I realize I only have four more hours to work.        I can do this. I can do this.       It's a chant inside my brain when the doors to the emergency room open and a woman with a very distended abdomen comes in breathing heavily.        Looking over at Stella, I raise an eyebrow. "Want me to take this one?"       She's been super emotional when pregnant people come in lately. More than likely because of wha