5. Chapter 5
five
Skye
I’ve never met a guy like Archer.
He’s made no secret of the fact that we’re here together, walking into Jake’s house with my hand locked in his.
He keeps introducing me to people, always maintaining physical contact.
Sometimes he has an arm over my shoulder, other times his fingers brush my hip when he laughs.
And he’s so attentive, bringing me water and even draping his jacket over my shoulders when I mention it’s chilly.
Girls I barely know have already come up to me twice to compliment me on my bracelet and, I guess, Archer. “You’re sooo lucky,” Ivy Cordan—a junior—said, catching me on the way to the bathroom.
Even when Jonathan calls me over to confirm Lily’s crush on Boston, Archer follows, holding my hand like he’s an extension of me.
I do feel lucky, except for that split second when I walk into the kitchen and spot Boston. I didn’t think I’d see him tonight, but when I do, something in me makes me want to create a little space between Archer and me.
But I don’t. Not that I could, with how tightly he’s holding my hand.
Jake’s mom walks into the kitchen. “Hi guys… and gals,” she sing-songs.
We all chorus our hellos.
She’s dressed for a night out with her girlfriends—maybe even my girlfriends.
I swear, looking at her, nobody would ever guess she’s forty.
Late twenties, tops. Her makeup’s perfect, her long blonde curls shiny.
Her outfit’s the epitome of sexy—all curves and long legs.
I could never achieve perfection like that, even if I tried.
“Hey, Mom,” Jake says. “You heading out?
“Going to meet Alicia and Rachel at Los Muertos downtown,” she says, reapplying her lipstick in the reflection of the double oven. I catch the boys’ eyes glued to her mouth and roll my eyes. Boys are so easy.
“Jake, do me a favor, don’t let any of your friends fuck in the master, okay?” she says nonchalantly.
I blink. My parents would never say something like that to me.
“Mom, I’m not gonna do room checks,” Jake groans. “Maybe just lock your bedroom.”
“I did, but I’m not convinced you horny boys won’t find a way in there.” She looks around at the guys.
“You mean to say you don’t want to walk in on our naked athletic bodies grinding on some girl?” Archer asks, smirking.
I glance at him. Is he flirting with Jake’s mom right now?
Mrs. Davis lifts a brow, clearly unimpressed at first, but then her eyes flick to Boston and her mouth curves into a slow, wicked smile. “Well, maybe I wouldn’t hate seeing some of them.”
Discomfort curls in my stomach, which is dumb because she’s Jake’s mom, and she’s just joking.
“Ew, Mom, please stop,” Jake huffs. “Leave Boss alone!”
Mrs. Davis lets out a girlish laugh. “Maybe stop being best friends with such a hottie.”
She squeezes Boston’s butt, making him jump, then turns and saunters off toward the foyer. “Have a fun evening, everyone! Remember, no fucking in my bedroom!”
Pacey chuckles. “Oof, Arch, you got burned, man. Mrs. Davis only has eyes for Boss.”
“Shut up, man,” Jake and Boston growl in unison. Jake looks uncomfortable, and Boston looks… well, traumatized.
Archer seems to take it in stride, though, brushing his thumb across my knuckles. “Why should I care about any other woman when I already have the most perfect girl.” He smiles down at me. “Come on, let’s go sit down somewhere.”