Chapter 12 #2
“Annnd now I feel like a lonely old woman. I need me a good fuck-buddy arrangement,” Jenna puffs out. “Preferably with a hockey player since you three are only confirming what the romance books report—that these boys know what they’re doing.”
“Archer’s pierced.” The words leave my mouth before I can stop them.
“Come again?” Jenna says.
“I’d say she likely did—multiple times,” Collins adds.
“Well, my flabbers are officially gasted.” Kendra picks up her Diet Coke, eyes wide. She takes a sip, glass suspended midair. “Now, you agreeing to a fuck-buddy arrangement makes complete sense.”
Collins’s phone vibrates on the table in front of her, and she picks it up. “It’s Ezra. I need to take this.”
She rises to her feet and makes for the restaurant door; all the while, I track her movements with a smile. For so long, that girl was convinced she didn’t need a man—or a family—in her life. Now, she’s a wife-to-be and an absolute rock to her future stepson.
“And I’m going to head to the restroom before the food arrives.
” Jenna picks up her phone and waves it at me and Kendra.
“Maybe even join a dating app and bag me a hot hookup.” She pushes back her chair, wrapping a soft arm around my shoulders.
“For what it’s worth, I’m really happy for you.
Have some fun, girl. You deserve it after fuckface Liam. ”
Alone at the table, I turn back to Kendra as she swirls the ice cubes around in her drink, deep in thought.
“I won’t say anything to Jack because girl code and I get where you’re coming from about privacy.
” Her brown eyes find mine, a hint of concern behind them.
“Just don’t go falling for him, yeah? You seem to have your head on straight, and I know, underneath the bravado, Archer is a good guy.
But I’m a friend to you.” She places her glass down on the table, reaching across to take my hand in a move I wasn’t really expecting.
“And also, now, you’re family. I don’t want to see you get hurt, and I will cut Archer’s balls off if he fucks you around. ”
I’m hit with an emotion I didn’t anticipate, and I wrap my hand around hers, squeezing it softly.
“I love you so much, Kendra, and I understand your worries. If the shoe were on the other foot, I’d for sure be having the same conversation with you.
” I release a long breath. “I’m twenty-four years old, and I spent almost a decade in a long-term relationship with a guy I thought was forever.
Turned out, he was the bad kind of fuckboy who couldn’t keep it in his pants. ”
I push a hand through my hair, and my phone vibrates next to me. I ignore it, maintaining my focus on Kendra.
“What I’m saying is, you never really know the real person until they show you their true colors.
My gut tells me Archer is genuine, and to be honest, the hookup surpassed my expectations.
I felt confident around him. He made me feel great, and I want more of that feeling.
Liam broke me more than I realized—or maybe more than I’ve admitted to.
” My voice shakes a little, more emotions surfacing.
Kendra’s eyes soften with an easy smile. “Then that’s all I need to know. I assume the Abbie story will be spun out a little longer.”
I shift in my chair, hating the lie Archer told, but kind of understanding why he went along with Jack’s assumption that he had a girl.
“Neither of us wants to lie.” I smirk at her, a thrill running through me. “But the sex-in-secret thing is kind of hot.”
She bursts out laughing, nodding along. “Yes. Yes, it is.” Her amusement fades to a cheeky grin of her own. “I can’t believe he’s pierced. Wait, no. Actually, I can absolutely believe that Archer Moore is pierced.”
“And his thigh is tattooed with his jersey number.”
Kendra’s eyes grow wider, if that’s even possible. “Why is a thigh tattoo so hot?”
I shrug, tingles racing down my spine. “Who knows? But I can’t wait to get my hands on it again.”
“Oh, I bet you can’t. When will that be?”
My attention falls briefly to the mobile phone sitting face down on the table, and I flip it over.
Thigh Boy
I have you pinned as a size four. I hope I’m correct …
I look over at Kendra. She’s busy on her phone, no doubt texting Jack.
Me
Do I dare ask what you’re doing now?
Thigh Boy
It’s not what I’m doing—aside from you. More what I’m buying.
Me
You can’t keep using my birthday as an excuse for whatever gift you’re buying me this time.
Thigh Boy
I don’t need an excuse to do what I want. When can I see you next?
Me
It’s been less than a day since I left your bed. And thank you for whatever you’re buying me.
Thigh Boy
Tonight?
Pure excitement sparks beneath my skin. I’d love to see him again tonight, but this is where I have to heed my own warning. Sex with Archer is every now and again and not a daily occurrence. Too much time together risks complications that I do not want or need.
Me
No can do, I’m afraid. I’ve got work to catch up on.
Thigh Boy
Are you playing hard to get, Doll?
Me
No. I’m playing out exactly what we agreed. I’m coming to the GM dinner, and I’ll see you then …
Thigh Boy
Nope, sorry. That’s the week after next and way too long away. I need to see you sooner than that.
I close out our message thread and open my Camera app. Quickly snapping a picture and sending it to him.
Me
Now you’ve seen me.
Thigh Boy
Stunning.
I’m coming over to your place tomorrow night.
Me
You’re intensely horny.
Thigh Boy
For you? Yes.
Me
I need to go; I’m out with the girls.
Thigh Boy
That was my next question since you didn’t tell me earlier—who you are having lunch with. Dates with your girls are the only ones I’ll accept. Aside from dates with me.
Me
Scratch that. You’re just intense. Period.
Thigh Boy
I’ll be at your place just after seven. We have practice, and then I’ll head over straight afterward.
Jenna takes a seat next to me, and I move my phone out of sight before throwing her a wink and grinning like a giddy teenager.
Me
I didn’t say yes to anything.
Thigh Boy
You didn’t need to. The smile I know you’re wearing right now is answer enough for me.
Speak soon. Stay pretty, A, x.