Ellie’s smile is downright devious and I don’t know whether I’m slightly turned on or slightly scared. I send her Jason’s number, and I see her pick her phone up and text, most likely Jason.
“Am I going to get any hints?” I ask as she continues to type.
“It’s going to be a throwback.” She answers cryptically. “Don’t worry, you’re going to look great.”
Chapter 24
Elle
It’s cold as shit. I knew it was going to be cold today, but the wind is biting as it howls through The Den. The sky is a dreary gray, a sharp contrast to yesterday’s beautiful blue.
I’m wincing at every hit these guys take today. It cannot feel good at all. Sadie and I are huddled under our emergency blankets that we keep in our cars. Phoenix and Vi left after the first half. I don’t blame them, it’s that cold. Even under all the layers and blankets, my nipples could cut glass.
The Coyotes are unable to get the fourth down conversion and Archer jogs onto the field. I stand up wrapping my tie dye comforter from college around me. I watch as Archer calls the play and throws the ball before getting rocked by a defender. My attention quickly shifts from him getting helped up by a teammate to Sadie screaming for Tyson to keep running.
Ty gets taken down at the 35-yard line. The boys line up and it begins again.
The game continues like this. Slow and cold. The Coyotes ended up with the win. It was an ugly game. It’s the coldest it’s been since February and no one was expecting it to get as cold as it did. Both teams appearedunprepared for the weather, and it showed in today’s performances by both the Wolves and the Coyotes.
We don’t wait around outside this time. After saying goodbye to Sadie. I scurry to my car and crank the heat. I stay in my car listening to my audiobook while I wait for the parking lot to clear out. I shoot Archer a text telling him I’m going to be at my place taking a hot shower and that he is welcome to join me there, or if he wants to go back to his place and soak in his hot tub I don’t blame him one bit.
I see the three dots appear then disappear on my phone. Waiting to see if they pop up again, and when they don’t, I put my car into drive and head home with the heat on high.
I pull into my apartment complex and check my phone before I get out. I see that Archer has agreed to join me at my place. I head inside and pick up quickly frowning when I notice how cold it is in my apartment. My thermostat is set at 67 but it’s reading 52. Fuck. How long has it been out? I know it was switched to heat before I left for the game this morning. The heat wasn’t necessarily needed yesterday so I probably didn’t notice that it never kicked on. I call my landlord, but he tells me he can’t get anyone out until tomorrow at the earliest. Sighing, I prop myself against my wall, Fish comes and curls up in my lap seeking warmth.
I sit there on the floor huddled with Fish, for who knows how long when Archer walks in. “Shit, Ellie, it’s cold in here.”
“I know.” I sniff. “My furnace went out and it’s freezing cold in here. The landlord can’t get anyone outuntil tomorrow at the earliest and who knows if anyone will even come out tomorrow.”
“Let’s just plan for no one coming out until later in the week.” Archer says, helping me up. “We’ll pack you enough clothes for the whole week and you can just stay with me until your heating is fixed.”
“I can’t leave Fish that long.” I explain.
“After I help you pack your clothes, I’ll head out while you finish packing and I’ll grab all the necessities that Fish requires.” Archer says as he runs his hands up and down my arms, providing some much-needed warmth. “Then while Fish is getting acclimated to my place, you and I will enjoy my very nice, very expensive hot tub that doesn’t get used nearly as much as it should.”
I nod along because that does in fact sound pretty nice. “Okay.” I lead Archer into my bedroom and direct him to my walk-in closet. He sees my pink suitcase and places it on my bed for me. I proceed to load it up with the various clothing that I need for the week. While Archer is grabbing some of my other weekly items such as my lunchbox, my favorite cup and my laptop for me, I sneak our Halloween costumes in a duffel bag and throw some lingerie on top of it in case he opens it.
My suitcase is stuffed full of clothes and various shoes; Archer takes it with him as he goes to buy Fish’s necessities for his place. I finish packing my toiletries in the duffel bag with lingerie and Halloween costumes. I make one more sweep around the room locating anything I might have missed. I grab my kindle from my bedside table as well as the various chargers that reside there. I scoop Fish into his carrier andhead to Archer’s place.
Phil helps me carry everything up, sympathizing with me over crappy HVAC and lazy landlords. He makes kissy noises at Fish as he sets him down in Archer’s apartment for me. “Thank you so much Phil.”
“Don’t mention it!” He smiles. “I’m just glad you had a place to go and weren’t stuck in that ice box.”
Archer walks in from down the hall where he must have been setting up Fish’s bedroom and bathroom. He thanks Phil as well and I see him slip him a very nice tip.
After showing Fish where his litter box and food bowl is. Archer helps me hang up my clothes. He apparently works quickly because he already had two drawers cleared out for my clothes as well. When I’m completely unpacked, Archer places a kiss on my lips.
“You promised me something about a hot tub.” I murmur against his lips.
“Yes, you packed a suit, right?”
I nod, and the two of us rush through changing to get to the promised hot tub. Archer already has towels on the warmer as we scramble against the cold. Archer steps in first testing the water to make sure it’s not too hot. Spoiler alert, there is no such thing. Once he decides its an appropriate temperature he holds out his hand for me to join him. I take his hand, all but jumping into the water. We relax in the hot tub. Letting the warmth ease our tight muscles. At some point, Archer pulls me onto his lap, my back against his chest, and his back against the tub. We stay in that position allowing the sounds of the city in the background to lull us into a state of tranquility.
??Chapter 25 ??
Elle
Eventually Archer and I get our fill of the chlorine scented water and move inside to shower. As we plod into the bathroom, Archer pulls on the strings of my bikini. “May I?” He asks.
