“You don’t have to wear it!” He tries to take it back, thinking I’m mad.
“No!” I snatch it from his grasp like a toddler. “I love it! Help me put it on?”
Archer’s demeanor instantly relaxes as he puts it on for me.
“Thank you so much.” I say kissing him.
Archer’s lips capture mine hungrily. His schedule has been grueling in preparation for the Super Bowl. We’ve hardly had any time for ourselves, and this eagerkiss is proof that when this is all over, we are long overdue for a date night.
“I was thinking—” He says tucking a rogue hair behind my ear. “Do you want to go on a date tonight?”
I didn’t think it was possible for my smile to grow bigger, but before I can respond. Archer continues. “I leave on Saturday; it’s Thirsty Thursday at Cantina Al Rio.” A hopeful look is on his handsome face as he explains his plan.
“Let me put a bra on!” I exclaim as I jump off the couch. Earning a chuckle from him.
I find myself clambering into his truck once more, reminiscent of our first real date. This time when we arrive at the restaurant, we are seated inside since the balcony is closed due to the weather.
Archer orders his usual seasonal meal, and I order my favorite. Our cheese dip comes out first and I take a big bite, dancing in my seat.
“I love you.” Archer says as he watches my cheese dance.
“I love you too.” I say while looking at the cheese dip.
“I’m going to pretend that was directed at me.” He jokes.
We both know it was, but low key was also directed at the queso. Our date night is uneventful, the calm before the storm. A few of the patrons were kind enough to wait for us to finish our meal before they approached us asking for pictureswith Archer. I took my duties as photographer very seriously. We all know these are going immediately on social media.
We make our way home and into the hot tub. Archer uses it to soothe his aching muscles. I use it for the warmth against the frigid February air.
“You know, I really wanted to ask you out freshman year.”
“No, you didn’t!” I look at him.
“I did, but like we were good friends and I was too shy to officially ask, and then we were drunk at that Halloween party, and I finally had the balls to ask. Thanks to liquid courage and all. Then I asked to kiss you with that god-awful pirate pun, and you laughed so hard you snorted.” He trails off, “I guess I just assumed that meant you weren’t into me. So, I shook it off and valued our friendship instead.”
I sit amongst the bubbles and think carefully of my response. “You know. As jealous as I am of Cassie for getting that Heisman moment with you, you wouldn’t have gotten it at State. You didn’t get playing time there. I wouldn’t have been able to transfer since a bulk of my expenses were scholarship funded. We wouldn’t be where we are now.” I pause gathering my thoughts once more. “If we would have dated and you transferred, I think, I would have resented you for it. Breaking my heart and all.” I shoot him a smile. “I think fate leads us to be where we exactly need to be.”
“I guess I should thank fate for drunken DMs then.” Archer grins.
Chapter 59
Archer
The flight to California was uneventful. I did get some solid reading in while in the air though. I have broadened my horizons to romantasy now. I’m finally reading the series that Ty has been begging me to read for years. I tried a football romance book and about threw it out the window, the author knew nothing about the sport.
Once we landed in California, we were immediately put to work, our time here has so far been spent in team meetings, practice and mandatory media events. Somehow Kirk Williams managed to get media clearance for the event. Lucky me.
I only find this out because Elle texts me a heads up.
Ellie: So your bestie got media clearance for Opening Night.
Archer: how’d you find this out?
Ellie: it’s on his Instagram story.
Archer: great.
Archer: Thanks for the heads up. You’re the best. Love you,talk to you tonight.
