Archie rolls me over onto my back and moves slowly, as if he’s savoring every moment. He runs his fingers down my side while grazing my neck with his lips. I grasp his hand and call on my magic. An amber glow radiates and spreads throughout our bodies, prompting him to move faster. I cup the sides of his face and gaze into his clear-blue eyes.
“I love you, Archie.”
“And I will never love another, Gwyn.”
He kisses me passionately, gasping for air as he increases his speed. I slide my hands across his butt, encouraging him further. When I cry out with my release, he follows, grunting with a final thrust. He lays his head on the pillow next to me while I stroke his back.
“What brought this on, Gwyn? You’ve not said a word.”
A hearty laugh erupts as I catch my breath. “I was super pissed and had to let off some steam. Are you complaining?”
“Fawk no. But I assume it’s not me you were all hot and bothered about.”
“Oh, I think I was, don’t you?” I pinch his butt.
He laughs and rolls off of me onto his side. “Decidedly so.”
“No. I’m not mad at you. I just found out Leslie is selling her house and moving in with Agnes. And get this. Tyler and Zoe are buying her place.”
“What the fawk?” he asks, wrinkles folding between his eyes.
“Yeah. Exactly what I said before I darted out of the house. I was so mad they kept it a secret, I couldn’t respond. And to top it off, Tyler offered to let me stay in the spare room, like I’m some sort of geriatric charity case.”
He chuckles as he strokes my cheek. “And your first reaction was to come here and have sex with me?”
“Yes,” I say, fondling his chest.
“I feel so used.” He snickers and kisses me. “What are you going to do?”
“Tyler and Zoe want me to stay, but it was incredibly awkward when I lived with him before.”
I shift to my side, panting, as my heartbeat slows. While my hand rests on his firm chest, his heart beats under my touch, always steady and dependable. I press my lips softly against his.
“How would you like a roommate?” I ask, batting my eyelashes.
A wide grin stretches his goatee. “In the words of Spencer Huxley, ‘Absofuckinglutely.’”
Chapter thirtyAn Uncertain Future
“Archie!” I shout into the stairwell. “What are you doing? We’re supposed to meet up with the others at the Pumpkin House by five to set up.”
His Scottish accent echoes in the upstairs hallway. “I’m coming! Finishing up now.”
He runs down the stairs in his socks and slips, falling on his butt. I dash to him.
“Are you OK?” I ask, touching his back.
He grabs the railing and pulls himself up, rubbing his bottom. “On the cheek where I had the tattoo removed. A brilliant bruise to match the remnants of the ink, I bet.”
“You should know better than to rush down steps in your stocking feet.”
“Well, which is it?” he asks, grimacing. “Are you overly concerned about my well-being or scolding me for my clumsy habits?”
I scowl at him. “Fuck you.”
He laughs and slides a hand around my waist, pulling me toward him. “I plan to, my love. Every night if you’ll have me.”
I kiss him. “You’re way too happy about me moving in. What were you doing up in the bedroom?”
“Rearranging the closet to make room for your clothes.” He sits on the bottom step and puts on his shoes. “We may have to store summer attire in the spare bedroom.”
“It’s not like I’m a fashionista. But I’ll probably have to buy new clothing when I get a job at the end of Spring Semester.”
“Don’t forget Tyler is coming by Sunday to attempt his first conference with your mum and dad. Zoe is joining him. You’re not upset he wants to meet with them without you present, are you?”
“No. I’ll drive to Ronnie and Derek’s for a visit. He doesn’t need me breathing down his back. Thank you for being such a great substitute father to him.” I zip up my puffer jacket and slip on my gloves.
“It’s not an inconvenience. I enjoy my time with him immensely.” Archie puts on his winter coat and cap. “Are you sure you want to walk to the Pumpkin House? It’s a wee nippy out tonight. Dropping below freezing.”
“It’s silly to drive such a short distance. There isn’t much wind.”
“Let’s brave the cold, then.”
We stroll through the Green with a purpose, and as usual, Archie has trouble keeping up with me. The air nips at my face, and I’m eager to get to the Pumpkin House to set up for the Winter Solstice Celebration. He grabs my hand, slowing me down.
“Can we at least enjoy the walk together? We’ll arrive soon enough.”
“Tyler and Zoe should be there already. I want to chat with them before we open the doors to the community.”
