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I roll my eyes at their dramatics. “Don’t believe them,” I tell Archer. “But she’s right. You’ll probably kick my butt. Maybe not, though. I’m super competitive.”
Archer chuckles. “Looking forward to it.”
We spend the rest of the evening watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. I lean against Archer as he sits next to me on the floor. The warmth of his body reminds me why I love sleeping next to him, but I think it’s time I go back to my room. Regardless of how addicted I am to him.
“Love y’all.” I give Katie and Gemma a hug. The babies went to bed hours ago, but I sneak a kiss on Scarlett’s cheek before Tyler puts her in the car seat.
“See you tomorrow, brother,” I say, waving to everyone as Archer says his goodbyes. We always go to our grandparents’ house on Christmas Day, and of course, I’m dragging my roommate with me.
“I’m so ready to sleep,” I say once we make it home.
“Wait. Since I opened one of your gifts early, I wanna give you one of mine,” Archer tells me before I can escape to my room.
“Are you sure? I can do it tomorrow.”
“Fair is fair,” he taunts.
“Fine.” I smile.
Archer hands me a bag. “Not much of a wrapper, sorry.”
I grin as I pull out the tissue paper. “Oh my gosh, Archer.” I bark out a laugh when I hold up the T-shirt. It reads, Don’t mess with me on the front, and then, I’m sassy, Southern, and my roommate will kick your ass on the back. “This is hilarious.”
“Hope you like it.”
“I love it.” I close the space between us and wrap my arms around him. “Thank you.” I release him, then hold the shirt to my chest. “I’m gonna wear it to bed.”
After I take out Sassy and turn off the lights, I go to my room. I put on the T-shirt and crawl under my covers. Sassy joins me at the foot of the bed, and I feel the loss of not having Archer next to me.
I’m exhausted, but I can’t fall asleep. I keep thinking about Archer and if he’s waiting for me or if he’s relieved to finally have the bed to himself. If I didn’t love my brother or understand how important it is to Archer not to disappoint him, I would’ve already crossed the line.
Just as I start to drift off, I hear loud footsteps, and then my door swings open. My eyes widen at my bare-chested roommate, and without a word, he marches in and tears off the covers.
“What the hell are you doing?” I squeal when he lifts and carries me over his shoulder. “Archer!” I laugh as he walks us out.
“Apparently, I can’t fall asleep without you in my bed, hogging my blankets, putting your cold feet on me, and moaning my name. It’s like a drug. I need it,” he says, then tosses me on top of his mattress. I had no idea I was saying his name in my sleep, but I’m not really surprised, considering how much the thought of him consumes me.
“I was worried being in here was torture for you,” I say softly. “I’ve noticed the way your body reacts to mine and didn’t wanna be the reason you don’t go on dates.”
The vulnerability in my tone isn’t something I’m used to. But when it comes to Archer, I want to show him all sides of me, even if he’s not ready to share all of his with me.
With a tight and serious expression, he towers over me with his hands on either side of me.
“Fuck, Everleigh, it is. Every goddamn night, I fight not to touch you. I struggle to keep my fingers out of your little cotton panties, but I’d rather set myself on fire than not have you in here with me. Consider me co-dependent.”
His face is so close to mine, it’d only take an inch or two to press my mouth to his.
But considering how hard this is for both of us, I don’t move.
Swallowing, I nod. “I’m not going anywhere, Archer. I’ll sleep in here for as long as you allow me to.”
When he leans down, I close my eyes, and his lips gently press on my forehead. Our first kiss wasn’t where I needed his touch the most, but I’ll take anything he’s willing to give me—even if it kills me in the end.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
ARCHER
I wake up to the smells and sounds of frying bacon. Rolling over, I grab my cell phone and check the time—almost seven. Deciding to get up, I look at the Santa pajamas left for me on Everleigh’s side of the bed. The note on top says wear these! She drew a heart and signed an E beside it. A smile touches my lips when I put them on.
