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That I don’t regret a single moment.
Even if this blows up in my face tomorrow, being with Archer like this will have made it all worth it. At least, that’s what my head has decided.
My heart, on the other hand... Well, she’s not so sure she feels the same.
Iwake abruptly toa loud sound, followed by laughter, my eyes fluttering open to unfamiliar surroundings. I blink once, twice, a third time before finally lifting my head to look around the room. Whatever noise woke me, it must have been in the hallway because it takes all of ten seconds to realize that I’m alone. My first instinct is to panic and jump to a worst-case scenario—that Archer purposely left to avoid having to see me—but after last night, I think it’s more likely he had class or practice and didn’t want to wake me.
Either way, I don’t have time to think on it for too long before the door swings open and someone that is most definitely not Archer comes strolling into the dorm room.
Higgins takes one look at my disheveled hair and apparent nakedness that’s hidden beneath a thin blanket and turns around so fast he damn near falls in the process.
“Oh shit, Rory. I’m so sorry,” he says, his back now to me. “I didn’t know you were still here.”
To say I’m mortified is the understatement of the century. Thank God he isn’t looking at me because I’m pretty sure my entire body is beet red given how warm it suddenly feels.
“Yeah, sorry. Archer didn’t wake me. If you’d give me just a minute, I can get dressed and get out of here.”
“Yeah, yeah. No problem. I’ll just be in the hallway.” He tugs open the door and quickly exits the room, leaving me alone to dress.
It doesn’t take me long to locate my clothes. Archer left them folded on the edge of the bed for me. It’s a weirdly sweet thing to do, and my heart constricts at his thoughtfulness.
Without leaving the bed, I grab my shirt, tugging it over my head before slipping on my pants and underwear under the blanket, just in case someone decides they’d like to walk in. Not that anyone would, but you know you can never be too careful.
I save my socks and shoes for last, not bothering to do anything with my tangled hair until I let Higgins know it’s safe to come back in. Using the tie on my wrist, I pull it up in a quick ponytail.
“You, uh, don’t happen to know where Archer is, do you?” I ask, some of my earlier embarrassment still lingering on my cheeks.
“I saw him coming out of the building when I pulled in, but by the time I parked and got out, he was long gone.” He lingers close to the door.
“He doesn’t have class or anything?” I don’t bother asking about practice because if that were the case, Higgins wouldn’t be standing here in the room with me.
“What is today, Wednesday.” He thinks for a minute. “I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. Then again, I have enough trouble keeping my own schedule straight.” He gives me a smile.
“Well, if he happens to show up before you head out, will you let him know I had to head home? I have class today and am seriously running late.” I realize this fact as I say it, glancing at my cell phone clenched in my hand. For all I know, Archer left to get us breakfast and if that’s the case, it looks like he’ll be sharing it with his roommate instead.
“I sure will.” He’s quick to agree.
“Well, I should really go. My professor does not like it when people are late.”
“Gotta few of those professors myself.” He laughs, flopping down on his bed.
“Well, see ya later.” I awkwardly throw up a wave.
“See ya,” he calls to my back as I tug open the door and quickly exit into the hallway.
Walking back to my dorm feels like equal parts a walk of shame and equal parts pride. Because I know what Archer and I shared last night was something special and even though I was surprised by his absence this morning, it hasn’t been able to snuff out the feeling of pure joy swimming in my chest.
“Well, there she is, the slut herself.” Alina tsks the moment I enter our room and find her sitting up in bed, Enzo fast asleep at her side.
“I am not a slut.” I hiss, wearing a smile that not even Alina’s teasing can erase today.
“Nice hair.” She tips her chin at me.
“Shut up,” I mouth, not wanting her to wake Enzo so that he, too, can give me shit about my disheveled appearance.
“Well, how was it?” Her eyes follow me across the room as I quickly gather my shower caddy and robe. There’s no way I’m going anywhere without bathing, though given the time, it will probably be the quickest shower of my life.
“Like a fairy tale.” I stop long enough to say, watching her smile spread fully across her face.
