Toe the Line(31)

He cackled. “Bukakke?”

“Yeah. Whatever. I’ve seen it.”

“Watching something and doing it are two different things, Noelle.”

“Maybe.”

“Look at me and promise something,” he said. “Promise me that if we do this, it’s not gonna change our friendship. That’s a dealbreaker for me.”

There was no way crossing this line wouldn’t change our friendship forever. We were kidding ourselves if we believed otherwise. But I’d do almost anything to experience more with him. Even if it meant lying. Even if I knew it would change things. I only hoped it wouldn’t destroy us. “I promise.”

He nodded hesitantly, looking about as secure in this as I felt. “Okay. I think we’ve had enough discussion on the matter for tonight.”

“What’s the next step?” I asked, once again trying not to seem too eager.

“I haven’t figured it out. I’m not rushing into anything, though. I guess we’ll know when the moment feels right. I have to take things slow with you because I kind of feel like your eyes are bigger than your mouth here.” He chuckled. “You might think you want certain things but not really know what you’re in for. I won’t try anything unless I’m a hundred percent sure you’re ready.”

“Makes sense,” I said, though he was wrong. My mouth definitely felt ready. Every part of my body felt ready for him.

“Go back to James if you want,” he said. “But don’t let him touch you.” He leaned in. “And let me know when you’re ready to go home. I’m walking you, not him.”

His words, and the way he said them, gave me chills. Even if it was just all part of the “experiment” to come, I loved that he was acting jealous and possessive right now. It was a huge turn on.

I returned to the spot next to James. He didn’t mention taking a walk again, which was just as well. As he and I chatted, I couldn’t stop looking over at Archie: his handsome face, his large hands, his big, strong muscles. He was all I could think about.

Later, when Archie walked me home, we didn’t talk about what we’d discussed. I prayed he didn’t come to his senses and change his mind about it.

Once we started, I wouldn’t be able to keep my feelings in check. But if I let him know I couldn’t compartmentalize, he’d never go for it. So I vowed to put on my acting hat and make believe. I had to pretend what he was offering was just about the experience, nothing more.

As I headed upstairs to my room that night, a mix of excitement and nervousness like I’d never felt before coursed through me.

? ? ?

The following morning was business as usual. I dragged my ass out of bed to find Archie already waiting for me outside at ten past 6 AM.

“You’re late,” he scolded.

“Sorry.”

We took off down the road, an unspoken tension in the air. Archie wasn’t making eye contact, seeming preoccupied. I didn’t bother asking what was on his mind, because I knew: he was probably thinking better of everything.

When we returned to the house, his parents’ car was gone, which was unusual for this time of the morning.

“Did your parents go somewhere?”

“When I got up, I saw them all leaving. They’re headed to Ogunquit for the day.”

I swallowed, realizing we would be alone in the house. “Oh. That’s right. My mom mentioned they might go. I didn’t know that was today.”

I walked over to the coffeemaker and fumbled with the pods before popping one in. The machine gurgled as it processed the coffee.

“You want some?” I asked.

“No. I don’t drink coffee. But you know that.”

My question was dumb. He’d mentioned countless times that he didn’t drink coffee. I’d even teased him about being crazy for not liking it. But I wasn’t thinking—because we were alone, and that was all I could think about right now.

“Oh yeah. That’s true.” I cleared my throat. “Well, I couldn’t survive without coffee.” As I waited for the machine to finish, he startled me with a question.

“Do you want to shower?”

“You can go first. I’m gonna drink this.”

He didn’t move. “I meant…with me.” His eyes seared into mine.

I turned to him, suddenly all too aware of his big, sweaty, masculine frame. Every nerve ending in my body buzzed. There was only one answer. “Yeah.” I gulped.

He stepped away. “I’m gonna go upstairs. Why don’t you meet me when you’re done with your coffee.”

Coffee? Who could think about coffee at a time like this? I tried to remain calm. “Okay.”

After he left, I looked out the window and opened my mouth in a silent scream. Holy shit. Is this really happening? I had never showered with anyone in my life. And knowing what I knew now—after that accidental glimpse of him the first day he arrived… This was going to be no ordinary shower.

I took a deep breath. I was nervous, but more than anything I was aroused, tingling all over, excited for what was to come. I chugged some of the coffee before heading upstairs. With every step I took, my heart beat faster.

I entered the bathroom to find Archie shirtless and leaning against the counter. He still had his shorts on, but I could see his erection straining through the material. And now my heart started beating out of my chest.