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I poorly swallow the urge to whimper over the idea of a sex-filled day. “And that’sbad?”

A fierce, sexual groan I absolutely need to hear more of instantly falls from his mouth. “Not bad, sweetheart.” His mouth lightly teases mine. “So far from fucking bad.” Before my tongue can successfully touch his, he adds, “Now’s just not the time.”

My pussy clenches in objection.

Outrage.

Mutiny.

Not pouting suddenly becomes the most impossible action I can think of. “Don’t I get a say in that?!”

Archer’s answer is smug and blunt. “No.”

The squeak of irritation that escapes receives an arrogant chortle alongside the lowering of my leg. More salacious snickers slip loose as that same hand gently glides itself up the back of my thigh to settle comfortably on my cheek once more. I immediately beam brighter at the cupping and bite my bottom lip in anticipation for what’s next.

Archer’s other hand relocates itself to my hip. “Where does my girlfriend wanna go for our first date?”

His simple question attached to a loving smile render me momentarily speechless.

Is this really happening?! Is this actually real? Is this a dream?! Fuck me, is this like one of those books where everything gets really amazing and then you turn the page to find the whole thing was a hallucination?! I hate that shit. I really do.

“Keep in mind, I’ve only got like forty bucks,” he playfully informs, “and that you gotta drive until I get my license.” Laughter leaves us both, yet it’s him who speaks again. “Is it just me or did that shit sound very broke guy junior promish?”

Loud giggles flood the kitchen at the same time I wrap my arms around his frame. “Broke or not I’d let you take me to prom.”

Archer coyly smiles.

“Where’d you get forty bucks?” I curiously inquire.

“The neighbor across the street, Ada, gave me a couple twenties for returning her cat that got into our garage while I was tossing the empty paint cans. I told her it wasn’t necessary, but she basically started to cry when I refused.”

Grinning widely can’t be helped. “I love hearing you sayour.”

Another sheepish smile precedes his next statement. “I don’t love only having forty bucks to take you out.”

“You don’t have to ever haveanymoney to ‘take me out’, Archer. Us going out like a couple is all I really want.”

“I got that, sweetheart; however, it doesn’t change the fact Iwantto pay for shit. For you. For me. Forus. Our home.”

More urgency to get him into bed is ignited, yet I ignore it to provide the comfort he needs. “One bite at a time, remember?”

I’m given a slow nod in return.

“How about I make us some coffee and breakfast and we can spitball ideas for what to doafterthe dreaded DMV and cellphone store?”

Archer settles both his hands at the small of my back. “Counteroffer.Imake us coffee.Imake us breakfast. AndItalk you out of this cellphone nonsense before we discuss our date.”

“Declined.”

He struggles not to laugh at the retort. “Can I at least make coffee?” His grip grows unexpectedly tighter. “I really like making it for you every morning.”

Swooning can’t be denied, and neither can his request. “Dibs on the Bookdragon mug.”

The corner of his lip kicks upward in a playful fashion. “Only because you’re my girlfriend.”

Giggles immediately fill the air, increasing in frequency courtesy of a chaste kiss and a gentle pat to the ass.

I love the way that label sounds. And something tells me I’m gonna love the way it feels even more.