Page 88 of Best Wrong Thing

I wasn’t planning on going to a nightclub, but Archer’s question makes me want to go more than anything. “Why would I mind?”

He grins. “Great. I can be your wingman. Let me get changed.”

Molly wrinkles her nose. “You might want to shower first. You too.” She glares at Barry.

Molly and Barry’s room has an en-suite, but Archer and I have to share. While he showers, I go to my room, trying to choose what to wear. I didn’t bring anything suitable for a nightclub. Finally, I opt for a pair of stone-coloured shorts and a casual white shirt.

Someone knocks on the door. I answer it. Archer’s wearing an electric-blue, skin-tight, sleeveless T-shirt and white jeans that have been cut off above the knee. The cut edge has been left raw, allowing loose threads to tickle his skin.

“The bathroom’s all yours.”

“You look?—”

“Club ready?”

I want to say ‘hot’, but I nod and snap my mouth shut.

“Don’t take too long. I want to dance.” He wanders along the corridor towards the living room.

I throw myself through the shower at record speed, get dressed, and join Archer in the living room. Barry and Molly sit at the table, plates of bread, salad, and fruit before them.

“Do you want some food before you go out?” Molly asks.

“No, thanks. They fed us on the trip.” Archer glances at me. “But I’m happy to wait if you’re hungry.”

“I’m fine.”

“Awesome. Let’s go.”

“Be careful,” Molly says.

“We will be, Mum. Don’t worry.”

“Do you have condoms?”

My face flushes.

Archer shakes his head. “I’m too old for the safe sex talk, Mum.”

“Your mother is right. You can never be too careful. Doyouhave protection, Jacob?” Dad asks.

Great time for him to start caring about who I’m sleeping with. He didn’t want to talk to me about sex when I needed him to. Why start now? Oh, that’s right. He has a new wife to impress.

“I’m not planning on sleeping with anyone,” I reply in as easy-breezy a tone as I can manage.

“You should,” Molly says.

I bite my tongue. The only person I want to sleep with is standing right next to me, but we can’t come here after a night out for sex.

“And we’re out of here. Thanks for the unwanted advice. Don’t wait up.” Archer grabs my arm and yanks me out the front door.

He drags me away to the road that will take us to Jumbo Centrum, only letting go once we’re well and truly out of sight of the villa. He holds my hand and briefly leans his cheek on my shoulder.

“I’m so sorry,” he says.

“Dad was at it too.”

“Parents are so embarrassing.”