Page 31 of Zone Protection

Archie always seems to be in a good mood. Sure, he’s also a big flirt, but I think he’s the kind of guy who is just happy. Being around him makes me feel good. Makes me happy. I wasn’t lying about anything I said to him earlier. I do like spending time with him, and even if it didn’t work out between us as a couple, I could definitely be his friend.

He helps me pack up the bag that my pasta was in, and then he closes his pizza box and sets it to the side.

I take my bag and put it in the fridge. “Do you need anything else while I’m in here?”

“If you have any more water, that would be good. Or whatever you’re drinking is fine. Did I see you mix Powerade and 7UP in your cup though?”

“Ha! Yes. Don’t judge. One of the days I wasn’t feeling well, I was drinking some of the soda, but then got worried about getting dehydrated from throwing up, so I mixed them, and now I want it all the time. We have plenty of water though. I’ll get you another one.” I pull another bottle for him and grab my cup off the table.

He takes a seat on the couch and turns on the TV, changing it to—not surprisingly—ESPN. Not that I mind.

I hand him the bottle and set mine on the coffee table in front of the couch. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to run to the bathroom real quick.”

“You feeling okay?” he asks.

“I’m good, just need to pee.” And maybe rinse out my mouth with some mouthwash.

I head into the bathroom and take care of business. Then I do a quick brush of my teeth and swish some mouthwash. My pasta had some garlic in it, and I fully intend to kiss on Archie for a bit tonight.

When I get back to the couch, he’s taken off his shoes and propped his feet up on the coffee table. His water bottle is in hishand, resting on his firm stomach. He’s so pretty to look at that it’s not fair. I can’t help but wonder what our baby will look like. I hope he or she has some of his pretty features, like his blue eyes.

I take a seat next to him on the couch, resting my body on the side with my knees pulled up. I’m angled toward him, and I reach my arm along the back of the couch. His head is resting on the back cushion, and I can’t help but run my fingers through his hair. He closes his eyes and moans, which sends a shot of heat to my belly.

My attraction to him has always been at a level ten. Spending time with him and the intimacy of kissing—it has made me really horny for this man. Hell, I’ve been fantasizing about our night together for months. Now that he’s here and moaning and looking so damn fine, my resolve is fading. As I’ve been feeling better, I’m definitely feeling like I might be ready to take it further than kissing.

Archie turns his head and looks over at me with a smirk. “Damn, that feels so good. You might make me fall asleep. I’m toast today.”

“I’m tired, but not too tired to fool around first. Unless you aren’t up for it,” I tease.

“Oh, baby, I’m up for it.”

He looks down at his crotch, and I follow his direction. Yep, he’s starting to tent his jeans.

Leaning forward, I start to pepper kisses along his strong jaw and down to his neck. He’s got a little bit of a beard going right now. It’s not scratchy though.

“Archie, I’m gonna be really honest. I want you.”Kiss. “It’s been a rough couple of weeks of not feeling good, and don’t get me wrong, it’s coming and going, but I’m feeling good right now, and Iwantyou.” I bring my hand up to his face and turn it toward me, then lean in to kiss him on the lips.

He quickly takes control of the kiss, and I open willingly. Our tongues twirl, and I get lost in the taste of him. One of his hands cupsmy face while the other starts to drift over my shoulder and down my arm. His touch makes goose bumps break out, and I shiver.

I know that hormone levels are elevated during pregnancy, but reading about it and experiencing it are two different things. I can feel every trace of his touch, and my skin feels hot. I’m completely ready for him to rip my clothes off, but I’ll let him take the lead. Not that I think he would mind if I did.

Moving my hand from his face, I slide it down his chest to the hem and slip my hand under his shirt. I trace the soft line of hair from the waist of his pants up to his belly button, and he pulls away from our kiss and takes in a deep breath.

We’re looking at each other as my hand drifts across his stomach, feeling his muscles contract. I lean in to kiss him again, and my hand reaches the waistband of his jeans. I bring my other hand down from playing with his hair and tuck my fingers into the inside of his pants, right over the button. I pull slightly as we kiss, and when I do, his erection moves and is right under the tips of my fingers. The skin is smooth, soft, and hot.

He’s turned his body slightly so he can touch me. One of his hands wraps around my neck, and his thumb brushes the skin right below my ear.

Just as I’m about to turn my hand that’s in his pants and reach in to wrap my palm around him, he pulls back from the kiss, but he’s still close enough that I can feel his breath on my lips.

“Darlin’, I’m about two seconds from laying you out on this couch and having my way with you, but I need to know when we should expect your roommates back.”

I reach in, take hold of his length, and lightly squeeze. “Then I guess we should go into my room. I don’t know where Livi is tonight, but on the off chance she comes home, I’m not sure I want her to see you naked.”

Pulling my hand from his jeans, I rest it on his stomach and lean in to kiss him again.

“Come on.” I stand and hold my hand out to him.

He takes my hand and stands, and then I lead him down the hallway to my room. When we enter, he turns and closes the door, making sure he locks it. I walk over to my bed and pull back the covers.

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