Page 47 of Zone Protection

Archie: You home yet?

Emma: Just got back.

Archie: Feel like hanging out, or are you tired?

“Who are you texting with, Emma?” Mia asks with a smile.

I return her smile and feel some heat hit my cheeks. Not because I’m embarrassed though. He just makes me feel some sort of way.

“It’s Archie.”

“Hmm. You two have been spending a bit of time together.You guys hooking up or just hanging out?” Peyton asks from the kitchen.

“Both.” I shrug, laughing. “He’s a really cool guy. Super sweet and funny too.”

“Okay, so he’s hot, about to go to the NFL, and he’s a sweetheart? You lucky-ass bitch. We practically shoved him your way. Although who would have guessed that one of the biggest players on campus would be locked down?” Mia laughs.

“Thanks?” I laugh and meet Livi’s gaze. Then walk over and sit next to her on the couch, my phone still in my hand.

“Is he coming over tonight?” Livi asks.

“Oh, I’m not sure. He just asked if I was home and if I wanted to hang out tonight.”

“And you’ll say yes, right?” Mia leans over Livi to ask.

“I mean, probably. But y’all need to tell me if having him over all the time annoys you. We are spending a lot of time together, and that might not be fair to you guys.”

Livi takes my hand. “Babe, we like him—right, girls?”

Mia and Peyton both agree.

“So, if spending time with him makes you happy, that makes us happy.” She pulls me in for a hug.

“And may I just say,” Peyton chimes in, “I wouldn’t mind if I accidentally saw him walking around in his boxers.”

“He doesn’t wear any, so that probably won’t happen.” I let it slip out before I can really think about what I’m saying.

“Period,” Mia says with a snap of her fingers. “You really are a lucky bitch.”

“I’m not even gonna deny it. Although I’ve really only seen him naked a few times. And I do like him for other reasons too. He’s a total sweetheart, super caring and attentive too.”

“Well, young Emma, I feel like you’re missing out on a lot of opportunity here. If he doesn’t wear boxers, why are you not climbing him every second you’re together?” Peyton asks.

“You know we’re the same age, right, Pey?” I giggle. “But, yes, I one thousand percent agree. I should be naked with him atall times. There’s a little thing called school, along with golf and football, that prevents that from happening though.”

We all laugh, and my phone chimes again.

Archie: You leavin’ me hangin’, Em?

“Oops. I forgot to reply to him. So, you’re sure you guys don’t mind if I invite him over?” I ask them and release Livi’s hand.

“Totally fine,” Livi says.

I look at Peyton, who gives me a thumbs-up, and then at Mia, who smiles and nods.

Emma: Sorry, I was just catching up with my roommates. Do you want to come over?

Archie: Yeah, I can do that. We just finished dinner here, so give me a few, and then I can head out. I just need to help with cleanup tonight.

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