A Bad Boy's Gift

Chapter 14

I am pleased that my room isn't a mess when I walk into it, holding Archer's hand. The bedside light, shining in the corner, bathing the room in it's subtle glow.

"The bathroom is through there." I point towards where my dressing room sits between my bedroom and en-suite.

He lets go of my hand and walks through the door, disappearing into my bathroom. He shuts the door as he goes.

I climb onto my bed and turn the TV on, switching to some random rubbish I've no intention on paying attention to. 

When Archer returns from the bathroom, I watch as he takes his socks off, then his jeans and finally his shirt. 

He's stood in front of me in only his boxers and I can't stop watching him as he makes his way round the bed. 

His chest, rippled with muscles, but not to the point that it's too much, his abdomen is toned and hard, but looks soft to touch. His thighs are large and whole. 

"You've got some right shit on the telly here, you know." He laughs at me, flinging the covers back and climbing in. 

"Yeah, I just put it on in case you wanted to find something to watch." I slide myself under the bed covers then slip my dressing gown off, leaving just my strappy nightie. 

"I am fine thanks, you should get some sleep, been quite the day for you." He lies on his side, pulling the covers up to his chin. Well that's a shame.

"Okay, I'll turn the light off then." I roll over and flick the light off, plunging us into complete darkness.

I roll back over so I'm facing him, but having no idea where abouts he is. I rest my face on my hand. 

"Sleep well River." His voice is soft, gentle. 

"You too Archer." I say back to him.

"I thought I told you to call me Jack?" His hand finds mine in the darkness and I can feel my heart start to quicken. 

"Yes," I whisper, "But that's not your name." His hand moves from mine to caress my face. 

"You'd be the only person to call me Archer," He seems to think for a moment, "You could call me Jackson?"

That seems like a good idea.

"Okay," I say, I feel the bed move next to me and suddenly he's right in front of me. His breath on my face. His feet against mine.

I can feel his face moving closer to mine. He's going to kiss me. 

Is this what I want? 

But I don't get the chance to decide. Because his lips don't meet mine, not even close. Instead, they meet my forehead. Making me close my eyes, not that he can see me do this. 

We seem to lie like this for hours, but in fact it's just seconds. 

When his lips leave me, my eyes open and he moves away.

"Goodnight, River." His hand slowly starts to move from my face.

"Goodnight," I pause, "Jackson." 

The room goes quiet and we both lie there. Happy. Relaxed.

No care in the world.

---

The sun is streaming between the gaps in my curtains when my alarm goes off. It's 7:30 and I'm heavy. What is on top of my shoulders?

I rotate my head round and I'm pretty sure I stop breathing.

My mind is a little fuzzy, but last night comes flooding back to me.