Page 36 of Let Me Love You

“I wanted to make you dinner as a thank you since I haven’t been able to yet. I got paid and went grocery shopping.”

This six-foot-something man is looking at me with so much pride for being able to buy and cook food. Years have passed since he’s been able to do this. And he did it for me.

“Oh.” I blow out a breath. “Well, that was so sweet, but you didn’t have to spend your money on me.”

“Don’t worry, I had a few coupons.” He smirks, and I snort. “Dinner will be ready in just a few.”

“I’ll be right back.” I flash him a smile and head to my room.

After I get into some comfy clothes, I meet Archer at the table.

“Don’t laugh, but I made something my gram used to make us. Then after she passed, I’d make it for Annie at least once a week. It became our comfort food.”

I inhale and look at the cheese-covered dish in the pan he’s holding. “What is it?”

With a smirk, he pulls out my chair, and I sit. He scoops a spoonful onto my plate.

“Tater tots?”

“Taco Tater Tot Casserole with extra black beans and cheese,” he confirms, then puts some on his own.

“Oh my God.” I take my first bite and moan. “This is speaking to my soul. So good.” I shove another forkful into my mouth, not even caring that it’s piping hot. I haven’t eaten since breakfast, and I’m starving.

“I’m glad you like it. I haven’t made it in a while, so I wasn’t sure if I’d remember how to,” Archer says, watching me.

“I think it’s perfect, honestly. This is something I didn’t realize I was missing out on. You’re gonna be makin’ me this once a week.”

He releases a hearty laugh and nods. “Deal.”

After I inhale two servings, I pat my stomach and groan at how much I ate. “This might be a bad idea.”

“Why?” He furrows his brows as he carries our empty plates to the kitchen.

“I’m not gonna be able to fit into my jeans if you’re gonna keep cookin’ for me like this.”

He rolls his eyes. “I doubt that. But if you want, I can use fat-free cheese next time.”

“Ew, don’t you dare!” I stand and grab the half-emptied pan and meet him by the counter. “If I promise to work out, will you buy the real deal?” I taunt.

The corner of Archer’s lips tilts up, and I watch as he lowers his gaze down my body, then back up to my mouth. “You really have nothing to worry about. But yes, I’ll always buy the fatty cheese.”

“You’re the best roomie ever.” I grin, wrapping my arms around him. I don’t realize how close we are until he stiffens against me. “Did you wanna watch something with me?”

“Sure. Just gonna clean up.”

“Oh, let me. You cooked. I’ll do it before I go to bed. It’s kinda my nightly routine. Tidy up the living room, take out Sassy, run the dishwasher, then masturbate until I pass out fully satisfied.”

Archer’s eyes bug out, but he doesn’t say anything. He not so casually clears his throat and diverts his attention.

“Alright.”

“Well, sometimes I watch ASMR videos. Just depends how I’m feeling that day,” I add, grinning.

“You’re fuckin’ with me, right?”

“No! ASMR videos are so relaxing. Sometimes, I watch them in the tub and wake up an hour later with wrinkly fingers.”

Although that’s not what he meant, seeing him squirm is worth it.