It rebounded off his hands with a satisfying, fleshy thud, slamming into the ground at Mateo’s feet.

His team went nuts.

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Betty bellowed, throwing her arms around him. “That was amazing!”

Archer had to admit it felt pretty fucking good. Particularly when he glanced over at Mateo, who looked impressed.

“Nice block, Archer,” he said, nodding. “Guess I’m going to have to stop taking it easy on you.”

“Oh, you were taking it easy, were you? Let’s see what you’ve got, Dixon.”

It quickly became the Mateo and Archer Show—Mateo’s team set the ball to him whenever they got a chance, and Archer was right there blocking him. Archer got him at least half the time, and by the time they rotated to the back row, they were both grinning and extra sweaty. Once they were both into the front row again, it was tied at 24.

“Cap at 27?” Dominik called.

“Nah. Next point wins,” Betty said, collecting the ball for her serve.

“Alright,” Dominik sang. “Guess it all comes down to this. No pressure, B.”

Betty hammered her serve at him. It wasn’t a great pass, but he got it up in the air, and Grace set it to Mateo. Archer lined himself up with Mateo and jumped, pushing his hands forward with everything he had. Mateo swung hard, and the ball slammed into Archer’s hands and flew back into Mateo’s chest. He flailed at it, but it hit the ground.

“Nooooo!” Dominik cried, collapsing to his knees.

“Yessss!” Betty screamed, launching herself into the air. Her team exploded into cheers, while Dominik’s team fell onto the sand, groaning.

“Archer, you beautiful man!” Betty cried, throwing her arms around Archer and kissing his cheek over and over. “You beautiful, beautiful man. Oh God, I’m so happy right now.”

Dominik sighed, eyes raised to the sky. “Fuck.”

“Poached eggs,” Betty said, pointing at him. “Soft. Some multigrain toast, please.”

The teams gave three cheers then shook hands along the net, Betty’s team gloating and making plans for their servants’ upcoming day. Mateo and Archer were at the end of their lines.

“Good job,” Mateo said, holding Archer’s hand longer than required for a handshake. “You really shut me down.”

“Betty’s a good coach,” Archer said, waving off the compliment.

“So…” Mateo brushed some sand off his arm. “What can I get you for breakfast?”

“Oh, you don’t have to—”

“No, you won the bet.” Mateo gave half of an elegant bow. “Let me serve you.”

“Er…” Why am I blushing? “Okay, if you’re sure. A coffee and a breakfast sandwich, please … but only if you bring your own breakfast to eat with me.”

“Deal.”

The next day was Archer’s best day at Shady Queens so far.

Mateo knocked at his bedroom door at ten o’clock on the nose, as agreed.