Page 102 of Beautiful Thing

Fighting a blush, I push him toward one of the barstools. “You’d better stay back before you make me burn all this.”

He pushes out his bottom lip in a pout. “Fine. Be like that. Is Sky still sleeping?”

One corner of my mouth quirks and I nod. “Poor little guy’s worn out. That birthday party got him good.”

Archer chuckles low, mumbling under his breath. “Psht. The after-party was even better.”

An avalanche of memories from last night comes rushing in.

I shoot Archer a look and struggle not to smile. “Behave,” I scold him softly.

“Okay. Okay.” He holds up his hands in surrender. But I don’t trust the wicked little smirk on his sexy lips.

I know we promised it was a one-time thing but with the way Archer is looking at me right now, I’m not so sure how I’m supposed to keep that promise. I think that maintaining some degree of physical distance between us will be step one.

I try to steer the conversation into safer territory. “Any plans for today?” I ask him.

He crinkles his nose at me. “You’ll be happy to know that I’m going to go play some hockey with my brothers on this fine Sunday,” he says, a snarky undertone to his voice.

I laugh. “Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah. Apparently, Ronan was running his mouth and bragging about being the best hockey player in the family. Naturally, Nolan got triggered and challenged him to a match up. Darius tried to talk them out of it but the twins are so damn stubborn.” He leans back against the counter, stealing a sip from my coffee mug.

A long time ago, before Nolan took over the bar from Grandpa Brighton, he had dreams of being a professional hockey player just like his twin brother. But then he became a father and decided to alter his plans, prioritizing his little girl over his hopes for an athletic career. Looks like Nolan’s passion for the game is still alive and well, though.

“So you and the rest of your brothers got dragged into the twins’ beef?” A smile lingers on my lips as I start plating up the bacon. Archer’s going to need some extra protein to get out there on the ice today.

He confirms my theory with a nod. “Exactly. So sick of always getting caught up in their drama.” His expression softens hopefully. “Hey, why don’t you and Sky come watch us? If you don’t already have plans for today.”

“Yeah?” I question him, almost surprised that he’s not sick of us after the way we tore up his house at the birthday party yesterday.

“Yes,” he replies with conviction. “I would really like it if you both were there.”

I bite my lip to fight my big, cheesy smile. “We wouldn’t miss it.”

Sky wakes up a short while later. After the three of us finish breakfast, we bundle up and load into Archer’s truck.

We make the drive out to Ronan’s house and Sky loses his mind with excitement when Archer explains that we’ll be watching another hockey game. Although, I think my little boy gets a bit disappointed when Archer admits that this rink doesn’t have boards for the guys to crash into.

The rest of the family is already there when we arrive. The driveway is packed with cars. Ronan comes to meet us in the front yard when we pull up.

As Archer helps get Sky out of his carseat, I approach his youngest—and arguably rowdiest—brother.

“Hey, how’s your teammate doing?” I ask Ronan. “The one who was injured in that last game.”

The hockey captain’s eyes go dim with worry. “Raines? It’s not looking good for him,” Ronan answers. “He may never be able to play professional hockey again.”

I clasp a hand over my chest. “Dang. That’s so awful.”

“I haven’t spoken to him much, but his agent tells me that he’s focused on doing whatever it takes to get back in the game. They’re looking for a quiet place for him to hide out as he recovers.”

“I’m so sorry to hear all that. I can’t even imagine.” I shake my head. Now I feel bad for even bringing it up.

“Thanks, Layla.” He shrugs, trying to make light of the issue. “It’s the risk we all face as hockey players, I guess.”

“Right.” I give my head a small nod.

Archer lifts Sky high up onto his shoulders and we all trek over to Ronan’s private rink. His brothers and father along with Mason are already waiting there.

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