Page 46 of Beautiful Thing

We haven’t had a chance to figure out how we’re going to do this whole fake-dating thing. We probably should have discussed the mechanics of our little scheme. But between work and Sky and all the wedding obligations, we haven’t had a moment to ourselves.

Plus, the energy between us is freaking weird now.Weirder. I don’t quite know how to ‘be’ around her and she seems to be struggling, too.

I smile at her now, but I don’t know whether to show my teeth or whether to wink or what. Layla smiles back politely. Then she reaches out stiffly and pats me on the arm.

See? Weird.

Not like a couple at all.

Never in a million years did I think things would feel so strange between Layla and me. Heck, with the stupid crush I’ve had on her for years, I figured this fake-dating scam would be a walk in the park. But now, everything feels strange. Because I don’t want to cross any boundaries or come off overeager or do something that would make her uncomfortable.

So I just turn my attention back toward the TV screen. That’s when Ronan fires off the puck toward the goal and scores,putting The Saints on top. The whole bar erupts, cheering and jumping to their feet.

My brothers are in full celebratory mode, hollering and lip-locking with their women. Felix leans Daphne way back in his arms, kissing her like in a movie scene. Karli jumps into Mason’s lap and promptly starts devouring his face. And Nolan and Inez are full on making out, without a care in the world.

Good freaking grief.

As the clapping dies down, Layla and I turn toward each other. But we don’t kiss. We just freeze. I’ve got that deer in the headlights kind of feeling. I see that same sentiment reflected in Layla’s eyes.

Fuck.

I want to kiss her. I want that more than anything in the world.

But that’s just not how I roll.

Instead, I give her an uncomfortable thumbs-up, hop out of my seat, and walk off.“I…I’ll get you a beer,” I tell her, not waiting for her reply.

The bar is still buzzing with excitement over Ronan’s goal, but I need some space. I ditch the table where my family is gathered and make my way toward the bar.

I’ve just put in my order with some new bartender when Felix sidles up next to me. I guess he followed me to grab a refill.Or just to grill me.

“You know, you and your ‘girlfriend’ would be a whole lot more convincing if you didn’t look like you were terrified to touch each other,” my brother mutters, pretending to be interested in the TV screen above us.

I inhale sharply, cringing at his comment. Then I try to shake it off. “She’s just a little shy.”

“Shy?” Felix presses.

“About us being out in the open as a couple,” I lie.

“Okay…”

“And nervous about leaving Sky with a babysitter right now,” I tack on, even though I know Razor wouldn’t dare show up at my parents’s house and cause trouble. Not if he wants to live.

Felix presses his lips together. “Right. Good excuse.”

“Shut up,” I mutter, looking for the bartender. What’s taking so long with my beer?

My brother laughs. “Remember when Daphne and I pretended to be engaged so that Dad would transfer the medical clinic to me?”

Psht. How could I forget?“Yeah…” I mumble reluctantly, not at all liking where this conversation is headed.

Felix carries on. “Okay, and how long did it take the rest of you to figure out that our relationship wasn’t real?”

“Five seconds,” I mumble again.

He chuckles. “Exactly. So, be honest, jerkface—what’s up with the fake relationship?”

I sigh heavily, stroking my beard. Dammit. I knew this wouldn’t work. “I just want to get Mom and Grandma off my back about not having a wedding date. I can’t handle the nagging anymore. Layla’s just going along with this to help me.”

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