Page 76 of Beautiful Thing

They eventually give up on trying to teach Sky what a goal is, so instead, they’ve taught him to cheer whenever a hockey player gets thrown into the boards. Stella finds the whole thing hilarious. Now I’m afraid the Brightons have turned my innocent baby into a violence-loving, hockey fiend.But Sky’s having a blast, and that’s what matters most to me.

When the players hit the ice, everyone is fully concentrated on the game, rooting for a win for the Saints.

During the first intermission, Nolan, Felix and Mason find their way to the ice, looking downright ridiculous as they compete against a bunch of little kids in some sort of musical chairs activity. I look on, laughing and sipping on a spiced caramel apple cider with Daphne and Karli. All of us girls huddle together, chatting about the wedding that’s just around the corner.

But as soon as the game resumes, we’re all back to heckling the other team and making fun of their creepy mascot.

Everyone’s justhappy.And it definitely helps that the Saints are currently up by two goals.

Archer and I are sitting right next to each other.I know it’s all fake, but somehow, tonight has felt like a date of sorts.We’re in public. We’re eating and drinking and laughing together. But it’s thetouchesthat keep getting to me.

Every time Archer’s skin brushes against mine, it’s absolutely electric. And it seems that he’s been taking every opportunity to touch me. When he shares his snacks, he leans way over into my space. Whenever he has something to tell me, his lips graze my ear. Every time he reclines comfortably in his seat, he stretches and casually puts his arm around my shoulders.

And those moments when he looks at me and doesn’t say a word…When he stares at me like he wants to make my clothes melt right off my body…Oh god. He’s not even trying to hide it.

It makes me giddy and scared and confused all at the same freaking time.

At the second intermission, he leans over, fiddling with the copper earring dangling from my ear. “You wear these all the time,” he comments distractedly.

“They’re my favorite earrings,” I admit, enjoying the sparks of electricity that flutter down my neck.

His lips curve into a slow, tempting smile and his voice rumbles low. “I fucking love it when you wear the things I buy you.” Possessiveness flickers in his eyes.

Fuck.

Arousal rushes through my belly and trickles down between my thighs…while Archer’s familyandmy child chatter cluelessly nearby.

This is illegal. It has to be.

There’s no way it’s acceptable for this man to ruin my panties—in public—with a few simple words.

I shiver.

He bends closer, his mouth brushing my ear again.“Are you okay?”

I gulp before nodding. “I am. It’s just—well, you’re a little touchy-feely tonight, and I’m having a hard time knowing what’s real versus what’s a show for your family. I guess it’s messing with my head a bit.”

Archer combs my hair back with his fingers, waiting until I meet his eyes before he answers me. “All of it is real, Belle, as far as I’m concerned. It’s really fucking real.”

“I…um…” I breathe deep, having a very hard time getting my lungs to function properly.

He inches backward slightly, giving me room to breathe. “Look—I’ll admit I’m having a hard time keeping my hands away from you. But if you want me to stop—”

“Don’t stop.” I reach up, my fingers urgently clutching the front of his jersey, ready to pull him back into me.

Before he can form a response, excited screaming and shouting erupts around us. My head shoots up and I glance around, finding that everyone is jumping and pointing toward the jumbo screens mounted around the arena.

Oh, holy fuck.

It’s the Kiss Cam.

And Archer and I are currently featured on the big screen. Live and in color. With my hand fisted in his shirt and a deliriously horny expression on my face.

“Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!” the crowd demands.

I feel a panic attack coming on as my heartbeat quickens. My face burns. I know I’m turning red, and thousands of people are watching.

Archer won’t kiss me. I know he won’t. That would be against his rules.

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