Page 94 of Beautiful Thing

This all feels so unfamiliar to me. I’m not the guy who hosts parties or invites large groups of people into my space. For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed being alone. But for Sky and Layla, this concession feels worth it. Getting to see the smiles on their faces as they’re showered with love means everything to me.

By the time the party is over, it’s getting pretty late. We say goodbye to the guests, ushering them out the door. Then Layla puts Sky to bed while my siblings help me clean up.

My family is long gone by the time Layla joins me in the kitchen where I’m washing the last of the dishes. She’s barefoot now, still wearing that loose-fitting pink turtleneck thing she’s been wearing all day. I can’t tell if it’s a sweater or a dress or what. All I know is, she looks incredible in it. She stands next to me, side by side, drying each item after I scrub it clean.

Suddenly, washing dishes feelsexciting. The water is too hot, and the tension builds thicker and thicker whenever I pass her a dripping wet plate. She takes it, brushing her delicate fingers over mine each time.

My mind replays what happened a few weeks ago, right here against this very counter. I ache to touch her again, to have her pressed up against the cabinet, her body flush with mine. It’s all I can think about. And with how quiet she’s grown next to me, I’m certain she’s thinking about it too.

With a frustrated sigh, I drop the silverware back into the soapy water. Then I turn, take the damp kitchen towel from Layla, and toss it onto the counter next to us. Bubbles still covering my hands, I thread my fingers through hers. Her fingers hook tightly with mine like she’s been craving my touch as much as I’ve been craving her own.

My eyes remain locked on hers. I can’t help it.She’s so beautiful. A freight train could barrel down my driveway, and I still wouldn’t be able to look away from Layla’s face.

I’m dying to kiss her. I’m aching to show her all the other needs I can take care of. Because ultimately, that’s what I want. I want to take care of Layla. I want to take care of her every fucking need.

But sex is not the kind of act I jump into casually. It’s serious to me. It means something to me.

My brows pull together, as I shake my head. I can’t kiss her. Yet still, I can’t let her go. And I know it’s been a long day, but I don’t want it to be over just yet.

Fuck it.

“Come hang out with me…” I hear myself saying.

“What?” Layla whispers.

“Come hang out in the library,” I repeat, and I find myself brushing her bangs from her eyes. “I know it’s late but you’re not ready to go to bed yet, are you?”

“Archer, we shouldn’t,” she says weakly.

“Just to talk. I promise. I’ll behave.” Silently, I try to convince myself that I’m not full of shit. “Just to talk.”

Layla still hesitates.

I clasp my hands in front of my chest like a dork. “Please?”

Layla sighs with resignation, fighting the smile that inches up the corners of her mouth. “Fine…I’ll hang out with you.”

39

LAYLA

Archer and I both reach for the same puzzle piece at the same time. Our fingertips brush.

We glance at each other across the table. We share a smile.

“Go ahead,” he says gently, and I pick up the little wooden tab, fitting it right into the perfect slot.

The two of us are sitting face to face in the library, sipping on hot cocoa and working on his jigsaw puzzle. A roaring fire keeps the room warm and casts an orange glow against the walls.

Past the frosty window panes, snow falls in the dark forest. The air is quiet and companionable, and despite the screaming tension between us, this feels so nice.

“Today was so much fun, Archer.” I speak softly. “Thank you for making it happen. Sky had an amazing time.”

“My pleasure,” he says. “I just want to see the two of you happy. You know that, right?”

I nod, feeling special. Important. Cared for. Archer always makes me feel this way.

"I think I may have enjoyed the party a little more than Sky did.” He chuckles.

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