Page 133 of Beautiful Thing

Ifinish up my shift at work and head across town to pick Sky up from daycare, leaving Archer behind to close up Hammers and Hardware for the night.

Things are back to being weird between the two of us, and I hate it. Felix and Daphne’s wedding is over, which means our fake dating agreement has technically expired. What does that mean for us now? It’s supposed to mean we’re over, too, right?

I don’t like thinking about that. Even though I now own my own home and I have my own savings and I’ve secured all the resources I need to move on with my life, I don’t like thinking about leaving Archer behind.

So I don’t.

I’m distracted as I get out of my car. That’s why I don’t noticehimuntil it’s too late. I’m almost to the entrance of the daycare center before my ex rushes up the sidewalk and blocks my path.

“R-Razor?” I stutter, taking a startled step backward.

What is the man doing here? Did he follow me? I didn’t think he even knew where Sky goes to daycare. He’s certainly never dropped him off or picked him up and I have no clue what he’s doing here today.

“Layla!” He runs a hand through his greasy hair. He looks sweatier than usual even though we’re still in the dead of winter. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

“What? Why?”I squint in bewilderment.

“I’ve missed you. I’ve missed you a lot,” he announces theatrically, like it’s supposed to be some grand love declaration.

I arch an eyebrow. “And Sky?”

My ex-boyfriend’s face wrinkles in confusion as his eyes dart around. “What about Sky?”

Is this guy for real?“You miss him too, right? You know, yourson?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Geez.” He waves dismissively. “I just want us to be a family again. You and me, Layla. Please.” He grabs my hand, tugging on it as he begs.

“And Sky,” I remind him as I try to yank my hand out of his clammy grip.

“Right. And Sky. You, me, and Sky. Of course. We can all move back home together and go back to—”

“Your grandma got you kicked out of the house. You just found out that she signed it over to me, huh? That’s what this is about.”My frown deepens, as I finally manage to free my hand from his. I give a little snort.

Fucking pathetic.

Not that I was about to fall for any of Razor’s despicable tricks. I’m just embarrassed over being accosted like this outside of Sky’s daycare. I’m sure everyone inside is watching, and I don’t know how to get rid of Razor.

If I go inside, he’ll just follow me into the daycare center, and the last thing I want is for Sky to witness this mess.

“You are unbelievable, Razor. There is no me and you. You really need to leave.”

He only steps closer. “Please just give us a chance. You have to. You’ll never meet another man like me.”

“Thank god for that,” I mutter.

He glares. “You’ll never have anything better than—”

“You heard the lady!” A deep, dangerous growl rumbles through the air.

Razor’s head swings over to where Archer is suddenly approaching.I glance across the street and notice his truck parked haphazardly at the curb.

“Mind your own business, Brighton,” Razor murmurs, his face turning red.

Archer responds with another growl. “Laylaismy business. She’sminenow, buddy.”

I stare at his handsome face. Wow. Archer is so convincing. The way he’s marching toward Razor, shoulders strong and wide, expression set in stone.

Razor is shrinking back instantly. “Wh-what?”

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