Chapter 18
18
ARCHER
“ T hink they have a shot at the playoffs this season?” Mason asks, tilting his head toward the flat-screen mounted on the wall.
I give a slow nod. “Better chance than they did last year.”
“Oh, gosh. They’d better make it,” Karli comments, coming up from behind and slinging her arms around her husband’s shoulders. “Ronan is a huge pain in the butt to deal with when his team loses.”
Everyone laughs, but we all know she’s not wrong. With the exception of his fiancée, Ronan’s whole world revolves around his professional hockey career.
My siblings and all their—er, our —significant others are crowded around a few tables at the back of Nolan’s bar to watch Ronan’s latest away game.
I glance toward the other side of the room just as Dad strolls through the front door. After having dinner with Mom at home, he’s here now to join us and catch the game. Mom insisted on babysitting Sky tonight but I know she’s watching the game from home.
As he moves through the bar, he gets a hero’s welcome. It’s quite the spectacle to watch the townsfolk going all giddy over my father. They treat him like a local celebrity as he weaves through the crowd to try and get to us.
“Welcome home, Dr. Brighton Senior.”
“It’s so nice to see you, Doc.”
“How long are you staying?”
“I have this mole for you to look at before you leave, Dr. Brighton.”
When Layla giggles at that one, I turn toward her. We’re seated right next to each other, here in this booth, but we’re careful to keep some space between us.
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.”
Felix nods, and his face is full of amusement.
“Don’t look at me like that.” I bark. “I know it’s wrong to lie to them and everyone else, but you have no grounds to be the morality police on this.”
“Look, I’m not judging you,” Felix claims, holding his palms up appeasingly. “I just know how this story will end.”
I frown at him. “What does that mean?”
He pulls in a deep breath. “Here’s a better question—how long did it take for me to actually fall pathetically, ridiculously, incredibly in love with my fake fiancee?”
“ Less than five seconds.” I snort.
“Correct again.” Felix waggles his eyebrows at me, looking extra proud of himself.
I scoff, shaking my head. “I’m not going to fall in love with Layla.” Because I already am . The difference is I don’t plan to act on it. Ever. I can’t.
Felix lets out an uproarious laugh. “You are so screwed, dumbass.” He cackles and cackles before eventually going serious. “I’m saying this from experience—you’re playing a dangerous game, Archer. I just hope you’re ready for the consequences.”