Page 100 of These Pucking Boys

I feel like an ass now for not replying to him sooner, not that it was my fault.

Sorry. My messages didn’t come through until now. Just got home. Thanks for walking Winston. I’ll take a quick shower and come over.

I set the phone down, not expecting an immediate reply, but when my phone chimes, my heart skips a beat.

Awesome. See you soon.

The butterflies in my stomach act as if they just drank an entire case of Red Bull. I forget all about baking those damn cupcakes and run to the shower. Not even when I was in high school and falling in love for the first time did I feel like this. Katrina was right. I never had a chance against these boys.

CHAPTER 43

RYAN

The pasta is cooking, and the porcini sauce is almost ready when June knocks on the door.

I try to ignore how my pulse seems to accelerate. “Come in.”

“Hi, it smells fantastic in here. What are you cooking?”

Her voice is as sweet as her taste. Not hearing from her all day did a number on me. I’ve never experienced feeling insecure about a girl before. But the way she sounds so open and warm puts me at ease instantly.

“Fettuccini ai funghi. I hope you like mushrooms.”

“Love them.” She walks over holding two bottles of wine—red and white. “I didn’t know what you were cooking, so I brought both options.”

“You didn’t need to bring anything, Peaches.”

She sets the bottles on the kitchen island. “Nonsense. I can’t show up for dinner empty-handed, and you already have dessert covered.”

I smile. “You have no idea.”

Her cheeks turn bright red. “Do you need any help?”

“Nah, I’m good.”

Her gaze focuses on the sling I have to wear. “How’s your arm?”

“My arm is fine. The problem is my shoulder. I pulled a muscle.”

“I’m not sure how all the WAGs can stand watching their partners getting hit like that. My heart stopped beating for a second.”

I’ve had women say shit like that to me before, but only June sounds genuine. I can’t help grinning. “Aw. You truly were worried about me.”

“Of course I was. You didn’t believe me?”

“Honestly, I was already medicated when you texted. My memory is a bit fuzzy. But I’m happy you care.” I reply sincerely. I am happy, and it’s a damn strange feeling when it’s caused by a woman. “Come here. I want you to try this.” I hold the spoon out and wait for her to walk over.

She stops next to me, smelling like the first day of spring. Her scent is fresh and floral without being sickly sweet. I feed her the sauce, not taking my eyes from hers. She holds my stare, and the moment becomes charged with electricity. If the food wasn’t the type that demands to be consumed immediately, I’d fuck her right here over the counter.

“It’s delicious,” she breathes out.

“Good.” My gaze drops to her lips, and I lean closer, but she steps away before I can kiss her.

“I can’t stay long,” she blurts out.

“Why not?” Disappointment laces my question. Maybe she was avoiding me earlier.

“I have to bake a million cupcakes for a school fundraiser.”

---