Page 17 of These Pucking Boys

From the corner of my eye, I catch Melissa’s eyebrow raise. I did tell her that I was pretty good. Most guys think girls either have no interest in playing pool or don’t know how. I love proving them wrong. And if there’s money involved, even better. I never feel bad about taking money from people who underestimate me. Most of the time, I’m unsure of myself, but not when it comes to pool. Or maybe I’m feeling extra confident thanks to the martini. God knows I wouldn’t be so bold around these famous hockey players if it weren’t for alcohol.

“Why don’t you play with June?” Melissa suggests.

“That’s a great idea. I’m game,” Ryan replies. “You can be my partner, June.”

“How about we let her decide?” Jake pipes up. “She might want to pair up with a winner.”

Are these guys seriously competing to have me as their partner? This evening keeps getting more surreal. It’s obvious that Jake and Ryan are skilled at pool, and they won’t hold back—being competitive must be a part of their DNA, or they wouldn’t be professional athletes.

There’s nothing I like better than wiping the floor with cocky guys.

As I watch the duo, I press my index finger against my lips and pretend to think about it. Then I switch my attention to Lachlan, who’s been quiet. “Do you want to partner with me?”

His blue eyes widen. “Are you sure? Fair warning, I’m not as good as those two.”

I shrug. “I don’t mind.”

Ryan turns to Jake. “I guess it’s you and me, buddy.”

Jake keeps staring at me in a scrutinizing way. He’s trying to figure me out. Good luck with that. I’m still trying to figuremeout. But if he wants to give it a go, be my guest.

I select my cue stick from the stand and prep it with chalk.

“Since June is the guest of honor, we’ll let you two start,” Ryan tells us.

In my periphery, I see Melissa sit and get comfortable. I turn to her, and she winks at me. I think she wants me to destroy Jake and Ryan.

I don’t want to clue them in on the fact that I know what I’m doing, so I turn to Lachlan. “Can you break?”

“It’ll be my pleasure, lass.” He finishes his beer and sets the empty glass on a nearby high table. Then he grabs the triangle and racks the balls.

I can’t take my eyes off him. He’s so handsome, and despite his sheer size—I mean, the guy is probably six-four or five—he moves with incredible grace. But I think what I love the most about how he looks is his shaggy blond hair and boyish face. The long bangs cover part of his right eye in a sexy way. He resembles a surfer more than a Scottish hockey player.

“June,” Melissa calls, drawing my attention. A waiter is standing next to her. “Would you like another dirty martini or something else?”

“Martini is good.”Even though I want to avoid getting completely trashed tonight, and those drinks are potent, I can handle a second one.

“Boys?” Melissa turns to the trio.

It amuses me that she refers to these three grown men as boys. They don’t seem to care. I barely know them, and I’m already thinking about them that way too. It’s endearing.

“Another IPA for me,” Lachlan replies.

“I’ll have a dirty martini too.” Ryan smiles at me, making me blush.

When Jake doesn’t answer right away, Melissa calls his name. I look and find him staring at me again. His expression is closed off but not unfriendly. It does make me self-conscious though.

He switches his attention to Melissa and finally answers, “An old-fashioned for me.”

A whiskey guy. It fits him.

Before Lachlan starts the game, I ask, “What are the stakes?”

“Do you want to play for money?” Ryan raises an eyebrow and curls his lips upward.

He’s the cockiest of them all, and wiping that smirk off his gorgeous face will give me great pleasure. “Of course.”

“June... are you sure?” Lachlan asks, frowning slightly.

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