Page 18 of These Pucking Boys

“Yeah, don’t worry. I’m good for the money if we don’t win.”

Bad, bad, June. Who’s being cocky and reckless now?I need to save every penny to rent a new apartment. Never mind that I still have to pay off that stupid Jumbotron slot. I used my emergency credit card for it.

Tomorrow’s problems, June.

He shakes his head. “Don’t worry, lass. If we don’t win, it’s on me.” He turns to the others. “Same amount?”

“Sure,” Ryan replies

I’d fight Lachlan to pay for my half, but I sense it’d be pointless. These boys make a lot of money, and for them, losing one hundred dollars on a bet would be likemelosing a penny.

Lachlan breaks and sinks a stripe. The table is still open though, meaning he can pocket either a solid or a stripe next and decide which we’ll play.

He turns to me. “Wanna give it a go?”

According to the rules, he should keep playing, but I don’t think they care, so I shrug. “Sure.”

I take my time studying the balls on the table. Even though one stripe is already gone, the solids are better positioned. I can easily pocket two or three, if I play my angles right. I chalk my cue again even though I did it already. It’s my ritual; it helps me get into the zone. The restaurant and everyone in it fade away, including my opponents and my partner.

I bend over the table, narrowing my eyes as I line my cue stick at the right angle to take the shot. Then I hit the cue ball with a quick and powerful jab. The loud clack is almost as satisfying as seeing the target ball disappear into the pocket.

“Ah shit. She’s good,” Ryan mutters.

I don’t look at him, keeping my focus on the new spread. I walk around the table, ignoring the pain in my feet thanks to the high-heeled sandals pinching my toes, and repeat the same process three more times. I miscalculate the last shot and end my streak. It’s only then that I pay attention to my surroundings. All three men are staring at me with their jaws hanging loose.

“Son of a bitch.” Ryan stares at the table as if he can’t believe I pocketed three balls in a row.

Lachlan’s face splits into a broad grin. “I guess we don’t have to worry about losing to these eejits.”

I return his smile. “I guess not.”

CHAPTER 9

RYAN

Idon’t like to lose. In fact, I hate it. Thus, I make sure it doesn’t happen often. But after seeing June destroy Jake and me, I’m grinning from ear to ear. I’ve never met a girl who could play pool like she did. She didn’t just win—she obliterated us. Lachlan barely did a thing in all three games we played. It was so hot.

Right now, she’s in the restroom with Melissa. We’re supposed to continue mingling, but so far, we haven’t moved from our spots near the pool table, and I’m still staring in the direction she went, even though I can’t see her anymore.

“What are you smiling about?” Lachlan asks. “You and Jake just lost three hundred bucks.”

“I know.” I take a sip of my beer. I had to switch to something lighter after the dirty martini. We have practice tomorrow, and I don’t want to be hungover.

“You’re far too happy though,” Jake pipes up, staring at me with his hawk eyes.

“I am.” I grin. “And I have two words for you—triple treat.”

Jake goes very still, and I can see the interest in his eyes, but then he shakes his head and grumbles. “I didn’t invite June to the party for that. What happened to not taking advantage of the situation?”

“I’m not taking advantage of anything.” I take another sip of my drink. “I think June wants it as much as we do. And before you try to deny it, let me just say I saw how you and Lachlan were looking at her.” Neither rebuffs my statement, so I continue. “Besides, if I’d been dumped on a live broadcast, you bet I’d be looking for a rebound hookup.”

“We wouldn’t expect anything less from you.” Jake finishes his second old-fashioned. He can pound those and be completely fine the next day.

“Don’t stand on your morality dais and judge me. I didn’t hear you say no to the idea.”

He narrows his eyes, then turns to Lachlan. “What do you think?”

Lachlan’s brows furrow. “I don’t know, mate. I don’t think she’s that type of lass. She seems so innocent.”

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