Page 29 of These Pucking Boys

I drop to my knees to retrieve them, but I need to stretch my arm to grab them. When I straighten and look up, my gaze collides with Ryan’s. Shit. He’s awake.

His lips curl into a lazy smile. “Leaving so soon?”

My pulse goes from zero to a hundred in a couple seconds. I jump to my feet, clutching my sandals against my chest. “Yeah. I have to be at work before eight.”

He sits up and stretches his arms. “What time is it?”

I try to take my phone out of my purse fast to check the time, but it catches on something, so I yank on the damn thing to dislodge it.

“It’s six on the dot,” Ryan answers his own question. He’s looking at his wristwatch on the side table. He must have taken it off last night before falling asleep. “Would you like some coffee?”

He asks as if this is his hotel room, not mine.

“No, I have to run.”

He stands, unfazed by his nakedness. My cheeks are burning, and I try my best to keep my eyes focused on his face. He walks over, and when he stops in front of me, I turn into stone.

Tucking a loose strand of my hair behind my ear, he says, “I had fun last night. Did you?”

“Yeah, sure.” Jesus, could I be more lame?

He arches an eyebrow, but besides the upturn of his lips, he doesn’t comment on my uninspired reply. “Can I walk you to your car?”

Do I want to spend more time with Ryan? You betcha, but that isn’t the smart thing to do. It’s bad enough I couldn’t escape without talking to him.

I swallow hard. “It’s better if you’re not seen with me.”

His brows arch a little, and something passes through his eyes. I’d guess disappointment, but I’m probably reading him wrong.

“Yeah, you’re right.” He leans closer and kisses me on my cheek. “It was nice to meet you, June.”

Now my heart is galloping at breakneck speed. I wasn’t prepared for that sweet gesture. “It was nice to meet you too,” I croak. “And Lachlan and Jake. Tell them I said that.”

“Will do. Take care, Peaches.”

“Peaches?”

He smiles in a cheeky way that makes my body temperature rise. Why does he have to be so adorable and sexy?

“Yeah, you taste like them.”

Omygod, omygod. I’m hyperventilating now. Damnit, Ryan.

I nod, unable to find my voice. Clutching my purse and sandals to my chest, I walk out of the hotel suite in a hurry. My mind is spiraling. I’m so confused. After an evening of multiple orgasms, I should be on cloud nine. Instead, I’m depressed, and it has nothing to do with Bill and Danika’s betrayal.

Shake it off, June. There’s no time for morose feelings. It’s time to deal with yesterday’s tomorrow’s problem.Hell, that’s a mouthful.

That’s what she said.

Oh my God. I’m a dumbass in my thoughts too.

RYAN

I watch June walk out of the door. It’s been a minute since she left, and I’m still rooted to the floor. I usually don’t kiss hookups on the cheek when they leave, and it was a fucking mistake to break that rule today. I’m a second away from going after her and... I don’t know what for. To fuck her again? Probably, even though I’d be breaking another rule. I don’t go for seconds.

I’m saved from the crazy impulse when Lachlan walks out of the bedroom in his birthday suit, yawning.

I shake my head. What the fuck is wrong with me? I’m usually relieved when a hookup leaves without wanting more. The heaviness in my chest isn’t normal.

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