Page 35 of These Pucking Boys

“If the city of L.A. trusts you to teach middle-graders, then I’m sure we can trust you too.” Ryan smiles brightly.

Her eyes widen. “Oh crap. I need to call the school. There’s no way I can make it to work on time now.”

“We’ll load your stuff in my car while you call them,” I say.

“Could I borrow one of your phones? My battery is dead.”

Lachlan offers his. “You can use mine. It’s unlocked.”

“Thank you.” She glances at the screen and smiles. “You have a Highland calf as your screensaver?”

His cheeks turn red. “They’re adorable.”

Watching their interaction, I’m now certain I’m not the only one who wouldn’t mind getting to know June better. Lachlan is usually a grump, but in front of her, he melts like butter. That doesn’t bother me. I can share her with him and Ryan for one night or many. But only them, no one else.

I head into the building to see what we’re dealing with and get angry all over again when I see the trash bags filled with June’s belongings. Her ex should count his blessings that he isn’t around. The motherfucker deserves an ass whipping. I’d risk Melissa’s wrath for the chance to teach him a lesson.

Ryan follows me in, and before I can say a word, he starts, “We have a problem.”

I narrow my eyes. “What now?”

“I want to break my number-one rule, and you need to stop me.”

“I can’t be your chastity belt, Ryan.” I grab a few boxes.

He follows my lead and takes some of the trash bags. “You know I don’t do seconds.”

“Then don’t.” I head for the exit.

“How am I supposed to resist when she’ll be living right next door?”

I laugh. “You’re assuming she wants a repeat.”

“Are you saying she doesn’t?” He sounds almost unsure, and it’s fucking hilarious.

I refrain from answering him as we walk outside the building. That’s not a conversation I want June to overhear. She’s standing close to my car, talking on the phone under the watchful gaze of Lachlan.

He switches his attention to us and asks, “Is that all?”

“No, there are a few more bags inside,” I reply.

“Okay. I’ll get them.” He hurries into the building, and then June ends the call.

“Everything okay at work?” I ask.

“Yes. The principal is a nice lady, and she saw my fiasco of a proposal on TV. She was already expecting me not to show up at work today and called in a sub.”

“Good. You need to rest,” Ryan chimes in.

“I need to call roadside assistance to see about my car, but you guys probably need to get going.”

We do have practice in an hour, but I don’t want her to worry. “Let’s get you settled, and then we’ll see about your car.” I open the trunk and start to arrange the boxes inside.

“I don’t think it’ll all fit,” she says.

“It will, but I’m afraid the guys will need to call an Uber.”

“Oh no. I feel terrible now,” she says.

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