Page 38 of These Pucking Boys

When I don’t say anything, Jake continues. “You’re happy too, right?”

“Yeah. I am. It’s just… the coin hasn’t dropped yet.”

“It will once you’re settled in your new place.”

I almost say temporary new place but that might sound ungrateful.

“I hope so.”

“Well, here we are.” He points at a historic commercial building. We’re on Broadway in the heart of the Historic Core district of Downtown Los Angeles.

“You live in a commercial building?”

“The top two floors have been converted to apartments, and our penthouse is on the top floor. Mrs. Carpenter lives in an apartment below us.”

“That’s so cool. I didn’t realize you lived so close to me. We might even have bumped into each other at a market.”

“I think I’d remember if our paths had crossed before.” We enter the garage, and it becomes darker for a moment, which helps cover the blush I must be sporting right now.

I want to say I’d remember you too, but the words stay lodged in my throat. I don’t want to give him the impression I’m hoping there’ll be a repeat of last night. He probably has a mile-long list of gorgeous women he can pick from. Why would he want me when not even my lame-ass ex-boyfriend did? Last night, I was a novelty. Today, I’m a solution to his problem.

He parks the car. “I’ll get the dolly. Be right back.”

“Okay.”

I get out of the car too, and open the trunk. Before Jake returns, Ryan and Lachlan find me.

“Did you just arrive?” Ryan asks.

“Yeah. How did you get here so fast?”

“Our ride didn’t take long, and Ryan told him there would be an extra tip if he got here fast,” Lachlan replies.

“I’m sorry this is taking so much of your time. I can probably get everything upstairs by myself.”

Both make faces, but it’s Lachlan who replies, “Don’t be silly, lass. We’re glad to help.”

Jake returns with the dolly. “Damn, did you fly here?”

“We were very motivated.” Ryan gives me a look that it’s meant to make my panties shimmy down my legs on their own. Talk about a smoldering glance.

Heat spreads across my cheeks, and I quickly avoid his gaze, taking some bags out of the trunk. The boys load the dolly with most of the boxes, and what doesn’t fit, Lachlan and Ryan carry while Jake pushes the dolly. I follow them toward the elevator, but Jake splits from the group.

“Where is he going?” I ask.

“The service elevator is on the other side,” Ryan replies.

“Shouldn’t we all take that?” I eye the box in his hands.

“We won’t all fit. It’s okay, lass.”

My pulse accelerates when I find myself alone in the metal box sandwiched between Ryan and Lachlan. This is deja vu. Are they thinking about last night too? My face must be redder than a tomato, because it feels so hot.

I should say something because the silence is beginning to smother me. But I don’t know what to say. I’m as nervous now as I was last night when we were making our way to my hotel room. My heart is beating so loudly, it’s hard to believe they can’t hear it.

“How was the ride with Jake?” Ryan breaks the silence.

“We almost crashed,” I blurt out.

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