Page 42 of These Pucking Boys

He sighs. “My douche brother called earlier.”

Lachy groans. “What did that bawbag want?”

“Don’t know. I didn’t answer.”

Jake’s family is just as messed up as mine. His father is a certified asshole, constantly comparing Jake to his brother, always bitching about his life choices. Never mind that Jake is one of the best hockey players in the league, has played in two All-Star games, and has a Stanley Cup under his belt. It’s never good enough for the scumbag.

He’s the reason Jake will never play for any team in New York, his home state. He’s made that clear since the beginning of his career. Sometimes, we don’t have a choice where we wind up, but we can put teams on our absolutely-fucking-no list.

“He won’t stop calling until you answer,” Lachy points out.

“I don’t care.”

His tone is final, and both Lachy and I know to drop the subject. The ride is silent until we’re a minute from the training facility. It’s not in the arena but a block away from it.

Melissa calls my phone, which is connected to the car’s audio system. She doesn’t usually call me unless I’ve done something stupid. Maybe she’s unhappy about last night’s activities with her guest of honor.

Too fucking bad. “Good morning, Mel. What can I do for you?”

“Just checking to make sure you guys took good care of June.”

I should bite my tongue, but she totally teed that up for me. “Don’t worry. We tookexcellentcare of Peaches.”

Lachy turns to me, sporting a what-the-fuck look.

“Peaches?” Melissa’s voice rises a pitch. “You gave her a nickname?”

“Sure did.”

“Oh boy… So itdidgo well. I called her, but it went to voicemail.”

“Her phone is dead. I’ll pass on the message that you want to talk to her.”

Lachy shakes his head and mutters, “Bloody eejit.”

“Wait… what? You’re planning on seeing her again?” Melissa asks.

I laugh. “Sure, why not?”

A moment of silence follows, and I can’t help grinning. Stunning Melissa is always fun. She’s on top of things ninety-nine percent of the time and takes pride in always knowing shit before anyone else does. Catching her by surprise is rare.

“I don’t believe it. You’re yanking my chain, aren’t you?”

“It’s not what you think,” Jake butts in from the backseat. “I’ll explain later.”

“You’d better. And it goes without saying, don’t mess with June. She’s been through enough, and she doesn’t need more complications in her life.”

Lachy sinks in his seat, crossing his arms. Jake decides to shut his piehole as well. They don’t want to assure Melissa we’ll stay out of June’s life because no one wants to keep that promise. I have no problem answering though. “No worries, Mel. June is safe.”

“All right. I have to run. See you at the meeting this afternoon.”

“Byeee.” I press the end-call button, and Lachy starts immediately.

“Why did you have to tell Melissa about June?”

“Technically, I didn’t say anything.” I stop the car and lower the window to scan my card and gain entrance to the garage.

“Let’s drop the subject,” Jake chimes in. “We can talk about June later. It’s in our best interests to not let anyone know what happened last night, or that she’s staying in our building.”

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