Page 55 of These Pucking Boys

I collect all the dirty plates in a huff and stride to the kitchen, trying to ignore everyone. I’m not angry or jealous that he’s being nice to June. I’m pissed that I acted like a jerk to her earlier, and I was hoping to even the playing field. We all have negative traits, but I’m the only one who didn’t try harder to curb mine. It’s been a long time since I cared what other people think of me.

While I load the dishes into the dishwasher, Lachy and June head to the living room while Jake veers for the freezer. Whistling, he sets the gallon of ice cream on the counter and grabs three bowls.

“Let me guess. I’m not getting any ice cream,” I say.

“You don’t like store-bought ice cream.”

“I never said that.”

“‘Store-bought ice cream is a sin against desserts.’ Did I hallucinate you telling a waiter that?”

“I expect house-made ice cream from a fancy restaurant,” I grumble.

He’s yanking my chain, and I’m letting him. God, now I know how Lachy feels when I tease him. I’m not myself, and I know that’s June’s influence. I look at her. She’s laughing about something Lachy said, and the sound is addictive. I’ve never met a woman as naturally stunning as she is. I shake my head, trying to wake from the daze. Somehow, the plate in my hand slips through my fingers and breaks into pieces when it hits the floor.

“Son of a bitch!”

“Is everything all right?” June asks.

“Yeah.” My ears are burning as I drop into a crouch to clean up the mess. I can’t remember the last time I broke anything in the kitchen. I’ll never hear the end of this.

“What do you want to do tonight, June?” Lachy asks.

“How about a movie? But I need to take Winston out for a walk first.”

“Don’t worry about it, June. The dog walker came an hour ago. She also fed all the pets. We can walk Winton after the movie.

“Oh, you hired one already?”

Jake joins them in the living room, carrying the ice cream bowls. “Yeah. She was number one on Mrs. Carpenter’s list. I’ll introduce you to her when we have a chance.”

I finish cleaning up, then grimace when I see the ice cream still on the counter, melting.

“Yo, Jake. Do you want to turn your favorite dessert into soup?”

“Oops. Forgot. Do you mind putting it back in the freezer?”

If we were alone, I’d tell him to fuck off and do it himself. But I bite my tongue and just stick the ice cream back into the freezer.

“Do you have any preferences, lass?” Lachy asks.

“Not really. I’m good with whatever you guys want to watch.”

I walk into the living room and, no surprise, June is in the middle of the couch with Lachy and Jake on either side.

“How aboutBraveheart?” I suggest just to be a pest.

“Fuck no,” Lachy blurts out. “That movie is a disgrace.”

June looks at him. “Why?”

“Too many inaccuracies.”

“Braveheartis Lachy’s pet peeve.” Jake laughs.

“But you likeHighlander, right?” she asks.

He snorts. “Of course. That’s a classic.”

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