Page 59 of These Pucking Boys

I blink fast, hoping my face doesn’t show the nature of my thoughts. “I was just going to grab my phone,” I say.

He smirks. “Right.”

“I was!”

He walks over and steps into my space, his arms going around my waist. He smells fresh and divine, and it’s hard not to melt. My heart thumps faster.

“Even if you were trying to escape, you wouldn’t get far.” He leans in for a kiss, but I remember I just woke up and have morning breath.

I push him away before I can add another embarrassing moment to my long list. “I haven’t brushed my teeth yet. No kissing.”

Lachlan laughs. “I don’t care.”

“I do.”

“Okay. Go freshen up. You’re more than welcome to use my shower again.”

My face is in flames now. So much for not showing him my mortification. “Thank you.”

LACHLAN

I’m still smiling even after June closes the bathroom door. I don’t think she realizes how irresistible she is like that, all flustered. I get dressed and leave the room. She’ll probably be more comfortable if I’m not around when she gets out. As much as I love seeing her blush, I’m not an arsehole. Everyone needs privacy, and she hasn’t had much of that since coming to our place.

Ryan and Jake are up, eating breakfast at the table. It’s the usual spread on game day; lots of carbs, which means pancakes and French toast with a side of eggs, sausage, and bacon.

They stop eating and stare at me. Ryan smiles smugly when he says, “I thought you were going to sleep on the couch, Lachy.”

“Well… change of plans.”

Ryan turns to Jake, extending his hand. “Pay up.”

Jake grimaces but fishes out a fifty-dollar bill from his pocket.

“You bloody eejits. You bet that I’d sleep with June?” My voice rises.

Calmy, Ryan replies, “No. We bet that you wouldn’t last on the couch.”

I narrow my eyes and point a finger at the duo. “You’d better not say anything to June about that.”

“Of course we won’t tell her,” Jake grumbles, then resumes eating.

I grab orange juice from the fridge and join them at the table. “You aren’t mad that I hooked up with her again, are you?”

“I’m not mad,” Ryan replies, then looks at Jake. “Are you?”

Jake takes his time chewing, keeping his expression neutral. Is he stalling because he doesn’t want to answer? Finally, he replies, “Why would I be mad? I’m not interested in dating her.”

“Yeah. Me neither.” Ryan drops his gaze to his plate.

Their answer should satisfy me, but I’ve known them for too long not to notice when they aren’t being completely honest. Maybe they don’t realize the truth yet. June has a hold on them, just like she has a hold on me.

“What if youwereinterested in a serious relationship? What if we all were?” I ask.

Ryan and Jake stare at me, but neither answers my question immediately.

“It would be up to June to decide. I’d never fight with either of you over a girl,” Jake replies.

“Same with me,” Ryan adds.

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