Page 61 of These Pucking Boys

“Uh... are you sure?” she asks.

“I’m sure. But I’ll understand if you say no. The press will be there.”

She bites her lower lip and stares at the stack of pancakes for a beat. “What if I do something stupid? I don’t want to embarrass you.”

“You’re not going to embarrass Jake. Nothing you do could ever top Lachy’s most embarrassing moments.” Ryan laughs.

“Shut yer mouth.” I try to sound harsh, but he isn’t wrong, and I don’t bloody care about my awkward moments in front of the press.

“You’re not going to embarrass me.” Jake smiles reassuringly.

“Okay, then. Count me in. What’s the dress code?”

“Cocktail attire.”

“Will Melissa be there?”

Ryan nods. “We’ll all be there. It’ll be fun.”

Jake grimaces but keeps his mouth shut. It’s never fun for him when his father is around.

“You’re coming to the game too, right, lass?” I ask.

She frowns. “I don’t know. I have to find out if I still have a car or if I need to start shopping for one.”

“When will you hear from the shop?” Jake asks.

“I’ll call them after breakfast.”

“I can order a car to take you to the arena if your car isn’t ready,” Ryan offers.

Her widens. “Oh no. That won’t be necessary. I could always walk. The arena isn’t that far from here.”

“No.” Once again, we reply at the same time.

June blinks fast, and her stare bounces around. “Uh, why not?”

“It’s not safe to walk alone at night in the city,” I reply.

“Oh, you’re probably right.”

“Maybe you want to bring some friends? I can get as many tickets as you want.” Jake chimes in, making her eyes sparkle.

“I bet Katrina and her husband would love to come, if they can find a babysitter.”

Jake grabs his phone and sends a text. “It’s settled then. The game starts at seven, but you all can come early and hang out in the family lounge.”

“Wow, that’d be cool. What time you need to leave for the arena?”

“We have a few hours. After breakfast, we’ll take your things down to Mrs. Carpenter’s apartment,” Jake replies.

“Thank you. I’m happy to be out of your hair finally. I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”

“That’ll never happen, lass.” I wink, and on cue, her cheeks turn pink.

I can’t wait to spend more quality time with her, alone or with the lads. She’s turning into my sweet obsession, and she has no idea.

CHAPTER 25

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