Page 62 of These Pucking Boys

JUNE

“Thanks for breakfast. It was delicious,” I tell Ryan.

His face breaks into a warm smile. “My pleasure.”

I get up and start to collect the dirty dishes, but Jake holds my wrist. “What are you doing? You don’t need to clean up.”

I frown. “Of course I do.”

“You’re our guest.” Jake insists, still holding my wrist, not that I mind. I like his warm and callused hand on me.

I immediately berate myself for the thought. I just spent the night with Lachlan, for crying out loud.

“And guests help,” I reply. “That’s how I was raised. Sorry, but I won’t budge on this.”

We keep our gazes locked in a staring contest, until finally, Jake releases my wrist, sighing in resignation. “Okay, you win. But I’ll help.”

Lachlan stands as well. “Me too.”

“I’ve never seen my roomies so eager to clean up. Eat here more often, Peaches.” Ryan winks at me.

“Don’t tempt me.”

He curls his lips into a devious smile, making my body temperature kick up a notch. “Oh, I plan to do just that.”

“Stop flirting with her,” Lachlan grumbles.

My face is on fire. Does he think I was encouraging Ryan? Oh God. Am I messing things up already? I put on the serious face I wear when I want my students to behave, and head to the kitchen sink. Lachlan and Jake bring the rest of the dishes, and we work together in silence. There’s not much to do but load the dishwasher. Ryan is probably the type of person that cleans as he goes.

“All right. All done here,” I say. “I’ll start moving my things to Mrs. Carpenter’s apartment now.”

“We’ll help you, lass.”

“I’ll get the dolly. It’ll be faster,” Jake says, then heads for the door.

Lachlan turns to Ryan, who’s sitting at the table, scrolling through his phone. “Are you going to help?”

He looks up. “I will, but Jake’s not back yet with the dolly. Chill.”

I feel uncomfortable with the exchange, and the idea that I’m a burden returns with a vengeance.

“I’m sure I don’t need everyone’s help. I don’t have a lot of boxes.”

Ryan’s brows furrow together. “I want to help, Peaches.”

“All right. I’ll start bringing the bags to the hallway.” I grab a couple of garbage bags and try to not wince. I’m still not over the fact that Bill did this. I can’t help but see his action as a metaphor for what he thinks about our relationship.

Before I can get to the door, Jake returns with the dolly and takes something from his pocket. “Here’s your copy of the apartment key.”

Our fingers touch in the exchange, and I swear I feel electric sparks. “Thanks.”

Lachlan follows me to the hallway, carrying a few bags himself. He presses the button for the elevator before I can get to it.

“Shouldn’t we use the service one?”

“It’s just us on this floor. Who’s going to complain?”

We get inside, and just as the door is about to shut, Ryan calls out, “Wait for me.”

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