Page 67 of These Pucking Boys

“Right, so you can take her.” Ryan laughs. “You’re so transparent, Lachy.”

“I’m not. Yer aff yer heid.”

“I’m not canceling on June,” I retort.

“Yeah, Jake needs June there, or he might go berserk on his father.”

Ryan isn’t wrong.

Lachy and Ryan head to the party in separate cars. We usually ride together to practice and games, but we don’t to social events. It would be an inconvenience.

June didn’t cancel being my date tonight, but I’m a little tense as I stand in front of Mrs. Carpenter’s door. I’m not confident taking her to the party is a good call. I’ll be forced to introduce her to my father and brother, and if they’re rude to her, I can’t promise I’ll behave.

I knock on the door and wait. Immediately, Winston barks, and a moment later, I hear June telling the dog to settle down. She opens the door next and stuns me with her beauty. I shouldn’t be surprised. She caught my eye the moment I saw her at the Titans party. But tonight, she’s even more beautiful to me. Maybe because I already know her a little, and she isn’t just a pretty face in the crowd.

“You look stunning,” I say.

She beams. “Thank you. Would you like to come in? I just need to find my purse.”

“Sure.”

She opens the door wider but sticks her leg in the gap to prevent the dog from escaping. I slide through the opening and shut the door fast.

“Are you all settled in?” I ask.

“Almost. I still have to finish unpacking, and I don’t know where Mrs. Carpenter keeps everything, but I’ll figure it out.”

“What about the pets? Do you need any help with them?”

“Oh, I’m good on that front. The trick with the tuna can worked. I’m now besties with Eros and Apollo.” She smirks.

I chuckle. “That’s good to know. But if you have questions, write them down, and I’ll pass them along.”

“That’d be great. But would it be possible to speak to her directly? I’m sure she’ll feel more at ease meeting me, even if it’s through a video call.”

“Yeah, I can make that happen.”

She focuses on my swollen eye and grimaces. “Does that hurt a lot?”

“Nah. I barely feel a thing.”

“I can’t believe he punched you like that.”

“It happens. The fight didn’t put you off, did it?”

“No. But I was pissed. I’m happy that you kicked his ass and that you guys won. I never liked the Bobcats.”

Her comment makes my chest feel less tight. I’m on edge, dreading seeing my father, but being in June’s presence is already helping me. I have no clue what magic she possesses that makes me feel this way, but I won’t ignore it.

I take her hand and pull her to me. Her beautiful eyes widen a fraction, and her lips part. Such a temptation. Looking into her eyes, I say, “I’m glad you’re here, June.”

“Jake...”

I rub my thumb over her lower lip, waiting for her to push me away. She slept with Lachy last night, and there’s a chance she wants to be with only him.

“Tell me to stop, and I will.”

Guilt shines in her eyes. “I don’t, but...”

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