Page 99 of These Pucking Boys

She rolls her eyes. “Whatever you say. Anyway, I wouldn’t worry about their comment. It was bitchy, and I don’t think they were looking out for you.”

Frowning, I stare at my coffee. “Why would they diss the boys?”

“I don’t know. Maybe there’s bad blood between their partners and your guys, or they have a thing for Jake or Ryan.”

“I didn’t think about that.”

Katrina smirks. “Of course you didn’t. You’re too innocent and pure. That’s why you have me.”

“I’m definitely not pure anymore,” I reply, making Katrina laugh.

“Amen to that. But seriously, even if Jake and Ryan were players in the past, it doesn’t mean they’ll screw you over. Besides, those women didn’t mention the goalie. Worst case scenario, you keep one.”

I grimace. “Riiight. I found out Lachy was engaged last year.”

Katrina’s brows shoot up. “Oh. That’s right. I remember reading something about it in a gossip magazine.”

“You knew and you didn’t tell me?” I shriek.

“It was a small article about someone I didn’t know.” She shrugs. “I glanced at it briefly last year, and immediately forgot. Sorry.”

My shoulders slump. “It’s okay. I don’t know why it bothered me, finding out about his ex-fiancée. Everyone has a past.”

“It bothered you because he didn’t tell you, and you already have feelings for him.”

I rest my forehead against the table. “Ugh. Don’t tell me that. I can’t have feelings for him. It’s too soon.”

“Girly, if I had been treated like a queen by three hunky hockey players, you bet your pretty face that I’d be head over heels in love right now.”

I sit up straighter again. “I can’t allow that to happen. You know how this is all going to end.”

She frowns. “Why are you being so pessimistic? Don’t let a bunch of strangers scare you from pursuing something that could be wonderful. Trust your gut and trust your guys.”

I’m able to put my love-life troubles on ice during the day. My students deserve my full attention, and it’s a busy day. On the way home, I’m beat, dying for a hot shower, but I’m also eager to see Ryan. I texted him when I had a moment during lunch, but he still hasn’t replied. I hope he’s okay. Unfortunately, I have to bake for our school’s fundraiser, which is in two days. If I don’t start tonight, I’ll never finish in time.

Taped to the front door, I find a note from Ryan.

Hey, Peaches. Judging by your radio silence, I figured you were busy today, and probably the last thing you want is to take the doggo out for a walk. I took care of that for you. Come over if you feel like having a yummy dinner. I made more tres leches cake.

Your friendly neighbor,

Ryan.

I frown at first. What does he mean by radio silence? On cue, my phone pings several times. Hell. I bet he replied, but his messages didn’t come through. I really need to change my cell phone network.

A slow grin unfurls on my lips, and my heart does somersaults inside my chest. If Ryan was still the player he was before, he wouldn’t have gone to all this trouble, nor would he have shared something so personal with me. And I’ve already slept with him! I really shouldn’t let the comments of people I just met get to me.

I walk into the apartment, and immediately, Winston comes running to greet me. Eros jumps on the kitchen counter and stares at me judgmentally.

“Come on. I don’t look that bad.” I set my bag on the dining room table and check my messages.

There are a few texts in the group chat from Jake and Lachy saying they’ve landed in Chicago, and a few messages from Ryan that he sent separately throughout the day.

I’d love to cook dinner for you, Peaches.

Come save me from my boredom.

You must be busy. I’ll talk to you when you get home.

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