Page 30 of These Pucking Boys

“Where’s June?” Lachlan asks.

“She left a minute ago.” I head to the kitchen lest he sees the turmoil in my expression.

“What? Without saying goodbye?”

I open the cupboard, searching for the coffee mugs. The hotel suite has a decent coffee maker and I’m in dire need of an espresso.

“Yes, Lachy. She was in a hurry.” I set three mugs on the counter, knowing he and Jake will ask for coffee too, and then I look for the coffee pods.

“Do you think she regrets last night?”

The wistfulness in Lachlan’s tone makes me turn around. He’s sitting on one of the high chairs, resting his forearms on the counter, looking dejected.

“I don’t know. I’m not like your comic characters that can read minds.”

“But you can read body language.”

I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes. “Why do you want to know?”

“No reason.” He sits up straighter, his expression now shut off.

Yeah, Lachy. You’re looking hella suspicious.

I keep looking at him without saying a word, but he can’t hold my stare for more than a second. That’s unlike him. He never backs down from a staring contest. “Please don’t tell me you caught feelings for the middle-school teacher.”

His face twists into a grimace. “I didn’t catch feelings, ye eejit.”

“Who didn’t catch feelings?” Jake joins us, the only one already dressed.

“Lachy, or so he says.” My tone is cheerfully forced. I love to antagonize Lachlan, but I’m not behaving like myself either in relation to June.

“Piss off and make me some coffee. I’m only half awake.”

“You can make it yourself,” I say, knowing very well I’ll give the first mug to him.

“Yer such a nyaff,” he grumbles.

“Is June gone?” Jake asks while staring at something on the living room floor.

“Yes,” Lachy and I reply in unison.

“How long ago?”

I look over my shoulder. He can’t possibly be upset that she left without saying goodbye. I understand Lachy getting all mushy. Underneath that grumpiness, he’s a softie. “I don’t know. Five minutes or so. Why?”

He bends over and picks up a pink wallet from the floor. “She left something behind. I’ll try to catch up with her.”

Lachy jumps from his chair. “I’ll come too.”

Jake frowns and gives him an overall glance. “You’re naked.”

“I can get dressed in under a minute.”

“I’m not waiting.” Jake veers for the door.

“She’ll probably realize she doesn’t have her wallet and come back,” I say.

“She might not look in her purse until she needs to pay for something,” he replies, and then he’s gone.

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