Page 36 of These Pucking Boys

Her reaction is too adorable for her own good and it gives me fuzzy feelings. I grew up surrounded by phony people who only pretended to be nice to get something from me. I can tell when someone is being genuine.

Ryan and Lachlan give me the stink eye, and I know it isn’t because they have to call a ride. They want to spend more time with June, but she obviously wouldn’t guess that.

Ryan rubs June’s arm. “Don’t worry, Peaches. I feel sorry for you though. Jake’s a terrible driver. Maybe you should come with us.”

I narrow my eyes, and I’m about to call him on his bullshit, but June beats me to the punch. “If he’s a bad driver, why did you ride with him in the first place?”

I’m trying not to laugh, which is usually easy for me because I’m not easily amused, but June giving Ryan shit is not only funny, it’s also hot as hell. I pegged her to be shy at first, but maybe she’s only like that with strangers. I saw a glimpse of her fiery nature during that game of pool, and then she went from timid to a wildcat during sex. Today, we’re getting more of her sassy personality.

When Ryan can’t reply soon enough, Lachlan says, “Lass, I’ve never seen Ryan not have a fast retort. You’re a keeper.”

Her cheeks turn bright pink, and then she looks at me. “I’ll ride with you, Jake.”

Feeling like I won the lottery, I nod. “Sounds good.”

“I need to get something from my car. Be right back.” She runs down the sidewalk and stops next to a faded blue sedan near the street corner. I wonder why she didn’t park in the garage. She returns holding an old teddy that’s missing an eye.

“What’s that?” Ryan asks.

“Toby. I’ve had him since I was a baby.”

Ryan and I turn to Lachlan. He shakes his head, his round eyes begging us to keep our mouths shut, but obviously, Ryan can’t resist teasing him. “Just like you and your old baby blanket, Lachy.”

His eyes narrow, and I can almost hear the insults popping into his head. But he doesn’t say a word, probably restraining himself on June’s account.

June tilts her head. “Do they tease you a lot because of your blankie?”

“Nah,” he lies.

Ryan opens his big mouth, and I know he’s going to contradict Lachlan, so I chime in before he can say anything. “If you have everything, June, we should go and try to beat traffic.”

“Right.” She looks at Lachlan and Ryan. “I guess I’ll see you later.”

I open the passenger door for June but can’t help glancing at Ryan and Lachlan with a smug grin on my face. They’re both glowering. I can see already spending quality time with June will turn into a competition. Bring it on.

CHAPTER 15

JUNE

Idon’t speak for the first couple minutes of the ride. My head keeps replaying everything that happened in the last hour, and my emotions bounce from anger to disbelief to heartbreak, never settling on one.

Jake lets me be, but I soon realize I’m being extremely rude by not saying anything.

“Thanks for helping me,” I murmur.

He turns to me and smiles. “Happy to do it.”

“And for returning my wallet in person. You must think I’m a walking disaster.”

“I don’t think that. I happen to have met you while you’re going for a rough patch, that’s all.”

I cross my arms. “That’s a rough patch, all right.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way but… it isn’t all bad.”

I turn to him. “No, it isn’t. If it weren’t for my asshole ex-boyfriend, I wouldn’t have met you and the boys.”

Jake glances at me again, one of his brows raised. “Boys?”

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