Page 39 of These Pucking Boys

Shit. Why did I say that? Oh yeah. Nerves. I just threw Jake under the bus. Where’s my sense of loyalty? He’s been nothing but super nice to me.

“For real?” Lachlan brows arch.

“What did I tell you?” Ryan pipes up.

“It wasn’t his fault. A jackass cut in front of us.” I turn to him and catch the upturn of his lips. Crap. “Please don’t say anything.”

He stares into my eyes, mischief written all over them. “What would I get in return?”

My jaw hangs loose, but my tongue remains tied. I don’t know how to answer that. Is he flirting with me, or is he just yanking my chain?

“Stop teasing June. Don’t worry, lass. He won’t say a word.” Lachlan glowers at Ryan, and the intensity of his stare tells me there’ll be hell to pay if Ryan opens his big mouth.

“You guys are no fun.” Now Ryan’s pouting.

The elevator’s door slides open, and that’s when I notice we’ve reached their floor. I step out first and see that the door to their apartment is wide open.

I don’t move, and Ryan and Lachlan stop on either side of me.

“Go on, June. Ladies first,” Ryan tells me.

I swallow hard. I’m not sure why the jitters are getting the better of me now. I’ve already done many naughty things with these men, and if they want a repeat, I won’t say no. Maybe that’s why I’m nervous. If we’re going to be neighbors for the next three months, I shouldn’t let that happen again. I can’t afford to fall for men who are way out of my league.

CHAPTER 16

JUNE

Ican’t help but gawk at everything. The boys’ apartment is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. There’s a sense of grandeur and sophistication that’s evoked by the many unique art pieces displayed on the walls of the expansive loft-style open space. A skylight with retractable shades floods the area with natural light.

As I walk past the dining area, which holds a twelve-seater table in solid wood and colorful chairs, and into the great room, the gourmet kitchen equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, double sinks, and a large island comes into view.

“Wow,” I say.

“Not too shabby, huh?” Ryan chuckles.

“Not at all. This place is amazing.”

“And you haven’t seen the rest yet,” Lachlan chimes in.

Jake joins us in the living room. He’s changed into jeans and a sweater, making me even more aware that we’re all wearing last night’s clothes. My wrinkled party dress feels like a neon sign flashing to the word that I did bad things.

“Hey, I called Mrs. Carpenter, but she didn’t answer. We’ll try again later. In the meantime, you can stay here,” Jake tells me.

“You have to be somewhere, don’t you?”

He rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, we have practice. But we should be back in a few hours.” He looks at Lachlan and Ryan. “Aren’t you changing?”

“Right,” Ryan says, but keeps staring at me.

Lachlan smiles and then veers toward a hallway to my left. Ryan follows him. Shit. I’m totally imposing and don’t know what to do with myself. I could still ask Katrina for help, but then I’d be imposing on her too. What a fucking mess.

“I need to walk Winston. Feel like joining me?” Jake asks.

“Uh…” I glance at my dress.

“Here. You can wear my sweatshirt.” He offers me a big and warm navy sweatshirt that I know will look like a dress on me. Perfect. It’ll cover my cocktail dress and make this outing feel less like a walk of shame.

“Thanks.”

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