Page 41 of These Pucking Boys

“What’s wrong?” June asks, looking at me with her big, bright, curious eyes while Winston does his business on a corner.

“Nothing.” I start to put my phone away, but then Ryan calls me. Perfect timing. “Hello?”

“Where are you?”

I glance at the traffic. It’s already going at a snail’s pace. We might arrive late for practice. “Walking Winston. We’ll be back in a minute.”

“All right. See you soon.”

When I turn to June, she’s unfurling from a crouch, holding a small bag. “All done. We can go back.”

“Good. Winston was quick today. It can sometimes take ten minutes before he’s done. You need to keep that in mind.”

“Noted. I’m usually an early riser. I’ll walk him first thing in the morning.” Her expression grows serious, and she bites her lower lip, drawing my attention to her mouth.

I lose focus. It hasn’t been a day since I feasted on those luscious lips, and I’m already craving another taste.

“What about during the day? I don’t get off work until four,” she continues, dispelling my lust haze.

I shake my head. “Don’t worry about it.I’mthe one who agreed to watch Mrs. Carpenter’s pets. I’ll make arrangements for during the day.”

“But it doesn’t seem fair that I’ll stay in her apartment, and you’ll still have to pay for a dog walker.”

Her eyes are troubled, and usually, I’d use only words to lessen her worry, but I feel compelled to do more. I touch her shoulder and squeeze. “It’s okay. You have a job, and you’ll be helping plenty.”

She glances at my hand and then back into my eyes. As much as I’d like to keep the connection, I pull my hand away. June doesn’t seem convinced, but as long as she doesn’t make other living arrangements, it’s okay with me. I don’t want her going anywhere.

CHAPTER 17

RYAN

“Do you think June will be all right?” Lachy asks as soon as we hit the road.

“Oh my god. Don’t worry about her. She’s a big girl,” I reply, irritated.

“What crawled up your arse?” he barks back.

I’d level him with a glower if I weren’t driving. Sitting in the back seat, Jake chuckles.

“What’s so funny?” I glance at the rearview mirror.

“You two are acting like June is a shiny new toy you’re fighting over.”

I narrow my eyes, regretting having told Jake that I wanted seconds. “I’m not fighting over anyone. I’m annoyed that Lachy is acting like she’s a breakable doll.”

“Piss off,” he grumbles. “We’re breaking all our rules when it comes to June. We left her alone in our apartment. We’ve never let any lass stay there when we aren’t around.”

And for good reason. There are way too many nutjobs in this city. Then why didn’t I even blink before letting June stay? I rub my face. I’m overthinking this. June isn’t some crazy chick interested in hooking up with a hockey player. She’s a nice woman who got dealt a horrible blow. Being cheated on by someone you trust is one of the hardest things a person can go through. I saw the devastation firsthand with my dad.

“We can trust, June,” Jake grits out.

I try to catch Jake’s eyes through the rearview mirror again, but he’s looking out the window with his jaw locked tight.

“What’s up, Jakey?” I ask.

“Nothing.”

“Bullshit. You might not be worried about June, but something is bothering you.”

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