Page 45 of These Pucking Boys

When the meeting finally ends, I jump from my chair, but Melissa’s gaze finds mine. “Jake, may I have a word?”

I glance at Ryan and Lachy, but since Melissa didn’t ask to speak with them, they leave the room with everyone else.

“What’s up, Mel?” I ask once we’re alone.

“You know what’s up. You said you’d explain Ryan’s enigmatic answer later. This is later.”

Her expression is serious, which means there’s no room for jokes. “You don’t want all the details.”

She narrows her eyes. “No, I don’t need that. I just want to know if any of you plan to keep seeing June.”

“As in date her?”

She waves her hand. “Date her, hook up with her, whatever. What happened at the arena with June is still newsworthy. Several online sites have written about her fiasco, and they’ve also shared the picture she posted online with you.”

My brows arch. “Are you mad about that?”

She shakes her head. “No. I encouraged her to do just that. I’m not judging, but I need to know if she’s going to be around. If that’s the case, she needs media training.”

I cross my arms. “I don’t recall any other WAG receiving media training.”

Melissa smirks. “June’s circumstance is special. She isn’t like the others.”

You got that right. She isn’t.

“All right. Then you should definitely speak with June about that training.”

Melissa’s eyes widen a bit. “Really? You’re interested in dating her?”

Am I? I want to spend time with her, but dating is another story. “You know I don’t date.”

She rolls her eyes. “Oh yeah. I forgot. You and Ryan suffer from the same commitment phobia. Lachy then.”

“I can’t speak for him. All I’m saying is, I think June should get media training, because she’ll be our neighbor for the next three months, and it’s very likely she’ll be seen with us.”

Melissa’s mouth makes a perfect O. “I didn’t think there were apartments available for rent in your building.”

“She’s staying in Mrs. Carpenter’s apartment while she’s on her trip.”

“Ah, that’s the lady with all the pets.” Understanding shines in her eyes. “Oh my God. You’ve asked June to pet sit for you. Jake...”

“What?” I shrug. “She needed a place to stay after her douche ex kicked her out of their apartment, and I offered her a solution. It’s a good trade.”

Melissa’s spine goes straight. “He kicked her out?”

“Yeah, all her things were in the hallway when she got home.”

Melissa loses some of the sharpness in her gaze. She’s in business mode most of the time, but it seems June made an impression on her as well. Melissa likes her. “I can’t believe he did that. How is she holding up?”

“When we dropped by her place to return her wallet, she was a mess. Her ex is lucky he was already gone when we got there.”

She levels me with a glare. “No.Youwere lucky. You can’t get into another fight, Jake. You’re the captain, for fuck’s sake. You need to set the example.”

Rubbing my face, I look away. “I know. I promise I’ll try to be on my best behavior.”

“You’d better. You know there’s a reception after the game with the New York Bobcats tomorrow.”

I frown. “So? I have no issues with anyone in the organization.”

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