Page 54 of These Pucking Boys

“Ryan has a rule. No one is allowed to cook in the kitchen beside him,” Jake replies.

June seems to shrink in her chair. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. I didn’t break anything. I swear.”

Ryan has the decency to look remorseful, but he’s still an arsehole in my book.

“It’s okay. I should have told you,” he replies.

“It’s a ridiculous rule. I vote to lift the ban and allow June to cook here whenever she likes,” I grumble.

Ryan opens his mouth, but June cuts him off. “Oh no. I wouldn’t want that. If the kitchen is Ryan’s domain, I will avoid it. Besides, I can cook at Mrs. Carpenter’s apartment. Today, I was bored and wanted to do something nice for you.”

Ryan’s expression falls. “No.I’msorry. I appreciate you cooking dinner for us. I didn’t mean to come across as ungrateful. I’m a little...particularabout certain things.”

“I totally understand. Now, let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

I watch June for a couple beats just to be sure she’s not pretending she’s okay. She catches me looking and holds my stare before smiling and squeezing my leg under the table. I jolt a little, not expecting the contact. It happens fast, then her hand is gone, but it makes me smile. I know now she’d have reciprocated my kiss. But it’s best if we’re alone. The next time I’m with her, I don’t want to share.

CHAPTER 22

RYAN

I’m an asshole. The disapproving stares I keep receiving from Jake and Lachy during dinner are deserved. The kitchen survived, and June’s lasagna is out of this world. I didn’t need to ban her from my space.

I’m a control freak and never hide that from anyone, especially women. I’m never interested in keeping them around anyway. But now, I regret showing June my dark side. My feelings are a fucking mystery to me. Why do I want her to like me? It isn’t as if I want to date her. Maybe it’s because Lachy and Jake are into her, and my competitive nature wants her too. That must be it.

Smiling, I lean back in my chair with my hand pressed over my full stomach. “This was truly delicious, June. I’ll need an extra hour at the gym to burn off the calories.”

“Thanks. I’m glad you liked it.” She pushes her chair back and stands with her empty plate in hand.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Jake asks.

“Cleaning up.”

I stand up too. “Absolutely not. You cooked—leave the cleaning part to me.”

She tilts her head. “Are you offering because you’re afraid I won’t do a proper job?”

Jake and Lachy promptly say “Yes” while I say “No.” I glower at them.

“That’s not the reason,” I grit out. “Get up and help me if you don’t believe me.”

Jake and Lachy trade a look before Lachy replies, “Nah, pass. You offered.”

I shake my head. “It figures.”

“What’s for dessert?” Lachy asks, immediately getting June flustered.

“Oh, I didn’t have time to make dessert.”

His face turns beet red. “No, no, lass. That question wasn’t for you.”

“We have Jake’s butter pecan ice cream in the freezer.” I smirk.

Jake glares at me. That’s his favorite dessert, and he hates to share it with us. It’s payback for telling June I don’t allow anyone in the kitchen.

“Oh, I love ice cream,” June pipes up.

“Yeah, me too.” He smiles at her, annoying me. He didn’t fall for my trap.

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