Page 56 of These Pucking Boys

“I know what we should watch,” Jake pipes up, looking straight at me. I already know what he’ll suggest, and my skin crawls. “Ratatouille.”

Lachy perks up. “Oh, I like that idea.”

“I’ve never seen it. It’s supposed to be good, right?”

If by good, you mean disgusting? Sure.A bunch of rats cooking. Unpleasant chills run down my spine.

Mercifully, I keep my thoughts to myself.

“It’s Ryan’s favorite,” Lachy adds.

I hope he can read in my eyes how much I hate him right now.

“Awesome. Let’s watch it then,” June replies.

I should tell her the guys are messing with me, but she’s too eager to watch that damn cartoon movie. Besides, if I say anything, they win.

Forcing a smile, I say, “Great. Let’s do it.”

“I can’t believe it. He bloody did it,” Lachy says as the end credits roll.

I’m as stiff as a board, and I’ve never wanted to take a shower as badly as I do now, but pretending to be unbothered, I reply, “Sorry to disappoint.” I turn and see that June fell asleep with her head propped against Jake’s shoulder. “When did that happen?”

“Halfway through the movie I think,” he replies.

I narrow my eyes. “And instead of stopping the movie you made me suffer through the worst part?”

Lachy laughs. “Are you surprised?”

“You suck. Where’s June going to sleep?”

“My room,” Jake and Lachlan reply in unison.

“She’s already been in my room. She’ll be more comfortable there. I’ll take the couch,” Lachy adds.

I laugh. “Shall we decide this in a rock, paper, scissors game?”

“You don’t like anyone in your room,” Jake points out.

“I’m not entering. I’m talking about you two.”

Jake and Lachy lock into a staring contest until Jake sighs heavily. “June can sleep in your room. I don’t care.”

Don’t care, my ass.

I’m not bothered by the arrangement. When she’s in my bed, I’d rather be with her.

CHAPTER 23

JUNE

Iwake with a start, don’t recognize my surroundings, and have a minor panic attack. My heart speeds up as I wait for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. Before it happens, a yummy scent reaches my nose, and it takes me only a couple beats to recognize Lachlan’s aftershave.

Shit. Did I sleep with him and don’t remember?

I spread my arms little by little and find nothing. I’m alone in bed. My body relaxes against the comfortable mattress. I bet it’s late. I must have fallen asleep during the movie, and he brought me here. But if I’m alone, where is he sleeping?

I get out of bed and slowly open the door. The hallway is dark, and Ryan’s and Jake’s doors are closed. However, there’s a soft light coming from the living room. Lachlan must have fallen asleep watching TV. I’m thirsty, so I walk to the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

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