Page 69 of These Pucking Boys

“More so than usual.”

“Oh no. Because of me?”

“Don’t worry about it. Let’s get a drink.” He takes my hand and steers me deeper into the restaurant. This place is bigger than the venue from two nights ago, and much darker too. I try to find Lachlan and Ryan, but I don’t see them anywhere.

Even though the lights are dim, I can sense multiple stares in my direction. Why didn’t it occur to me that being Jake’s date would draw attention to me?

“Everyone is staring,” I say.

“They’re wondering who the gorgeous woman next to me is.”

I feel the blush spread across my cheeks, but mercifully, no one can see.

The crowd parts ahead to let us through, revealing a group of three tall men.

“T-man is in the house!” one of them says, raising his palm.

Smirking, Jake high-fives him. “Looking good, Banksy. Nice to see you in a grown-up suit.”

“Melissa made him do it.” The ginger guy with a full beard laughs.

“Ballbuster, that one,” Banksy grumbles.

“Man, that fucker got you good,” Ginger man pipes up.

Jake shrugs. “Lucky hit.”

“You mean sneaky hit,” I butt in, getting as angry as I did when it happened.

My outburst draws their attention to me, making me wish I hadn’t spoken.

“Are you going to introduce your beautiful friend to us, T-man?” the shortest of the trio asks, staring at me intensely.

“I was getting to it. June, meet Simon Banks, Robert Anderson, and Ian Hurst.”

I wave at them. “Nice to meet you. Why do you call Jake T-man?”

“Because he’s the Terminator.” Simon grins, then squints. “Hey, you’re Jumbotron girl.”

Damn. Someone had to mention it. To be fair, it’s been only a couple days, even though it feels like much longer. Jake moves closer to me, and his hand returns to the small of my back. I love the protectiveness of that gesture, but I don’t want him to bite his teammate’s head off.

“Dude! Think before you speak.” Ian bumps his elbow against his teammate’s arm.

“It’s fine,” I reply quickly. “Yes, I’m Jumbotron girl. I’m also the one who kicked Jake’s and Ryan’s butts playing pool a couple days ago.”

“I saw that. It was awesome!” Robert grins from ear to ear. “Too bad there isn’t a pool table here. I’d love to witness their decimation again.”

“Speaking of Ryan, have you seen him or Lachy?” Jake asks.

“Melissa cornered Lachy a while back. Poor guy.” Simon laughs.

“And Ryan went off somewhere with a hot chick,” Robert adds.

My spine goes taut in an instant. It’s an involuntary reaction. Ryan is free to do whatever he wants. I’m unsure why I’m reacting as if he’s betraying me.

“Are you okay?” Jake asks, frowning.

Crap on toast. He noticed my reaction. “Yeah. I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?”

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