Page 82 of These Pucking Boys

I step to the side but keep my arm around June’s waist. “Stop being so grumpy. That’s my thing.”

“You aren’t grumpy,” June tells me.

Jake laughs, shaking his head. “Oh, you haven’t seen Lachy’s dark side.”

I lean closer, and whisper in her ear, “Don’t worry, lass. You’ll never see it.”

Before she can reply, Ryan clears his throat. “I want to know about Admiral.”

June steps away from me and heads to the kitchen. I don’t want to be a jerk, but my eyes have a will of their own, and they travel south. She’s wearing jeans that hug her fine curves perfectly, and a simple loose-fit T-shirt. She could be wearing a potato sack and she’d be stunning.

“He kept saying “How you doin’?” It was funny at first, but it got old fast. I hope he stops doing that.”

“It could be worse,” Jake pipes up.

June turns. “Worse how?”

“He could be saying ‘pivot’ nonstop.”

“Pivot! Pivot! Peevet!” Ryan yells, then shakes his head laughing. “Gotta love that bird.”

“I’m glad you think so, because if he keeps this up, he’ll be staying in your room,” June tells him.

I wait for Ryan to follow with I’d rather you stay in my room. June totally teed that up for him. I can see in his eyes that the reply is on the tip of his tongue. But instead, he says, “No problem.”

I narrow my eyes. Ryan isn’t acting like himself. But I only waste a couple beats watching him before I turn my attention to June. “What are you doing after lunch?”

“I have to finish prepping my class schedule for the week and sort through all my boxes. What about you guys?”

“Nothing planned. Maybe I’ll do some sketching or read a bit,” I say.

Jake’s expression is shut off again, and he doesn’t answer June. What’s gotten into him now?

“No plans for me. Just rest.” Ryan replies. “I hope you’re hungry. Lunch is ready.”

She smiles brightly at him. “I am. What did you make?”

“Something simple. I hope you like red meat.”

She rests her hands on her hips, and that sassy pose does my head in. “What kind of question is that? I’m from Texas. Of course I like red meat.”

Ryan says something, but it’s like background noise. I’m hyper-focused on June, and nothing else matters.

CHAPTER 35

JAKE

Lunch with June was a surprise. Being around her is turning into one of my favorite things, and Ryan outdid himself trying to show off his cooking skills. He didn’t make anything fancy, but hell if his steak wasn’t cooked to perfection, and the mashed potatoes the best I’ve ever eaten. Unfortunately, June had a busy day and didn’t hang out long.

At seven o’clock sharp, I walk through the door of Providence and spot my father and brother sitting at a table. I make a beeline to them and, without a word of greeting, pull out the chair across from the old bastard.

“You’re late,” my father says.

I won’t dignify him with an answer. He sets his watch five minutes ahead so he can be the first one in any meeting. He likes to start by bitching about other people’s tardiness. Even knowing his trick, I make a point to arrive at the right time. Fuck him very much.

A waiter walks over, and I order a scotch, neat. My father and brother are both drinking something strong. Maybe I should have ordered vodka just to piss him off, since he considers it trash, but I went to my favorite drink automatically.

“I’m here,” I start. “What do you want?”

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