Page 87 of These Pucking Boys

I want a kiss from him though, so it’s up to me. I step into his space, curling my fingers into the fabric of his shirt, and press my lips softly against his. He wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me flush against his body while he coaxes my lips open with his tongue. I didn’t realize how much I was craving his touch. My heart is thumping hard inside my chest, pumping euphoria throughout my body. I relax into his arms, loving the feel of his scruff against my skin. My temperature is rising, and yet, goose bumps spread everywhere, and chills of desire run down my back. It’s like I caught an ice-cold fever.

He leans back, biting my lower lip softly before releasing it. “If you don’t want to be late, you’d better go back inside, lass.”

“Right. Well, I’ll see you later.” I step back and close the door, still in a daze. Then I lean against the cold and hard surface and wait for my body to cool off.

Holy shit. Maybe I should avoid kissing Lachy when I don’t have time for more.

I’m five minutes late thanks to Lachy’s surprise visit, and Melissa is already waiting for me at the table. She waves at me from a distance, then stands to give me a hug. She looks like a rock star, as always. Tonight, she opted for jeans and a fancy top, paired with a cropped leather jacket. I’m glad I chose jeans too.

“Hi, June. You look so cute. I love your top.”

“Thanks. You look stunning.”

She flips her hair back and winks. “I try.”

“I’m sorry I’m late. I got sidetracked a bit.”

She smirks. “Sidetracked, huh? I wonder by who?”

I pick up the menu in front of me and lower my face to avoid her stare. “Lachy.”

She laughs. “That’s a nice distraction. I can’t fault you for it.”

The waitress walks over to take our drink orders. Melissa turns to her. “I’ll have a spicy margarita.”

“Oh, that sounds good. I’ll have one too.”

Melissa leans forward once we’re alone again. “You must be wondering why I invited you to dinner.”

“Yeah. A bit.”

“I just want to check on you. Your life has gone through major changes, and now you’re suddenly in the spotlight. I’m a little mad at Jake for bringing you as his date on Saturday night without thinking about the consequences to you.”

Apprehension pierces my chest. “Oh? Did something happen?”

“Nothing terrible. But you’re now linked to him. The press perceives you as his potential girlfriend. If you’re caught being chummy with Lachy, for instance, that won’t look good for you.”

I sag against my chair. “Yeah, that’s my biggest fear. But you can’t blame Jake for it. I could have said no, but...”

“You wanted to go. I get it. Any woman would have a hard time saying no to him. He’s a catch.”

“They all are,” I blurt out without thinking.

Melissa watches me closely. “June Summers, are you falling for all those boys?”

Cheeks. Flames. “What? No! That’d be crazy.”

The waitress returns with our drinks, and am I glad to see her. I don’t let her set the drink on the table. I take it from her hand and drink a couple of large sips, one right after another.

“I don’t think it’d be that crazy,” Melissa replies. “If it feels right, fuck what society says. Go for it.”

Maybe the alcohol is already working because my tongue is loose. “I don’t know what I feel. There’s attraction, but also more. I enjoy spending time with them individually and as a group. It’s doing my head in, to be honest. They’re all cool with sharing, and I have a feeling that they’re still happy when I spend time alone with one of them. I’ve never met any guys who behave like they do.”

“There’s a word for it. Compersion. They get a kick out of knowing you’re having a good time with someone else.”

I frown. “I’d get crazy jealous. I don’t want to picture them with another woman. Does that make me selfish?”

Melissa’s eyes harden. “No. I wouldn’t be happy if Elijah was screwing someone else on the side. I’m not cut out to be in a non-monogamous relationship.”

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