Page 89 of These Pucking Boys

When I get home from dinner with Melissa, I’m determined to skip tomorrow’s game. I’m not ready to face the inquisition of a bunch of strangers when I don’t know where I stand in my relationship with the boys. I could put my big girl pants on and ask them, but hell, what if I come across as needy?

I take my phone out to charge and notice a few messages from them. They added me to a group chat. My heart skips a beat, and I’m giddy like a schoolgirl.

JAKE: I already took Winston out for his evening walk.

LACHY: We’re up if you want to come by.

Oh, the temptation. If I go up to their apartment, I doubt I’ll get much sleep.

I just got home, but it’s late. I should probably go to bed.

JAKE: Smart. I don’t think you’d get much sleep if you came over. ??

It’s ridiculous how hard I’m blushing right now.

Oh God. ??

RYAN: Exactly what you’d be saying on repeat.

??

LACHY: Ryan made tres leches cake but don’t wanna share.

RYAN: I’ll share with June, not you.

I love tres leches cake. Maybe I could stop by for a quick visit. It doesn’t need to turn into anything. I’m grinning like a fool and read their messages a few times before I reply.

Okay. I guess I can make an appearance for cake. ??

JAKE: I retract my previous message. Coming over IS the smartest choice.

RYAN: ??

LACHY: See you soon, lass.

I don’t agree with Jake. Going to see them isn’t the smartest choice, but it’s the best choice.

CHAPTER 38

JUNE

Itake the stairs because I’m too anxious to wait for the elevator. When I reach their floor, I see they left their door partially open. My stomach is getting tight, and jittery energy is coursing through my veins. I wonder if I’ll ever stop feeling nervous around them. It’s fine when I know sex isn’t likely to happen, but I know very well I’m not coming over for only cake. Or maybe I am. The song “Cake By The Ocean” by DNCE plays in my head.

I should have gone to bed. It’s the sensible choice, but when it comes to these boys, I can’t resist them.

“Hello?” I call out as I enter.

The main lights are off, but the TV is on, and there’s some illumination coming from the kitchen counter lights. No sign of the boys though. What are they up to?

I keep walking when suddenly, Lachy jumps from a dark corner and wraps his arms around my waist. “Boo!”

My heart jumps up to my throat, and naturally, I screech, “H-E-double hockey sticks!”

He laughs. “H-E-double hockey sticks?”

“You scared me to death.” I press my hand over my chest. “Jesus.”

“I couldn’t resist.”

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