Page 96 of These Pucking Boys

Butterfly rave happening in my stomach right now.

Meany. ??

Not trying to be. I gotta go. Talk later?

You betcha.

I’m still smiling when I turn and come face to face with Wendy. I wince, spooked by her presence. Then I start to worry she was there the whole time and read my messages. “Shoot, you scared me.”

“I thought you were going to the restroom.”

“I was. I am.”

She narrows her eyes. “Were you texting a new boyfriend?”

My cheeks warm in an instant. Fuck my open-book face. “What? No. I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“Uh. You had a new-love-smile on your face just now. I’d suspect you were texting Jake, but he’s playing.” She shrugs. “I guess I just imagined it. I’m getting a drink. Do you want anything?”

“No. I’m good. I still need to pee.” I pivot and walk away quickly. My pulse is pounding in my ears.

Wendy is way too observant. I need to be careful around her.

CHAPTER 41

RYAN

“June’s not replying to my texts.” I stare at the phone as if it’ll magically make her reply.

“She must have put it on silent, you eejit,” Lachy grumbles from the shotgun seat. “It’s late, and she didn’t sleep much last night.”

I frown. “Hey, there’s no need to be aggressive.”

“I’m not.” Lachy turns to Jake. “How many painkillers did they give him?”

“Fuck if I know.”

“I’m not high,” I argue. “I feel fine.” I shake my head, and the world spins. “Shit. Stop driving like a maniac, Jakey.”

“Oh God. I won’t bloody survive the evening,” Lachy groans.

I ignore him and send another message to June.

We’re almost home. I can bake another tres leches cake.

“For fuck’s sake. They turned Ryan into a horny teenager.” Lachy shows his phone to Jake. “Look at all the emojis he sent June.”

“Why are you reading my messages?” I retort. “They’re private.”

Jake laughs. “You’ve been using the group chat, dumbass.”

“Oops.” I chuckle. “Maybe that’s why she’s not answering. She’s mad at one of you, not me.”

“Why would she be angry with us? We’ve done nothing wrong.” Lachy turns to me.

“I bet you never told June you were engaged before, and Jake let June hang out with the WAGs. God knows what those women told her.”

Jake groans. “Fuck. I hate to admit it, but Ryan is right. That wasn’t a smart move.”

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