Page 98 of These Pucking Boys

JUNE

Last night, it was hard to resist Ryan’s invitation to come up to their apartment again. But I’m exhausted after last night’s activities. He also needs to rest. I don’t want to be responsible for getting him in worse shape. Plus the conversation with Maya and Fiona gave me a lot to think about. If I was able to remain completely detached, having more gang bangs wouldn’t be a problem. But the giddiness I feel every time I think about all three of them is enough to make me afraid of my feelings. I don’t want to be that girl who falls in love with the next guy—or three—she meets immediately after getting dumped by her ex.

Winston woke me up me early, for which I was thankful. I forgot to set my alarm, and if it weren’t for him, I’d be late. He was quick doing his morning business, allowing me to leave for work early.

After ten minutes on the road, I receive a message from Jake, asking if I left already. This week they have away games, and they’re leaving in a couple hours. They wanted to say goodbye in person.

Disappointment and guilt lodge in my heart. I’ve been so caught up in my own fears and insecurities that I forgot to check their schedule. I’m an idiot.

ME: Sorry, I had to leave early.

JAKE: That’s okay. We’ll see you when we get back.

RYAN: Not me. You can see me today after work, Peaches. ??

LACHY: FYI. Ryan turns into a needy baby when he’s hurt.

RYAN: Don’t be a hater.

I’m smiling from ear to ear when I reply.

I don’t mind playing nurse.

RYAN: In your face, Lachy.

LACHY: Don’t laugh just yet, bawbag. This will be your doom.

I teach middle school. I’ll survive needy Ryan.

JAKE: Ryan is Sheldon Cooper level.

Driving. Gotta go. Have a safe trip, boys. ??

I put the phone away before I get into a car wreck. I’m behaving badly by texting and driving. Proof that I can’t make smart choices when it comes to those boys. The only way to avoid temptation is to find a new place to live, but that would be a dumb move financially. I need to save up, and these three months living rent free is the best way to do it.

Come on, June. You’re a strong woman. You can have mind-blowing sex with the three yummy hockey players without falling in love.

I obsess about my predicament the entire way to work, and I’m still thinking about it as I head to the teacher’s lounge to grab coffee. Katrina’s already there. “Good morning. You’re here early.”

“Yeah. I like beating traffic whenever I can, and our morning routine ran as smooth as silk today.” She blows on her coffee and watches me over the rim. “How’s Ryan?”

“He’s okay.”

“I read he’s benched and won’t go to the away games this week. Does that mean you’ll be taking care of him?” She wiggles her eyebrows up and down.

Avoiding eye contact, I sit across from her with my coffee in hand. “Maybe. But... I’m a little worried.”

“What’s up, buttercup? Trouble in paradise already?”

“Not exactly. I met some of the WAGs last night, and they said something that’s been bothering me.”

Katrina sits straighter. “You’d better tell me if I have to come to the next game and put some bitches in their place.”

The visual makes me laugh. Katrina would absolutely hate Wendy. “They didn’t treat me badly. It’s just... they said it’s a good thing I’m only friends with Jake because he and Ryan can’t be trusted.”

She raises an eyebrow. “You told them you’re only friends with Jake? Why?”

“Because that’s what we are... sort of. Friends with benefits.”

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