Page 31 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

“Well... no.”

“It must run in the family.” She laughs.

“Shut up.”

“How are you going to explain the boys waiting for you in the car?”

“That I was with them when you called.” While April is in the bathroom, I veer for the front door.

“Where are you going?” Katrina follows me.

“I want to remind them to keep it cool.”

When I leave the house, I stop in my tracks. The boys are not in the car waiting but outside, playing ball with the neighborhood kids.

Katrina laughs. “I should have known they wouldn’t last long in the car.”

They’re in a circle, passing the soccer ball around, and don’t see me until Lavinia calls my name. Lachy is the first to break away from the group.

“How is everything, lass?”

“Good for now.”

“Where’s April?” Ryan looks toward Katrina’s house as he approaches.

“She’ll be out in a moment. I wanted to talk to you before making introductions.”

Jake joins us with his brows raised. “You sound ominous.”

“Remember that April can’t know about us. We’re just friends, okay?”

The boys trade a glance among themselves, then Jake replies. “Don’t worry, June. We didn’t forget.”

“Okay.”

“Is that your sister?” Ryan asks.

I turn and see April hugging Katrina. I walk over and notice something is different about April. She’s no longer sporting a gloomy expression. But I won’t ask her about it with the boys hovering nearby.

“Did you get everything?” I ask.

She nods enthusiastically. “Yep. I traveled light. I didn’t bring any clothes or anything.”

Right. She left in a hurry. I’d never have done something crazy like this when I was her age, but then again, I wouldn’t have been in this situation at her age. I was too terrified of thewrath of God—and Mom—to have underage sex. And look at me now, getting railed by three hot hockey players on a regular basis. I feel a little smug about it. All those years of being a good girl have finally paid off.

April’s attention switches to the boys. “Oh, who arethey?”

I hate the sudden interest in her question. The last thing I need is for April to start flirting with my boyfriends. It’d be so cringy and embarrassing.

“These are my neighbors—Ryan, Jake, and Lachlan. I was with them when you called.”

“Nice to meet you, April,” they say in unison.

“Hi,” she replies shyly.

I realize that Katrina hasn’t officially met them yet, so I make introductions. Surprisingly, she acts like they’re regular guys, not famous hockey players. I bet it’s because of April. If my sister weren’t around, Katrina would be making a fuss.

While Katrina is making small talk with the boys, April moves closer and whispers, “Why didn’t you tell me you were hanging out with men hotter than my BTS boys?”

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