Page 34 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

Lachy changes the subject and asks April about her school. I cringe, thinking that she’s going to clam up, considering all the boy drama. But she’s happy to tell everyone all the wonderful things she’s doing in Baron, Texas. Consequently, she forgets I exist during the rest of the trip.

She’s still talking a mile a minute when we get out of the car and walk to the elevator. I give props to the boys. They’ve been super friendly and engaging to my sister.

In the elevator, I ask the boys, “Do you want to come in for the apple pie?”

“It’s okay, Pea... I mean, June. You probably want to spend some quality time with your sister,” Ryan replies.

I’m disappointed, but he’s right. I won’t be able to relax with April around. What if I inadvertently touch Ryan or Lachy in an intimate way? April can’t know I’m dating all three of them.

The boys decide not to come to my apartment, and since Jake is my official boyfriend, he kisses me goodbye before I walk out of the elevator.

No sooner am I alone with April than she grabs my arm and spins me around. “I can’t believe you’re dating that man. He’s hotter than Henry Cavil!”

“Will you calm down?” I pull my arm free from her grasp and walk to the front door.

“You weren’t planning on telling me you were dating Jake, were you?”

“Nope.”

She crosses her arms. “Why not?”

I push the door open and enter the apartment before answering her. “Because you have a big mouth, and I’m not ready to be in the spotlight again. Besides, it’s too new.”

“Oh, yeah. Better not tell anyone. It probably won’t last anyway.”

Her comment makes my blood run cold. “That was a mean thing to say, April.”

“What? I’m just being realistic. Jake is a hot pro athlete. He probably has hundreds of gorgeous women at his beck and call. You’re cute and all, but you’re no supermodel, June. No offense.”

“Looks aren’t everything,” I retort.

Winston barks inside his crate, keeping me from saying more. April has always been a cute child, but she’s blossomed into a knockout, and unfortunately, she’s developed a vapid personality to go with it.

I rush to let Winston out. Poor thing needs to go for a walk again. He jumps up my legs, happy as he can be. I scratch his head. “Hello, boy. Did you miss me?”

“Eww, that’s the ugliest dog I’ve ever seen.”

“Quit being such a bitch, April,” I snap.

Her jaw drops, and her eyes bug out. I rarely lose my temper with her, but she pushed my limits already.

“April is a bitch!” Admiral screeches from his cage.

She whirls around. “Who said that?”

I fight to keep a straight face. “The parrot.”

“Great. Now he’s calling me names. Thanks a lot, June.”

“You’re acting like your old self again. I guess you aren’t worried anymore about your emergency?” I search for Winston’s leash, which I usually keep next to his water bowl. But Lachy must have put it in a different spot when he dropped Winston off before we went to the grocery store.

“Oh... there’s no emergency anymore. I got my period!” she squeaks.

“What? And when were you planning to tell me?”

She puts her hands on her hips. “It’s not like I had a moment alone with you since we left your friend’s house.”

Shit. She’s right. I was already with the boys when she came out.

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