Page 41 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

“No, lass. We just missed you.”

“Oh.” My heart is beating at supersonic speed now. They’re looking at me as if they’re about to devour me, and I question their sanity. I’m as ragged as I can be.

I notice then that Ryan’s arm is no longer in a sling. “Your shoulder is better?”

“Yeah. I need to take it easy, but I might play this week.”

“That’s great news!”

Jake steps forward with fire in his eyes. But I feel gross, so I shuffle back. I’m not about to be sexed up when I didn’t have the chance to take a shower.

“What’s wrong?” His brows furrow.

“I just got home.”

Ryan smirks. “So?”

“So? I’m sticky, there’s crap in my hair, and you guys look like a million bucks.”

“Lass, you look stunning as always.”

I cross my arms. “You know I’m sleeping with you anyway. You don’t need to lie to get in my panties.”

His brows shoot up. “I’m not lying.”

Jake rubs the back of his neck. “Maybe we should have called first. Why don’t you take a shower, and come up to the apartment for dinner?”

Ryan’s eyes light up. “Yeah. And bring the pie we didn’t get to eat yesterday.”

That look on his face... I doubt he’s thinking about eating pie. To be fair, I’d rather eat something else too, but only when I’m fresh and clean.

“I need to walk Winston first,” I reply, remembering my duties.

“I’ll do it. Don’t worry.” Jake smiles, disarming me in an instant.

“Oh, all right, then. Thank you.”

“Now you get your booty in the shower, Peaches. I really have a hankering for pie now.” Ryan winks at me, smiling like an imp.

I run to my room and lock the door behind me. I wouldn’t put it past Ryan or Lachy to sneak in while I’m in the shower. They have bad intentions written all over their faces. Normally, I’d welcome that, but I do need to scrub until I’m pink. I have a feeling I’ll be thoroughly eaten tonight.

JAKE

June couldn’t have run to her bedroom any faster. It was my idea to stop by her apartment on the way to ours, and I feel bad now for suggesting it. The last thing I want is to crowd her. I putthe leash on Winston, but when I turn around, I find Lachy and Ryan rooted to the spot. Both are staring at June’s closed door.

“What are you still doing here?” I ask.

Lachy shakes his head. “What?”

“Come on now. Let’s give her some space.” I move my arms, herding them to the front door.

“Okay, okay,” Ryan pipes up. Once out in the hallway, he asks, “What should I cook for dinner tonight?”

“Probably something light,” Lachy suggests.

Ryan becomes pensive. “Yeah, we don’t want June falling asleep on the couch again.”

He and Lachy head for the elevator, but I take the stairs down. When I hit the ground floor, my phone rings. I’m distracted, thinking about June, and don’t look at the caller ID before answering it.

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