Page 45 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

“He doesn’t. But he hates that he can’t control me anymore. I don’t care about my reputation. I told him as much. If he wants to expose me, he can go right ahead. But he’s threatening to come after Lachy, Ryan, and now you.”

My eyebrows shoot to the heavens. “Me? Why?”

“My father is a very smart man. He probably realized how important you are to me before I did. And now that I’m your official boyfriend, he won’t hold back on attacking you to get to me.”

I nibble on my lower lip, looking down. So that’s what was eating at Jake. He’s worried about what his father will do to me. I face him again. “He can try to hurt me, but he’ll find out Southern women are built differently. We’re sweet, but we’re also made of steel. I’m not afraid of him.”

Jake watches me without saying a word. I want to know what’s on his mind, but my phone rings on the kitchen counter, and I jump up to get it before it goes to voicemail.

“It’s Ryan,” I tell Jake before answering the phone. “Hey... yeah, I’m ready. We’re coming up now. See you soon.”

When I turn, Jake is already waiting for me by the front door, and, once again, I find him watching me in a peculiar way, as if he can’t quite believe I’m real.

CHAPTER 20

RYAN

As I watch my best friends and June talking at the table, I can hardly believe that a few days ago, there was a high chance I couldn’t have this moment. Growing up, I didn’t know what having a real family was like. I love my brother, but our relationship is strained, thanks to Mom. There’s no tension with Jake and Lachy. We’re a strong unit on and off the ice.

It’s no surprise we fell in love with the same woman. That airplane malfunction shook to me the core and made me get my head out of my ass about June. I can’t believe I thought I could just sleep with her once and move on. She snuck into my heart, and before I knew it, she owned me completely.

“I hope you’re in the mood for something healthier today.” I bring over the tray with the salmon I just baked in the oven. The quinoa salad and steamed veggies are already on the table.

June raises her hand. “I am. I’ve been eating too much junk food lately.”

Lachy leans forward. “The salmon smells delicious. I’m not so sure about the quinoa salad.”

Jake frowns. “Since when are you picky about food?”

“Oh, I’m not picky. I’ve just never had quinoa before.”

“Really?” June’s brows arch. “It’s yummy, and a much better choice than white rice.”

“You’ll eat it and love it,” I tell Lachy. “June, could you pass me your plate, please.”

“Yeah, sure.”

I serve June first, then Lachy and Jake before putting food on my plate. Everyone waits for me to sit down before they eat.

“Thank you, Ryan. This looks amazing.” June beams at me, making my pulse accelerate.

I’m a Leo. I love praise, but coming from her, it’s a million times better.

“It’s my pleasure, Peaches. Now dig in.”

June moans after the first bite, and my dick stirs in my pants. I love hearing that sound from her, and it doesn’t matter if it’s caused by my cooking or my cock.

“How is it?” I ask, grinning.

She covers her mouth while she chews, then replies after she swallows. “Divine. You’re a god in the kitchen, Ryan.”

“Not only in the kitchen, right?” I wink.

“Don’t answer that, lass. He already has an overinflated ego.”

I chuckle. “Someone is jealous.”

Lachy snorts. “Sure, Gosling. Keep thinking that.”

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