Page 71 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

He laughs. “Guys, you’re crushing me.”

We all step back, and I say, “Sorry.”

Cory and Mackenzie join us, both looking in a similar state as Ryan. I guess it was an emotional visit for all of them.

“Are you going back to LA now?” Cory asks.

“I’m not sure. It’s up to Ryan,” Jake replies.

Ryan looks at his watch. “It’s almost noon. Maybe we can have lunch.”

I look at the time and confirm Ryan is right. I didn’t realize we’d been here for so long.

“I can eat.” Lachy stretches his arms.

Jake turns to him. “Really? Is water wet?”

My gaze connects with Mackenzie’s, and I remember we didn’t officially meet yet. She has Ryan’s dark hair and fair complexion, but her eyes are hazel instead of blue.

“I’m sorry. We weren’t officially introduced. I’m June.”

“Hi.” She smiles shyly. “I know who you are.”

My brows arch. “You do?”

“I saw your picture with Jake online. You’re his girlfriend, right?”

I switch my attention to Ryan briefly, and I swear I see a flash of something in his eyes. Is he not happy with this arrangement?

“June?” Mackenzie presses.

Jake puts his hand on my lower back. “Yes, June is my girlfriend.”

Heat spreads across my face. God, I hope Mackenzie didn’t notice the brief gaze exchange between Ryan and me. I have to do better at hiding my feelings for him and Lachy when I’m in public. I feel horrible though. I love them all equally, and it depresses me that I have to keep my distance.

If these dark thoughts are bouncing around in my head and making my heart tight, what’s happening to my boys? I was so focused on telling them all how I felt that I didn’t stop to thinkabout the future. How are we going to move forward? One thing is certain, I don’t want to hide my love for any of them.

CHAPTER 30

LACHLAN

June is asleep when we finally pull into our garage. She switched to the backseat when we stopped for gas and used my lap as a pillow. I loved the new arrangement, but it also heightened my dislike for our current situation. I don’t want to pretend I’m her friend. I love her and want to display my feelings anytime, anywhere.

I nudge her shoulder. “Lass, we’re home.”

“Already?” She sits up and rubs her eyes.

“Yeah.”

“Wow, it feels like I just fell asleep.” She covers her mouth with a fist to hide a yawn. “Boy, I’m tired.”

“You don’t need to come up tonight, Peaches,” Ryan chimes in.

I was looking forward to more June time, but I can see she’s exhausted.

“No, no. I’m good. Just give me some coffee.”

“June... we aren’t going anywhere,” Jake adds. “Take the night off.”

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