Page 119 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

Be still my heart.

“You definitely aren’t bachelors anymore,” Melissa pipes up. “And Doug’s diversion campaign is working like a charm. Half the tabloids are now exploring theories that would explain why the wife of an NHL player would stoop so low. Wendy doesn’t look good in any of them.”

“I still can’t believe she’d do such a thing,” I say.

“My theory is that she had a crush on one of the boys—my guess is you, Jake.”

His brows arch. “Me? I never exchanged more than a few words with her.”

Melissa shrugs. “Not my fault you’re oblivious.”

“That bitch,” I mumble. “Tough luck. Jake is all mine.”

“Girl, you’re currently the most envied woman on the planet. I wish I was that lucky.”

“Aren’t you engaged?” Lachy asks.

Melissa’s wistful smile vanishes. “Right. Well, I better go. I have a million things to do. Take care, hon.”

She couldn’t leave the room faster. “Did you notice the blemish on Melissa’s face?”

Lachy and Ryan say no, but Jake says yes.

“Do you think her fiancé did that to her?” Lachy asks.

I nod. “I don’t want to accuse anyone without proof, but... I don’t know. She said stuff to me about her relationship that raised some red flags.”

“That motherfucker,” Ryan says.

“Let’s not jump to conclusions,” Jake chimes in. “Besides, if he did that to her, I’m the only one who can teach him a lesson.”

“Horseshite. Why?” Lachy glares at him.

“Because I’m the only one already on the trade guillotine.”

CHAPTER 49

JUNE

My parents extended their stay in LA until I was discharged from the hospital, and the boys requested a leave of absence so they could stay with me while I recovered. The team is now on its long stretch of away games. Surprisingly, the Titans’ administration didn’t have any issue with the request, but Jake’s fate is still unknown.

I’ll need physical therapy to recover my shoulder mobility, but the doctor said I was lucky and the damage to the muscle tissue was minimal.

Jake’s driving home from the hospital, but Lachy and Ryan had to play rock, paper, scissors to decide who was going to ride in the back with me. Lachy won, and he held my hand all the way. They’ve been treating me as if I’m made of porcelain, but I don’t mind that one bit. I’m damn lucky to have three men in my life who love me like they do.

When Jake parks in the garage, Ryan is the first out of the car so he can open the door for me and help me out.

“You know the bullet got me in the shoulder, right? My legs are fine,” I tease when he attempts to assist me in walking.

“Sorry, Peaches.” He hooks his arm with mine instead. “Better?”

I smile at him. “Yes.”

In the elevator, Jake presses the button for their floor, making my brows crinkle together. “We’re not going to stop first at my apartment?”

“Do you need anything from your place?” Lachy asks.

“Uh... maybe a change of clothes? And about the pets?”

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