Page 17 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

“Come on now, lass. You do know your face is like an open book. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

“Well... I want to kiss you, but then I remembered I can’t do that in public.”

He looks left and right, then moves closer, sporting an up-to-no-good grin. “No one is around.”

I press my palms against his chest, stopping him from leaning closer but knowing I’ll lose the fight. I’m much too into this man to have any self-control around him.

My phone saves me from making a bad decision. “Someone is calling me.” I step back, fish the device from my purse, and see my best friend’s name on the screen. “It’s Katrina. I’d better get it.”

His lips curl into a crooked smile. “Okay, lass. You answer that call. I’ll kiss you later.”

Shaking my head, I step away from him and press the green button. “Hey.”

“How are you, hon? Beau just told me what happened with the Titans’ plane.”

“I’m okay now. The boys are home safe and sound.”

“Oh, thank goodness. What a nightmare.”

My heart feels heavy once again as the agony of not knowing their fates returns like a phantom pain. “You have no idea.”

“I’m glad they’re okay. I suppose you’re spending the day with them?”

“Yeah.” I glance at Lachy, who’s watching me. I feel hot and cold at the same time, and my heart speeds up like a bullet train. “I’d better go. I’m out walking the dog.”

She laughs. “Yeah, yeah. I expect a full report tomorrow.”

My face becomes hot, knowing she won’t be satisfied with the basics. When she saysfull report, she expects all the naughty details. “You got it.” I hang up and stare at the phone.

“Who was that?”

“Katrina. She just learned about what happened to your guys.” I put my phone away.

Lachy shivers. “That’s a memory I hope to forget soon.”

“You will. Besides, the odds of your plane having issues again is probably close to zero now.”

He nods. “That’s one way to look at it. You’re always a glass half full, aren’t you, lass?”

“It’s better than being pessimistic.”

“I used to be pessimistic, but I think I’m turning around. It must be your influence.” He smiles.

My heart is beating so fast, I’m surprised he can’t hear it. “It must be.”

“I can’t wait to meet your friend. She sounds fun.”

“She is. You might meet her when you come to visit my school.”

His brows furrow together. “Oh?”

Shit. I totally forgot I never asked them if they’d be okay coming to the school.

“That’s right. You don’t know about that yet. My principal asked if you, Jake, and Ryan would come talk to the students since we’re friends. I didn’t want to put you on the spot in case it wasn’t possible, so I asked Melissa first.”

“You’re blushing. Why are you blushing, lass?”

I glance at the ground. “I don’t know.”

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