Page 22 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

I cup his face, then run my thumb over his mouth. “Happy ending in what sense?”

“All of them, my love.” His eyes connect with mine, and I see it then, my feelings mirrored in his gaze.

“I love you, Lachy.”

His lips unfurl into a slow smile. “You love me?”

“Yes, with all my heart.”

“That’s good to hear, lass, ‘cause I love you too.”

CHAPTER 11

JAKE

The cold shower helpedget my thoughts in order. Now I can speak to June without sounding like a blubbering idiot. I never had issues talking to girls before, but maybe that’s because I never met anyone who made me so unraveled. Who knew a nightoffun would lead to the girl of my dreams? I didn’t see her coming; now I can’t imagine my life without her in it.

But before I return to her apartment, I need to make a few phone calls. My agent left several messages, and he’s first on my list. If the Bobcats are serious about buying my contract from the Titans, Ineed tospeak with Larry Fiddler.He’s a no-bullshit guywho’sbeen my agent sincemy college years.Lachy and Ryan are also his clients.

I’m not surprised that he answers right away. “Jake, you son of a bitch. I’ve been waiting for your fucking call for hours. You and Lachy are the worst. He hasn’t called me either.”

“I called you back as soon as I could.”

“Spare me the bullshit. Lachy has always had his head in the clouds, so I expect radio silence from him, but not you. If you ignored my calls because of a piece of ass, she’d better be your future wife.”

My heart beats a little faster as I picture being married to June.I never thought I’d want to get married to anyone. Thebachelor lifestyle has always appealed to me immensely.Now I know I don’twantthat empty life. “She might be.”

There’s a moment of silence, which never happens whenI’mspeaking with Larry.

“You motherfucker. You’re messing with me, aren’t you? For a second, I believed you.”

He laughs,andI join in. I shouldn’t have alludedto a girlfriend. The boys and I are in a peculiar situation with June, and until we figure out how we want to proceed, it’s better if no one outside of our inner circle knows. Larry is a great guy, but I can’t trust him with this secret. He’ll probably not take it seriously enough to keep his mouth shut.

“Were you just calling to check on me?”

“Nope. I’ve heard rumors.”

My stomach coils tightly. I was afraid of that. “What rumors?”

“I used the wrong word. It isn’t a rumor, it’sa fact. The Bobcats’ GM contacted me about you. He expressed interest in bringing you to his team.”

“He’s a moron. I have no interest in getting traded to the Bobcats. You told him about my no-trade clause, didn’t you?”

“Jake, everyone in the league knows about that. You’ve made it no secret that you loathe yourownstate.”

“The state isn’t the problem,”I grit out.

“Yeah, yeah. You hate your daddy. Cry me a river.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. Larry doesn’t care about personal drama. He’s all about numbers and how much money he can make for his clients and, consequently, himself.

“It’s more than that.”

“Whatever. Usually, I wouldn’t bother mentioninghisoffer, but it’s a lot of money, buddy. More than you’re worth, if I’m being honest.”

“Gee, thanks a lot.”

“Don’t pretend you’re all sensitive and shit. I’m not saying your value has decreased.Hejust offered a lot more than he should have. Do you have any insightas to whyhe’d do such a thing?”

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