Page 78 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

“I’m fine,” I insist, wishing she’d drop the subject.

Yes, I’m on edge, and the more she talks about it, the worse my nerves get. Some press is gathered in front of the school. Principal Prescott must have called them. They look bored, but when two black SUVs with tinted windows stop in front of the building, they perk up.

Those cars don’t belong to any of the boys, but when the doors open, they step out. Banksy and Ryan first, then Jake and Lachy. The butterflies in my stomach make their presence known, and my heart takes off at breakneck speed. I’m acting like I haven’t seen them in weeks. I spent the night with them, for crying out loud. I did rush out of their apartment before they woke up, but only because I didn’t want to be late. But my indecision this morning about what to wear almost ruined that. I changed clothes a million times before I chose a dress that matches the Titans’ uniform—teal with purple accents.

The boys opted for casual attire, each in jeans and a Titans sweatshirt. They look yummy in anything, and it’s hard to watch them with an impartial expression on my face. I can stare only at Jake with lovesick puppy eyes. I hate this. Katrina is right—this situation isn’t sustainable.

The photographers snap pictures as Jake, Lachy, Ryan, and Banksy approach. I’m so homed in on my guys that I don’tnotice the fifth person in their group—a young man who doesn’t look older than eighteen but holds himself as if he’s a seasoned veteran. He must be part of the PR team.

Jake smiles at me but switches his attention to Principal Prescott quickly. Lachy’s and Ryan’s gazes linger longer, making me blush. Another school employee is hovering nearby, capturing everything on her phone. I hope she missed that part.

“Good morning. Welcome to Mary Hopkins Middle School.” Principal Prescott greets them with a big smile.

“Thanks for having us,” Jake replies, offering his hand.

They shake, then he turns to me and kisses me on the cheek. My entire body goes rigid, and my face burns up. I wasn’t expecting him to act boyfriendly in front of my boss. It was stupid of me not to talk with him about it beforehand. We’ve been so busy screwing like rabbits that this conversation was overlooked.

“Hi, June. Nice to see you again,” Banksy greets me before Ryan and Lachy do.

“Hi Banks—I mean, Simon.”

“You can call me Banksy. Everyone does.” His smile becomes wider.

That’s why the name Banksy pops into my head when I think about him. Maya is the only one who calls him by his first name.

Ryan and Lachy follow Jake’s example and act familiar with me, but at least they just give me hugs, not kisses. Principal Prescott seems pleased, so I stop stressing about it. She leads everyone inside. Jake and Banksy walk side by side with her, already in conversation. I trail them sandwiched between Lachy and Ryan.

“You look pretty in that dress, lass,” Lachy whispers.

“Thank you.”

“You’re wearing Titans colors,” Ryan adds. “I love it.”

“Shh... someone might hear you.”

He chuckles. “I didn’t say anything bad.”

“Where are we going?” Lachy asks.

“To the gymnasium. Our students are assembled there. Have you done a school visit before?”

“Yeah, loads of times,” Ryan replies. “But it’s Lachy’s first time.”

I look at him. “Really?”

He rubs the back of his neck. “I’m not good at speaking in public.”

“I thought you guys gave interviews all the time.”

“Lachy avoids them like the plague.” Ryan laughs.

Lachy leans closer and whispers in my ear, “I’m only doing this because of you, lass.”

Ripples of pleasure spread through my body, making me shiver. How can I keep a poker face when the boys seem intent on breaking my façade?

Our students are all seated already, and murmurs of excitement turn up when the boys make their entrance. There are four microphone stands in the middle of the room. The idea is for students to ask them questions, but in an informal way.

I spot Katrina, who saved me a seat in the front row. I turn to the boys and say, “Good luck.”

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