Page 54 of First Puck

“No one cares. And it’s not like you’re the only one I do this with.” He leaned in close, notching his chin on my shoulder as I found a pair of empty seats. “Unlikesomeonewe know.” He chuckled.

I didn’t think Brad was going to be touching me like he normally did ever again.

I wished I had a switch for my blushing so I could turn it off at times like this.

“Where do you want to sit?” Lance asked, knocking his cheek against mine.

Considering how Tommy sat right in front of us, determined to stare out of the window, it seemed like a perfect opportunity.

“Here is fine,” I said, pointing to the seats I knew Lance was dying to take. There were too many eyes on us, and I wanted to get out of the way as quickly as possible, especially with Porter and Chase sitting behind Tommy, eyeing us curiously.

Lance grinned as his arm crept up mine, making sure Tommy could see the whole performance as he slipped my bag off my shoulder.

I was worried he was going to call me ‘babe’ in front of the rest of the bus, but even he wouldn’t go that far.

Lance lifted my sports bag, stretching to the compartments above. I knew him pressing firmly into me was just part of his ‘strategy,’ but the sensation of his muscles melding to my back reminded me of Brad.

“Is that enough?” I asked quietly, and Lance snorted in reply.

“Sure, if you think so.” He pressed harder, trapping me between a seat and his body, jerking as he slammed the door of the compartment shut.

“Just don’t forget to look like you’re enjoying it,” he whispered before raising his voice just enough for the people closest to us to hear. “With that scared little bunny look you’ve got going on, anyone else would think I’m going to eat you all up.” He gave me a slow smirk as he pulled back.

His aura of sex still swirled around him, but I could sense how much he was putting it on. From what he’d said, his mom had taken a turn and went into hospital last week. He said he’d only come to the semi-finals because she told him to.

I was tempted to knock him with my ass just so he would fall into the seat next to Tommy, but I didn’t know how far he’d go with me if it backfired.

“Thanks,” I said to Lance as I swung into the window seat. My plan was to stick my earphones in and get on with it. I was tense enough as it was.

I expected Lance to drop down next to me, but before he could move, someone jolted him from behind.

“Oh! Sorry!” Brad exclaimed as Lance stumbled forward, grabbing the backs of the seats in time to keep him upright.

My eyes widened in surprise as Brad barged in and hurled himself into the seat next to me before Lance had the chance.

“You don’t mind, do you?” Brad asked. “I just want to chat to Alex about something. You know, Alex?My best friend.” I couldn’t see Brad’s face, but he grabbed my arm and tugged me to his side, so I had an idea.

Lance lit up, and I almost groaned out loud. I could already see the cogs working away in Lance’s mind. Anything Brad did was just going to get him more excited.

Lance’s lips curved into a deep smile as his languid gaze danced over Brad before he nodded.

“I do, yes. I was hoping to have a nice long journey with Alex. Mygoodfriend.If you know what I mean?” He tilted his head as his eyebrows raised.

Brad rolled his shoulders the same way he did whenever he was about to chew up the ice.

Nervous excitement murmured through me, especially when Brad’s grip tightened and the muscle at the back of his neck hardened.

“Actually, yeah. I need to talk to Alex, so why don’t you take a seat over there and wait your turn?”

Lance snorted again, and I was pretty sure they were both going to get into it if someone didn’t break it up.

Tommy was resolutely ignoring them from the opposite seats, so I guessed it was up to me.

I cleared my throat, and Brad twisted around, both pairs of eyes on me.

“Could you hurry up with whatever you two are doing?” I said, glaring at them in return.

“If you’re sure.” Lance shrugged as he threw a glance between us.

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