24. June
Iwake up alone, but Lachlan’s side of the bed is still warm. His bathroom door isn’t shut all the way, and I can hear him singing “You’re All I Have” by Snow Patrol in the shower. It’s a little off-key, but a smile tugs the corners of my lips. I can’t believe I spent the night with him. It was as memorable as the first time. The butterflies in my stomach are alive and busy, fluttering their wings like crazy.
The shades are closed, making it hard to discern the time. Lachlan doesn’t have a clock, and my phone is still in the living room. I wish I could stay in bed and wait for him to come out of the shower, but I don’t want to risk an awkward situation.
I slide out of bed quickly and get dressed. I need a shower, but that can wait. Hopefully, I’ll be able to move into Mrs. Carpenter’s apartment today. Of one thing I’m sure—I can’t spend another night here. I’ve already abused their hospitality too much. If Jake doesn’t have an answer from his neighbor, I’ll stay with Katrina.
My hand is on the doorknob when Lachlan walks out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist and another draped over his shoulders. My stomach does a backflip. He’s even sexier like that, and my body is humming with desire. I want to tug that towel off him and ride him until I can’t remember my name.
“Don’t tell me you were planning to slip out without a word.”
I blink fast, hoping my face doesn’t show the nature of my thoughts. “I was just going to grab my phone,” I say.
He smirks. “Right.”
“I was!”
He walks over and steps into my space, his arms going around my waist. He smells fresh and divine, and it’s hard not to melt. My heart thumps faster.
“Even if you were trying to escape, you wouldn’t get far.” He leans in for a kiss, but I remember I just woke up and have morning breath.
I push him away before I can add another embarrassing moment to my long list. “I haven’t brushed my teeth yet. No kissing.”
Lachlan laughs. “I don’t care.”
“I do.”
“Okay. Go freshen up. You’re more than welcome to use my shower again.”
My face is in flames now. So much for not showing him my mortification. “Thank you.”
I’m still smiling even after June closes the bathroom door. I don’t think she realizes how irresistible she is like that, all flustered. I get dressed and leave the room. She’ll probably be more comfortable if I’m not around when she gets out. As much as I love seeing her blush, I’m not an arsehole. Everyone needs privacy, and she hasn’t had much of that since coming to our place.
Ryan and Jake are up, eating breakfast at the table. It’s the usual spread on game day; lots of carbs, which means pancakes and French toast with a side of eggs, sausage, and bacon.
They stop eating and stare at me. Ryan smiles smugly when he says, “I thought you were going to sleep on the couch, Lachy.”
“Well… change of plans.”
Ryan turns to Jake, extending his hand. “Pay up.”
Jake grimaces but fishes out a fifty-dollar bill from his pocket.
“You bloody eejits. You bet that I’d sleep with June?” My voice rises.
Calmy, Ryan replies, “No. We bet that you wouldn’t last on the couch.”
I narrow my eyes and point a finger at the duo. “You’d better not say anything to June about that.”
“Of course we won’t tell her,” Jake grumbles, then resumes eating.
I grab orange juice from the fridge and join them at the table. “You aren’t mad that I hooked up with her again, are you?”
“I’m not mad,” Ryan replies, then looks at Jake. “Are you?”
Jake takes his time chewing, keeping his expression neutral. Is he stalling because he doesn’t want to answer? Finally, he replies, “Why would I be mad? I’m not interested in dating her.”
“Yeah. Me neither.” Ryan drops his gaze to his plate.
Their answer should satisfy me, but I’ve known them for too long not to notice when they aren’t being completely honest. Maybe they don’t realize the truth yet. June has a hold on them, just like she has a hold on me.
“What if you were interested in a serious relationship? What if we all were?” I ask.
Ryan and Jake stare at me, but neither answers my question immediately.
“It would be up to June to decide. I’d never fight with either of you over a girl,” Jake replies.
“Same with me,” Ryan adds.
I’m not sure of my feelings toward June yet, but I know I want more than just casual sex. But she might not feel the same. We were her rebound adventure, after all.
“But what if she does want to date all of us?” Ryan asks a moment later.
Now it’s my turn to ponder. There have been quite a few instances where we shared a woman, but those were only one-night stands. There were no feelings involved, only lust. Could I share a girlfriend with my mates? I picture June with Ryan or Jake, and wait for jealousy to present itself, but it doesn’t come. I know my answer.
“That wouldn’t be a problem for me,” I say.
“Me neither,” Jake replies.
Ryan doesn’t comment, and I’m having trouble reading his mood. “What about you, mate?”
“Hypothetically, I wouldn’t care. But if we’re being honest, I only want to have fun with her. Nothing more.”
I have no reason to believe otherwise. That’s Ryan’s MO.
“Make sure she knows that,” Jake chimes in.
“Make sure I know what?” June walks in, and both Ryan and Jake share a panicked glance.
“That you’re welcome to his extensive arsenal of hair products,” I pipe up.
Ryan’s death glare gives me undiluted satisfaction. Finally, I found a way to get under his skin. Payback, mate.
“Good morning, June. Did you sleep well?” Jake changes the subject.
She quickly glances at me, then drops her gaze. Blush creeps up her cheeks. June, darling, yer such an open book.
“I did. Thanks for asking.”
The seating arrangement is different this morning. Jake is across from me, and Ryan is at the head of the table. June pulls out the chair next to Jake, which is the closest to her. I don’t mind. I can stare at her better when she’s sitting across from me.
“What do you want to eat, Peaches?” Ryan asks.
“Oh my. There’s so much food.”
“Game day,” we all say in unison.
Her eyes widen. “I didn’t know you were playing today, and here I am intruding.”
“You’re not intruding, lass.”
Jake wipes his mouth on a napkin, then angles his body to her. “I spoke with Mrs. Carpenter earlier. She’s more than okay with you staying at her place.”
June’s shoulders relax. “She is? Oh good. I was already planning on staying at my friend’s place if we hadn’t heard from her.”
“Why?” Ryan asks. “Tired of us already?”
She shakes her head. “No, of course not. I don’t want to impose more than necessary.”
Jake covers her hand with his. “You’re not imposing. We’re happy to have you here. By the way, I have a favor to ask.”
Ryan and I trade a look. What’s Jake up to now?
“Name it. Anything.”
“I have to attend an event after tonight’s game, and it’d be a huge favor if you were my plus one.”
That smart son of a bitch. Why didn’t I have the forethought to invite June?
“Uh... are you sure?” she asks.
“I’m sure. But I’ll understand if you say no. The press will be there.”
She bites her lower lip and stares at the stack of pancakes for a beat. “What if I do something stupid? I don’t want to embarrass you.”
“You’re not going to embarrass Jake. Nothing you do could ever top Lachy’s most embarrassing moments.” Ryan laughs.
“Shut yer mouth.” I try to sound harsh, but he isn’t wrong, and I don’t bloody care about my awkward moments in front of the press.
“You’re not going to embarrass me.” Jake smiles reassuringly.
“Okay, then. Count me in. What’s the dress code?”
“Cocktail attire.”
“Will Melissa be there?”
Ryan nods. “We’ll all be there. It’ll be fun.”
Jake grimaces but keeps his mouth shut. It’s never fun for him when his father is around.
“You’re coming to the game too, right, lass?” I ask.
She frowns. “I don’t know. I have to find out if I still have a car or if I need to start shopping for one.”
“When will you hear from the shop?” Jake asks.
“I’ll call them after breakfast.”
“I can order a car to take you to the arena if your car isn’t ready,” Ryan offers.
Her widens. “Oh no. That won’t be necessary. I could always walk. The arena isn’t that far from here.”
“No.” Once again, we reply at the same time.
June blinks fast, and her stare bounces around. “Uh, why not?”
“It’s not safe to walk alone at night in the city,” I reply.
“Oh, you’re probably right.”
“Maybe you want to bring some friends? I can get as many tickets as you want.” Jake chimes in, making her eyes sparkle.
“I bet Katrina and her husband would love to come, if they can find a babysitter.”
Jake grabs his phone and sends a text. “It’s settled then. The game starts at seven, but you all can come early and hang out in the family lounge.”
“Wow, that’d be cool. What time you need to leave for the arena?”
“We have a few hours. After breakfast, we’ll take your things down to Mrs. Carpenter’s apartment,” Jake replies.
“Thank you. I’m happy to be out of your hair finally. I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”
“That’ll never happen, lass.” I wink, and on cue, her cheeks turn pink.
I can’t wait to spend more quality time with her, alone or with the lads. She’s turning into my sweet obsession, and she has no idea.