Page 115 of Pucking Wild

I glance between them. Something is definitely going on. They were all so irritable at the pet adoption thing. I know Novy drives Poppy crazy, but today felt different. “Guys, what’s up?” I say from behind them.

Novy and Morrow immediately split, turning their bodies to reveal me to Poppy.

Her eyes go wide again. “Oh—hi, Ryan,” she says sweetly. “Nice costumes.” She hides her forced smile behind her Solo cup, taking a sip of her fruity drink.

“Hey, Poppy,” I reply, still trying to puzzle out what has them all acting so weird. “Who are you supposed to be?”

She sighs. “Honestly, I should have just made a sign and worn it around my neck. I’m Elizabeth Bennett,” she adds, gesturing at herself with a flourish.

The three of us share a glance.

“Elizabeth Bennett?” she huffs, one hand on her hip. “Only one of the greatest romantic heroines of all time? FromPride & Prejudice?”

“That’s…a movie?” Morrow asks with a raised brow.

“This is why you boys only attract the likes of puck bunnies,” she cries. “‘Cause any woman of class, taste, and sense knows to steer clear!” With tears in her eyes, she pushes between us, stomping away.

“Ignore her,” Novy mutters. “She’s just upset because she couldn’t adopt that cat.” He keeps walking in the direction of the kitchen.

Morrow lingers, his gaze still locked on where Poppy just disappeared.

“You okay, man?” I say, putting my hand on his shoulder.

He glances down at my hand, then up to my face. “No.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

He holds my gaze and, for a moment, I really think he’s about to say yes.

“Guys, I found Shelbs,” Novy calls.

Morrow blinks, his expression shuttering. He shifts out from under my hold. “Come on. Let’s go see the birthday girl.”

“Novy!” A very tipsy Shelby cries, raising her wine glass in the air. “Josh, baby, look. More boys are here!” She takes in our costumes. “Wow, you guys look hot. Like, capital H-O-T.”

We all laugh.

“Happy Birthday, Shelby,” says Novy, giving her a quick hug.

“Hey, Shelbs. Happy Birthday,” adds Morrow.

I’m in her arms when Sully comes up and slaps my shoulder. “Hey, watch those hands, man.”

I jerk back and he laughs, slinging his arm around her shoulders.

“Who are you guys supposed to be?” says Novy, taking in her weird combo of button up shirt, bowtie, and long librarian-looking skirt. Meanwhile, Sully has his hair slicked back and he’s wearing khakis, a white shirt, and these leather suspenders with a gun holster.

“Hey,” I say with a grin. “You’re Rick and Evy. FromThe Mummy.”

“Yes!” Shelby squeals, launching forward to give me another hug and kiss my cheek. “I knew you were my favorite for a reason.”

“Hey, I thought I was your favorite,” Sully pouts.

“Mmm, you know you’re my main macho man,” she purrs, spinning around to wrap herself up in his arms.

“Okay, gross,” says Morrow, shielding his gaze. “It feels like watching my parents make out.”

“Parents fuck too, Cole,” she teases.

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