Page 22 of Pucking my Enemy Boss

We fall into a comfortable silence, each lost in our thoughts. I can’t help but steal glances at her, noting the way the morning light catches her hair, the way her shirt slips off one shoulder, revealing smooth, creamy skin. Every detail is etched into my mind, a constant reminder of last night.

She finishes her coffee and looks at me, a question in her eyes. “So, last night...”

“Yeah,” I say, not sure where this is going.

“I just want to make sure we’re okay. I mean, I don’t want things to be weird between us.”

I laugh, a short, bitter sound. “I think it’s a little late for that.”

She looks hurt, and I immediately regret my words. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just ... complicated.”

She nods, understanding in her eyes. “I get it. Let’s just take our time to think about it and we can tell each other what we decide later, right?”

She wants to give me time. It’s so weirdly different from what I expect that I almost don’t know what to say.

“Okay,” I nod.

“Good,” she beams a bright smile. “Now that’s out of the way, and I’ve got some more ideas for remodeling the house already. Wanna listen?”

What? How are you moving on so quickly?I almost gasp and then I quickly grab my coffee, burying my surprise in a sip.

I must keep my guard up every time I’m around her. With Holly, it’s becoming clear that nothing is ever simple, or as expected.

“Ready?”

“Hmm.” I nod into my cup of coffee, watching her move around the kitchen. There’s something soothing about her presence, something exciting about watching the lips I was kissing all through last night move animatedly as she outlinesher plans for the house. I’m mesmerized, barely able to focus on her words.

Every gesture, every flicker of emotion that crosses her face pulls me in deeper. I want to keep talking about what happened last night, but I can’t bring myself to broach the subject again.

She wants some time, and that’s what I’ve got to give her, but I can’t keep talking about wallpapers and paint choices while my insides are in a turmoil for this woman.

“So, what’s the deal with your ex-boyfriend?” I cut in, changing the topic. “Why’s he waylaying you at the Blizzards turnstiles of all places?”

Holly’s expression darkens, and she pauses, cocking her head before she answers. “Jake? Apparently, he believes I haven’t moved on yet, and I might be pining for a second chance.”

“Are you?”

She chuckles, the sound sharp and bitter. “Would you pine for a partner that cheated on you? Multiple times? He’s a big part of why I left L.A. for Chicago. He’s a self-centered, egotistical jerk who thinks the world revolves around him.”

On that, I fully agree.

I nod, anger simmering just below the surface. “You can always tell Jake I’m your boyfriend if it’ll keep him off your back.”

Holly looks at me, surprise and gratitude mingling in her eyes. “That’s a huge favor. Thank you.”

I shrug, trying to downplay it. “It’s easier because we live together. It’ll be more believable.”

“And that’s the only reason?” She smiles, a genuine, warm smile that makes my chest tighten.

“Uh–what? You don’t think it’s good enough?”

She stares at me for a long moment and I feel my heart pounding against my ribs.

“Ethan—”

Her phone rings right then, cutting her off. “I’m sorry, I need to take this,” she stands and leaves the room.

I watch her go, feeling a mix of emotions. There’s something about Holly that makes me want to protect her, to keep her safe from her douchebag of an ex-boyfriend. I’ve always avoided other people’s baggage, but with her, it’s different.

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