Page 69 of Pucking my Enemy Boss

There’s a pause on the other end of the line, and I can almost hear him adjusting his tone, that charming, fake humility slipping into place like a well-rehearsed act. “Okay, okay, I get it. But can we at least talk? You know, for closure?”

A scoff escapes my lips. “Closure?”

“Yeah. One conversation. You can say your piece, and I’ll leave you alone.”

The urge to throw the phone across the room is overwhelming, but instead, clenching my teeth, I consider the words. Maybe it’s better to just get it over with. Maybe then Jake will stop lurking in the shadows of my life.

“Fine,” my tone is clipped. “But this is the last time, Jake.”

“Great. There’s a diner near the stadium—how about we meet there this afternoon?”

Without waiting for further input, Jake rattles off the details, and I quickly end the call, fingers gripping the phone like it’s the only thing that keeps me tethered to reality.

Lauren steps closer, her eyes full of concern. “Are you sure about this?”

“I just want him to stop,” I mutter, my voice tired. “If talking to him will make him leave me alone, then I’ll do it.”

Mia, who’s been quiet during the exchange, finally speaks up. “Well, I’m leaving for the café. Want a ride to the diner? You shouldn’t go alone.”

I offer a weak smile. “Yeah. Thanks, Mia.”

The diner isas nondescript as they come—checkered floors, the hum of an old jukebox, and the scent of frying bacon clinging to the air. Settling into a booth near the back, my nerves jangle like Christmas bells that won’t stop ringing.

Jake walks in with the same smarmy confidence he’s always had, his grin too wide, too self-assured. He slides into the booth across from me, folding his hands like this is some kind of friendly coffee catch-up.

“Thanks for meeting me,” Jake starts, voice dripping with that faux sincerity I’ve come to despise.

“Let’s make this quick.” My arms go over my chest in a defensive stance. “What do you want?”

Jake leans back, his expression softening—or at least trying to. “Look, I just want to clear the air. We had something, you and me, and I guess ... I never got over it.”

My lips press into an angry thin line, my patience’s wearing thin faster than paper on fire. “Jake, I’ve moved on. We’ve been done for a long time.”

“Yeah, but—” Jake starts, but before he can launch into whatever self-serving speech he’s prepared, the bell over the diner’s door rings. One glance up and I freeze.

Ethan.

The world seems to stop as Ethan’s eyes lock onto mine, his expression flickering between surprise and something far darker. My stomach drops, the weight of the situation crashing down all at once. Ethan wasn’t supposed to be here—how could he be here?

He stands there for a second, taking in the scene, his jaw tightening, before turning on his heel and walking right back out.

“Ethan, wait—” Stumbling out of the booth, my voice catches in my throat. But he’s already gone.

Jake, ever the opportunist, leans back with a smug grin. “Well, that’s awkward. Didn’t know you’d picked thejealoustype.”

My blood boils. “Youknew,” I snap, realizing all at once the twisted game Jake’s been playing. “Youplannedthis.”

“Maybe.” He shrugs, all too casual. “But hey, it worked, didn’t it? Got him out of here pretty fast.”

Anger floods my veins as I slam my hands down on the table. “You think this is some kind ofjoke?”

Jake’s smile falters for just a second, but it’s enough for me to know I’m done here. No more games. No more Jake.

Without another word, I rush out of the diner, my heart pounding in my chest, praying that Ethan hasn’t gone far. Spotting him just as he’s climbing into his car, I call out, breathless. “Ethan,wait!”

He pauses, his hand on the door, and for a moment, he just stands there, his back to me, shoulders tense.

I rush forward, stopping just behind him. “It wasn’t what it looked like. Jake—he set this up. He wanted you to walk in. He’s been trying to mess with me for weeks.”

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