Page 77 of Pucking my Enemy Boss

Before I can deny anything further, Ryan gives a knowing chuckle. "Hey, just saying."

Reluctantly, I wave it off. "Just wondering if they stock anything here strong enough for this tux.” I sidestep over to the bar to grab drinks for myself, Ryan, and Liam. I don’t even want a drink; it’s just an excuse to take five, and maybe a round of drinks wouldn’t hurt. Maybe it’d help drown out the buzzing irritation that’s turning my mood sour faster than I’d like.

I head toward the bar, weaving through the crowd, but slight tension remains coiled in my stomach like it’s waiting for something or someone to set it off. And, as fate would have it, “someone” turns out to be a pair of teammates—two forwards. Cain and Roberts, both notorious gossip-mongers, lean against the bar, voices lowered but not lowered enough.

“I’m telling you, she’s impressive. Holly’s given these events a serious glow-up.” Roberts says, signaling the bartender for another. He’s shaking his head as if still in disbelief.

Cain sighs, swirling his glass. “No kidding. Add in she’s stunning, and it’s no wonder she’s got half the team drooling. Would probably ask her out if it weren’t for the whole ‘workplace decorum’ thing.”

I stiffen, my jaw tightening.

Roberts snorts. “Come on, who cares? It’s not like any of us are under scrutiny here. If she were interested…”

Cain nods. “You’re right. We’re all adults here. Consequences are part of the game. I’m thinking tonight’s as good a night as any to feel her out.”

I make my presence known, clearing my throat, stepping between them and raising a brow. “You’re gonna want to rethink that plan.”

The two turn to face me, both looking slightly startled. Roberts stammers, “And, uh, how would you know, Carter?”

A moment of silence stretches before an answer comes from me; the words stumble out almost automatically. “She’s dating. Heard it through the grapevine. And, by the way, even if she were single, you wouldn’t stand a chance.”

The guys exchange puzzled glances, and one of them mutters something about the weird vibe, but my attention’s already turned to the bartender, and I barely hear them leave. The thought nags at me as I order the drinks, the frustration mixing with something else—a fierce need to protect Holly, to shield her from even a hint of this locker-room gossip.

But there’s no staying away from her now, and after grabbing the drinks, I head back to my friends, hand them their glasses, and raise my own in an automatic toast, the weight of my decision heavy and resolute.

As the evening drags on, the awards ceremony finally starts, which means people start settling down, and the players get called up in turns. I’m up for recognition tonight, something I’d normally brush off as just another formality. But tonight, there’s this different pulse to the whole thing. And it’s probably because, while my award feels like just another plaque for the shelf, Holly’s watching. Right there in the front row, a smile just for me, the kind that gets locked in memory, burned there for a good long time.

As I walk past her on my way to the stage, the scent of her perfume slips past—a mix of vanilla and warmth that should come with a warning label. I miss her more than I want to admit and tell her just that, mouthing, “I miss you,” as I pass. She winks back, her lips curving into a teasing smile, like a silent promise. It’s all I can do not to pull her into my arms then and there. After this event, we’re back to our world, our real world.

Applause fills the hall, and faces blur together in the crowd, but I only see Holly. Even with the award in my hand, her gaze meeting mine is the only moment that matters.

Later in the evening, I see Cain and his buddy sidle up to Holly, laughing at something she’s said, clearly working every ounce of charm he’s got on her. The sight of them hovering around her like overeager puppies makes me grit my teeth, fingers itching to break it up, but I hesitate. This whole "hiding in plain sight" deal is for both our sakes. But when he asks her to dance, my fuse snaps.

My jaw tightens as I watch the redhead lead her onto the dance floor, her laugh floating back to me, completely oblivious to how it feels like a punch straight to my chest.

“Hey, Ryan,” I storm over and pull him away, not even trying to hide the frustration in my voice. “I need you to break up that dance.”

Ryan raises an eyebrow. “And what do I get for causing a scene on the dance floor?”

I smirk, offering my best bargaining chip. “First pick of any new gear next season. Signed.”

His eyes light up. “Deal.”

Without missing a beat, he glides across the room, cutting in with all the charm he can muster. I can see Holly’s surprise as Ryan whisks her away, a laugh on her lips, probably telling her where to meet me.

The terrace air is cool as I step outside, feeling the tension melt away as I wait. A few seconds later, the door opens, and Holly steps through, eyes gleaming with amusement.

“Jealous much?” she teases, slipping her arms around my neck, pulling me close. “Sending the cavalry to ‘rescue’ me? Are we at a high school prom or what?”

I chuckle, pulling her in by the waist. “Prom or not, I wasn’t about to let rookies step in where they don’t belong.”

She laughs, pressing a kiss to my lips, her fingers sliding into my hair. “You could’ve just asked if you wanted a dance.”

“I didn’t come out here for a dance,” I murmur, my voice low as I brush my lips against hers. “But now that we’re here…”

Our lips meet in a slow, deep kiss, releasing every bit of frustration and longing I’ve felt tonight. Her hands slide up to my shoulders, her laughter softening into a sigh as she pulls me closer, and for a moment, everything else fades.

Until—

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