Page 78 of Pucking my Enemy Boss

“Ahem.”

The sound jolts us apart, and we turn to see Lauren standing there, arms crossed, giving us a look that practically screams, “Really?”

“Really, you two?” She smirks, her tone both exasperated and amused. “Out here, where anyone could’ve walked by?”

Holly giggles, covering her mouth, while I clear my throat, scratching the back of my neck. “We, uh … just needed a moment.”

Lauren rolls her eyes, pointing back toward the hall. “Maybe find a more discreet ‘moment’ next time. Just saying.”

As she disappears, Holly bites her lip, glancing up at me with that playful glint I can never resist. “Guess we’re not exactly subtle, huh?”

I smile, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Subtle’s overrated.” I trace her cheek with my thumb, her warmth sinking into my skin. “But … maybe we should be a little more careful.”

She nods, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah, probably wouldn’t hurt. But tonight? Just for tonight … let’s not think about that.”

I pull her close again, laughing softly as I press my forehead to hers. “Sounds perfect.” And with her in my arms, the world fades away, leaving only us and the endless possibilities of whatever comes next.

25

HOLLY

Winter in Chicagohas a special kind of sting, like a sassy old grandma side-eyeing you and muttering about how, “back in her day,” peopleenjoyedlosing feeling in their toes. But the snow’s fresh, sparkling like powdered sugar over gingerbread streets, and for the first time in forever, I actually feel the Christmas spirit. And that’s saying something, considering last year’s “festivities” involved a Miami beach house, blasting reggaeton, and my granny’s new husband proudly sporting a Santa hat and a surfboard—and nothing else.

Yeah. Don’t ask.

Then, somewhere down the block, I spot Mia’s little Honda, valiantly rattling its way around the corner. She pulls up, her cheeky grin already flashing at me, with neon-painted nails dancing on the wheel as she rolls down the window.

“Girl, are you trying to freeze to death before we even get to the spa?” She tilts her head, a mockingly concerned look in her eye.

I shrug, grinning. “Just getting the full ‘real Chicago’ experience, you know?”

“Oh, sure, ‘real Chicago.’ Maybe one day you’ll ‘experience’ the warmth of a vehicle that’s actually yours? You keep hitching rides like this, and you’re bound to end up in some rom-com meet-cute with a cab driver.”

Laughing, I climb in, slamming the door shut against the wind. “Please, like I’d have time to meet anyone with you and Lauren hauling me around every weekend.”

She snorts. “Right. If you’re ever late anywhere, I’m just blaming it on your ‘nonexistent car rental’ budget.”

My cheeks warm. “Didn’t think I’d stay long, so, you know, cutting costs and all.”

The words hang between us, a little too serious for the moment, until Mia gives me one of those knowing looks, eyebrow raised. “And now?”

Now, staying is suddenly not a question but a reality. This place has somehow managed to be everything: new friends, a job that’s actually going somewhere, and well,Ethan. My lips tug into a grin that Mia catches immediately, because nothing escapes the sharp eyes of Lauren and her sister. She raises her brows, smug and grinning like she’s won something.

A grin sneaks up on me. “Now? Chicago’s amazing.”

Mia doesn’t need it spelled out; she reads my face like a juicy novel with all the mushy parts underlined in pink. “And by ‘amazing,’ we mean a certain six-foot, brooding hockey star?”

I burst out laughing. “No! I mean—yes, Ethan’s great, but the city, my job, you guys… everything’s been amazing.” I wave a hand toward the snowy streets outside, the whole winter scene like it’s mine to rule. “I mean, Chicago has its own Christmas culture! People actually love eggnog. Back home, it’s all beach Santas and surfing elves.”

Mia chuckles, tapping her neon nails on the wheel as we turn toward Lauren’s street. “See, this is why we wanted you to stay. Besides, who else could make those boys eat their kale?”

“Oh, please, don’t let Ethan hear you say that,” I joke, picturing his horrified face. “He’s convinced he’ll turn into a rabbit if he has one more salad.”

She lets out a low whistle. “Girl’s in love with a man, the city, and, dare I say it, even the snow. This is big news. Guess that means we’re keeping you, huh?”

Guess so.

The car falls into a comfortable silence as we pull out, but Mia’s phone soon buzzes, lighting up with an unfamiliar number. Her face does that immediate eyebrow-raise, clearly intrigued.

---