Page 39 of Pucking My Bad Boy Boss
"Jason Sinclair, as I live and breathe," I say, keeping my voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside. My words are laced with a forced casualness, a defense mechanism against the unexpected intrusion of my college ex into my professional world.
He greets me with that familiar smile, but now it feels like a veneer, masking intentions I can't quite decipher. "Bella, Bella - you're a hard woman to forget. I've been following your career. You're doing impressive work," he says, his tone smooth, practiced.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. "Following my career or just following me?" I retort, a hint of sharpness cutting through my playful facade. His presence, his interest in my life, it's disconcerting.
His laughter does little to ease the tension I feel. It's rich with history, a reminder of a time when things between us were more complicated than I care to remember.
Anthony, oblivious to the undercurrents of our exchange, enthusiastically chimes in about the training camp. "With Jason on board, this is going to be a major event. A fantastic opportunity for everyone."
I nod, my professional mask firmly in place, but internally I'm reeling. Jason's sudden appearance, his involvement with the StarPucks—it's a curveball I hadn't anticipated.
"Well, then. Let's make this a camp to remember," I say, injecting a note of enthusiasm into my voice. It feels hollow, even to my own ears.
As we delve into the details, part of me remains guarded, wary of Jason's intentions. The past is a tricky thing, and with Jason back in the frame, old wounds threaten to reopen.
I can't help but wonder what his game is, why he's chosen to re-enter my life at this precise moment. One thing is clear—Jason Sinclair's presence complicates an already intricate web of professional and personal challenges. And I need to be on my guard, now more than ever.
***
Later that day, I slide into a cozy booth at one of our favorite bars, the familiar hum of conversation and clinking glasses enveloping me like a comforting blanket. Across from me sits Jenna, her animated face lit up with the excitement of sharing her latest work escapade.
"So, there I was," Jenna begins, her hands gesticulating wildly to emphasize the drama of her story, "in the ER, right in the thick of a super intense operation. The team's all there, and I'm leading the charge."
I lean forward, a smile tugging at my lips despite the heaviness of my own thoughts. Jenna has this uncanny ability to turn even the most intense moments of her job into riveting tales.
"And you know Dr. Thompson, right? The one who always looks like he's about to explode?" she continues, her eyebrows dancing for emphasis.
I chuckle, nodding. Dr. Thompson's notorious temper is a legend in Jenna's hospital tales.
"He's right there, observing, and I swear, Isabella, his face is all scrunched up like he’s about to freaking self-immolate!"
I shake my head in disbelief, thoroughly entertained, yet a part of me remains preoccupied. Jenna's story, as engaging as it is, can't fully distract me from the morning's developments—Jason's unexpected entry into my professional life, the upcoming training camp, and the tangled web surrounding my fake engagement with Dom.
“You OK?” she asks, putting her story on pause.
“Yeah. I mean… I don’t even know.”
"Something's up," Jenna states, her tone a mix of concern and a hint of irritation. "You just got engaged, and yet, here you are looking like you lost your best friend. Plus, I'm a bit miffed you didn’t even tell me about you and Dom!"
She leans back, her brows knitting in confusion. "I mean, it's weird, right? You and Dom Steele in a secret romance? It's like something out of a soap opera. When did this even start? How did you keep it under wraps?"
I cut in before she can spiral further with her theories. "Jen, that's exactly why I brought you here. To tell you the truth." I pause, taking a deep breath. "The engagement... it's fake. It's all a strategic plan."
Jenna's eyes widen, a look of shock quickly replaced by understanding. "Fake? You mean, this whole thing is just an act?"
I nod, quickly spilling out the details of the arrangement with Dom, the reasons behind it, and how it's all just a carefully crafted ruse for the benefit of our careers and the teams. As the story unfolds, Jenna listens intently, her initial shock giving way to a slow nod of comprehension.
"So, this whole engagement is just a power play?" she asks, her voice a mixture of disbelief and admiration. "That's... kind of brilliant, but also insanely complicated."
I let out a sigh of relief, grateful to finally share the burden of this secret. "Yeah, it's definitely not your typical fairy tale engagement."
She cocks her head to the side, sensing something.
“There’s more—I can tell. What’s going on?”
I let out a resigned sigh, knowing there's no evading Jenna's inquisition. "It’s… It's actually about someone from the past who's just reappeared in my life."
Her interest piques immediately. "Who? Someone I know?"
