Page 40 of Pucking My Bad Boy Boss
“Jason,” I said. “He’s investing in the StarPucks.”
"Jason? Jason Sinclair?" she exclaims, her voice rising in disbelief. "Your ex-boyfriend? That controlling, possessive asshole?"
Her eyes narrow at the thought of him. We all went to college together, so Jenna knew all about my history with this particular prick.
Jenna starts, her voice taking on a serious tone. "Jason was so…awfulback then. Even though you two were just casually dating, he acted like he owned you."
I nod, a sour taste in my mouth at the memory. "Yeah, he didn't like me making my own decisions. Hated it, in fact.”
"And after you finally broke up with him," Jenna continues, her voice laced with concern, "he wouldn't leave you alone. He started showing up everywhere you went. It was like he couldn’t stand losing control over you. Remember how he would just 'coincidentally' appear at all those places you liked to hang out or study?"
I nod, the memories vivid and unsettling. "Yeah, I remember," I say, a shiver running down my spine. "It was more than just coincidence. It felt like he was stalking me." The recollection of that time brings back a flood of unease. "There were moments when it genuinely scared me. I never knew when or where he'd turn up next."
Jenna's expression turns dark, her eyes hardening. "That's beyond creepy, Isabella. It's terrifying. He was trying to intimidate you, to keep you under his thumb even after you’d ended things."
Her words hit home, echoing the fear and anxiety I had felt back then. "Exactly," I agree, feeling a renewed sense of apprehension at Jason's sudden re-emergence in my life.
Jenna's expression hardens. "And then at the formal, when you went with that guy Mark from econ, Jason showed up out of the blue. He made such a scene that you had to leave early. He always had to have things his way, didn't he?"
"Yeah, he did," I say, the unpleasant memories bubbling to the surface. "It was like he couldn't stand the thought of me being happy without him.”
The memory, long buried under years of other college memories, resurfaces with a clarity that stings. Jenna's right. Jason had always been possessive, his charming facade barely concealing a need for control.
Jenna reaches across the table, her hand covering mine, her expression serious. "Be careful, Isabella. People like him don't change easily. What does he want with the StarPucks, anyway? It’s not like him to just randomly invest in something without a motive."
I shrug, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. "He's an investor now. Wants to be involved in the training camp with the Blades. It seems like a great opportunity for the team, but with Jason... I can’t help but be wary."
Jenna’s grip on my hand tightens. “You think he’s trying to get back into your life? To regain some sort of control?”
The thought had crossed my mind more times than I cared to admit. “Maybe,” I admit reluctantly. “He always had a way of making everything about him, about his control. This sudden interest in hockey, in something I’m so invested in... it feels like more than a coincidence.”
Jenna nods, her brows furrowed in thought. “It does seem suspicious. And with this whole fake engagement with Dom, he might be trying to stir up trouble, make things difficult for you.”
A pang of anxiety hits me at the thought. “I wouldn’t put it past him. He always did have a knack for showing up and turning my life upside down.”
Jenna's eyes are filled with determination. “Well, we won’t let him this time. You’re not alone in this, Isabella. You’ve got Dom, and you’ve got me. We’re your team, and we’ll handle whatever Jason throws your way.”
Her words bolster my spirits, and I manage a small smile, grateful for her support. “Thanks, Jen. Knowing I have you and the team... it means a lot. I’ll be careful. I promise.”
Jenna squeezes my hand reassuringly. “Just keep an eye out, okay? And don’t hesitate to lean on us. Whatever his angle is, we’ll figure it out. And we’ll make sure he doesn’t get the chance to play any of his old games.”
As I nod, a sense of resolve settles within me. Jenna’s right. With her, Dom, and my team behind me, I can face whatever Jason might be planning. We’ll be ready for him.
Our conversation, deep in the dissecting of my complicated past with Jason, is abruptly interrupted by the familiar chime of my phone. Glancing down, I see a message from Dom flashing across the screen.
Reminder: Tonight's the big move-in night. Don't forget to bring an overnight bag, it reads, punctuated with that infuriatingly charming wink emoji.
Jenna, ever the inquisitive one, leans in with raised eyebrows. "So, how's the cohabitation going to work with Mr. Hockey Hotshot?"
I let out a sigh, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Dom's Dom," I say, a touch of resignation in my voice. "He can be a bit pig-headed, but he has his moments. It's all part of the show."
Jenna's gaze drops to the ostentatious ring on my finger. "I'll say," she comments, a playful edge to her voice. "That rock is quite the moment."
I glance down at the ring, its size and sparkle completely opposite to my taste. "Yeah, well, it's not exactly what I would have picked for myself," I admit with a shrug.
As we wrap up our evening, Jenna stands, throwing in a cheeky comment as we part ways. "Just remember, Izzy, keep it strictly professional. No 'method acting' with your fake fiancé," she winks, her tone teasing but with an undercurrent of genuine advice.
I laugh, the sound light and genuine. "Trust me, Jenna, the last thing I need is to complicate this charade any further."
