Page 48 of Pucking My Bad Boy Boss
I maintain my composure. "Sounds like you've been busy," I say, keeping my voice neutral, trying to turn the subject away from Dom.
Jason leans forward, his intense gaze trying to unnerve me. “Very busy, I see. But you know, Isabella, I’ve been keeping an eye on your career too, even before the StarPucks. What you’ve achieved is nothing short of impressive.”
He lists off my accomplishments with a tone that's a bit too familiar for comfort. “Your time with the Silver Blades, for instance. You were the youngest person to ever be appointed as their Strategy Manager. And then there’s the record-breaking sponsorship deal you negotiated with PowerAde. It was the talk of the league.”
He pauses, a sly smirk forming. “Not to mention, you were the first woman to lead a major team to the national playoffs. Quite the trailblazer, Isabella. It’s impressive, your knack for making history.”
His words, intended as compliments, feel more like an invasion, a reminder of his tendency to keep tabs on me. His close watch on my career, especially my milestones and breakthroughs, leaves me feeling exposed, a bit too seen. I shift uncomfortably, reminded once again of Jason's need to always be in the know, to hold some kind of edge.
His sudden shift to acknowledging my accomplishments does little to soften the blow of his earlier bragging. It feels more like a calculated move than genuine praise.
I nod, not giving away much. "Thanks, Jason. We all find our paths."
"It’s been quite the ride since our college days, Bella," he says, leaning back with a self-satisfied smile. "You must feel a bit silly for not sticking with me, considering where I've ended up."
His arrogance irks me, and I can't help but scoff. "Silly? Hardly," I reply, my tone laced with disdain. "I've never wanted to be a 'kept woman,' Jason, a concept you could never wrap your head around. I’ve always been about my independence, my career."
As Jason's prying eyes continue to unsettle me, I casually hold up my hand, displaying the engagement ring Dom gave me. "Besides, I'm taken now," I say, tilting my hand so the diamond catches the light.
Jason's reaction is immediate, a mix of feigned surprise and a knowing smirk. "Ah, the engagement," he says, his tone dripping with something akin to amusement. "How could I forget? Dom Steele's grand proposal has been the talk of the town. Quite the spectacle he put on for you."
That creeping unease intensifies within me. It's clear that Jason is more than just passingly aware of my life's recent developments. The realization that he's been keeping such close tabs on me, following not just my career moves but my personal life as well, sends a shiver down my spine.
“You’re starting to sound like my biographer.”
Orstalker. But I keep that comment to myself.
"It's hard to miss such news, especially when it's splashed all over the media. You and Dom are quite the hot topic these days," he adds with a nonchalant shrug.
He snorts at this, offering a wry congratulation. "Dom Steele, huh? He’s quite a step away from your usual type. I’ve heard he’s trying to play the big business tycoon to make up for his crashed NHL dreams."
I feel my patience starting to fray at his provocations. "Jason, if you're here just to insult me and Dom, you can show yourself out," I say, my voice firm, masking the irritation boiling inside me.
“Easy, Bella.” Unfazed, he stands, his smirk unwavering. "Just wanted you to know I'm looking forward to the training camp this weekend."
His words catch me off guard. "You're going to be there?" I ask, a mix of surprise and dismay coloring my tone.
"Of course," he replies with a nonchalant shrug. "It’s my money, after all. I like to keep an eye on my investments, make sure they're paying off."
The implication hangs in the air—the training camp, a venture I'm deeply involved in, is now under his scrutiny. It's unsettling, to say the least.
As he turns to leave, the smugness in his step is palpable. "See you at the camp, Isabella. It's going to be an interesting weekend."
The door closes behind him, and I'm left alone in my office, the weight of his visit settling over me like a dark cloud. The upcoming weekend, meant to be a step forward for the StarPucks, now feels like a minefield I'll have to navigate. Dom, our fake engagement, and now Jason - each element adding complexity and tension to an already challenging situation.
I lean back in my chair, a heavy sigh escaping me. The training camp was supposed to be a highlight, a chance for professional growth and team building. Now, with Jason's involvement and his unsettling presence, it feels more like a chess game, one where I need to be careful with every move I make.
22
Dom
THREE DAYS LATER
Themorninglightfiltersthrough the blinds of our shared apartment, casting a warm glow over the kitchen. I'm already up, coffee in hand, as Isabella strolls in, her hair pulled back in a casual ponytail. She still looks amazing, even in her pajamas and with sleep in her eyes.
"Morning," I greet her, my voice carrying a hint of the night before—a whirlwind evening of dodging paparazzi and smiling for the cameras.
She grumbles something that sounds like a greeting, reaching for her mug. "I can't believe how much attention we're getting," she says, scrolling through her phone. Her tone is a mix of awe and annoyance.
