Page 38 of Pucking My Off-Limits Billionaire Boss
I pause, weighing my options. The idea of maintaining this facade is daunting, yet the strategic advantage it presents is undeniable. "Let's do it," I finally say, my decision made. "For now, at least. We'll see how it plays out."
Jake gives me a grateful smile. "Thanks, Luce. I know it's not ideal, but it could be what we need to keep Andrew at bay."
Jake watches me across the table, his eyes kind. "You… don’t have to tell me anything about Andrew, you know. If you’re not comfortable." His words imply more than just the past; they hint at our current ruse as well.
His words are a lifeline, an offer of an out. But as I look at him, something in me shifts. He shared his past with me, opened up about Alyssa and Carter. It's only fair I do the same, including my thoughts on our pretend relationship. "No, it's okay," I say, my voice stronger now. "I want to tell you. You were honest with me, and you deserve the same."
I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. My words start slowly, but soon they're flowing like a dam that's been broken. "Andrew and I, we met in Seattle," I begin, my gaze fixed on a spot just past Jake's shoulder. "He was charming, confident... the kind of guy who knew how to sweep a girl off her feet."
Jake's expression is attentive, encouraging, his eyes never leaving mine. It gives me the courage to continue. "At first, everything was great. He was supportive of Mocha Memoirs, always there with a word of advice. But then, things started to change." My voice catches slightly, but I push through. "He became possessive, controlling. It wasn't just about being in a relationship; it felt like he wanted to own me, my time, my dreams."
I pause, gathering my thoughts. It's strange, laying bare a part of my life I'd kept so closely guarded. But with Jake, it feels right, like I'm not just recounting a painful chapter, but also closing it.
"Eventually, I realized I was losing myself, becoming someone I didn't recognize, didn't like. That's when I knew I had to end it." I meet Jake's gaze now, finding strength in his silent support. "But he didn't take it well. Andrew doesn’t like not getting his way. He's used to controlling everything, and I guess... I guess he still thinks he can control me."
The words hang in the air between us, a testament to a past I'm still trying to move beyond. Jake reaches across the table, his hand covering mine. It's a simple gesture, but it speaks volumes. There's no pity in his touch, just understanding, a silent promise of support.
"It's hard," I admit, the words barely a whisper. "Sometimes, I feel like he's still there, lurking in the shadows. But I'm trying to move forward, to rebuild."
Jake squeezes my hand gently. "You're doing more than trying. You're succeeding. You're one of the strongest people I know." His voice is firm, leaving no room for doubt.
I can't help the smile that breaks through. It's a smile of relief, of gratitude. "Thanks, Jake. It means a lot, hearing that from you."
He reaches across the table and takes hold of my hand. His touch warms me, calms me. But even still, a shadow of doubt crosses my mind. Andrew's unexpected visit has opened a door to a past I thought I had closed. And now, with our pretend relationship, I can't help but wonder if the troubles with Andrew are far from over, and what this façade with Jake means for us.
20
Jake
Istridethroughthebuzz of construction at Cedarwood Tavern and Mocha Memoirs, satisfaction swelling in my chest with each step. The symphony of hammers and saws, mixed with the occasional shout from the crew, weaves a rhythm of progress and promise. I pause to appreciate the scene—it's coming together better than I ever imagined.
As I move along, sharing nods and light banter with the workers, my eyes find Lucy. She’s deep in conversation with a contractor, her animated gestures painting the air. Our gazes lock across the site, a silent exchange that sends a thrill through me. The connection we've rekindled, both real and pretend, complex and electrifying, is something I hadn't dared hope for.
Lost in these thoughts, I'm snapped back to reality by the arrival of an inspector. Clipboard in hand, he steps onto the site with a seriousness that immediately sets off alarm bells in my head. "Morning," I call out, offering a handshake that he ignores. "Didn't expect an inspection today. Is there a problem?"
His reply is curt, his eyes skimming his clipboard. "Several issues have come up." I frown, confusion mixing with a growing sense of unease. This feels like Andrew's doing, an attempt to sabotage not just our project but also our relationship.
"Wait, these weren't flagged before. What's changed?" I press, trying to keep my voice steady. The inspector barely glances at me, his focus on his clipboard. "You've got a list of violations here. Electrical wiring not up to code, safety hazards in the work area, structural inconsistencies," he rattles off in a monotone.
I frown, my confusion growing. "That's odd. We followed the guidelines to the letter. Can you show me exactly what you're talking about?" As the inspector methodically points out each supposed violation, my frustration mounts. I watch helplessly as he jots down notes on his clipboard, his demeanor impassive, unaffected by the urgency of our situation. "Look, this wiring was installed by certified electricians. And these safety hazards, they're standard construction elements," I protest, my voice edged with irritation.
The inspector looks up from his clipboard, his expression unmoved. "I'm just doing my job, Mr. Rogers," he says in a tone that's as flat as the list of violations he's compiling. "These are the issues I've found. You'll get a full report.” His words hang in the air like a bad omen.
I glance over at Lucy, who's been silently observing the exchange. Her face is a mask of concern, her eyes searching mine for a plan, a solution. I feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on me. This project isn't just mine; it's ours, and I can't let Andrew's underhanded tactics derail us, nor can I allow our fabricated relationship to crumble under his attacks.
As the inspector turns to leave, his parting words are like a final nail in the coffin. "Construction needs to shut down until these issues are addressed. I'll send the official notice." As he walks away, promising a detailed report, my mind races. This isn't adding up, and a nagging suspicion creeps in—Andrew. It's got his fingerprints all over it.
"Jake, what did he say? Are we in trouble?" Lucy's voice cuts through my thoughts, tinged with worry.
I meet her gaze, a resolve settling in. "Don't worry, Lucy. This smells like Andrew's doing. He won't get away with it."
Her eyes widen slightly, a mix of concern and anger flashing in them. "Andrew? But how... why would he...?"
I shake my head, anger simmering. "He's playing dirty, trying to mess with us. But I won't let him. Not with this project, not with what we're building here, not with our pretend relationship that's slowly turning into something neither of us expected."
Lucy nods, her expression hardening. "We can't let him derail us. What's our move?"
I pull out my phone, ready for action. "I'm going to make some calls. We'll get to the bottom of this. Andrew thinks he can push us around, but he's about to find out he picked the wrong fight."
