Page 3 of Pucking My Off-Limits Billionaire Boss
I roll my eyes, but I can't suppress the smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Fine, you've earned it. But just one drink, Rogers. Don't get any ideas."
2
Jake
Walkingawayfromthedance floor, I can't help but grin, replaying the dance-off in my head. Lucy Marks, of all people, had just given me a run for my money. I've got to admit, I didn't see that coming. She's always been fiery, but tonight, she's like a firecracker—full of surprises and twice as explosive.
I find her at the bar, nursing what looks like her third glass of champagne. "You know, Lucy," I begin, leaning casually against the counter, "I always knew you had rhythm, but I didn't realize you were hiding those dance moves. Were you planning on joining a salsa competition I don't know about?"
Lucy turns, her eyes sparkling with that familiar sass. "Please, Jake. I was just trying not to outshine the bride. Someone has to keep their ego in check around here," she retorts, nodding subtly in my direction.
"Oh, come on. You love my ego. Admit it, it adds to my charm," I say with a wink, enjoying the easy back-and-forth we’ve always had, ever since we were kids.
She rolls her eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "In your dreams, Rogers. It's going to take more than a few dance moves and a wink to impress me."
I laugh, taking a sip of my drink. "Is that a challenge, Marks? Because you should know, I never back down from a challenge."
Lucy leans in, her tone playful yet edged with a challenge. "Oh, I know all about your 'challenges,' Jake. Remember the time you tried to outdo me in Mrs. Henderson's English class? How did that end again?"
I feign a pained expression. "Okay, okay, no need to bring up ancient history. Let's focus on the present. Like your big move to LA.”
Her laughter rings out, genuine and unguarded. "Come on—it’s just LA. No big.”
"Just Seattle, she says," I mimic, raising my eyebrows. "You're taking on a new city, opening a new store. That's pretty damn impressive, Lucy."
She shrugs, a hint of vulnerability flashing in her eyes before she covers it with her usual bravado. "Well, someone's got to show the big city how it's done. And who better than me?"
"That's the spirit. And hey, if you need a ruggedly handsome, incredibly charming coffee taster, you know where to find me," I offer with a cheeky grin. “Just hit the Pacific Coast Highway and head down.”
"Ruggedly handsome?" Lucy scoffs, but I can tell she's fighting back a smile. "Keep dreaming, Rogers."
We fall into a comfortable silence, sipping our drinks. I can't help but admire her—Lucy's always been a force to be reckoned with, but tonight, there's something different about her. She's more confident, more radiant. It's captivating.
"So, Lucy," I say, breaking the silence. "Now that you've conquered the dance floor, what's next on your list? World domination?"
She laughs, shaking her head. "For now, I'll settle for conquering Seattle. But who knows? World domination could be next."
I nod, impressed. "Well, when you take over the world, remember the little people. Like me."
"You little? Never," she says, her tone teasing. "You've always been larger than life."
Our eyes meet, and there's a spark—something electric, something that's been simmering under the surface for years. I've always known Lucy Marks was special, but tonight, it's like I'm seeing her for the first time.
The playful edge to our conversation slowly gives way to something more profound, like we're peeling back layers to reveal parts of ourselves that the other hasn't seen. It's strange, this sudden shift in our dynamic, but not unwelcome.
"So, Lucy," I start, my tone less cocky, more contemplative. "Seattle's a big move. You ever get scared, diving into something new like that? God knows I’m a little nervous.”
She looks at me, clearly surprised by the question. "You, nervous? I thought nothing scared you."
I shrug. "Everyone gets scared, Lucy. I may not show it, but yeah, there are things that worry me. Like leaving everything I know behind for LA, starting up my hockey career after putting it on ice for a few years. It's a big step, even for me."
Lucy's expression softens. "I guess we're both jumping into the unknown, aren't we? It's terrifying but exciting. And nice pun, by the way.”
I laugh. "Yeah, the unknown," I agree, feeling an unexpected kinship with her. "But you know, sometimes you've got to take the leap, see where you land."
She nods, her eyes thoughtful. "Exactly. And who knows, maybe we'll both land on our feet."
The conversation drifts to our dreams, our fears, and everything in between.
