PUCK (A BAD BOY HOCKEY ROMANCE) (8 page)

Why is she harassing me? I’m not a confrontational person, but it’s taking everything I have to hold my tongue and be the bigger woman.

“Well, it’s yours now,” I sneer, turning my attention back to the tray.

Amanda places the chocolate on the table, but maintains her position across from me.

“He’s out of your league, you know,” she informs me.

“What?” I ask, not really sure what she’s talking about.

“Puck. I saw you staring at him just a few minutes ago,” she explains, “I just don’t want you to get your hopes up.”

Is this bitch kidding me?
I already decided I was over Puck when I heard him on the phone with her after leaving me a note, but now I want to fuck him just to spite her. I calm myself before answering, that’s not really how I feel, but she is really grinding on my last nerve.

“I’m not sure what you mean,” I lie, “but he’s all yours.”

“Oh, I know, hon,” Amanda says smugly, “I just didn’t want you thinking you had a chance. You’re not his type,” she finishes, looking me up and down.

I can’t help myself anymore, “if I wanted him, I would have had him already,” I answer, matching her bitchy tone, “but like I said, he’s all yours.”

Amanda gives a short, sly, laugh, mocking my statement.

“I’d love to chat some more, but I have a lot to do. If you don’t mind, would you please get the fuck out of my kitchen?” So much for keeping my cool.

“Sure, hon,” she leers at me, “I was just about to leave anyway. I’m sure I’m missed inside the party right now.”

Amanda struts back into the pavilion. I have honestly never met such a raging bitch. I don’t know who or what gave her the impression that I want to be with Puck - I certainly didn’t. She laid her claim on him the first time we met. I’m fuming right now. Who is she to speak to me like that? She didn’t even flinch when I responded or told her to ‘get the fuck out of my kitchen’.

I place the last of the chocolate cups on the tray and begin pacing, looking for something to do to get my mind off the scene that just occurred. I’m seriously considering quitting this job. I don’t think working for Puck is going very well at this point, and if I have to deal with Amanda for another minute, it is a definite deal breaker. There is too much stress for me here. Catering this party was a breeze compared to the emotional turmoil I have continued to experience since I was hired.

“Dani!” my father’s voice bellows from behind me, thankfully breaking my train of thought, “you never cease to amaze me,” he places his hands on my shoulders as he speaks and kisses me on the cheek.

“Come on, dad,” I reply, “you’re my father, what else would you say?”

“Relations aside, that meal was phenomenal,” he assures me, “I truly mean it.”

“He really does, Dan,” Joanne adds, “he’s been bragging about you all night.”

“Thank you,” I reply, rolling my eyes and feeling like a little kid.

“We’ve raised some great kids,” dad says fondly. He places his arm around Joanne’s waist, “and here comes the other one.”

My heart stops. I do not want to see Puck right now.

“Can you excuse me?” I say quickly, “I need to get something from inside. I’ll be back in a few.”

I briskly walk away before they have a chance to ask any questions. Amanda really got my blood boiling and I don’t want to confront Puck about it. I usually don’t play into jealousy and games. He is apparently trying to play us both, and she is trying to make her place in his life very clear. I don’t have the time or patience for this.

I wish I didn’t have a long night of cleaning and breaking down the kitchen ahead of me. I just want to sneak out to my car, leave, and never come back. Unfortunately, that’s not an option. I step inside and look around. There are a couple of employees milling about, but otherwise the house appears to be empty. I’m not sure what to pretend to be doing in here, so I decide to kill a few minutes in the guest bathroom again so I can at least be alone.

I look at myself and wish I had another change of clothing - especially after mentally comparing myself to Amanda. I know I would look just as beautiful if I was in formal wear as opposed to my work clothes, but I’m not in the right frame of mind to start that kind of reasoning. I force myself to stop thinking about her and absent-mindedly wash myself up and try to look a little more presentable before exiting the restroom.

Puck is standing just outside the door when I step out.
Fuck.

“Hey, baby,” he greets me with a huge smile on his face, “you were outstanding tonight. Everyone was raving about the food - about you.”

He begins walking toward me. Before I have a chance to stop him, Puck hugs me, pulling me close into an embrace. My entire body stiffens and I leave my arms hanging at my side. He backs away just enough to see my face.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy? The entire night went off without a hitch and you are now a culinary star,” he says, searching my face for a smile.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, very,” he answers confused, “did I miss something? I thought everything was perfect.”

“I’m sure you did,” I reply, “I have a lot left to do before I leave. I can’t talk about this right now.”

“Dani, please,” Puck begs, but I’m already storming off.

I don’t like being vague, but I’m not ready to confront him at the moment. I’ve been on a rollercoaster of emotions today - in addition to pulling off this event. Between his note this morning, the overheard phone call, Peter’s story, and Amanda’s warnings, I don’t know what the fuck is going on anymore. I need to finish and put an end to this day, go home, and get a good night’s sleep. When I have a clear head, I’ll decide what to do.

I notice my father and Joanne strolling toward me along the path and put on a cheerful face. They don’t need to know anything about what’s going on, not right now anyway.

“You guys leaving?” I ask pleasantly.

“We are,” Joanne replies, “we were just coming in to say good night. It’s late for us old folks.”

I chuckle politely, “I’m glad you were here. It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to cook for you.”

“And you did a stellar job, sweetie,” my father complements, “I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks, dad,” I hug him good night, “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

Joanne embraces me next, “are you okay?” she whispers, intuitively picking up on my mood.

“Yes, just exhausted.”

“I’m sure you’ll sleep well after all the hard work you’ve done today,” she declares, “let’s plan a day together soon. It’s been too long.”

“Definitely,” I promise.

We kiss good night and I watch them amble off together before making my own way back down to the kitchen. Steven is leaning against one of the tables with a small plate in his hands.

“Hey, I haven’t seen you all night,” I say to Steven, “everything was incredible. You did such a good job putting this all together.”

He looks up from his plate, “I’ve been running all over the place. This is the first chance I’ve had to relax and eat some of the delicious food I’ve been hearing so much about all night,” he smiles at me and takes a forkful into his mouth, “even leftover, it’s fantastic.”

“Thanks,” I reply, “my parents told me the same, but they’re a little biased.”

“They’re right. I really underestimated you. Puck was right, I’m glad he insisted on having you run the show.”

Hearing Puck’s name and being reminded of his confidence in me when everyone else doubted me, tugs on my heartstrings. My next thought is of what a player and straight up asshole he’s been since then. Why does this have to be so difficult? One minute I’m forgiving him and the next, I’m hating him. I need to get myself out of this situation.

“I’m glad you came around. Can I interest you in some dessert?” I offer Steven.

“No, thanks. I need to go tie up some loose ends for the night. I’m so glad this is over. What a headache it’s been putting everything together,” he scrapes the last bite from his plate, “Puck thinks it’s so easy, but he doesn’t understand the half of it. He’s been promoting you just as much as his own cause tonight. He should be careful or one of those rich assholes is going to try and snatch you up,” Steven jokes, “not like he would ever let that happen.”

“I don’t know, maybe it would be best that way anyway,” I wonder out loud.

“Don’t kid yourself, Dani,” he replies, “I have to go or I’m never getting out of here tonight.”

“Have a good night, Steven. You did an amazing job tonight.”

“Thanks, Dani, you too. Enjoy your day off tomorrow, I know I will.”

He flashes a polite smile before leaving to tend to his business. I think about Steven’s vague comment. What does he mean that I’m kidding myself? Does he know something I don’t know, or am I reading too much into it?

I look around and the kitchen is almost completely clean. My staff has been working diligently getting everything done so they can go home. I’m so thankful. I just want to get out of here. I begin helping to pick up what’s left of the mess and put it in order to return each to the appropriate rental company. I separate whatever is leftover so the staff can each take some food home. I make up a couple of containers to leave in the refrigerator here for tomorrow since I won’t be here and have someone else run it up to the house. I don’t want to risk running into Puck again.

In a short time, we are all finished. I thank everyone again and the last of us walk out together. The valet had put all of the staff’s cars in the same area and I’m glad we are leaving the house in a group. I don’t know how I’m going to come back here and work in a couple of days. There is no way to work for Puck in his home and avoid him at the same time. We say our good byes, and everyone heads off in their own direction.

P
UCK

I
’m so confused
. What is going on with Dani? We had such a great night together and I’ve looked forward to seeing her ever since. She can’t think that was a mistake - there is no reason for her to.

The fundraiser was a huge success, and she played a big part in that. I was so proud hearing everyone talk about how great a job the chef did. They loved the decor and the band, and I’m sure other things, but most importantly, Dani. I assumed after everyone else left, the two of us were going to celebrate the success of the fundraiser and her big culinary debut. I don’t know what I did wrong.

Dani is such a down to earth kind of girl. I don’t think she’s the kind of person who would try to find fault where there is none. I wish I knew what I did. I waited so long to have her back in my life, I can’t lose her again.

D
ANI

I
’m exhausted - mentally
and physically. My body needs some serious rest; I just need my brain to cooperate. As I lie in bed, my head is racing with thoughts. Puck is paying me a very nice salary, but no money is worth this kind of aggravation. I hope Steven was right earlier, maybe some rich asshole will try and snatch me up. I will gladly accept.

Hearing Peter’s story shed so much light on who Puck really is and how he decided to change for the better. I really thought he had - and maybe he has - but not when it comes to women. Just because he wants to help children, just because he gives his time and money to make at least some of their lives better, doesn’t mean he’s a stand up guy when it comes to his personal relationships.

I don’t know why I decided to trust Puck after all these years of thinking he’s an asshole. Obviously my original impression was the right one. How can he think that I can work inside of his home and never find out that him and Amanda have a ‘thing’? Especially when she’s making such a point to make it known? Does he really think I’m that naive?

My last thoughts as I finally drift off to sleep are that Amanda can have Puck, I don’t want him. I’m also going to start looking for a new job. I don’t want anything to do with him. I’m glad we got to talk and clear the air after all these years. I don’t hate him for what happened in the past anymore, but I don’t need to be a part of his present or future either.

_________

I don’t wake up until after eleven the next morning. I can’t remember the last time I slept so late, but I’m glad, I needed it. I stay in bed for a while before deciding to get up and make coffee and something to eat. I turn on the television for some background noise and sit at the table. I don’t get the newspaper anymore, so I resolve to just scroll through my phone to waste some time. I think I need to do something mindless for a little while anyway.

I see I have a few missed calls and a couple of voicemails. I recognize one of the numbers as Joanne’s, but the other is unfamiliar. I press the button to play them back.

I grin at the sound of Joanne’s voice. She had called to tell me what a great job I did last night and how happy she is that Puck and I are working together. She hasn't wanted to bring attention to it, but she’s truly ‘thrilled’ to finally have Puck and I on good terms. My smile fades by the end of the message. It might be more difficult to break the news to her than Puck.

The next voicemail takes me by surprise. It’s from a woman, MacKenzie, she’s Tom Maloney’s personal assistant. I don’t recall the name, but apparently he attended Puck’s event last night and is very interested in speaking with me about a position as his corporate chef. MacKenzie would like to speak with me as soon as possible.

I’m flattered and shocked. It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours and I have a potential job offer. Perhaps this is a sign that leaving Puck is a good idea. Steven was right after all, all of Puck’s praise may have been a push for some ‘rich asshole’ to snatch me up - or should I say some
other
rich asshole?

I don’t have to think long about what to do. This may be my chance to get out of there without the hassle of going out and finding something on my own. Opportunity is knocking, and I will gladly answer the door.

I finish my coffee and the little bit of food I made. I shower and get dressed before I return MacKenzie’s call. For some reason I feel the need to be dressed and ready when I speak to her. I lean against the kitchen counter and dial her number. She answers on the second ring.

“This is MacKenzie,” she greets me.

“Hi MacKenzie, this is Dani Quinn. I’m returning your call,” I reply with enthusiasm.

“Thanks for getting back to me so promptly,” she answers in a cordial, business-like tone, “Mr. Maloney called me first thing this morning requesting that I contact you. He figured after last night, there would be quite a few people reaching out to you, and he wanted to be first.”

“Well, you are - he is,” I reply with a nervous chuckle.

“Excellent. Are you familiar with Mr. Maloney at all?” she asks.

I’m suddenly embarrassed. I didn’t do any research whatsoever before calling her back. I have no idea who he is.

“I’m sorry. His name rings a bell, but I’m not sure what he does. I didn’t want to ask my current employer any information since this is regarding a possible career shift,” I say, trying to recover from my mistake.

“That’s okay, “she explains, “Mr. Maloney is one of three partners in the largest law firm in the state, Maloney, Winn, and Harvey.”

I immediately recognize the name. Their huge glass building is a landmark in the city. Their names are everywhere - billboards, magazines, television - everywhere.

“They have been looking for an executive chef for their office. The current chef is leaving and needs to be replaced ASAP,” she continues to explain, “it’s a prominent position with a lot of responsibility. To put it simply, you would be in charge of corporate dining on a daily basis, but also putting together meals and menus for meetings and events.”

My ego is bursting with pride. I knew I would get some recognition from last night, but I honestly was not expecting anything like this.

“Wow,” is my first response, “I haven’t worked in that capacity before,” I finish. That might be a terrible response to a proposal like that, but at least it’s honest.

“I understand that, and obviously there’s a lot to consider - on both ends - but Mr. Maloney would at least like a chance to speak in person about it,” she advises.

“Sure. I’d like a chance to meet him and discuss the position in more detail.”

“Excellent. He has some availability mid-week. I will see if the other partners can clear their schedules at the same time so you can all be on the same page. They are going to want to meet you as well,” MacKenzie explains.

“That would be great. I’ll try to make myself available at their convenience,” I offer.

“Thanks. And, Dani, please don’t consider any other offers before at least speaking with us.”

“Of course not,” I respond. Wow, they must really think I’m in high demand.

We share a few more details before ending the call and exchange some more information. I promise to email her as soon as I get the okay for a day and time I can take off this week.

This could be the opportunity of a life time. I never asked MacKenzie how she got my number, but I’m aware that good personal assistants get their positions by knowing how to do those kinds of things. It really doesn’t matter. I’m not one hundred percent confident that I can manage the kind of position they’re offering, but I’m willing to hear them out. From the sound of it, they won’t be the only ones calling anyway. I may have more options coming my way. Things are already looking better.

I spend the rest of the morning lazing around and enjoying some much needed peace and quiet. I didn’t realize how much I’ve been neglecting my own home since working in Puck’s. I take the afternoon to tidy up, do laundry, and get some food shopping done. I pick up some take out for dinner while I’m out, enjoying the chance to have someone else cook for me, and eat on my couch while watching some television.

I see a commercial for Maloney, Winn, and Harvey while I’m eating and remember my conversation this morning. I’m really looking forward to a new opportunity. Just being away from Puck today, I feel so much less tension already. It’s not the actual job that stresses me out - it’s him. I hope I get the chance to find something new fairly quickly. The sooner I get out of there, the better off we will all be. _________

DANI

I
’m not exactly
happy going back to work at Puck’s after a couple of days off, but knowing I have a serious interview with Tom Maloney at the end of the week gives me enough hope to get by. If Puck isn’t around today, that will make things even more tolerable. I haven’t seen him since the night of the party, and I don’t care to. I don’t like confrontation, and at this point, I don’t see a need to discuss things any further.

I know who he is now - a player. A player of hockey and a player of women, but he will not be playing me - not this time anyway. Let the world think he is a great guy, let Amanda have him and his bullshit, I have better things to do with my time. At least I hope to soon.

I look for Puck’s truck when I pull in and I’m relieved to see it’s not there. If I’m lucky, he won’t be home until after I’m gone for the day. For all I know, he’s trying to avoid me as much as I’m trying to avoid him.

The day is uneventful. I cook mostly for the staff and make some extra food and snacks to leave in the refrigerator. As much as I was hoping not to see Puck, I find myself wishing I did at the end of the day. How could I spend the last few days thinking about what an asshole he is, and then miss him when he’s not around? I can’t let him get in my head again. I just have to get out of here.

I finish up for the night and pack up to leave. The energy in the house is completely different than it has been in the weeks and days leading up to the party. It’s similar to the post holiday blues, the feeling people get after the holidays are over and the new year has begun. I’m sure we will pick back up and get into the normal swing in no time, but for now, everything seems to be much less exciting.

I go home feeling slightly defeated and disappointed in myself. I can’t start missing Puck when he’s not around. He’s proved to be the same asshole he always was, and I don’t want to play his games. I’m not a kid anymore. I’m a woman, a smart one at that, and I’m not gong to let one night of nice words and promises cloud my judgment.

______

As I approach the house again in the morning, Puck’s truck is parked outside. I swallow hard. Of course it’s inevitable that we see each other, this is his home, but I was somehow hoping to avoid him forever. There is a small part of me that’s looking forward to seeing him, but I have to forget about that. I’m not going to let him get inside my head any more than he has.

I take a moment to summon some extra strength before entering the house. I need to be on top of my game again - like I was when I started working here.

I hesitantly make my way to the kitchen, trying to enter unnoticed. I quietly say hello to Marla who’s busy at work and luckily not looking to have a conversation right now. I put my things down and immediately get to my own job. I need to stay busy and keep my mind off of Puck. He’s in here somewhere, but if he doesn’t want to confront me, he can easily stay out of my way.

Breakfast is underway and the coffee is brewing. I’m concentrating on a new recipe I want to try for lunch and don’t notice Puck is in the kitchen until I turn around. I almost drop the bowl I’m holding when I see him standing at the counter.

He has clearly jut finished a work out. He’s in a similar outfit as the first morning I saw him in here, if you can even call it an ‘outfit’ - shorts, socks, and sneakers. Puck’s skin is tan and the light perspiration is highlighting his chest and arm muscles. He takes a few big swallows from a bottle of water he must have taken from the fridge. A large drop falls on his chest and my eyes follow it down to the hem line of his shorts before I have a chance to stop myself from looking.

He has to be teasing me. I know he’s doing this on purpose. I can’t have a serious conversation with him when he looks like this, and he knows it - or I think he knows it. I could be just making this up in my head because he looks incredibly hot right now. I shake my head as if to get the thoughts that are collecting there, out.

Puck has a smug look on his face, “did you think I wouldn’t find out?”

I look over my shoulder, expecting someone else to be there. We haven’t spoken since the party and I have no idea what he could be referring to.

“What?” I ask, confused.

“Come on, Dani, people talk,” he says bitterly.

“I’m sure they do, but I don’t know what you mean,” I legitimately have no clue what he’s talking about.

“Maloney?” he spurts the name, “you’re going to work for that douchebag?”

I’m taken aback. I never thought he would know anything before I told him. I’m caught completely by surprise, as much by his information as his anger over the issue.

“At least now I know why you left like that the other night,” he adds, taking another sip of water.

“Puck,” I start, not sure where to begin, “it’s only an interview, and it has
nothing
to do with why I was pissed at the party.”

He just looks at me, waiting for me to explain.

I nervously go on, talking to fill the silence, “they didn’t even contact me until the day after the fundraiser. Maloney had nothing to do with my anger.”

“How did they contact you? Who would give them your number?”

“I don’t know. I’m sure they’ll let me know at the interview.”

I suddenly feel like I may have the upper hand here. He’s obviously pissed and upset that I’m thinking of leaving. He’s not aware that I know about him and Amanda. I might as well ‘let the cat out of the bag’ as they say. Let’s get this over with.

“I was angry because you’re an asshole,” I say bluntly.

“Why am I an asshole?” he answers, shocked at my candid accusation.

“Come on, Puck,
baby.
Did you think I would never find out about any other women? About Amanda?”

“
Amanda?
What the fuck are you talking about, Dani?”

He looks genuinely confused. Adrenaline is coursing through my body now. I’ve been holding back, but I don’t want to anymore.

“I’m talking about you and Amanda -
Amanda Adams
,” I accentuate her full name with a tone of disgust. “I’m talking about your ‘late night meeting’, I’m talking about her warning me to stay away,” I say angrily, my voice growing louder, “I’m not a fucking kid anymore, Puck. I don’t need to play games, and you surely don’t intimidate me anymore.”

“There is
nothing
going on between Amanda and I. I can’t even believe you’re accusing me of anything after we had such a great time together,” he says, exasperated, “I thought we cleared the air. I thought we were moving on.”