Jackass Boss [COMPLETED]

Cooking Trial

My heart felt full just watching the scene unfold. When Finlay ran up and hugged Jay, I caught a glimpse of genuine surprise flashing across Jay's face. For a second, he just stood there, stunned. Then, slowly, almost awkwardly, he raised his arms and returned the hug. My fingers reacted faster than my brain—I snapped a quick photo, wanting to capture that rare, heartwarming moment forever.

As the teacher called Finlay back to stand with the other kids, I quietly walked over to Mr. Erickson, who stood a few steps away from the crowd.

"Well, that was weirdly sweet..." I teased, nudging him lightly.

"You forgot the damn coffee," he replied with a long-suffering sigh, rubbing his temple.

I turned to him, blinking in disbelief. "Wait... you came all the way here for coffee?"

"Of course, I did. My headache is killing me, and meanwhile, you're out here playing hooky from work. I should teach you a lesson," he muttered with a smirk curling on his lips.

"God... the irony," I exhaled, rolling my eyes.

"And now... the first prize goes to..." The teacher's voice rang out, building anticipation. "...Finlay Erickson!"

"YAAAY! Fin won!" I shouted, jumping up and down. Overcome with excitement, I grabbed Mr. Erickson's hand and shook it enthusiastically.

"Miss Booby," he growled, eyes narrowing. "I know I'm intimidating, but I'd appreciate it if you could kindly remove your freaking hand."

"Oops—sorry!" I said quickly, biting my lip to hide the flush creeping into my cheeks.

Finlay stepped up to receive his prize. Then, holding the trophy in both hands, he turned to the crowd. His eyes found mine.

"I want to give this to someone who encouraged me to choose this topic," he announced, smiling warmly. "Jessy, this is for you. Thank you."

My heart fluttered. I felt a wave of emotion rush through me. A single tear slid down my cheek... then another... and another. I mouthed thank you back to him, my throat too tight to speak.

Mr. Erickson groaned beside me. "Jeez... crying over something this small?"

Wiping my tears, I turned to him, sniffling. "I don't know why I'm crying. It just hit me all of a sudden."

"Hey, stop crying, damn it. People are staring," he muttered, glancing around uncomfortably.

"I can't help it! He was just too adorable!" I sobbed.

"Jesus..." he muttered—and then, completely out of nowhere, he leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek.

I froze. Eyes wide. Breath hitched.

"There. That stopped the waterworks," he said smugly, smirking.

"Ugh, can you two not do your weird romance thing in public?" Andrew said, passing by with a disgusted look.

"Hey! Who's doing romance here? I don't even want her. Yechhh," Mr. Erickson groaned dramatically.

My mouth dropped. "Excuse me?! What do you mean by yechhh? I'm a clean, desirable woman!"

"Yeah, right..." he said with a mocking smile.

Just then, Finlay ran up to us, trophy in hand.

"I'm starving!" I groaned. "I need to order something to eat."

"No need," Mr. Erickson said casually. "I'm hungry too. Let's go somewhere nearby."

I grinned. "Finally! I was hoping you'd say that."