Jackass Boss [COMPLETED]

Reunion

NO POV

"Let's call it off for today," Jay said calmly, his sharp gaze scanning the construction site, the golden hues of the evening sun casting long shadows over the steel beams.

"Yeah," Dev agreed with a nod, wiping sweat from his brow.

"While we're here, let's check out the cable cars!" Elina chimed in, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"I heard it's a must-do here," Justin, the senior executive, added, visibly intrigued.

"You guys go ahead without me," Jay cut in abruptly. "I'm not interested."

Dev sighed, exchanging a look with the others. They knew not to push him when he was in one of his moods. Without another word, the group left, laughter echoing behind them.

Isabel lingered behind. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Jay walking away in the opposite direction. Without a second thought, she turned and followed him.

He slipped quietly into a bar nearby, sitting alone with a half-empty glass in front of him, the dim lighting casting shadows over his tired expression.

"You okay?" Isabel asked softly, taking the stool beside him.

Jay glanced at her, surprised. "Didn't you go with the others?"

"Nope. Didn't feel like it," she shrugged, her eyes fixed on him. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Do you... blame me? For everything that happened?" Her voice was small but steady. Jay turned to her, brows slightly furrowed.

"Tell me honestly, Jay," she pressed, her voice thick with emotion. "It's okay... I can take it. But I can't—" her voice cracked, her hand gripping her own wrist tightly. "I can't keep watching you like this. Like I'm the reason you're falling apart. I'm leaving, Jay. I'm sorry. I can't do this anymore."

She stood, her tears falling freely as she turned to go—but suddenly, Jay reached out and gently caught her wrist.

"Wait," he said, his voice low. She stopped, stunned, her back still to him.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair before speaking again. "You know... you're a feisty girl," he said with a faint smile—half affection, half exasperation.

Isabel turned slowly, her eyes searching his. "Then why do you keep pushing me away?"

Jay looked at her for a long moment. "Because I didn't mean for any of this to happen. That kiss at the party..." He trailed off, the guilt flickering in his eyes. "It was an accident. I was drunk. Caught in the moment."

Her breath hitched, hope flickering briefly. "But... you kissed me. Doesn't that mean something?"

Jay shook his head softly, the regret written all over his face. "It meant I made a mistake. I didn't mean to lead you on, Isabel. I wasn't thinking clearly that night. I'm sorry."

She took a trembling step closer. "But... what if it wasn't a mistake? What if we tried—?"

Before she could finish, she leaned in and brushed her lips against his.

From outside, Andrew stepped in, having come looking for Jay after Dev mentioned where he'd gone. His feet froze at the sight before him.

And then—Jessy.

She stood quietly in the doorway, her eyes on Jay and Isabel. No tears. No outburst. Just a calm, quiet smile as she turned and walked away.

But Jay stiffened with Isabella's action. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders and pulled back, breaking the kiss before it could deepen.