Jackass Boss [COMPLETED]

Confrontation

JESSY POV

I watched them walk away from me, my heart sinking deeper with every step. Jay's face was unreadable, but the discomfort in his expression hit me harder than I expected. He hadn't planned to see me here—especially not with Julissa beside him.

The way he looked at me... like I was a stranger. No—worse. As if I was a wound he'd rather forget. Once, I was someone he loved fiercely. Now, I was just someone who'd hurt him.

Jay, I never wanted to cause you pain. But somehow, all that love turned into hurt. The hurt grew into fear, and that fear twisted into hate—strong enough to break us. Maybe that's the only way powerful love ends. With something just as strong. Hate builds walls where love once lived... walls meant to protect what's left of us.

The bell above the door jingled again, pulling me back into the present. Orders were coming in like a storm—mostly from my loyal regulars. I was overwhelmed, and short on hands. I had to flip the "Closed" sign just to keep up.

After wrapping up two dozen pancakes, I started prepping another dozen. I reached for the flour, but it slipped from my grasp, spilling all over me in a white cloud.

"Damn it..."

Resigned, I set the batter aside and trudged upstairs for a quick shower. Just as I finished, the doorbell rang—again, and again. I assumed it was a customer, so I threw on the first thing I found: an oversized white shirt. I rushed down, barefoot and slightly flustered.

Big mistake.

Parker stood at the door, eyes crawling over me like oil slick. His expression was full of smug mischief.

Ugh. Regret immediately gnawed at me for choosing this outfit.

"What's up?" I asked, keeping my tone clipped.

"Hey... you look—amazing," he said with a smirk that made my skin crawl.

"I'm busy, Mr. Parker. Can you just tell me what you need?"

"My father asked about the rent," he replied, his tone suggestive. "But... we can always make it free of charge. If you're willing to be a little... flexible."

"No, thank you. I have your money." I stepped inside and went to the kitchen drawer.

When I turned back around—he was already inside. Standing far too close.

"W–what the hell?"

"Oh... sorry," he said smoothly. "I just wanted to make sure you're safe. You know, I get worried..."

His cynical smile twisted my stomach. I forced my voice to stay firm. "Here's the rent." I held out the envelope. "Now please leave. I have work to do."

He took the money—but not without brushing his fingers against mine, intentionally. I recoiled instantly.

"You're so beautiful," he murmured, stepping closer.

"Leave," I said coldly, my voice like ice.

He chuckled, unbothered. "Feisty. I like that." He turned to leave but glanced back one last time. "One day... you'll be mine."

I slammed the door before he could say another word.

Relief washed over me, but it was fleeting.

The bell rang again.

God, he's persistent.

Grabbing the nearest broom, I stormed toward the door, ready to teach him a lesson.

"How many times do I have to tell you I'm not interested?!" I snapped, yanking the door open—

And froze.