The men get back to their conversation and I get back to my own kitchen preparations. I make mental notes of all the ideas popping up already for the fundraiser. I heard some of the prominent names that were dropped when they were talking so not only is this going to be for a good cause, but it will be great exposure for me as well. I have no intention of staying employed with Puck any longer than I have to.
The day goes by uneventfully. I make and serve lunch and dinner to both Puck and Steven and they are very impressed with what I present. Puck does a good job staying out of my way for the majority of the day. Oddly enough, I’m kind of disappointed. I didn’t want him around at all and planned on laying some ground rules out, but not having him present made me want him there. It’s better that he isn’t around at all though - especially with all these ideas forming in my head over the last week.
I spend a lot of my night at home putting some menu ideas together for the event. I already have the next week’s daily meals planned so I have the time now to think about it. My mind keeps wandering despite my attempts to focus on the task at hand.
I’m curious why Puck has such an interest in abused children. I mean I think it’s great that he is so involved, but he sounded so passionate talking to Steven about it. He was even naming some of the children he has met and seemed so touched by all of it. I never knew him to be passionate about anything other than himself so it’s pretty surprising. Joanne has mentioned the charity to me and attended many events with my father, but again, I thought Puck only did it for the press.
I consciously decide to stop thinking about work, since thinking about my job leads to thoughts of Puck. I clean up and get ready for bed. I have to be back at his estate in the morning for day two. I can hardly believe it’s only been one day and I already feel way more invested into this job than I ever imagined I would be. I toss and turn for a while before finally falling asleep.
Chapter 8
DANI
* * *
I work through the next couple of days, getting more comfortable in the kitchen and around the other people that make up Puck’s small army of workers. Steven is Puck’s right hand and basically runs every aspect of his life. There is also a housekeeper, Marla, a maintenance man, and a laundry woman, who I have met so far. I’m responsible to feed the staff as well, but they don’t follow Puck’s dietary restrictions. They put together a cute list of their favorite things so along with whatever I’m making for Puck, I make something for them as well. Steven lets me know which meal he will eat, if any. He seems to survive mostly on coffee.
Puck has continued to stay out of the kitchen, except to eat. I’m not as insulted as I felt the first day but I find myself wishing he was around more. We make some short, small talk but nothing significant. I know he’s busy with practices and training and a lot of public relations things. He seems to have his hands in a little bit of everything. I guess that’s how he’s accumulated such a fortune as a hockey player. Most of them don’t do nearly this well.
On Friday morning, I’m into my now usual routine of starting breakfast and brewing coffee - which I’ve almost mastered. I pour the coffee beans into the top of the contraption and do a silly little victory dance when I hear it percolate.
“Can you do that again?” I hear Puck say from behind me. I blush.
“I didn’t realize you were in here,” I reply.
“Of course you didn’t or you wouldn’t have shaken your ass like that,” he quips, “I’ll have to sneak up on you more often, who knows what I’ll be able to see,” he finishes with a wink.
Puck walks to the fridge and pulls out a bottle of water. Once again he is wearing nothing but a pair of gym shorts. I swallow hard. I’m thankful now that he’s been staying away. Having him around could be dangerous. I feel like a teenager again when I look at him like this. Puck pulls the bottle from his lips and smiles at me.
“Come on, Dani. We lived together for a few years. You should be used to seeing me like this,” he gloats, “I mean I know I’m a wonder to look at and all, but it should be old hat to you.”
“I wasn’t looking,” I lie with lack of anything better to say, “I’ve seen many more men since the days I lived with you. You were only a boy anyway - nothing special.”
“Sure, whatever you say. Just let me know if you want me to cover up for you. I don’t want to distract you from your work,” he continues to provoke me.
“Well, you seem to be feeling good about yourself,” I answer, annoyed as I turn my back to him and stir a sauce I have on the stove. “You’ve barely spoken to me all week and then come at me hard like this today. What’s up?”
“Oh, this isn’t me ‘coming at you hard’ Dani. You will know for sure if that’s happening,” Puck laughs, “I’ve been pretty busy this week and haven’t had time to hang around. Just thought I would give you a laugh.”
“Thanks. You did give me a laugh. You thinking I have any desire to look at you is a fucking joke,” I respond, finally having a good come back.
“Wow. This is bringing back memories,” he replies.
“You’re right, it is. I’ve done a good job at forgetting about a lot of it so I’d rather not bring the past back if you don’t mind.”
I know Puck can hear the irritation in my voice. If he has any feelings whatsoever, he will likely sense the years of hurt in my words as well.
“Message received,” he says more quietly, “I’ll tone it down. But I can’t promise to stop completely.”
“Just do your best, then,” I reply shortly.
The coffee maker beeps and he walks over and makes himself a cup, “and do your best to chill, Dani. Our past may not have been great, but we’re here now, in the present, and you are more gorgeous and talented than I ever imagined you could be as a woman.”
Puck gives his coffee a harsh stir and leaves the room. I stand alone feeling like an ass. I know he was only kidding around with me but I can’t help my response. The painful feelings I’ve been harboring for years keep me from finding the humor in his comments, and my renewed feelings of attraction towards him just confuse everything.
I continue to tend to my sauce and as annoyed as I am, I can’t help but smile to myself about the complements Puck barked at me. I have never had such conflicted emotions about one person. I don’t know how to handle this and I’m beginning to second guess my decision to accept this position. Initially I thought I was going to have the upper hand, but if he continues to walk around half naked and make comments like that, it won’t be long before I lose control.
Chapter 9
PUCK
* * *
Fuck. I’m a mess. How can one woman - one I’ve known for half my life, make me so tense. I know she hates me, she has every reason to, but she also has to know that people are capable of change. Dani is trying so hard to keep a wall between us but I can tell she senses my softer side. She can’t mask the subliminal signals her body keeps putting out. I’ve been around enough women to know how to read her body language.
I need Dani to loosen up. I need her to let her guard down long enough to realize that I’m a good person now. I’m going to have to work on my approach.
Chapter 10
DANI
I cannot let him get the best of me. I promised that would never happen again and I meant it. Puck is such a dick. What makes him think he can speak to me like that? Why does he assume I’m going to giggle and fall in love like the countless other women I’m sure he’s played that game with? He must have forgotten that I knew him before he was a star. I knew him when he was a self assured asshole who didn’t have the fame and fortune to back up the attitude. And I will never forget that.
The nerve of him to complement me after trying to make nice, then make me feel like a heartless bitch for not wanting to give in. Truth be told, it’s my own fault for feeling heartless. That was probably the intention of his complement anyway.
I’m so glad Puck has practice today. I don’t want to bump into hi
m - I’m too angry. I find my headphones and put them on. I get lost in the music while I finish the staff lunch I’ve been making. I listen to music for the rest of the day and go about my business. Steven is also gone for the day so I don’t feel too bad. I share a friendly smile with everyone as I see them but don’t do much beyond that.
As soon as dinner is served I clean up and head home. I’m much calmer now, but when I lay in bed I can only think of Puck. I think of how angry he makes me with his cocky attitude and bullshit charm. Now that I’m alone though, when I think of our argument today, I can’t help but picture him again. Standing there in nothing but a pair of shorts, his tanned, muscular chest completely exposed, flexing with every small move.
I shake my head to physically try and remove the picture from my mind. I’m not going to let him get to me like that - I can’t. I also can’t lose this job. I’m sure I could find another soon enough with my credentials and reputation, but I refuse to quit. I need to prove to myself and Puck that I am in control of my emotions and my body. I had no idea being around him was going to be this hard.
* * *
____________
* * *
Steven had sent me a text early this morning that they would be out for most of the day but back for dinner. I’m relieved that I won’t have to see Puck for a bit and just tend to the staff. I busy myself making some healthy snacks to leave in the refrigerator for the weekend and some pastries for the rest of the staff. Being in my element all day put me in a great mood. By late afternoon I have accomplished a lot and dinner is in the works when I hear Steven and Puck enter the foyer. Their voices echo in the large marble area and I overhear some of their conversation as they walk in.
“This has to be perfect. Everything. We have a chance to raise some serious money this year,” Puck says, continuing whatever he and Steven were talking about outside.
“Of course. Nothing but the best. I’ve been working on this for months. I don’t know why you decided to pull the caterer so last minute,” Steven replies, “They have an outstanding reputation and cater to all of the elite in this area. I’m sure I could get them back if you change your mind soon enough.”
“No. Dani said she will do it and so she will. She’s got the talent and I want her to have a part in this. We can hire their staff to serve as we originally agreed but anything kitchen or food related goes through Dani,” Puck asserts.
“Okay, Puck. I won’t mention it again. It’s your ‘baby’ so if that’s your decision, I stand behind it,” Steven concedes, “I’ll start going over menu ideas with Dani today.”
I stand still in the same place I started when they walked in. This fundraiser is a huge deal and from what I’ve overheard in my short time working here, Puck is one hundred percent invested into this cause. Not just his wallet, but his heart too. I’m shocked that he would fire the caterer and entrust me to take care of the food since it’s one of the main things that can make or break an event.
Steven tried to talk him out of it and from the sound of it, that wasn’t the first time. Puck believes in me. He wants me to be a part of this. He wants me to impress his guests. He is passing up an opportunity to use the best caterer around to use me. I’m suddenly very anxious. I hope I didn’t take on something I can’t handle. I’ve catered before but knowing Puck has so much faith in me to make this night a success is a strange feeling.
Steven enters the kitchen and I’m still standing frozen in thought near the stove. Luckily I have a wooden spoon in my hand so I don’t look as clueless as I feel.
“Hey, Dani,” he greets me, unaware that I just overheard his conversation. I’m not really hurt by the fact that he would prefer a professional caterer for the event over me. Why wouldn’t he? Even though he’s seen and tasted my food, this is completely different situation. Being as invested in Puck’s affairs as he is, I’m sure he wants this even to be perfect as well.
“Hi, Steven. How was your day?” I reply pleasantly, taking a few steps to the sink and putting my spoon down.
“Very long but productive,” he answers, “if you have some time this evening I would like to go over the details of the fundraiser with you.”
“Sure, dinner is already in the oven and I only have a couple of quick things to make right before we eat. Do you want to talk now?” I ask. I’m anxious to hear what he has to say and what I actually volunteered myself for.
“That’s actually a great idea. Want to sit outside? I’d love some fresh air. I’ve been cooped up all day.”
“Sure. I’ll grab a couple of drinks and meet you on the patio. Lemonade okay?” I offer.
“Perfect. I’ll print out some of the information quick so you have a hard copy.”
I pour two glasses of lemonade and make a plate with some of the pastries I prepared and walk through the wide, bright hallway that leads to the patio. I see a small section of the yard from the kitchen but I haven’t had a chance to come out here since I began working in the house. As soon as I open the doors a big smile crosses my lips. This is the most beautiful yard I have ever seen - hands down.
I’m standing on a carved stone patio overlooking sprawling green lawns. The property behind the house is much larger than I thought. You can’t tell from the front of the house how much space is back here and even if I knew, I wouldn’t have imagined it this big and beautiful.
The patio has a few steps that lead down to lush green lawns. There is a cobblestone path leading each way through gardens of colorful flowers. The paths meet again forming a small footbridge over a little pond. From here I can see lily pads floating between the tall grass surrounding the small body of water. The design is simple but so beautiful and serene.
“It’s so beautiful,” Steven comments, “no matter how many times I come out here, it never ceases to put a smile on my face.”
“No wonder Puck wants to host the fundraiser here,” I answer without turning around.
“Yes. He’s lived in some pretty great homes, but this one is by far, the greatest.”
I turn back towards Steven who is siting down at the patio table and join him. He spreads some papers out over the table and takes out his tablet, seemingly checking if everything is there and takes a deep breath.
“So,” he begins, “this fundraiser is the most important event of the year - for us anyway. Puck holds it right up there with winning the playoffs. My job is to make sure everything runs smoothly and that this party is considered one of the ‘events of the year’. The happier the guests are, the more money they will donate. More money means more press and more press means even more money. We have a core group that always contributes to this cause, mainly because they hold Preston, Puck, in such high regard. Our goal this year is to take on new donors who will hopefully adopt this as one of the charities they choose to donate to annually. Puck is hoping that by hosting this event here at his home,” Steven continues, sweeping his arm across to point out the vast property again, “that people will understand how truly close to his heart he holds this cause.”
“I had no idea that Puck cared so much for these children,” I say, rapt by the speech that Steven just laid out, “I just thought it was another celebrity trying to show a human side.” Maybe I shouldn’t have said that out loud. Not to Steven, anyway. I can tell that he looks up to Puck as more than just his employer.
“Definitely not,” he answers firmly, “He’s never stated why publicly and I don’t know a lot about his past, but I would guess child abuse played a role at some point.” Steven stops short. He must also feel like he said something he shouldn’t have even though he didn’t state it as a fact.
“Anyway,” he starts again, changing the subject back to the event, “he is trying to raise enough to build several centers for the children around the state. The plans for what he and his team want to do are incredible. The children and their families would benefit greatly which is another reason I need this night to be perfect.”
I’m in awe of what I’ve just heard. T
he man Steven has been talking about is not the boy I grew up with. Joanne would never abuse him, would she? No, definitely not. If anything it would have to be his father. I never heard a lot about him when I was younger and come to think of it, whenever his name was brought up, it was dropped just as quickly. I would like to find out, but after all these years I don’t think it’s an approachable topic. I would say that ‘time heals’ but I still don’t care for my own mother and at this point never will, so why would Puck change his feelings for his father?
That’s if his father even abused him. I could just be making this all up. There is nothing leading to that other than the fact that he wants to help abused children. He shouldn’t need a personal reason for that. There is a chance that this man I thought I knew actually has a heart and wants to help people, instead of just hurting them.
Steven is going over the details he printed out for me but I missed the first part - I wasn’t really paying attention. I need to focus on the task at hand - this is obviously a very important night. Steven made it clear to Puck earlier that he doesn’t think I should be leading the catering team and I’ll be damned if I’m the one that’s going to screw everything up.
I listen more carefully as Steven continues on about the evening. They are expecting a few hundred guests. I look out onto the property and envision the enormous tent that will be delivered and erected next week. There will be tables, a dance floor, an area for the band, and of course, a smaller tent for an outdoor kitchen. I swallow hard, hoping I’m not in over my head, but I can’t second guess myself now. I’ve run events like this this before and doing it for Puck will not be any different.
PUCK (A BAD BOY HOCKEY ROMANCE) Page 3
