The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 17

Jocelyn had no class in the evening, so she headed home, pondering what to whip up for dinner.

Stepping out of the school, she spotted Preston waiting for a ride.

She approached him and casually invited, " Come have dinner at my place."

Preston looked at her, puzzled. "Instant pasta?"

Jocelyn wanted to punch him for that. “A proper dinner!”

With a cheeky smile, Preston replied, “I shall graciously accept.”

Walking together, Preston popped the question, "Isn't there something you wanna ask me?"

"Ask you what?" Jocelyn was genuinely confused.

"About Willow."

A sparkle flashed in Jocelyn's eyes, and she let out a small laugh. "The celeb?"

"You're totally playing dumb about what I'm getting at," Preston was getting a bit anxious.

"Nope. Everything about her is just a Google search away."

Preston was at a loss for words. "You're not the least bit curious about what's the deal with her and my uncle?"

Jocelyn felt a twinge in her chest but shook her head with a smile. "Why should I be?"

Preston couldn't believe how chill she was.

Could it be...

"You don't love my uncle!"

Caught off guard, Jocelyn frowned. "Where's this coming from?"

"Why else wouldn't you care about the woman he's been hugging?"

"What's the use of caring? It's already done," Jocelyn shrugged indifferently. "Whatever is going on between your uncle and me is just an adult arrangement. Who knows where it'll lead? Life's unpredictable."

Preston stopped dead in his tracks, staring at her in utter shock.

"What's with the look?" Jocelyn urged him on. "Let's get moving."

Preston, dead serious, said, "I'm even more convinced now. You don't love my uncle; he is just some comfort for your loneliness."

Jocelyn was tempted to knock some sense into him. "You sure sound like an expert, talking about loneliness and comfort."

"That just shows how well you've taught me," Preston said with a hint of smugness, his chin held high.

Jocelyn couldn't help but laugh.

"Anyway, I've got your back. If my uncle is playing you while messing with Willow, just tell me. I might not be able to do anything about it, but his sister sure can."

"His sister? Your mom?" Jocelyn inquired.

"Yeah. Just so you know, we're not fans of Willow," Preston said with an air of vengeance.

Now, Jocelyn was a bit curious.

What had Willow done to earn their ire?

But she didn't ask.

She knew well that matters of the heart were personal, and what mattered most was the choice of those involved.

...

Melvin was home already.

Seeing Preston follow Jocelyn in, he frowned. "Why'd you bring him along?"

Preston glared back resentfully.

"Leaving him to eat takeout every day, do you have no heart?" Jocelyn retorted as she took off her shoes and handed Preston a pair of lady's slippers. "Make do."

Preston, nonchalant, confronted Melvin, "My mom wanted you to look after me. It's been this long, and I've never had a meal you cooked."

"I gave you money," Melvin declared with a sense of righteousness.

"Money's no substitute for a home. Why bother giving you the credit of being a doting uncle?" Preston grumbled, plopping down next to him.

Melvin gave him a side-eye.

Preston quickly scooted away, then yelled towards the kitchen, "Hey Jocelyn, maybe I should tell my mom I should board with you. She'd probably feel more at ease."