Uncrowned Princess

15

Jenny was chattering excitedly about her date with Dan, but Isabella's mind was elsewhere, absently stirring her juice.

"Earth to Ella?" Jenny waved her hand in front of Isabella's face, but got no response. Exasperated, she pinched the back of Isabella's hand.

"Ouch! What's your problem?" Isabella yelped, rubbing her hand.

Jenny rolled her eyes. "You're the one with the problem. You haven't heard a word I've said."

"Sorry, Jen. I just... didn't sleep well last night," Isabella mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

Jenny's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "It's not just lack of sleep. You'd be complaining non-stop if that were it. Something else is going on."

Isabella froze, then quickly looked away. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, I'll figure it out," Jenny said with a sly smile.

Isabella opened her mouth to retort, but the words died in her throat as a familiar presence entered the kitchen. Ethan walked in, muttering a general greeting without making eye contact, and headed straight for the coffee maker.

Isabella hastily excused herself and fled to the restroom. Leaning against the door, she pressed a hand to her chest, willing her racing heart to slow. She took several deep breaths before approaching the sink to splash water on her face.

As she raised her head, droplets clinging to her eyelashes, unbidden memories from the previous night flooded her mind. The feel of Ethan's hands on her hips, the warmth of his body against hers in the cool water, the softness of his lips...

"Stop it," she hissed at her reflection, gripping the edges of the sink. But the memories persisted - the taste of whiskey on his breath, the intensity in his eyes as he whispered, "Stay with me, Princess."

Isabella ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. "What the hell is happening to me?" she muttered, turning to lean against the sink. Her hand unconsciously traced down her neck to her collarbone, remembering Ethan's touch. She shivered, then shook her head violently.

She straightened her ponytail and smoothed her t-shirt, taking one last deep breath. "You're a Harrington. You can handle anything, including an annoyingly attractive boss."

With that, she squared her shoulders and marched out of the restroom, determined to face the day - and Ethan - with her usual confidence. But as she approached the kitchen, she couldn't quite quell the flutter in her stomach at the thought of seeing him again.

In the hallway, a hand suddenly grabbed Isabella's arm, pulling her into a corner. Isabella let out a startled gasp before recognizing Jenny's grinning face.

"Are you crazy?" Isabella hissed, her heart racing. "You scared me half to death!"

Jenny placed her hands on her hips, looking smug. "Sorry about that," she said, not sounding sorry at all. "But I know your secret. Why didn't you tell me?"

Isabella blinked in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

Jenny playfully pushed her arm. "Oh, come on. Do you really want to play dumb?"

Isabella turned her eyes away, genuinely perplexed. "Jen, I honestly have no idea what you're talking about."

"Okay, one word: Ethan."

The name sent a jolt through Isabella's entire body, her eyes widening in shock.

Jenny's grin widened. "I knew it!"

Panicking, Isabella clapped a hand over Jenny's mouth and dragged her to a nearby storage closet. After making sure no one was around, she locked the door behind them.