Ever growing 2

Chapter 21

2 weeks later

Looking at the clock I see that it's already 9 PM when I finally shut down my laptop getting ready to leave the office. I wish I was with Ryan in Spain but I had to come back to Calgary to work on a big project. It's not that I'm not grateful for my work giving me new opportunities to advance in the company but I miss Ryan. Story of our lives, loving each other yet being apart often causing us to miss each other. The week we got to spend together before he left was amazing. We had date nights with Emma and Trevor and then we also spent quality time together, and of course, the sex was mind-blowing.

I get to my room when a notification comes on my phone, a picture from him. He's posing in jeans, a grey sweater, and boots looking sexy.

-Hey there stranger!

-Hey babe, just an outtake from our shoot. How are you?

-I'm turned on ;)

-I'm waiting for a picture from you now ;)

Grabbing Nala I snap a quick selfie to send him. Our texting turns into sexting within seconds which then turns into Facetime to somewhat take care of our needs. An hour later and out of breath, we get off the phone. Holding Nala, I drift off to sleep.

The following days all blend together being busy with work and trying to stay in touch with Ryan as best we can with the time difference. It's Friday when Jake enters my office.

"Ella, could we have lunch together?" Jake asks.

"Um, okay we can talk about your new project," I smile.

Once the food is set in front of us, Jake starts asking me a few questions about work. Being his supervisor I try to give him as much information as possible for him to perform in his job. After a while he suddenly asks:

"So could we maybe see each other outside of work?"

"Well I'm married," I wave the hand that holds my wedding ring in his face. "And I'm your boss. I don't think so, sorry!"

"I just figured you may get lonely sometimes when your husband is busy working..." he trails off giving me a smirk.

"I was trying to be nice about it but no, not interested. Happily married and you and I will keep it professional only, are we clear?" I feel myself boiling. Grabbing my food and purse, I stand up and make my way out the door.

Telling the receptionist that I don't want to be bothered for the rest of the afternoon, I lock myself in my office. "What was that about?" The fact that I need to keep interacting with Jake makes me feel awkward and angry. Seeing that I have about fifty emails to handle helps me relax knowing I will be busy and therefore won't have time to worry about Jake.

"Ella, I know you asked not to disturb but a cake is in the lunchroom to formally welcome Jake. Mr. Samuels said you have to be there." Groaning, I tell her I'm coming. "Fucking great!"

Pictures are taken with management members, I end up being stuck next to Jake who snakes a hand on my shoulder smiling while I only manage a half-smile. I step away back to my office as soon as people are busy eating cake.

Finally done for the day, I reach for my phone seeing that he started following my account and posted the picture tagging me on Instagram. "Really? He had to tag me!" I think as I shove my phone back into my purse to leave the office.

Ryan calls me telling me about his work sounding excited. We talk for a few minutes until he asks "So how's the new guy Jake?" the hair on the back of my neck raises. "He's um, he's good at his job, why are you asking?" I let out quickly. "Oh, just wondering, his caption on the photo he posted was interesting," Ryan says attempting to sound neutral but I can tell he's annoyed. "I didn't even read the caption, to be honest, but um, I guess I should tell you that he tried to hit on me." I bite into my bottom lip anticipating his reaction. "What did he do?" he asks, clearly irritated. "We went for lunch to talk about work and he asked if we could hang outside of work," I hold my breath. "Well, I hope you told him you're mine? He better fuck off!" He says in a menacing tone. "I told him I'm married, don't worry I'm all yours!" I say in a seductive voice trying to calm him down. It worked. The rest of the conversation is spent on a lighter tone.

-Grateful for the new position, even more, grateful to be able to work with the amazing and beautiful Ella! The caption reads. I untag myself from the picture before going to bed frustrated.