Chapter 07: A Bad Joke

ETHAN

She could barely hide the look of surprise on her face, turning pale.

“Mr. Morgan, it’s a pleasure,” she said, extending her hand to greet me after regaining her composure.

My eyes traveled down her long legs before reaching the black skirt just above her knees and the exposed skin above her breasts, which the open buttons of her white shirt revealed.

I cleared my throat and shook the offered hand, ignoring the fact that my cock had just woken up.

“Ethan Morgan, pleasure to meet you, Miss Brown,” I said, wondering why she didn’t mention that we already knew each other.

My attention lingered on the soft skin of her fingers; she had a firm grip that reinforced her confidence. Then she withdrew her hand as Mrs. Anderson began to speak again.

“Ellie, I was just explaining to Mr. Morgan that you can be consulted to clarify any information he may need regarding your department.”

“Of course, you can count on me for whatever you need, Alice.”

“Great.”

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door behind us. The secretary opened it just enough to poke her head in and request Mrs. Anderson’s presence for some delivery.

“Excuse me, I’ll be right back,” she said, offering us a smile before leaving, closing the door behind her and leaving us alone.

Automatically, the air became heavier, and it was possible to feel the tension. I turned my attention to her, who continued to stare at nothing in front of her while taking a deep breath, hands on her hips.

Was she freaking out? Well, so was I.

“Well, this is a surprise,” I finally said, staring at her profile.

“Surprise? This has to be some kind of bad joke,” she said through gritted teeth, finally meeting my gaze, her eyes burning with hatred.

I held back from saying anything to provoke her further. This is your job, Ethan; don’t mix things up.

“We’ll have to deal with it.”

“When Alice told me they were closing a deal with a company to handle the finances, I didn’t imagine it was your brother’s company.”

“First of all, it’s not my brother’s company. It’s our company. Morgan and Harris is a partnership.”

“Couldn’t they have sent another partner then? Ben or Will, or anyone else?”

“You think I’m here because of you? Don’t make me laugh.”

“So you didn’t know Anna and I work here?” she asked, with an accusatory look.

“Why should I know that?”

“Because she’s your partner’s wife?”

“And what makes you think I’d want you two involved in my work? I’m the one responsible for closing this deal. Neither Will nor my brother are aware of the deal yet.”

“I don’t believe it.”

“Well, that’s your problem. Just don’t get in my way.”

“Get in your way? You’re the one in my workplace.”

“You’re a very presumptuous woman.”

“I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Be professional. It’s not that hard.” She looked at me like she was about to jump on me.

“You’re a…”

She was about to curse me out when Mrs. Anderson walked back in. I suppressed a smile, trying to keep my cock in check.

Why the hell did seeing her angry turn me on so much? Damn it, it’s your job, control your cock.

“Sorry about that, urgent matter,” Mrs. Anderson said as she returned to her desk and sat down. “Mr. Morgan, I believe we’ve covered everything. I’ll be waiting for your response.”

“Of course. I’ll be in touch as soon as we make a decision. I’ll try to meet with my partners as soon as possible.” I stood up after shaking her hand.

Ellie was still standing next to the chair, with her arms crossed over her breasts. I tried not to look at how her arms pressed against them.

Alice’s phone suddenly rang. She answered, asked for a moment, then put the phone aside.

“Ellie, since you’re here, could you do me the favor of showing Mr. Morgan out?”

“Of course,” she forced a smile before starting to walk.

She opened the door, holding it open and waiting for me to walk through. As I passed by, I waited for her to close it.

“I’m sure you know the way,” she muttered through clenched teeth after turning around.

“And are you going to ignore an order from your boss?”

“She’s not my boss.”

“No?”

“I’m not her secretary or the receptionist here; I’m the head of the research department. Alice is just a colleague, not my boss, so I’m not showing you out. I don’t want to spend more time with you than necessary.”

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