Chapter two
~ELANA~
I step into Adrian’s office, the nerves in my stomach forming a tight knot.
There’s a small coffee stain on my blouse from earlier, and I hope it’s not too noticeable.
Out of all the days I could’ve spilled coffee on myself, I had to spill it right before the meeting.
I look up and into Adrian’s dark, narrowed eyes, and my breath catches in my throat.
Oh, God! Adrian Morgan, the man who’d featured in my girlish dreams since childhood. The same Adrian who’s now morphed from a handsome boy to a diabolically gorgeous man.
As my eyes take him in, I’m momentarily paralyzed by the sight.
Tall and broad-shouldered, his presence commands the room.
I glance over his dark wavy hair, a jawline so sharp it could cut glass, and those stormy-gray eyes that always seem to pierce through your soul.
I gulp, taking in the way his well-fitted suit accentuates every inch of his sculpted body.
This is not the boyish figure I remember.
This is a man who could make even the most composed woman stumble over her words, let alone me.
“Elana.” I hear my brother’s voice break through my thoughts.
I hadn’t realized he’d been calling me. Jesus, how long have I been staring?
I turn to look at Ethan momentarily, his familiar face like a lifejacket amidst the ocean of unfamiliarity.
“There you are. Welcome back.” Ethan laughs.
“See? I told you she’s grown up.” He turns back to Adrian.
“I’m sorry,” I apologize quickly and force a smile. “Hello…” my voice trails off. How should I address him? I’ve always called him Adrian, but that was before. Now, he’s technically going to be my boss, so… Mr. Morgan? The thought of not being able to use his name doesn’t sit well with me.
“She’s still a bit nervous, but she’ll come around…
” Ethan’s voice echoes in the distance of my mind, my attention laser-focused on Adrian, who is staring at me intently.
His eyes linger on me, and I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking.
There’s something almost painful in the way he looks at me like he's grappling with a difficult thought.
“Elana,” he says, his voice smooth and deep. My name on his lips sends shivers down my spine and into my stomach. He’d always call me “kid” when we were younger. I force myself to focus, realizing I’m standing there like a deer caught in headlights.
“It’s really nice to see you again,” I manage to squeak out, my voice betraying none of the internal chaos. Internally, I’m grappling with the fact that Ethan, in all his infinite wisdom, has thrust me into the lion’s den with my long-time crush.
My dear brother thinks it’s a brilliant idea for me to intern here while he’s away.
Me, the girl who could barely keep her wits about her whenever Adrian was in the same room when I was a teenager.
My heart drums wildly in my chest, threatening to expose my secret crush. At least, I hope it’s a secret one.
Why isn’t he saying anything? I glance around the huge office, attempting to distract myself from the daunting presence of Adrian. Through the still-open door, my eyes meet those of one of the receptionists—Bethany, according to the nametag I’d seen earlier. She eyes me up and down and scoffs.
What the heck? Is this high school? I thought I’d left those theatrics behind.
I look away from her and try to muster the courage to walk up to where my brother is. I force one leg in front of the other until I’m standing right in front of Adrian, who’s leaning back against his desk. “So, um, Ethan says you’ll be my… mentor here?”
The corner of Adrian’s mouth lifts, and he gently pushes himself away from the desk, standing at his full, intimidating height. Looks like I’m not the only one who’s gained a few inches.
“Mentor, guide—call it what you want.” He takes a slow step towards me, and I have to tilt my head back to meet his gaze. “It’s been too long, Elana. Welcome to Morgan Investments.”
Great. Welcome to the lion’s den, indeed.
Ethan has made his famous trout with capers, which means he’s trying to make it up to me for putting me through the horror of seeing Adrian again. It’s his way of apologizing without actually apologizing.
“So.” Ethan grins and takes a sip of wine. “Not as terrifying as you thought?”
“No.” I smile. Way more terrifying than I’d thought. “It was just odd seeing Adrian again after all these years.”
“Yeah, I suppose odd is the right word,” he says, still chewing. “What do you think of him?”
“Well, he’s way more,” I pause, choosing my words carefully, “successful now. Taller, more intimidating, handsome, I suppose.” The last one slips out before I can stop it.
“More handsome?” Ethan raises a brow.
“No, it’s not like that.” I wince, my gaze dropping to my plate. “He’s just grown up, that’s all.”
“Yeah, he’s done a lot of growing over the past few years. Built quite an empire.” He nods, looking at the TV.
“Empire is right,” I mutter under my breath.
“Oh, come on, El.” He rolls his eyes with a dramatic sigh. “Don’t tell me you’re nervous about the internship.”
“I don’t know how to feel.” I shrug. Hell, yes, I’m nervous. The memory of his dark, narrowed eyes on mine makes me shift in my seat. “It’s just odd. I remember him as your best friend who caught Lucky Charms with his mouth mid-air and teased me about leaving the nightlight on. Not as a tycoon.”
“He’s still Adrian, El,” Ethan reassures me, his eyes softening. “Don’t worry. I’m sure he’d still tease you if he finds out you still leave the nightlight on.” He pats me on the back mockingly.
“Whatever.” I roll my eyes with a smile. My phone buzzes, and I look down at a text from—shit. Carson.
You can’t hide from me forever. I suggest you answer me before things get out of hand.
I quickly delete the messages and place the phone face-down on the table.
Before they get out of hand? My ex-boyfriend still can’t get over the breakup.
His jealous outbursts and inability to listen whenever I would tell him I’m not ready to sleep with him aren’t things I’m willing to deal with.
He’s dead set on getting me back, apparently.
“Wanna talk about it?” Ethan asks, obviously sensing my change in mood. “Is that little dick still bothering you?”
“He’ll get tired of it.” I take a deep, steadying breath. “I hope.” He’d shown up at each of my classes, glaring at me the entire time. He followed me to the bathroom, demanding I talk to him, and even slammed his fist into the wall. But I’ll spare that detail. Jail wouldn’t suit Ethan.
“Just give me a sign, and I’ll make sure he never even thinks about you ever again.” As much as I’d like to see Ethan throw a punch at Carson, getting my brother in trouble because of that slug isn’t worth it.
“Don’t worry about it. I have my nightlight on, so I’ll spot him if he makes the mistake of breaking in.
” I grin and playfully shove Ethan with my elbow.
Suddenly, my phone rings, and my heart jumps.
Don’t let it be Carson. I flip my phone around and breathe a sigh of relief when I see it’s my best friend.
“Lilly’s calling,” I tell Ethan, who has his eyes fixed on whatever’s on TV.
“Say hi,” he says, distracted. After excusing myself from the table, I quickly walk up to my room and pick up.
“Hey, Lilly. What’s up?” I throw myself on the bed, putting her on speaker. I’ve never liked holding a phone up to my ear.
“Just checking up,” she chirps. I swear, this girl is always in a good mood. “Are you still upset about Ethan moving?”
“No… yes.” I shake my head. “I don’t know. It’s been just the two of us for so long. I’m not used to being away from him for more than a couple of days.”
“Think of the pros. You could throw all the house parties you want and invite all the cute boys from college.” Her giggle echoes through the phone, but I’m in no mood to giggle along.
“And have them go through my stuff? Absolutely not, Lilly.” The thought of having near-strangers in my house is enough to completely abandon any thought of throwing a house party.
“Afraid they’d find your diary with poetry about Adrian?” I can envision her smirking on the other side of the phone.
“It was a childhood crush, Lilly. It’s been years, and I’ve grown up. I shouldn’t have told you about meeting with him today.” I let out a dramatic sigh.
“Well, you could at least invite someone over. Maybe Ethan's leaving will finally give you a chance to get laid,” she whispers the last part.
“You’re a menace.” I laugh, shaking my head. “I’m not looking to turn our home into a Tinder meetup spot.”
“Just a thought, El. You know, exploring new horizons and all that,” she teases.
“The only thing I’ll be exploring is the exciting world of investment, apparently.” I’ve been mourning what little free time I have left ever since Ethan told me about his plans.
“I forgot to tell you, Carson’s been telling everyone that you two hooked up,” Lilly says after a moment of silence. “And he’s very descriptive about it.”
“Wouldn’t expect anything else,” I mutter. I know I have to deal with him at some point, but how do you stop a deranged ex from being… well, deranged?
“If he bothers you, why don’t you just let Ethan loose on him? I’ve seen your brother, El. That man can knock him out in a single punch.”
“Yeah, because nothing says sibling love like a good punch to the ex-boyfriend’s face.” I roll my eyes but still can’t deny that the thought is quite appealing.
“Judging by Ethan’s body, I’m sure more than a punch might actually kill Carson. Can you imagine that hunk of a man is your sibling?” She giggles. Oh, gross.
“That’s disgusting. Please, try to keep my brother’s body out of your thoughts and our conversations.
” I don’t need to hear any more than I already have.
Lilly has had a crush on Ethan ever since we’ve been friends.
Just like I’ve had a crush on Adrian. I shake my head, trying to send Adrian flying out of it.
“I’m just saying, if I ever get the chance, I’m dropping my handkerchief.” Lilly’s playful tone makes me laugh.
“That’s a handkerchief you might want to keep in your pocket, girl.
” I chuckle. Ethan would never see Lilly in that light.
To him, she’s always been the annoying little girl with a crush on him.
I wonder if that how Adrian sees me, too?
His best friend’s annoying little sister?
The thought makes my shoulders drop. Why do I even care?
“So, you want to come over? We could help Ethan pack.”
“Oh, I bet he’s already packing,” Lilly giggles and hangs up.
Yuck!
I return to the living room, expecting to find Ethan cleaning up. To my surprise, he’s engrossed in a hushed phone call, and curiosity gets the better of me. What is this about? As I approach, I catch a snippet of Ethan’s conversation.
“This is really bothering me, Adrian. God knows what this bastard might do next. I was thinking,” Ethan pauses and takes a deep breath, “maybe she can move in with you while I’m away. Temporarily,” he quickly adds.
My eyes widen at Ethan’s suggestion. The mere idea of living with Adrian sends a shockwave through me. He has to say no. Please, say no.