Philadelphia…
Ellie sat all through Hillborn’s class on Monday. She studiously took notes and she noted there were only 5 other students in attendance. At least she wasn’t the only one who didn’t get chemistry. Maybe she could find a YouTube video to give her the easy way to pass chemlab?
From across the lecture hall and as if Hillborn had read her thoughts, he shot her a look.
Ellie cringed that she’d somehow gotten the teacher’s attention again. With only five minutes of class left, she now wished she hadn’t dressed the way she had. When she left her apartment this morning, her only concern was to dress in a way that would please Morgan when he showed up today. She had almost completely forgotten about Hillborn, maybe seeing her and rolling his eyes at her attire. She always felt he disapproved her of somehow, like she didn’t take school or class seriously enough. The other day, he’d been so kind and helpful at the diner and she thought things would be okay.
When she came into class is when she realized she’d made another dumb mistake. She’d become very self conscious about what she wore. She had actually struggled to keep the short pencil skirt she decided to wear today from riding up her thighs when she walked and her button down blouse was a size too small for her—on purpose, of course, to accentuate her slender look—but still a challenge to keep from showing too much.
Morgan loved it when she wore this particular outfit. He’d said that she looked like a true professional—a sexy one. Ellie had no intentions of entering the exciting business world with a boring wardrobe and she was convinced that a stylish pair of heels, she could make any business get-up sexy.
She really wished she hadn’t worn the heels to class, at least. But it was too late, and here she was in Hillborn’s class with only a minute to go and she would be free of his disapproving stare.
The bell rang and she hurried out, only feeling relief when she was down the hall and outside. She rushed across campus and tripped in her heels. Down she went and she hit the grass hard. Dammit, her chest hurt and her ankle hurt.
“Are you okay?” someone asked from above her.
She stared up at the tall man above her as he held his hand out to help her up. She hesitated, but she didn’t want to be rude, so she took his hand.
He pulled her up and gazed at her. Then down at her ankle. “You didn’t twist it did you?”
Ellie let out a breath.” I don’t think so?”
He smiled. “I’m Williamson. School Security.”
Ellie nodded. “I’m Ellie White…umm, school student?”
He laughed.
Ellie looked around and saw the campus was deserted. She got a real creepy feeling again, like she was being watched, she supposed that was why she ran so stupidly across the campus like that. Really, was she going nuts? “Well…” She looked down at her bag. “I’d better call my boyfriend to let him know I'll be late.”
The man bent down and picked up her bag, handing it to her.
She smiled politely and looked through it. Her phone was gone. Looking up she glanced all around. “I think I dropped my phone?”
“Oh?” The man gazed around too. “Well, when this happens, you need to backtrack and see where you may have dropped it. I’ll help you.”
She paused and stared at him. Morgan always said she was too trusting, but…he did say he was campus security.
He beamed at her and took out his badge, showing it to her.
She peered at it. Yep, he was security. “Okay. Well, I came from Building A.” She pointed.
He nodded and turned walking toward the building.
Ellie adjusted her shoe and slung her bag over her shoulder following him.
New York
When Morgan got back to his Lake Placid home, he threw several things into his bag that he would need when he got to Philly. His cell rang and he picked it up. He stared at the caller Id. Chance. Damn the man had bad timing. “Hello?”
“Hey,” Chance greeted.
“What can I do for you?” Morgan kept his voice cool. All he wanted was to get back to Ellie before everything blew up in his face.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news but…”
Morgan sighed and sat on the bed. “What is it?”
“It’s your dad.”
Morgan held very still.
“He wants a meet.”
Morgan let his breath out. “Dammit, Chance. You made it sound like he was ill or dead!”
Chance was silent. “Fuck, I’m sorry. I just meant…I know you two don’t get along and I’ll be dammed if I know why he calls me to tell you to meet him?”
Morgan shook his head. “I changed my number a while back and never gave to the old bastard.”
Chance laughed.
“I regret even giving it to you.”
Chance laughed harder. “Yeah, cause I am the younger bustard.”
Morgan did laugh at this. “So, what does he want?”
“Hell, if I know. You know how he is. Barked the order at me and hung up. I do believe that is where you got your manners, if you ask me.” Another chuckle followed.
“Ha-fucking ha.” Morgan shook his head. “I never asked you.”
“So, he said he wants it tomorrow morning 9 am sharp at Hunt Industries, New York.”
“Dammit!” Morgan seethed.
“What?” Chance asked.
“Well, I wanted to…”
“Yes. Get back to Ellie?” Chance replied.
Morgan scowled.
“Speaking of her…” Chance interrupted the scowling.
“Speaking? What do you mean?” Morgan stood up from the bed.
“Well, I sorta’ ran into her yesterday.”
“What?”
“Yeah, she drove by the Hotel in that cute little Cooper and I waved her down.”
Morgan’s body grew rigid as he went on.
“So, we went for a meal.”
Morgan clenched his fists. “You what?”
“You heard me we had Italian at her fave restaurant.”
Morgan’s gut clenched as fury took over his better sense. “Chance…”
“Yes?”
“Why the FUCK would you be with my girl while I am here?” he seethed.
“Now buddy, it wasn’t like—”
“The fuck it wasn’t!” Morgan shouted. “You have no interest in her except that she is mine.”
“That isn’t true!” Chance defended. “Damn. I wouldn’t try that shit, Morgan!”
Morgan tried to get a hold of himself and so he changed his tone as he asked, “So what did you two talk about?”
“School, her job, my job and well, of course…you,” he finally admitted.
Morgan felt a bit of panic. “Me? What about me?”
“Nothing like you think. Damn, I wouldn’t give you up like that!” Chance laughed loudly.
“It isn’t fucking funny!” Morgan snapped.
“Listen, you should be glad someone was with her. I mean if it were me? I would not leave her by herself in this dirty town.”
Morgan’s anger left as this did ring true with his gut feeling. He already felt this way. “I agree,” he stated begrudgingly. “But that doesn’t mean I trust you with her.”
“Aww, that stings. I mean she doesn’t even think I’m hot.”
Morgan’s brow wrinkled. “And how do you know this?”
“Tsk, I would know. It isn’t like I don’t see adoration daily from females. I know when one is not interested, Morgan. So calm your freaky ass down and…” His voice trailed away.
“Morgan raised a brow. “And…”
“…get your ass back here as I get an odd feeling that something may be up with your little Ellie.”
Morgan sucked in a breath and let it out. “Like what?”
“I don’t know. She acts sort of afraid? Or nervous?”
It was Morgan’s turn to tisk. “Yeah, maybe that’s because you hit on her?”
Chance laughed.
Morgan’s body again went rigid. “Chance, tell me you didn't hit on her!”
More laughter. “Oh, my god! You’re a fucking riot these days. Of COURSE I didn't fucking hit on her! Anyways, make this meeting or your dad will have my ass, claiming I didn't give you the message.”
Morgan smiled for the first time during this conversation as he thought to skip it and that very thing would happen.
“And stop fucking smirking, you ass. I, of course, called his secretary already to confirm I told you.”
His smile did leave as he opened his mouth to tell him to fuck off.
“Chow, big guy.” Chance chuckled wickedly and hung up.