Never Again(59)

“It’s late, I should get going. Are you going to be alright?” I nod, and open the door for him. I thank him again as he walks out. He turns to me. “I hope Jake realizes how lucky he is,” he says and leaves.





Chapter Twelve



Jake



I just landed at the Indianapolis airport. I told Ella I’m coming home tomorrow but I wrapped up things early, and I’m here a day early. I want to surprise her, so I didn’t tell her that. The flight was long and tiring, but I don’t make a stop at my home to take a quick shower. All I need right now is Ella. I drive like a maniac to her house, and ring the intercom to her apartment. It’s already getting dark outside. I wait a few seconds but she doesn’t answer. I try again. Nothing. I fish my phone out of my pocket and call Sophie.

“Hey, Jake,” she says. I quickly greet her, and get to the point.

“Where is Ella?”

“At work, why?” Wanting to get to her as fast as possible, I totally forgot she switched shifts with a co-worker.

“Oh, right, she told me that, and I forgot. Thanks, Sophie,” I hang up. I drive to Ace like a maniac, and sit down in reception area to wait for Ella. I can’t wait to see the look on her face when she sees me. Smiling to myself, I shift in my chair, when I see a smiling Ella coming out if the massage room. I love seeing her so exuberant and full of life. Her hair is up in a ponytail, and the T-shirt she is wearing is hugging all her curves nicely. But my smile falls the second I see Brett following her out, grinning his ears off.

“It was so nice to see you again. And thanks for the tea the other night.”

“Don’t mention it. It was the least I could do. Thank you,” she waves her hand, and I feel the blood in my veins boil. They went out? What the hell is going on? I furiously jump out of my armchair, and approach them. Ella widens her eyes as she sees me, but the surprise is soon replaced by happiness.

“Jake,” she shouts, and runs toward me. She wraps her arms around me tightly, but I don’t return the hug. My eyes are still on Brett, shooting daggers at him.

“What the hell were you doing going out with my girlfriend?” I yell angrily, as Ella stops hugging me. My hands are clenched in fists. I get in his face, ready to kick his ass and fight for what’s mine. Brett looks at me, fear in his eyes, and he turns to Ella, who quickly jumps in between us. She pushes me away from Brett.

“Jake, Jake, calm down.” I finally tear my gaze away from Brett, and look at Ella.

“How the hell can I calm down if another guy is hitting on my girlfriend?” I turn to Brett again, and so does Ella. Just as I’m about to charge at Brett, Ella yells:

“Brett, go, I’ll handle this.”

“Yes, let him run. How very brave of him,” I snort. Brett throws some money on the desk and leaves, shooting Ella a worried glance.

“Jake, what’s the matter with you?” Ella angrily demands. “You can’t just barge in here and attack my clients.”

“Why not? He was drooling all over you. And you? Why did you go out with him? Is there something going on between you two?” Balling my hands into fists again, I turn away from her. I close my eyes and shake my head. Ella is right next to me in a second. She puts her soft hands on my cheeks.

“Jake, listen to me. It’s not what you think,” she says quietly. “Yesterday, as I was leaving work, that reporter harassed me again. You know, the one who pretended he worked for you.” I freeze in my spot, and look her in the eyes. What the hell? “This time, he wouldn’t leave me alone. He kind of scared me. Luckily, Brett came to help, so that jackass left me alone. To thank him, I invited him to my place for a cup of tea, nothing else. Besides, he knows I’m dating you.”

“What did that jerk do?” I can’t believe he would harass Ella like that. What does he want with her? “I’m going to kill that fucker. Damn it, Ella,” I angrily run my hands through my hair. “Why didn’t you tell me? Was this the first time?” I ask her. Biting her lower lip, she shakes her head no.

“When Sophie and I went to shop for a wedding dress, he stopped us on the street.”

“Fuck,” I swear. “I’m sorry for acting like a jerk. But I couldn’t help myself when I saw that guy was all over you.”

“It’s okay,” she says, and gently kisses my mouth. “It’s okay, you know I’m all yours.”

“Damn right, you are,” I tell her, lift her in my arms, and take her to one of the massage rooms. After an hour of hot sex on the massage table, Ella exclaims.

“Oh, we have to hurry. I promised Sophie I’d go with her to Pearl.”