Page 61 of A Mutually Beneficial Proposal

Hopefully my words will appeal to the friend. If Ella is merely ignoring me, then I assume her friends will know, but if Ella’s not snubbing me and something happened, they need to know as well.

I wait a few minutes, but my message isn’t read. It’s nearing seven in the evening. I don’t know what else to do, but there has to be something.

A knock sounds at my door. I rush to open it, hoping to see Ella on the other side, but instead I’m greeted with Robert’s grim face.

“Good evening, Mr. Porter. I have news on Ms. Danes,” he says.

“And?” I reply when he doesn’t elaborate.

“She flew back home this evening.”

My grip on the door tightens, and my other hand flexes at my side. I can’t believe she left without saying goodbye. She had to have seen me with Natalie, or Jack said something to her, or who the hell knows. No matter the reason, I’m not done with Ella Danes.

“Thank you, Robert. Can you please get me on the first flight out tomorrow?”

He nods. “Of course, sir. I’ll bring you the itinerary within the hour.”

I close the door and go back to check my phone. Kenzie still hasn’t responded. I consider messaging the other friend Piper but decide to wait.

A plan is already forming in my mind. I don’t know if Ella will believe me, but I know she feels something for me, and I can’t let her walk away without a fight.

Not when she’s the first woman who has made my chest ache and heart soar at the same time.

I’m coming for you, Ella Danes.