8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Meghan

I n life, we have to grow from our pain. Well, right now, I wasn't growing, I was wollering in my own self-pity. After making a huge fool out of myself at the gala, I had tried to keep a low profile at work. Thankfully, no one other than Kristen saw my dramatic exit, but still, I was mortified by my behavior.

Not only had I looked insane, but I had probably made Ryder Feel terrible. I just hoped he didn't think he did anything wrong to warrant such a heinous outburst from me. My only hope was that I never had to see him again.

Fear took over on Monday morning when I was called into Melanie's office.

Knocking on her glass door, I spotted Melanie behind her desk, rapidly tapping away on her computer keyboard. Looking up, she offered a sweet smile as she waved me inside.

Walking in, I took in the modern decor that gave her office a comfortable vibe. Her door was always open and she treated us all fairly. She was the best boss anyone could ever ask for.

"Good morning, Meghan," she greeted me.

I sat down in one of the gray leather chairs facing her desk and smiled. "Morning."

"How did you enjoy the gala this weekend? I was so busy, I barely had any time to talk to everyone," she said.

"It was beautiful," I stated. For some reason, I was nervous. Crossing my legs, I began to play with the bottom of my pencil skirt. Had Melanie seen me run out like a fool? Was she going to fire me for embarrassing the company? I was starting to sweat as I waited for her to continue.

"I'm so glad you liked it. Anyway, what I called you in here for today was I think you would be perfect to work on the article about the SEALS joining Salvatore Security Forces," she beamed.

My heart did a flip in my chest as my stomach dropped. "Really?" I asked.

"You sound surprised," she laughed. "Your last feature was incredible and our magazine sales went up by twenty percent. I also have noticed more of our authors have requested you to work on their novels," she finished.

"Wow, I am at a loss for words. I am so honored," I say, feeling accomplished, but also nervous about taking on such incredible tasks.

"I know I don't run my publishing company like most others, but I think that's what makes it fun," she states, her smile only growing wider.

"No, I enjoy being given different opportunities at the company. I would love to work on the article. Who would I be working with?" I ask.

"That's the fun part; me," she gushes.

I had been waiting for an opportunity to work one-on-one with Melanie since I was first hired. Not only was she the owner and CEO of this company, but she also worked right alongside the rest of us. This could really boost my career and place at this company.

"I don't know what to say! Yes, this is amazing," I say, my voice rising with excitement.

It had been a long time since I felt this happy, so I was going to run with it. We talked for a few more minutes and Melanie showed me her outline and schedule for the article. Eager to get to work, I rushed back to my desk and began working. Everything else was long forgotten.

Two weeks after that my freakout at the event and my offer to work with Melanie, I was sitting at my computer getting ready to check my emails. I found one that had a subject line that read: Urgent for Meghan.

Hoping it wasn't something about my article with Melanie, I quickly clicked on the email. To my surprise, it was not at all what I would have guessed.

Meghan,

I haven't been able to forget about our meeting two weeks ago at the gala. I hope that I didn't do anything to offend you. I also hope that you aren't upset that I obtained your email. Remember, I was a SEAL. I have ways of learning things about people.

I would love to get a chance to talk to you again, and maybe this time, you can stay for an entire drink. Just let me know,

Ryder.

I read over the email again and I could feel a smile appearing on my face. While his email came off a little strong, he was definitely charming. Biting my lip, my fingers hovered over the keyboard as I struggled with whether or not to respond. It was funny, too, because he had no idea I would have a part in the article about him.

"What are you smiling at?" Kristen asked, sneaking up on me, and scaring me to death.

Jumping, I quickly tried to exit out of the email, but I wasn't fast enough. Kristen moved swiftly behind my desk and read the email while I acted like a fumbling mess.

"Meg, he is totally into you," she cooed.

Rolling my eyes, I tried to laugh it off. "He doesn't even know me," I argued. "He may even have a girlfriend," I noted.

A pain in the pit of my stomach surprised me. I knew it was silly to feel any ounce of jealousy at the thought of him having a girlfriend, but for some reason, I did.

"Not yet. But he clearly wants to know you," she said, raising her eyebrows at me as she smirked. "Why don't you look him up on social media. You can see if he has a girlfriend? But, I doubt he does. Any guy that is pursuing you this hard, clearly isn't in a relationship."

"I don't know," I sighed.

"I'm looking him up," Kristen announced, rapidly typing on her phone. Her brows furrowed and she pouted. "That's strange."

"What?" I asked, hoping she hadn't just discovered that he has a wife and kids.

"I can't find him anywhere on social media. I've tried all of my platforms," she says, biting her lip in annoyance.

"Maybe he likes his privacy," I stated. It was strange to think that there were still people in the world who didn't have social media. I mean, even children somehow had accounts. But, I liked that he was private.

"Go out with him, it will be good for you," Kristen said, patting me on the shoulder before leaving me alone again.

I read the email three more times before finally deciding to respond. I at least owed him an explanation.

Ryder,

Thank you for the kind email. I do have to apologize for running out, I was feeling ill and didn't want anyone to see me in that state. I hope you weren't offended. As for a drink, I must decline. I am not in a place in my life for dating. But, I have a feeling we will get a chance to talk soon...

All my best,

Meghan

I hit send before I could chicken out and erase the entire message. I quickly went back to work, but it wasn't ten minutes later that I saw an email notification appear. Opening my email again, I almost laughed out loud when I saw a response from Ryder. Now I knew I was playing with the devil as I began to read over his words.

Meghan,

I am sorry to hear you weren't feeling well. Now that I know it wasn't me that repulsed you, I can sleep better at night. However, I am still adamant about that drink. And, by the way, who said anything about a date? I just wanted to see you finish an entire drink. I am intrigued by your mysterious comment about us speaking soon. Are you flirting with me?

All my best,

Ryder

This time, I chuckled to myself. He was witty and cunning, something I knew far too well that could lead to trouble. Wade was always flirty and made me laugh, that was what made me fall in love with him. I couldn't go down that path again. Realizing if I responded again, I would only be jumping down the rabbit hole willingly. So, I erased the email and spent the rest of the day trying to pretend like the exchange never happened.