Page 49 of Ardent Desires

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I can’t help but laugh. “Both.”

“I knew it!” she squeals, clapping her hands. “Look at you, living your best life.”

I shake my head, still grinning. “It’s not all sunshine, though. I barely slept this weekend. We were supposed to hang out, but he’s been working nonstop.”

Jenna’s smile softens, and she leans closer to her screen. “Well, you better keep that glow going because I’m coming to the city next week, and we’re having dinner. No excuses.”

“I can’t wait,” I say, genuinely excited to see her. “It’s been too long since we had a proper catch-up.”

“Exactly,” Jenna says. “So, what’s the plan for the rest of your weekend? Big plans with Mr. CEO?”

I sigh, sinking back into the couch. “Actually, no. I’m planning on sleeping in. I need to recharge.”

“Girl, same,” Jenna laughs. “But if I were you, I’d be finding ways to keep that man busy outside the office.”

I smirk at her, rolling my eyes again. “Goodnight, Jenna.”

“Goodnight, babe. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

After hanging up, I toss my phone aside and stare at the ceiling for a few moments, my mind swirling. The idea of lounging around all weekend sounds appealing, but by Sunday afternoon, I’m already restless.

I grab my phone and call Alexander. It rings... and rings... and then clicks off.

He hangs up.

A few seconds later, I get a text.

Alexander:I’m working.

I chew on my bottom lip, feeling a little irritated, but decide to brush it off. Maybe he’s just swamped. I scroll through my photos, and before I know it, I’m snapping a picture of myself in just my bra. I stare at the image for a moment, debating, before sending it off with the message:

Me:Wish you were here.

I wait, my heart racing a little, expecting a response. Instead, I just get a heart on the picture. No words. No call back. Just… a heart.

It shouldn’t bother me, but it does. I try calling him again later, just before bed, but it goes straight to voicemail.

I toss and turn all night, my mind running wild with possibilities. Is he upset? Did I do something? I try to convince myself that it’s all in my head, but the restless feeling doesn’t leave.

By the time Monday morning rolls around, I’m cranky and exhausted. I assume it’s just the usual hormonal storm since my period is irregular and I tend to feel off during this time. I’m making tea when my phone buzzes, and I see it’s a call from my GP’s office.

“Hello?” I answer, balancing the phone between my shoulder and ear as I pour hot water into my mug.

“Hi, Ellie. This is Dr. Harper’s office. Just following up—have you had a chance to look at the emails we sent last week?” the receptionist asks, her tone brisk but polite.

I blink, confused. “Emails?”

“Yes, we sent three emails last week regarding your overdue check-up and IUD appointment.”

My heart skips a beat. I haven’t seen anything because of the damn computer issues at work. “Oh, right. I had some tech problems, so I must’ve missed them. What’s this about the IUD?”

“You’re overdue for your check-up, especially to check your IUD placement. Can you come in this week?”

I glance at the clock. I have work, but… if I’m spending the evening with Alexander, and things might get… intimate, I better handle this now. “Yeah, I can make it. Actually, can we do that today?”

“Great. See you at nine.”

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