Page 18 of Brighter Together

Chapter 3

Tommy

I’m already in a foul mood by the time I reach Ella’s office.

Three nights of tossing and turning haven’t helped.

Every time I close my eyes, my brain helpfully drags up Alex and Nick’s words from the mountain, followed by the image of Ella smiling at me over a cup of coffee.

Then, because apparently I enjoy making myself miserable, I’ve started wondering whether Ian has finally managed to talk her into going out with him.

For fuck’s sake.

I’m forty-seven years old. I should be capable of controlling my own thoughts.

My hand hovers over the door handle when I hear Ian’s voice on the other side.

Of course he’s here.

Again.

The irritation that has been simmering in me all morning sharpens instantly.

This is the third time this week I’ve found my head chef hanging around Ella’s office, and unless the kitchen has recently relocated upstairs, he has no reason to spend this much time here.

Ella laughs at something he says.

My stomach twists.

Brilliant.

I have no right to be jealous. I know that.

Ella works for me. I’ve already decided that means I’m not doing anything about the fact I fancy her, so I certainly don’t get to be pissed off because another man might.

Especially when I’m the idiot deliberately keeping my distance.

Knowing that does absolutely nothing to improve my mood.

I push the door open.

“Ian, you’re spending more time in my office nowadays than in the kitchen. Want to apply for an admin position?”

Ian turns towards me with a glare.

“Funny, Tommy.”

He isn’t laughing.

“I came to see whether you want me in the meeting with the VIP fundraiser people.”

If Ian likes anything as much as chasing female members of staff, it’s putting himself front and centre whenever there’s an important client involved.

He’s good at his job. Brilliant, actually. The man can run a kitchen through a fully booked Saturday night without breaking a sweat, his menus are one of the reasons guests come back, and every food review we get seems to contain some variation of exceptional.

As an employee, he’s valuable.

As a human being, he frequently makes me want to lock him in the walk-in freezer.