Free Persona (The 'Professional' series) by Ceri Bladen

way over to Daniel and Scarlett.  He said something to make Scarlett
smile and then he walked away.  She then watched Daniel whisper something
into Scarlett’s ear.  She threw her head back and gave a very sexy laugh,
playfully hitting Daniel on the arm.  All of a sudden, Ella felt a blush
rise on her checks.  She just realised that Scarlett was straddling
Daniel.  Scarlett was fully clothed, but the scene still looked too
intimate to watch.  For goodness sake, they most probably were up to the
same thing last night, without the clothes. Totally embarrassed now, she walked
over to the water dispenser to get a drink, her headache suddenly pounding
again.
    Daniel’s
voice came from behind her.   It made her jump guiltily, she nearly
splashed the water everywhere.  She hadn’t heard him come over, too
absorbed in her own thoughts.  He laughed at her startled reaction.
    “Penny for
your thoughts?”  He thought he would scare her if she asked for his! 
“Hey, we are off to lunch to celebrate.  It has just been confirmed that
we have the parts.  Will you join us?”  He noticed her pale face. “Or
do you still feel ill?  We can go back to the hotel, if you want?”  A
protective instinct surged through him as he grabbed her elbow to steady
her.  She looked as though she was just about to faint. 
    Initially,
she was pleased for him, he had a major part in a film!  Then, she felt
the colour drain out of her.  She realised that he would be spending
months getting up close and personal with Scarlett.  More blood drained
out when she realised that there was not a single thing she could do about
it. 
    She felt him
grab her elbow to support her.  She fathomed in one quick moment that she
was jealous of Scarlett.  Oh no, she was in love with him!  What on
earth was she going to do now?

Chapter
15
    The buzz in
the restaurant had increased ten-fold since Daniel, Scarlett and Ella
entered.  Even though Daniel and Scarlett seemed oblivious to the stares,
it made Ella uncomfortable to be under so much scrutiny.  Well, okay, she
reasoned that they would not be looking at her anyway.
    They were
shown to a fine-looking table which had stunning views through the wide
windows, but was still slightly shielded from the rest of the prying eyes in
the restaurant. 
    Ella noticed
Daniel making eye contact with her, while he pulled a chair out for her. 
As she made her way over to the chair, Scarlett sat in it, right next to
Daniel.  Daniel lifted a brow behind Scarlett, while Ella waited for the
waiter to finish pulling her chair out.  She sat down opposite them.
  As she looked at the two of them opposite her, she suddenly wished
Eric was there with them too, she felt such a gooseberry.
    Small talk
was made, mainly by Daniel and Scarlett, while the wine was ordered and poured.
 Ella tried to study the menu.  It all looked so good, and so
expensive.  She didn’t think that her expenses would even cover an
entrée.  Never mind, she would worry about it later in the month.
  
    “Are you
ready to order?” The waiter stood posed for their answer.
    “Ella?”
Daniel prompted as her menu was still firmly in her hands.
    “Oh yes,
sorry.  I will have the soup of the day to start, and then the rack of
lamb, with red current sauce, please.  Medium.”
    “Would you
like any side orders with that, Madam?”
    “No, I think
that is fine.  The lamb does come with potatoes, doesn’t it?”
    “Yes, Madam,
duchess potatoes with spinach.”  He smiled at her before turning to
Scarlett.
    Scarlett
gave him a striking smile. “Grilled chicken,
hold the dressing.  Green salad instead of…” She looked straight at Ella.
“…the potatoes.”
    Ella wanted the floor to swallow her up. Why hadn’t she ordered after
Scarlett?  She looked gluttonous.  No wonder she wasn’t a stick
insect.
    “Sir?”
    Ella looked at
Daniel, and caught him grinning at her over the menu.  He put it down on
the table and replied,