Chapter Five

The phone on her desk rang. Picking it up, it was Holly from the front desk. “Hey Tally, I have Miss Reynolds on the phone. She wants to talk to Ryan. I have told her he is busy, but she insisted on getting put through.”

Tally exhaled deeply. This aspect of her job was the least enjoyable, and truly, it wasn’t Ryan’s fault. He had made it clear to his dates should only contact him on his mobile, not the work lines. If he didn’t respond, it should indicate that he was occupied or didn’t want to talk to them.

However, it appeared that some women he dated either forgot this rule or disregarded it, especially as he became increasingly less responsive. This was often because he grew bored and distanced himself from them. “Thanks, Holly, I’ll handle the call.”

Holly was relieved with her answer, saying “thanks” before switching the woman through.

It was only a second before Miss Nicole Reynolds came on the line. “Connect me to Ryan immediately.” She hadn’t even given Tally time to say anything before making her demand. 

“I’m sorry, Miss Reynolds, but Ryan is busy this afternoon. You have Ryan’s mobile number...”

“What is the point of having his mobile number if he doesn’t answer?” 

Tally looked at the ceiling. Counted to ten, she really shouldn’t say anything on the subject it wasn’t her business.

“Miss Reynolds, I’m sorry that’s the case. But I can understand why you haven’t received a return phone call. We are currently engaged in something of great importance.” All the company dealings were very private and Ryan’s women have never been part of the inner circle.

An angry squeal sounded from the other end of the phone. “I don’t give a fuck what you think. You are just his secretary, after all. Your opinion doesn’t matter.” Tally rolled her eyes. She had been very careful not to give an opinion by just stating facts. Was she a complete moron to not know the difference? 

Tally closed her eyes for patience. Women like Nicole saw many people below her notice, and Tally was one of them. “I’m sorry, Miss Reynolds, but it’s more than my job is worth to put you through. We have a busy day. You have Ryan’s mobile. Please leave a message or text...”

The answer did not please Miss Reynolds. “Listen, you little bitch...”

“Miss Reynolds, I’m just following orders,” Sighing Tally could feel the pounding in her head.

Nicole’s voice contained a sob as she said, “I received warnings about him, telling me not to get involved since Ryan doesn’t do commitment or change.”

Wide eyed Tally couldn’t believe the women that Ryan dated thought they could change him, snorting silently good luck with that. She totally understood the attraction, but smart women did not start dating a man expecting to change him or turn him from a man whore to a husband.

Frowning, Tally thought about her own situation. She had really thought Blake was different. Not like her father and Ryan. Again, Ryan wasn’t a wicked man, and he was honest with his women. No future, no fairytale existed with him. He enjoyed women, but only one at a time, and he didn’t go straight from one to another. Women chased him more often than not. Tally thought in some ways; it disillusioned Ryan as well. He couldn’t trust if they were after his money or him. Maybe he was just dating the wrong kind of woman. 

But Ryan’s terrible reputation didn’t seem to turn women off.

She didn’t share any of her musings with Miss Reynolds though, only saying. “Miss Reynolds, I really wouldn’t know.”

“As if you would. Ryan doesn’t sleep around with his staff. Why would anyone want a bitch like you?” The last was screamed at her. Tally had had enough. She couldn’t tolerate any more abuse from Ryan’s women, especially this one who had gone too far. So Tally didn’t say anymore and just hung up the phone. There was no reasoning with the woman.

“Tally?” Ryan asked from his office doorway.

She didn’t look at him, just stared at her computer screen. “That was Miss Reynolds on the phone.” Still not looking at him, and placed her fingers back on the keys and started typing, adding. “She was upset because she can’t get hold of you.”

She heard Ryan let out a frustrated breath. “Tally, I need you to take her off the guest list for the annual Christmas party.” He paused for a moment before adding, “This is a drama I just don’t need right now.”

Tell me about it. I don’t need your drama or my own. Tally thought.

She really needed to get it together today. They had the end-of-year Christmas party this week. She had numerous responsibilities to ensure its smooth running. In order to achieve that, she had to remain focused and not let her own problems distract her during work hours. 

“Does that mean you would like me to arrange a farewell gift like normal, Ryan?” That was one of her jobs to pick a pricy gift when Ryan ended things with one of his women. He did not know what to buy.

At first, she was horrified when he asked her to do it. However, it appeared that for the women he selected; it was considered the accepted norm. To make matters worse, he would then reinforce it by getting Tally to send them flowers the next day. In her eyes, it seemed like a form of payment for their services. This situation didn’t reflect well on her boss or the women he was involved with.

Tally still remembered one particular lady he had been with some months ago who thought nothing wrong with sharing titbits about her sexual relationship with Ryan. When she had called the office one day to be told Ryan wasn’t available, the woman had then tried to gossip with Tally. If half of what she said is true, Ryan must be exceptional in bed. It had been really disconcerting to hear the things about her boss.

“No Tally, I’ll handle it.” Ryan said after a moment.

Wow, that was new! She finally looked at him, lifting an eyebrow at him in amazement. 

“Trust me, it’s no big deal.” He stated, before turning back into his office.