Jealousy is such an ugly look on people. The pang in the chest and the twisting in the gut were very uncomfortable. The unpleasant feeling transforms into frowns and sneers, snide remarks, or cold shoulders. Eric never thought he would sport such a look on this business trip. He glared daggers on Jamie’s back while his assistant chatted away with, probably, the only man he disliked.

Anthony Michaels may be the one reason Eric kept his assistant away from these kinds of trips. Mr. Michaels is another marketer from one of their subsidiaries. It could be his way of selling his products or another, but one can always find Mr. Michaels getting cozy with someone on these trips.

James Carter remains oblivious as he talked with the tall man about his age. He was dashing, with his dirty blonde hair and dimpled smile. He cannot believe someone as young as him, was in a position on par with his boss.

“It is a shame I was not assigned to the head office, then I could see you often,” Mr. Michaels said suddenly, his hand grabbing Jamie’s as he leaned to kiss it.

Jamie’s eyes widen, his cheeks warm at the sudden action. “I.. uh. Y-yes, sir.”

“If that’s what you wished,” a familiar voice cut Mr. Michaels before he could reply. Jamie turned around as he felt a hand landed on the small of his back. He found Mr. Humble by his side, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, and jaws tensed. “Then you must suck up to me, or maybe get me out the way, not flirt with my assistant. Don’t you think, Anthony?”

James flushed at the remark, or maybe at the slight tug from his boss, pulling him just a bit closer to himself.

“Well, it’s nice to see you too, Mr. Humble.” There was a sudden shift in Mr. Michaels’ demeanor that Jamie cannot put his fingers in. “I was trying not to flirt, but can you blame me? You hid your pretty assistant from me for so long.”

The fist behind his back urged James to cut in the conversation. “I think it’s about to start,” he chimed in. “We better get to our seats. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Michaels.”

James thanked the heavens that Mr. Michaels just gave a smile and a curt nod before walking away from them. The assistant almost pushed his boss into the auditorium since Mr. Humble was still glaring the way the other marketer went to. A frown made its way to his face at the out of character attitude his boss was showing. “Is there anything else you might need, Mr. Humble?” he said, a little stern and scolding than he meant to.

Eric Humble turned his attention to his assistant at that tone. Immediately, his face relaxed, and the usual smile adorned his face. “I don’t need anything else. Just you,” he replied so nonchalantly before walking away. Jamie was left with his mouth parted. The atmosphere seemed to be too warm for him all of a sudden. It was not until Mr. Humble turned back to beckon him that he pulled himself together and shook it off.

It was something platonic, surely. They were working together for five years now. At least, that was what he told the butterflies that decided to throw a party in his stomach.