Eleanor''s eyes lit up at the invitation-an academic exchange at the Military Medical University?
She quickly replied, "Yes."
"It''ll be for about three days. Do you have someone to watch your daughter?" the message continued.
Eleanor hesitated, ncing over at her little girl. Of course, the person she trusted most wasn, her daughter''s father.
Just as she was considering her options, her phone chimed with a new message. It was fromn.
"I heard about the exchange at the Military Medical University next Monday. I''ll drop Evelyn off with my mom while you''re gone," he wrote.
She wasn''t surprisedn knew he always seemed to be one step ahead. This trip was important, and though she''d rather not rely on him, she wasn''t about to pass up the opportunity.
"Alright," she replied simply.
After spending a lovely weekend with her daughter, Eleanor watched asn came by Sunday night to pick Evelyn up.
That same night, she packed her bag and headed for the airport. The Military Medical University was in Kingston, and Dr. Lyman had arranged to meet her at the terminal.
Once she''d checked her luggage, Eleanor made her way to the VIP lounge to look for Dr. Lyman. She stopped short when she spotted a tall, striking figure seated on the sofa, reading a magazine.
Eleanor froze for a second. Was he going to Kingston too?
She chose a seat as far from him as possible, butn looked up and greeted her, "You''re here."
She turned her face away, pretending not to notice. Momentster, Dr. Lyman entered, phone in hand. Eleanor stood up quickly. "Mr. Brown," she greeted.
Lyman Brown smiled and waved her off. "Rx, the flight''s dyed by half an hour. Take a seat!"
She nodded and sat back down while Dr. Lyman joinedn, the two men chatting quietly. Eleanor pulled a book from her backpack and tried to focus.
When it was finally time to board, Eleanor discovered-much to her surprise that her ticket, arranged by Dr. Lyman''s assistant, had her seated right next ton in first ss.
She settled into her seat, determined to keep her eyes fixed on the window. Thirty thousand feet in the air, the first-ss cabin felt even smaller. The subtle scent of cedar onn''s skin drifted to her, making her restless.
"Sir, can I get you anything to drink?" The flight attendant''s voice was almost too sweet, floating down the aisle.
Out of the corner of her eye, Eleanor saw the tall stewardess leaning overn, her posture perfectly entuating her curves.
"Just water, thank you." Ian didn''t even look up, his fingers gliding over his tablet as he read a medical journal.
"Of course, one moment," the attendant replied, her tone soft as velvet.
When she returned with his water, the stewardess lingered, shing a bright smile. “Mr. Goodwin, are you traveling to Kingston for business?"
Eleanor had been hoping for some sleep, but the stewardess''s overzealous attention ton made that impossible. She gave a small, pointed cough.
The attendant turned with a slightly forced smile. "Ma''am, can I get you anything?" "No, thank you. I''d like to rest," Eleanor answered.
The attendant nodded and, before leaving, shot onest flirty nce atn. "If you need anything at all, Mr. Goodwin, just let me know~"
After she left,n couldn''t hide the faint smirk tugging at his lips.
Eleanor managed to doze off, and woke as the ne began its descent into Kingston International Airport.
She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to adjust to the pressure in her ears, when she suddenly felt a hand on her forehead.
She opened her eyes and turned, ring atn.
"Are you feeling alright?" he asked quietly.
"I don''t need your help," she snapped, turning back to the window.
Afternding, Eleanor waited on the jet bridge for Dr. Lyman. She watched as the same stewardess approachedn, slipping him a small note. "Mr. Goodwin, here''s my number. If you need anything while you''re in Kingston..."
"No, thank you,"n cut her off, stone-cold.
So, he really was devoted to Vanessa-even here, he shut down any hint of flirting.