"For those words alone, I promise I''lle back safe," Mansfield Ellington replied with an easy smile.


    Eleanor looked at him, wishing he''d take it a little more seriously.


    Their eyes met for a few quiet seconds before Mansfield''s throat bobbed as if he were swallowing his nerves. Then, almost sheepishly, he made a request that was just a bit too much.


    "Could I have a goodbye hug?" he asked, pausing before adding, "Just a friendly one. Out of courtesy."


    Eleanor blinked, a little surprised, but then gave a soft, understanding smile. She stepped forward, opened her arms, and hugged him. "Come back safe."


    As she pulled away, Mansfield''s long arms drew her gently back, holding her as if she were something fragile and precious. His voice was low and warm. "When I return, take me out to dinner."


    She smiled. "Deal."


    He let her go and took a polite step back. "It''s a promise."


    With that, he strode confidently toward his car.


    Eleanor watched him go, her eyes suddenly bright with unshed tears. She pressed her lips together, forcing herself to keep it together as she saw Mansfield climb into his car.


    It wasn''t until his car had disappeared down the street that she finally lowered her head and wiped at the corners of her eyes. When she looked up, she startled- Gavin was standing right in front of her, a gift box cradled in his hands.


    Gavin hadn''t noticed Eleanor wiping away tears; he stood there awkwardly, stuck between handing over the gift and retreating.


    "Miss Sutton, are you all right?"


    Eleanor quicklyposed herself. "I''m fine."


    "This-uh, Mr. Goodwin bought this at the airport the other day. I''ve been so busy I forgot to bring it by. It''s for Evelyn," Gavin exined, holding out the box.


    Eleanor hesitated but took the gift anyway. "Thank you. That''s thoughtful of you."


    "Miss Sutton, really—are you okay?" Gavin tried again, offering a clumsy sort offort.


    Eleanor shook her head, her expression already calm again. She''d just been worried, watching Mansfield walk away, knowing he was risking his life for his country.


    Gavin couldn''t help himself; he feltpelled to say something for his boss''s sake. “Miss Sutton, Mr. Goodwin''s been really busytely, that''s why he hasn''t—”


    "Gavin." Eleanor cut him off, her eyes cool and clear. "I''m not interested in anything to do with him. You don''t have to exin."


    Gavin immediately backed off with an awkward smile. Clearly, he''d caught Eleanor at a bad moment. Was it that man just now who''d hurt her feelings?


    He retreated to his car and, after a moment''s thought, picked up his phone and dialed his boss.


    "Hello?"n''s voice came through the line.


    "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Sutton epted the gift you bought for Evelyn at the airport," Gavin reported.


    "Okay,"n replied, his tone neutral.


    "And, well... there''s something else. I''m not sure if I should mention it," Gavin added quickly.


    "What is it?"


    "I saw that man from the museum at Miss Sutton''s doorstep just now. They hugged, and whatever he said seemed to upset her-she was crying when he left," Gavin said.


    There was a long pause on the other end.


    "Mr. Goodwin?" Gavin ventured.


    "I understand." Ian hung up.


    After five years working forn, Gavin realized he still couldn''t read his boss''s mind.


    Only btedly did Gavin realize he''d probably been meddling. The boss and Eleanor were already divorced, andn was with Miss Shannon now. Surely he had no time or interest left for Eleanor''s troubles.


    Next time, Gavin promised himself, he''d keep his mouth shut.