The neon lights of the city were mesmerizing outside the window. Eleanor''s desire to go home wasn''t really because of what Vanessa had said; she was just tired and wanted to rest. The intense week of experiments had worn her out.


    Just then,n''s voice cut through the quiet. "Gavin, pull over."


    Gavin expertly steered the car to the side of the road. Once they had stopped,n said, "You can take a taxi home."


    Gavin understood immediately. "Yes, Mr. Goodwin."


    Eleanor looked atn in surprise. Why did he suddenly want to drive?


    Butn simply walked around to her side of the car, opened the door, and said gently, "Move to the passenger seat."


    Eleanor furrowed her brow slightly but got out and moved to the passenger seatn was holding open for her. She had a feeling she knew what he was nning.


    Sure enough, after he settled into the driver''s seat, he turned to her and said, "Let''s go for a drive."


    Eleanor nodded. "Okay. Don''t drive too fast."


    Half an hourter, he parked next to a scenic pier. The weather was lovely, and many city professionals were out enjoying a walk or camping, escaping the downtown hustle.


    In the distance, a few bonfires flickered on the beach.


    "Do you remember this ce?"n asked in a low voice.


    Eleanor faced the sea breeze, letting it blow away some of her frustration.


    "I remember," Eleanor nodded.


    lel


    Not long after they were married,n used to bring her here often for drives and walks. Back then, Eleanor loved to link her arm in his and walk all the way to the end of the boardwalk. On the way back she would yfully demand he give her a piggyback ride for part of the way back to the car.


    But that was nine years ago.


    Walking in a ce like this wearing


    an evening gown, Eleanor was naturally yery eye-catching. Men along the path couldn''t help but stare and even the women looked on with admiration. Of course, the tall, dazzling man apanying her was just as noticeable.


    Neither of them spoke, as if nothing more needed to be said.


    Just then, a middle-aged woman rushed past, chasing after a child. "Isaac, slow down!"


    Eleanor anticipated this and started to move aside withn to let her pass. But just then, a strong arm grabbed her wrist, and a force pulled her, in her high heels, directly into a firm male embrace.


    Her waist was caught, and Eleanor instinctively put her hands on his chest to steady herself. She looked up and met a pair of deep eyes, now filled with a protective instinct.


    "Thanks," Eleanor said, pushing against him slightly to regain her bnce.


    In the moonlight, her waist was slender and supple, a fact entuated by the form- fitting gown.


    Eleanor continued walking. Since they were already here, there was no rush to go back. She found herself enjoying the moment. The people around them all exuded a sense of weekend excitement and rxation.


    Being in the midst of it all, she felt herself rx as well.


    After walking another hundred yards or so along the scenic pier, Eleanor stopped at the railing to admire the view, tan stood quietly beside her, ong hand in his pocket. The night breeze tousled both of their hair.