Eleanor didn''t say a word, simply letting him hold her hand. Perhaps it was the enchanting atmosphere, but she didn''t have the heart to ruin his mood at that moment.


    The heat of the man''s skin seeped from his palm, carrying a searing, undeniable warmth.


    Time seemed to freezepletely.


    Two minutester, Eleanor twitched her fingers and spoke softly. "I need to go draw Evelyn''s bath."


    Only then didn slowly release his grip. His fingertips brushed against the delicate skin of the back of her hand as if reluctant to let go. He gave a low chuckle. "Alright."


    The two walked back into the living room one after the other. Evelyn knew it was gettingte and stopped ying, waving atn. "Dad, Mommy and I are going upstairs now!"


    "Go on,"n smiled at her fondly, though a part of him selfishly wished he could stay in the living room just a little longer.


    Eleanor gave her daughter a bath, then took a shower herself. By the time she climbed into bed, she realized Evelyn had already fallen fast asleep.


    She slipped under the covers, pulled her daughter into her arms, and drifted off to sleep beside her.


    The next morning.


    Eleanor dressed her daughter infortable, casual clothes—a long-sleeved sun shirt and pants, her hair tied in a cute little ponytail. As soon as she was ready, Evelyn bounced out of the living room to find her grandmother.


    Eleanor stood in the garden watching her, only turning back toward the house once Serena came out to greet the little girl.


    Breakfast was scheduled to be delivered to the vi. Just as Eleanor was heading upstairs, the door to the second-floor guest room opened. Ian stepped out in a gray tracksuit, his hair slightly tousled, exuding a rugged, athletic energy.


    "Evelyn went over to see her grandmother," Eleanor mentioned, about to keep walking.


    Eleanor was only going back to her room to scroll through her phone and check emails-nothing that couldn''t wait.


    It was a rare treat to take a morning stroll through the mountains. She nodded. "Sure, give me a second."


    The two walked out of the vi side by side, slowly making their way down a stone- paved path that led deep into the woods. The morning mountain air was crisp and dewy, carrying the earthy scent of soil and fresh grass.


    Neither of them spoke, choosing instead to quietly savor the rare peace and rxation away from the hustle of the city.


    After walking for a bit, a crystal-clear stream appeared alongside the path. Out of curiosity, Eleanor leaned over to look at the tiny fish darting through the water. She failed to notice the uneven patch of grass beneath her feet. By the time she realized she had lost her footing she was already pitching forward toward the creek.


    Instinctively trying to save herself, she reached out and grabbedn''s arm, using his leverage to wrap her arms around his waist to avoid plunging into the water.


    Eleanor was pressed flush against him. Her cheek was so close she could feel the powerful, steady thumping of his heartbeat through his athletic shirt.


    Her hands had unconsciously gripped the fabric at his waist so tightly that her knuckles turned white.


    She held onto him like a terrified child clutching a parent''s clothes.


    Their posture was instantly, overwhelmingly intimate.


    involuntarily. His Adamghtened


    apple


    bobbed in the heavy silence as he leaned down, his nose brashing against her hair, quietly breathing in the scent of her.