The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 105

Chapter 105

Eleanor POV

I was arranging a seasonal centerpiece of pine branches, holly berries, and white amaryllis-one of the few orders remaining this week. Early winter in Boston had brought a sharp decline in business at Four Seasons Florals. My two assistants, Rachel and Min, had both taken reduced hours for the season, leaving me alone in the shop most days. The December chill seeped through the old windows despite the heat blasting from the vents, forcing me to weat a thick cardigan over my usual work clothes.

The bell above the door chimed, letting in a blast of cold air that made me shiver. I looked up, expecting Mrs. Henderson coming to collect her holiday arrangement, but instead found myself staring at James Fort. He stood in the doorway, dressed in a casual navy blazer over a light blue shirt, brushing snowflakes from his shoulders.

“James,” I said, my voice betraying my surprise. I wasn’t expecting you

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Just got back from London yesterday Thought I’d surprise you. He approached the

counter, his gaze taking in the holiday arrangement beneath my hands I’ve heard quite a lot since I’ve been away.”

Have you?” I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral as I continued working. The Gardner Museums winter fundraiser needed this

centerpiece by tomorrow morning, and I was behind schedule with no staff to help

That you and Derek have made things official,” he said, watching my reaction carefully. The divorce, I mean

My hands stilled momentarily before resuming their work. Of course he’d heard News traveled fast in Boston’s financial circles,

especially when it involved the Wells family.

“Yes, I confirmed, securing a sprig of holly with floral wire. It’s done.”

James leaned against the counter, close enough that I could smell his cologne-something woody and subtle. “There’s a new Italian

place that opened on Newbury while I was gone. Supposedly the chef trained in Florence. I thought perhaps you might join me for

lunch?

“L… I hesitated, shaking pine needles from my fingers. I suppose I could close a little early.”

Before James could respond, the bell chimed again. A gust of cold air swept through the shop, and Derek stood in the doorway,

snowflakes melting on his charcoal wool coat. His eyes narrowed at the sight of James, and his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

Eleanor, he said, ignoring James completely. I thought we could discuss some matters over dinner.”

James just invited me, I said, feeling suddenly trapped between two predators circling the same prey.

What a coincidence, Derek replied, his voice dangerously soft. I’m sure James won’t mind if I join you both.

James straightened, his casual posture giving way to something more alert. Actually, I was hoping for a private conversation with

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Chapter 105

“Were you?” Derek stepped further into the shop, moving with the fluid grace that always reminded me of a big cat, “I’m afraid’

Eleanor and I have some unfinished business to discuss, Divorce paperwork,” he added with a pointed look at James.

The tension in the room thickened. I set down my clippers with a sigh. “Gentlemen, if you re both insistent on lunch, we can all go

together. Otherwise, I have work to finish.

Derek smiled, that particular smile that never reached his eyes. “La Famiglia at noon? I know the owner.”

Of course you do, James muttered.

La Famiglia was indeed new-I had watched its renovation over the past few months from my shop window. The interior was warm

and elegant, with terracotta walls and olive trees in terracotta pots dividing the space into intimate sections. Derek had already

secured a table in the best location, of course, near the fireplace but angled for privacy.

When he saw James beside me, his expression darkened momentarily before he schooled his features back into cool indifference. He

stood as we approached, his manners impeccable as always, but his eyes were cold

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love