The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 107

Chapter 107

Eleanor POV

In James’s car, the tension from lunch slowly dissipated. Snowflakes drifted lazily past the windshield, and the heater created a

cocoon of warmth against the December chill.

I noticed James deliberately slowing the car as we approached a stretch of scenic road along the Charles River. The Boston skyline

glittered in the distance through the gentle snowfall.

“Does it bother you?” James asked after several minutes of comfortable silence. ‘Derek and I butting heads like that?”

I sighed, watching Boston pass by outside the window. “Derek has been… unpredictable since he returned from London. One minute

cold and dismissive, the next possessive and demanding.”

“And yet he divorced you,” James observed quietly.

“We divorced each other,” I corrected. “It was always the plan.”

James stopped at a red light and turned to face me. “Eleanor, I hope this isn’t too forward, but I’d like to get to know you better. Not

just as casual acquaintances.”

His directness caught me off guard, a flutter of surprise warming my cheeks. “James, we haven’t known each other very long.”

He smiled gently. “I don’t think the connection between two people necessarily depends on how long they’ve known each other. Sometimes…” he paused, his eyes meeting mine, I think you can see it too-that moment when someone sees through all your

defenses.”

I fell silent, unsure how to respond to the sudden intimacy of his words. The light turned green, but James waited an extra moment

before continuing our journey.

“If that’s too much,” he said softly, then at least let me be your friend. I’d like to show you, through actions rather than words, what I mean. Maybe someday you’ll see what’s in my heart.”

Something about his straightforward approach was refreshing after years of trying to decipher Derek’s cryptic behaviors and hidden

motives.

“Friends, I agreed with a small smile. ‘I’d like that. As for anything more… let’s just let things happen naturally, if they’re meant

to.”

James nodded, seeming genuinely pleased. “That’s all I ask.”

When we arrived at my Victorian home in Newton, I noticed with dismay a familiar black Bentley parked across the street. Derek

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Chapter 107

leaned against the car, arms crossed, watching as James pulled into my driveway.

“He followed us,” I muttered, feeling a headache forming behind my eyes.

“Interesting behavior for a man who wanted a divorce, James observed, shutting off the engine.

Derek approached as we got out of the car, his expression unreadable in the fading winter light. “Thought I’d make sure you go

home safely,” he said, as if stalking his ex-wife was perfectly normal behavior.

The absurdity of the situation-two grown men following me home like teenagers-was too much. Since you’re both here, you

might as well come in for coffee,” I said, resigned to prolonging this strange day.

Inside, a golden retriever came bounding down the stairs at the sound of the door, skidding slightly on the hardwood floor in his

D excitement. He immediately approached James, sniffing curiously at his shoes and pants legs.

“What’s your dog’s name?” James asked, kneeling to offer his hand for inspection.

“That’s Sunny,” I replied, watching as my normally cautious dog wagged his tail happily at James.

“Hello there, Sunny, James said, scratching behind the dog’s ears. “Aren’t you friendly?”

Derek rolled his eyes. “Can you stop acting even for a minute?”

James ignored the comment, continuing to pet Sunny, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the attention.

A sudden sound from the kitchen diverted my attention. “Oh no, I groaned, hurrying to investigate. Water was leaking from beneath

the sink, pooling on the tile floor.

“I can take a look, James offered, already rolling up his sleeves. “I’m pretty good with basic plumbing.”

Derek followed me into the kitchen, leaning against the doorframe with an air of casual disdain as James knelt to examine the sink. Sunny trotted after us, seemingly oblivious to the tension as he divided his attention between the two men.

When James found the problem and began working on the pipe, Derek’s lips curved into a cold smile.

“How versatile you are, James. From chauffeur to plumber in one evening. What’s next? Personal chef? Butler? Derek’s voice dripped

with disdain.

James regarded Derek calmly. “Some things require personal attention, not just issuing orders from behind a desk.

I stepped between them, feeling the tension escalate. Sunny, seemingly oblivious, bounded over to greet Derek with enthusiasm,

further complicating the tableau.

I could help Eleanor prepare something to eat,” James suggested, the offer clearly directed at annoying Derek rather than actually cooking “I picked up some great recipes while traveling

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Chapter 107

“If you’re hungry, Derek countered immediately, “I can have La Famiglia deliver their signature dishes. The owner owes me a favor.”

I looked from one man to the other, both now settled on opposite ends of my living room, neither showing any intention of leaving.

Sunny trotted back and forth between them, apparently delighted by the extra attention.

“Gentlemen, I said finally, my patience exhausted, I’ve worked for ten hours today, and all I want is some peace and quiet.

Derek stood reluctantly. “We need to talk tomorrow, Eleanor.”

James also rose, but offered a more gracious departure. “If the pipe gives you any more trouble, call me anytime.”

At the door, they exchanged one last challenging glance, neither wanting to be the first to leave. I practically pushed them out, closing the door firmly behind them and engaging both the electronic lock and the deadbolt, then adding the security chain for

good measure.

Alone at last, I collapsed onto the sofa, emotionally drained from the day’s events. Sunny jumped up beside me, nuzzling his head under my arm until I embraced him. Outside, snow continued to fall, blanketing the world in silent white. The contrast between the peaceful winter scene and the turbulent day I’d just experienced wasn’t lost on me.

I buried my face in Sunny’s warm fur, my mind whirling with the implications of everything that had happened. James’s direct proposition hung in the air like a promise-or a challenge. And Derek’s inexplicable behavior, following me home, entering my house unannounced, marking his territory like some primal creature…

What was I supposed to make of any of it? And more importantly, what was I going to do about it?

Sunny whined softly, pushing his nose against my cheek as if sensing my confusion. At least his affection was uncomplicated- unlike everything else in my life right now.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love