The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 139

Chapter 139

Derek POV

In the living room, I was greeted by Sunny, Eleanor’s golden retriever. The dog regarded me warily, clearly assessing this long- absent intruder in his home. I crouched down, extending my hand slowly.

“Hey, Sunny. Long time no see, buddy.”

The dog sniffed my hand cautiously before gradually relaxing, allowing me to stroke his head. A small victory, but I’d take it.

In the kitchen, I surveyed the contents of Eleanor’s refrigerator and cupboards: eggs, bread, butter, and coffee-simple but sufficient. I located a skillet and coffee pot, setting to work with practiced efficiency.

As I cracked eggs into the pan, I reflected on the cooking skills I’d developed in London. What had begun as a way to fill empty evenings had become a small source of pride. I remembered Eleanor in my arms last night, the way she had clung to me, vulnerable and trusting. A fierce protectiveness washed over me-I wouldn’t hurt her again.

By the time Eleanor came downstairs, the house was filled with the aroma of coffee and toast. Her hair was damp from the shower, falling in loose waves around her shoulders. She wore a simple cream sweater that clung to the curves I’d explored so thoroughly the night before, paired with jeans that hugged her hips in a way that made my mouth go dry.

I watched her movements as she crossed the kitchen-the slight sway of her hips, the graceful way she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. My body instantly responded to her presence, memories of our night together still fresh and visceral. The small kitchen suddenly felt charged with electricity, the space between us humming with unspoken desire.

‘I can’t believe you actually know how to do this,” she said, eyeing the plates I’d set out. As she leaned over to inspect the food, her sweater dipped slightly, revealing the elegant line of her collarbone-the same spot I’d kissed just hours ago.

It seems you’ve underestimated me in some areas,” I replied, sliding a perfectly cooked egg onto her plate. Our fingers brushed as I handed her the plate, and I felt that familiar spark of connection. “Well? Does my cooking pass muster?

Eleanor took a bite, her lips closing around the fork in a way that sent my mind back to more intimate moments. I watched, transfixed, as she swallowed, her throat moving in a delicate motion.

Honestly, it’s much better than I expected. I’m impressed,” she said, her voice carrying a husky quality that might have been unintentional but affected me nonetheless.

My eyes lit up at her praise, heat coursing through my veins. “So what do I get as a reward?”

She looked confused, but I couldn’t help noticing how her pupils dilated slightly. “For making breakfast? What do you want, a gold star sticker like they give kindergarteners?”

I grinned mischievously before leaning over and planting a quick kiss on her cheek, deliberately letting my lips linger near the corner of her mouth The scent of her freshly washed hair filled my senses as I pulled away, returning to my breakfast as if nothing

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Chapter 139

had happened. The air between us grew thick with tension.

“You’re getting increasingly presumptuous,” she snapped, but the slight catch in her breath betrayed her. Her cheeks flushed not just with anger, but with something else entirely. “Don’t think that sleeping with you erases everything between us. I haven’t forgiven

you, and I’d appreciate some respect.”

I adopted an innocent expression, though my body was anything but innocent in its response to her proximity. “I meant no disrespect. Just claiming the standard payment for breakfast service.”

I couldn’t resist adding, my voice dropping to a register I knew affected her, “If you ever need someone to keep you company like last night again, I wouldn’t mind.”

Eleanor’s face flushed with anger, her chest rising and falling with quickened breaths. The table between us felt like both a barrier and an invitation. “Keep talking like that and I’ll pour this coffee all over your expensive shirt. And for the record, I won’t be paying for dry cleaning-sue me if you want.”

I raised my hands in surrender, deciding I’d pushed my luck far enough. Yet I couldn’t help but notice how her gaze briefly dropped to my lips before darting away. The memory of her body pressed against mine hung in the air between us, unacknowledged but

impossible to ignore.

“What gifts did you prepare for your family?” she asked, clearly changing the subject, but her voice still carried that slight tremor that told me she wasn’t as composed as she wanted to appear.

“For Grandmother, her favorite English tea and a blue cashmere wrap she’ll love,” I explained. “For Father, a limited-edition book on financial history he’s been wanting. Mother’s been obsessed with French designer scarves lately, so I had a friend in London bring the latest collection. Alexander collects fountain pens, so I got him a limited-edition Montblanc.”

Eleanor raised an eyebrow. “I never would have guessed you were so thoughtful.”

Would you like to discover more about me?” I asked, my voice softening to an intimate whisper, letting the double meaning hang

between us.

She turned away, but not before I caught the slight blush coloring her cheeks and the way her fingers tightened around her coffee mug, knuckles white with the effort of maintaining control.

That evening at seven, we arrived at the Wells house. I carried the bag of gifts as we walked side by side toward the entrance. Inside, we were greeted by my grandmother Margaret, my parents Jonathan and Catherine, and my brother Alexander.

“Eleanor, dear!” My grandmother exclaimed, embracing her warmly. “Finally I see you! You’re always so busy with those flowers, you

never come visit an old lady.”

I’m sorry, Eleanor apologized, returning the hug. “The shop really has been busy.”

It’s natural for Eleanor to focus on her career after the divorce,” I interjected.

I gestured to the bags I was carrying. “Eleanor brought gifts for everyone.”

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Chapter 139

My grandmother’s face lit up. “Did you really? How thoughtful of you, child.”

She turned to me with a mischievous glint in her eye. “And what about you, my dear grandson? What gifts have you brought?”

I adopted a chagrined expression. “I’m sorry, Grandmother. Work has been hectic, and it slipped my mind.”

“See?” she chided playfully. That’s our financial genius for you-remembers all those numbers but forgets to bring his grandmother a gift.

She patted Eleanor’s hand affectionately. “At least Eleanor knows how to treat family, unlike some people.”

Eleanor and I exchanged a glance. She gave an almost imperceptible nod, agreeing to maintain our little charade. I felt a surge of gratitude that she hadn’t exposed my lie.

During dinner, my mother inquired about Eleanor’s flower shop, while Alexander discussed recent market fluctuations with my father. I joined in with comparisons between the London and Boston financial sectors, watching Eleanor from the corner of my eye

After dessert, my grandmother made an unexpected suggestion. “Eleanor, why don’t you stay here tonight? No need to go back to your place.

Eleanor looked at me in surprise before politely declining. “Thank you, but as Derek and I are divorced now, it wouldn’t be appropriate.”

“Nonsense, my grandmother insisted. ‘You’ll sleep in your old room. These two boys have their own rooms.”

She fixed me with a stern look. “You, don’t you dare disturb Eleanor tonight. If you upset her, I’ll disown you as my grandson.”

I smiled innocently. “I wouldn’t dream of upsetting Eleanor now, Grandmother. I’m being perfectly well-behaved.”

My eyes met Eleanor’s across the table. I couldn’t help the anticipation that stirred within me-this night was far from over.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love