The CEO’s Unspoken Love (Eleanor and Derek) novel Chapter 79

Chapter 79

Eleanor POV

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I turned to find James Fort standing there, his eyes-warm brown with flecks of gold-crinkling at the corners as he smiled. My

pulse quickened unexpectedly.

“James,” I said, genuinely pleased to see him. “I didn’t expect to run into you here.”

“I’m meeting some colleagues, but they’re running late.” His gaze held mine a moment longer than necessary, sending a flutter through my stomach. “I was just thinking about you, actually. Ever since Seraphina’s welcome party, I’ve been hoping our paths

might cross again.”

The bartender approached, and I ordered our drinks. James insisted on paying, which I reluctantly allowed.

“Why don’t you join me while they prepare your order?” he suggested, gesturing to two empty seats at the end of the bar.

I glanced back at our booth, where Mia was giving me an enthusiastic thumbs-up behind Rachel’s back. With a small smile, I turned

back to James.

I’d like that. Just for a few minutes, though. I’m here with my colleagues.”

As we sat down, James studied me with an intensity that made me both nervous and flattered. “You look different tonight. More…

radiant. Freedom suits you.”

I felt a blush creep up my neck. “Do I?” I hadn’t realized my internal changes were so visible.

“Definitely. His eyes traced the contours of my face in a way that made me acutely conscious of every expression I made. ‘There’s something about you that’s… illuminated from within.”

He leaned slightly closer, his cologne-subtle notes of sandalwood and something citrusy-enveloping me. “I’ve heard there have been some changes in your situation with Derek?”

I tensed slightly. News traveled fast in Boston’s social circles. “Yes, I suppose that’s true.”

‘I don’t mean to pry,” he said quickly, his fingers brushing against mine on the bar top in what could have been an accidental touch. “It’s just that there’s been talk. The rumor mill suggests the Wells family might be planning a union with the Bradleys. Derek and

Seraphina…”

The suggestion stung, despite my efforts to move past Derek. “Boston gossip is always so colorful, isn’t it?” I deflected with a practiced smile, but didn’t pull my hand away. “You mentioned before that you’re interested in plant biology?”

James accepted the change of subject gracefully, but his eyes conveyed that he noticed my deflection. “You’re quite something,

Eleanor Most people would have reacted differently to that kind of news.”

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Chapter 79

‘How so?”

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With anger, perhaps. Or at least visible discomfort.” His fingers moved slightly against mine, the touch deliberate now. “But you

simply redirect and move forward. It’s captivating.”

Our drinks arrived, saving me from having to respond. As I gathered them onto a small tray, James leaned closer, his breath warm

against my ear.

I’d really like to see you again, Eleanor. Perhaps dinner? Just the two of us this time. His eyes, those expressive brown eyes,

conveyed more than casual interest. “I think we could have a fascinating conversation without interruptions.”

I felt a flutter of anticipation mingled with nervousness. Part of me wanted to say yes immediately-to dive into something new

something that might help me forget Derek. But another part hesitated, uncertain if I was truly ready.

“I’ll think about it, I promised, genuinely meaning it.

As I turned to leave, James’s hand lightly touched the small of my back-a fleeting contact that sent an unexpected shiver up my

spine.

I returned to Mia and Rachel, who immediately bombarded me with questions about the gorgeous man at the bar.” I shared only

that he was a business acquaintance, unwilling to analyze my feelings about James in front of an audience, though Mia’s knowing

smirk suggested she wasn’t fooled.

An hour later, as we prepared to leave, James approached our table.

“Let me drive you home, he offered. “It’s getting late, and cabs can be unreliable at this hour.”

“Oh, we were going to share an Uber,” I began, but Mia interrupted.

“Don’t worry about us,” she said with a mischievous smile. Rachel and I are heading the same way. You go ahead.”

Before I could protest, they had hugged me goodbye and disappeared into the crowd, leaving me alone with James. Their

matchmaking was anything but subtle.

‘It seems your friends approve,” James observed with amusement.

I sighed, a mixture of embarrassment and secret pleasure warming my cheeks. “They’re not exactly masters of subtlety.”

‘So, may I drive you home?” James’s voice dropped slightly, his eyes holding mine. “No pressure for anything more than a ride and

perhaps some conversation.

I considered my options. The prospect of talking with someone who seemed genuinely interested in me-as a woman, not as Derek

Wells wife-was undeniably appealing. I live in Newton now,” I warned. “It’s a bit of a drive.”

‘Distance isn’t a problem,” he assured me, his hand briefly touching my elbow. I’d welcome the chance to talk with you longer.”

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Chapter 79

In James’s car, I found myself relaxing as he shared stories of his travels through Europe, particularly his time in Florence.

The floral artistry there is completely different from Boston’s style,” he explained, his enthusiasm evident. “They approach

arrangements as if they’re Renaissance paintings.”

“I’d love to see that someday,” I admitted. “Maybe study there briefly. New inspirations are always valuable.”

The drive passed quickly, and soon we were pulling up to my Victorian home in Newton. James looked at the house with curious

interest.

“This is quite a change from Beacon Hill, he remarked. “What made you choose Newton?”

I hesitated, then decided a partial truth was acceptable. This house has history for me. Coming here was my first step toward a

fresh start.”

As we said goodnight, James gently took my hand, his thumb tracing small circles on my palm. “I hope we can see each other again, Eleanor. His eyes searched mine, conveying interest that went beyond polite conversation.

I felt a warmth spread through me-not the all-consuming fire I’d felt with Derek, but something gentler and perhaps healthier. “I’I think about your dinner invitation, I promised, my voice softer than I’d intended.

For a moment, I thought he might lean in to kiss me, and I wasn’t sure if I would stop him. Instead, he raised my hand to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss against my knuckles, his eyes never leaving mine.

After he drove away, I stood at my bedroom window watching his taillights disappear down the street. Sitting on the edge of my bed, I reflected on the evening, on the way James had looked at me-like I was interesting, desirable, worth knowing.

“Am I really ready to move on?” I whispered to the empty room.

Part of me wanted to embrace this new possibility with James-a man who saw me clearly and valued me openly. Yet another part still clung to memories of Derek’s rare moments of tenderness, to the electric connection we shared despite all the pain.

As I prepared for bed, I made no firm decisions. Perhaps, I thought as I turned off the light, the path forward wasn’t about choosing immediately but about giving myself permission to explore possibilities. For now, that small freedom felt like enough.

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The CEO’s Unspoken Love