Chapter 271
lan figured that if Eleanor was out so late for dinner, she must have brought her daughter along. He’d only come by to say hello to the little girl.
But-
Standing just outside the private lakeside dining room, lan paused behind the beaded curtain. Through a gap, he could see Eleanor laughing and chatting with a man he didn’t recognize.
The man looked young, every movement radiating that unmistakable military bearing.
He was leaning in, listening intently to whatever Eleanor was saying, admiration shining plainly in his eyes.
And there it was on Eleanor’s face, a lightness, a smile lan hadn’t seen in a long time.
lan pushed aside the curtain.
“Eleanor p>
The laughter died instantly.
Eleanor looked up. When she saw lan stride in uninvited, her expression turned cold. “Is there something you need p>
Mansfield Ellington’s gaze lingered between the two of them. He’d spent most of his life on the base, and lan was so low-profile that even he hadn’t met him before. He turned to Eleanor for clarification. “And this is p>
“My ex-husband,” Eleanor answered, crisp and direct.
lan didn’t even flinch at the title. His eyes rested on Mansfield Ellington, narrowing slightly as he addressed Eleanor. “A new friend? Aren’t you going to introduce us p>
Mansfield stood and offered his hand. “Mansfield Ellington p>
“Ian.” lan crossed the room and shook his hand with a brief, firm grip.
A barely perceptible frown creased lan’s brow. Ellington?
He recalled the way Mayor Ellington had treated Eleanor so warmly last time, and now here was another Ellington, exuding that unmistakable air of a serviceman.
lan released his hand, his tone cool. “May I ask what your relationship is with my ex-wife, Mr. Ellington p>
“Friends,” Mansfield replied without hesitation, his demeanor steady and composed.
He may not have met lan in person before, but lan’s reputation in business circles was well-known. And lately, with all the news surrounding Eleanor’s divorce, lan’s name had come up more than once.
“I’ll leave you to your dinner.” lan nodded slightly, glancing at Eleanor. “Is Evelyn at home p>
“That’s none of your concern.” Eleanor’s reply was frosty.
lan’s brow tightened. He let the curtain fall and left.
The room fell quiet for a moment. Mansfield Ellington didn’t press her about the divorce; instead, he stood and poured her a cup of tea.
Eleanor quickly brought both hands to receive the cup, her fingertips accidentally brushing his. Both of them froze for a split second.
She withdrew her hand in a fluster, only to notice the tips of Mansfield’s ears turning red.
He smiled and sat down. “Miss Sutton, see if your tea’s gone cold p>
Eleanor managed a small smile. “It’s fine. Sometimes cold tea’s just what I need to clear my head p>
Half an hour later.
Eleanor and Mansfield finished their meal and stepped outside the restaurant. Out of the corner of her eye, Eleanor noticed someone standing nearby.
She turned and saw lan alone under the portico, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers.
lan looked up as they approached.
“Careful with the steps,” Mansfield murmured, his hand hovering politely at the small of Eleanor’s back.
lan’s gaze darkened. He flicked his cigarette to the ground, crushing it underfoot, then strode over.
“I had a few drinks tonight,” Ian said coolly. “Would you mind giving me a ride?” Eleanor hadn’t expected lan to ask for a favor. She turned her face away, her voice chilly. “You can call a cab p>
She’d driven herself, but she had no intention of letting him tag along.
Mansfield spun his car keys around his finger. “Which way are you headed, Mr. Goodwin? I can drop you off p>
lan declined with a polite nod. “No need, Mr. Ellington. Eleanor and I live in the same neighborhood p>
Eleanor didn’t want to take him, but she was even less willing to trouble Mansfield. She shot lan an exasperated look. “Wait here p>