Chapter 290
When Eleanor approached, he straightened up and flashed a bright, easy smile. “Miss Sutton, we meet again p>
She returned his greeting with a warm nod. “Yes, we do p>
Mansfield Ellington opened the car door for her, hand hovering protectively above her head in a practiced, gentlemanly gesture. “I reserved a private room at The Kingston Grand. The food there is as authentic as it gets p>
Just as Eleanor was about to step in, she felt a prickling sensation-someone was watching her.
She glanced back instinctively and caught a pair of eyes fixed on her from a third- floor window of the administration building not far away.
lan stood there, silhouetted against the light. She couldn’t make out his expression, but the force of his presence was unmistakable, even from a distance.
“What’s wrong?” Mansfield followed her gaze.
“It’s nothing.” Eleanor turned away and settled into the passenger seat.
They drove out of the Military Medical University campus. Mansfield guided the wheel with one hand, reaching into the back seat with the other to bring out a neatly wrapped paper bag. “I thought you might be hungry, so I got you a little something-The Kingston Grand’s famous tiramisu p>
Eleanor’s heart warmed as she took the treat. “Thank you p>
It wasn’t just the gift; it was the thoughtfulness behind it that touched her.
She opened the box, took a bite, and her eyes lit up. “This is delicious p>
Mansfield glanced sideways, studying her. “You look a bit thinner than last time. Have you been working too hard p>
She smiled, a little sheepish. “It’s not so bad. The project’s at a critical stage, and sometimes I just forget to eat p>
“That won’t do. You have to take care of yourself, Miss Sutton-especially someone as brilliant as you. The world can’t afford to lose a mind like yours p>
His earnestness made her laugh. “You’re exaggerating a bit p>
He grinned. “All the more reason for me to take you out for meals more often- fatten you up so you don’t waste away p>
The scenery outside was lovely, and Eleanor found her spirits lifting.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Mansfield led her into a private dining room. Only then did Eleanor realize this was the kind of place used for state dinners- hardly somewhere ordinary people could book.
Mansfield ordered five courses and a soup, as if he really meant to put some weight back on her.
She kept nibbling at the tiramisu; it was so good, she couldn’t seem to stop. Mansfield watched her with a smile, clearly pleased.
After a while, Eleanor excused herself to the restroom. On her way back, she bumped into a group entering the lobby-a striking sight of crisp suits and military uniforms.
Eleanor froze in her tracks.
lan stood just three yards away, dressed in a sharply tailored charcoal suit that emphasized the broad lines of his shoulders.
He was leaning in, listening to a middle-aged man in uniform. As if sensing her gaze, lan looked up and met her eyes.
They held each other’s stare for a few seconds before Eleanor quickly turned and walked away.
Back at the table, she was still distracted. Mansfield picked up on it immediately. “Is something wrong p>
“I just ran into my ex-husband in the lobby. He’s here with a group from the military for dinner,” Eleanor admitted.
Mansfield narrowed his eyes, thinking for a moment. “Is Meridian Dynamics his company p>
She blinked in surprise. “Yes p>
“The military signed a strategic partnership with Meridian Dynamics last year. He’s
probably here for business talks,” Mansfield explained.
Eleanor pushed thoughts of lan aside and focused on the new dishes being served. “These look really good p>
“Go ahead, try them-Kingston’s finest p>
After they finished their meal, Mansfield drove her back to the university so she
could catch her flight, then waited to take her to the airport.
He’d spent half the day as her chauffeur.
Eleanor felt a little guilty and insisted on buying him coffee at the airport.
“I’m already looking forward to seeing you again,” Mansfield said, his eyes lingering on her as she disappeared through security.
Eleanor turned and waved with a bright smile, and Mansfield’s heart skipped a beat.
He’d never believed in love at first sight, but now he couldn’t deny it. He’d met a woman he wanted to know for a lifetime.