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Her fingers trailed lightly over my chest, sending sparks through my skin. “Can’t we just pretend for a little while longer?” she whispered, her voice full of longing.

She must’ve known too that once we left here, the tender moment would be over for good.

It was tempting—so tempting—but I knew if I gave in again, I might never want to let go. So I pulled back, needing to create just enough space to keep my head clear, even if my heart was anything but.

When I could no longer avoid it, I made the tough choice to end the moment, silently cursing the loss of her warmth. I caught the brief frown that crossed her lips before she masked it with indifference.

I got up, stretching my arms above my head and swaying side to side, my muscles protesting. I needed space, some distance between us. If I didn’t, I’d fall right back into her arms, indulging in this illusion for too long. Eleanor stayed in bed, nestled in the warmth we had created.

I moved around the room, gathering the scattered clothes from the night before and returning them to my overnight bag. Eleanor eventually rose, silently walking into the bathroom. We moved in tandem, cleaning up our things in silence.

We were slipping back into our familiar personas, the prickly tension returning. This time, the teasing had faded, replaced by a chilling distance.

The silence was then replaced by huffs and puffs as she gathered her things.

With a final, loud huff, I glanced up to see Eleanor staring daggers at me so sharp they could cut steel.

“Are you done yet?” she asked, standing by the door with her arms crossed, impatience radiating from her every pore. If she had been any more dramatic, she might have tapped her foot to hurry me along.

“You’re the one who rushed around here like Sonic the damn hedgehog. No one said you had to hurry,” I shot back. She rolled her eyes, grabbed her bag, and flung the door open, leaving it for me to close behind her.

Perfect. Just fucking perfect.

I still had to drop off our keys at the front desk. Eleanor, it seemed, had no intention of joining me. When I made my way to the truck, she was already there, standing by the passenger door, pouting like a child.

We were back to the old script, that was for damn sure.

I unlocked the door, and she tossed her bag into the back before climbing in the front, settling in for the few-hour drive ahead. This was going to be a long trip.

Sighing, I started the truck, leaving it running as I headed to the check-in office.

The front desk was manned by a young girl, more interested in her gum than me. She popped a large bubble, the popping sound rang through the quiet office. The exchange was quick and painless. I handed over the keys, dropping a couple hundred dollars on the counter.

“Make sure Janice gets this,” I said. The girl nodded, tucking the money into her back pocket. Though, I had a funny feeling Janice wouldn’t see a cent of it. I’d have to send her flowers and some cash separately.

I wanted to hit the road and get back to the ranch, where I could be alone.

My boots echoed against the pavement as I walked back to the truck, running my fingers through my hair and bracing myself for the inevitable grumpiness awaiting me. When I climbed in, Eleanor was already settled, her feet crossed, seatbelt on, with her laptop open on her lap.

She was engrossed in whatever she was typing, biting her bottom lip in deep concentration.

“Do you need anything before we leave?” I asked, keeping my tone even.

“Nope,” she replied, popping the “p” with casual indifference, her eyes never leaving the screen.

With a sigh, I put the truck in reverse, reaching behind her to back out of the parking spot, my eyes fixed out the back glass.

“You have a backup camera, you know,” she pointed out, still focused on her laptop.

I growled in response, my patience already being tested. “Yes, Eleanor, I know.”

The Eleanor who had touched my heart and cuddled with me this morning was gone, replaced by the spitfire I’d met weeks ago.

As we hit the road, I counted down the hours until we’d reach the ranch. The last twenty-four had been rough, and I needed the solitude of the ranch to brood and fester in peace.

Chapter 21

Eleanor