At dawn, Eloise closed her eyes on purpose and pretended to be asleep. "Wake up, Eloise." Ainsley pushed her gently.
She rolled over, her voice drowsy. "Let me sleep a little longer."
Ainsley chuckled. It was rare to see Eloise act cute like this, and something about it softened him. "Okay," he said indulgently. "I'll have Kevin prepare breakfast." Get up and eat later."
"It's okay," Eloise murmured, pulling the blanket over half of her face.
Ainsley’s eyes gleamed with tenderness. He reached out, brushing her hair back. "Be good." The bed shifted as he got up, and moments later, the sound of the door clicking shut echoed through the room.
Eloise remained motionless, listening intently. She waited. Then, the faint hum of an engine drifted up from outside. She threw the blanket aside
