Eleanor's brow tightened, her comeback sharp. "An ex-husband isn't even as good as a close friend."
She said it clean, decisive but Derek still caught the flicker of guilt and conflict underneath.
He smiled, cold, and poured himself another whiskey.
"You're not good enough for Julian Cross. This divorce is a mercy to you."
"I'm not interested in being judged by someone I met an hour ago."
"Whatever you say."
He finished his drink and drove her back to Hawthorne.
Eleanor assumed he'd stay in the car. Instead, Derek got out and walked her all the way to the gate.
"Before I go one more thing. A parting gift."
His narrow eyes curved into crescents, the smile gentle, inviting.
"I don't want anything from you."
Eleanor wasn't buying that smile anymore.
He wagged a finger. "Doesn't ma
