Chapter 44

Inside the back of the black Bentley, Eleanor shifted in her seat, unable to shake her restlessness.

Whenever she was around Nolan,she found him too mysterious to read-and keeping some space seemed like the safest bet.

With this thought in mind, she cleared her throat and spoke up. "Actually, can you let me out at the next corner? Something just came up, so let's catch up some other timne."

She eyed the upcoming side entrance to Podium Apartments, knowing slipping in there would help her dodge Jonny.

But Nolan gave no reaction at all. He kept his eyes shut, silent and unmoved by her request.

Erick sat up front, hesitant to act without a word from Nolan. He knew better than to guess what his boss might be thinking.

As the car rolled past the intersection, Eleanor grew anxious and tried again. "Mr. Stewart?"

It was only then that Nolan gradually opened his eyes, his calm gaze fixing on her face, which still carried a trace of caution. "Miss Warren, didn't you just agree to this yourself a moment ago?"

She instantly regretted opening her mouth, wishing she could take her words back. How could she forget that the man sitting with her was never easily fooled?

Her smile was forced as she tried to sound polite."You know, Mr. Stewart, every socialite in Elepdon would do anything just to share a dinner with you. lf word gets out that I monopolized your time, I might not survive the fallout. Could you please let me off the hook this once?"

Even as she spoke, Eleanor cringed a little inside.

Nolan caught the hint of embarrassment and let his lips curl into the faintest grin. "So, you're saying even someone as clever as you can get nervous?"

His laid-back voice made her heart skip a beat.

If only she had never crossed Nolan for the sake of Todd Group three years ago, maybe none of this mess would have happened.

While Eleanor was busy kicking herself for getting tangled up with Nolan, the Bentley suddenly jolted over a bump, and she lost her balance, tumbling sideways.

In a split second, Nolan reached out and caught her,steady and unflustered.

Eleanor stiffened, realizing just how close he was.

His face hovered inches away-so close she could make out the sharp line of his jaw and watch the slight movement in his throat as he swallowed.

That fresh, understated scent he always carried washed over her, making her senses spin. Without thinking, she swallowed had, her pulse racing.

Nolan looked down at the woman pressed against him, his voice dropping to a teasing tone. "You know,Miss Warren, you're coming on pretty strong."

Eleanor's cheeks burned as she jerked herself away scooting further across the seat.

Could things get any more embarrassing?

She couldn't believe how clumsy she had just been.

Still, even with her pride bruised, she had to admit-Nolan really was almost unfairly handsome.

No wonder all those high-society women tripped over themselves trying to catch his eye.

Determined to keep things moving,Eleanor cleared her throat and tried to act like nothing happened."So, where are you taking me for dinner?"

Since there was no escaping now, she figured the only thing left was to finish the meal and hope he would let her leave afterward.

Nolan leaned back, arms crossed, studying her for a long moment.

He remained silent for a long while before his lips finally parted. "You'll know soon enough."

From the front seat, Erick caught the whole exchange and nearly laughed out loud.

Who could have imagined that Nolan, one of the most influential figures in Elepdon's elite circle,would act so carefully around a girl he liked?

If his business partners ever found out, they would be stunned into silence.

Erick grinned. It looked like his boss was finally on the verge of getting a girlfriend!