Shaylene

☁️Chapter Eleven☁️

Eleanor woke up the next morning feeling a bit drained and irritated. She was angry with herself and didn't know why.

Deep down she suspected it was as a result of Michelle's words to her last night while leading her to the room she was to stay in but she thought better of it.

No matter what she tired -studying, texting home, a firm mental talking-to- she just couldn't shake off the feeling which was why, currently, she was unpacking her things.

Michelle had paused at the front of her room with a concerned look before the blow.

"I know this isn't the time but I'd like to say this now. I like you very much. Having you as my daughter in-law would be great. You're a sweet girl but if my son hasn't made any serious moves or given you any hint after years of being together, then I feel you should broach the topic with him. I know it's not conventional but Nathan might see things for others that he'd never see for himself. He's carried away by being the solution than seeing his issues too. Bring it up with him."

She groaned, frustrated. She was in the middle of unpacking her blouses when she heard a knock. Before she could reply, Nathan walked in looking all fine and dandy.

He was out of his PJs and now in a casual white shirt, nude coloured joggers with his socks and slides on, Eleanor suppressed her groan.

"Hi" He greeted, quietly. "You're up early."
She wanted to glare at him but with one look at him, her anger melted. She nodded and turned back to her clothes not sparing him a second glance, afraid she'd lurch into his arms.

With her back still facing him, he moved closer to her, squatted to meet her position and pulled her back to his chest.

She let out a low moan in satisfaction which sounded like a 'hmm'. At that moment, she knew it'd be difficult to make her point known.

She took in a deep whiff of his scent. He smelled good. She knew it had to be his shampoo but there was a natural mixture of him which made it unique.

"You have me for the rest of the day, Els." His face scrunched up. "Well, for most of it. Dad told me we have to see the MacKenzies today by 4pm."

Eleanor nodded. She placed her head on his chest and held his hands. She couldn't get enough of him. Her brain was currently mocking her so-called resolve but she didn't care.

"Are you okay?" He asked, his brows knit in concern. "Why are you up so early? Plus, can we stop squatting? My knees are killing me."

That seemed to get her attention. She got up and sat back on the bed, she resumed folding her clothes.

"Nothing's wrong. I presume Ethan was up earlier, though."

He nodded, his eyes were glued on her. He suspected something was up but just didn't know what. They had parted on good terms together last night so why wouldn't she meet his eyes?

"I stumbled across him eating a sandwich in the kitchen." He chuckled. "He's probably stress eating."

Eleanor shrugged. Her reaction wasn't encouraging but Nathan patiently watched her, hoping she'd talk. Few minutes later when she didn't, he asked again.

"Are you okay? Did I do something?"

She paused, dropped the cloth she was folding and turned to him with a pout and slight irritation.

"Are you?" She asked pointedly.

"I'm fine. You're the one acting weird here." Nathan tilted his head to get a better angle of her face. "Is it about the room? You can stay in mine, you know? There's a couch in there" He teased.