Page 39 of A Crane Family New Year

A man’s hand appeared in front of her face, a silver pocket square pressed between his fingers. “Leaving so soon?”

She accepted the offered fabric and sucked in a deep breath. Then she turned to greet the man who’d offered. Eli’s mouth was flat beneath heavy dark scruff, his blue eyes both hard and kind at the same time.

“Hi, Eli.” When he didn’t respond, she continued. “I was going to text Isa to let her know I was going home. So that she wouldn’t worry. I’m not feeling well.”

He scanned her briefly as if checking for injury.

“I’m fine calling a car, honestly.”

“Ms. Andrews.” The attendant offered Chloe’s puffer coat, but before she could accept it, Eli held up a fifty-dollar bill.

“Rehang it, please. Ms. Andrews and I need a moment.”

When the attendant hesitated, Chloe nodded. Only then did the other woman take the offered cash and put the coat back where she’d found it.

“I saw you in there. Hiding behind Jaylyn.” Eli sank both hands into his front pockets and watched her. “I am guessing you overheard Zander’s marching orders for the evening. The kiss. And you’ve come to some conclusion about the two of you—without talking to him.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. He regrets it. I don’t want him to feel as if he has to explain himself.”

“Aren’t you owed at least that?”

Chloe was so surprised by his comment that she didn’t know what to say. She’d been thinking how she wasn’t owed anything. Could she be wrong?

“Listen, I won’t pretend to know exactly how Zander feels.” Eli’s piercing blue eyes froze her in place. She wanted to run away but was paralyzed under that stare. “I’ve suffered loss. Unimaginable loss. He’s dealing with that and has been for a few years now.”

She knew about Eli’s losses. He had lost his leg and two fellow Marines who’d been his close friends. When he’d been younger, he’d lost his mother too.

“But I do understand where Zander is coming from.”

“So do I.” Her shoulders slumped as fatigue engulfed her. “Why do you think I’m sneaking out?”

“So you admit that you’re sneaking out.”

“He’s going to break up with me, and we’re not even going out. I don’t want to make him feel worse. What he’s gone through—losing his wife—has been hard enough without me piling on.”

Eli’s head jerked on his neck. He blinked.

“I won’t make him explain himself. It’s okay if he’s not ready to move on. I agree with you. He’s entitled to grieve for as long as he needs. I don’t want to cause any more problems. And I certainly don’t want to stand in the way of him enjoying his evening.”

“Sounds like you’ve figured it all out.” Eli’s tone was understated sarcasm.

“Just let me leave. It’s easier.”

“You believe you’re in some way sparing him, don’t you?”

“Sorry?”

“You’re in the way. You don’t want to be a problem. That’s what you said.”

“Third wheel, reporting for duty.” She offered a weak salute.

The frown lines on his forehead deepened. “I can’t let you do that, Chloe. You’re coming with me.”

“I appreciate the attempt, Eli, honestly?—”

“Chloe.” He bent to look her in the eye, so close that when he exhaled, his breath stirred her hair. “I can’t let you do this. Isabella will kill me.”

Chloe felt her lips curve. He wasn’t wrong. Isa was one tough customer.

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