Chapter 3

For a moment, I was too stunned to push Eleanor away. It was not until I felt a sharp pain and heard knocking at the door that I snapped back to reality.

"Dinner's ready. Come out, you two," Aunt Macy called from outside.

I quickly pushed Eleanor's head away, her face flushed red as she avoided my gaze.

"Coming, Aunt Macy!" I called out, trying to calm my racing heart.

Eleanor glanced at me once before rushing out the door. By the time I made it to the dining room, she was already seated at the table.

"What took you so long, Shawn?" Aunt Macy asked as she served me a plate.

I remained composed and replied casually, "Just had to take a quick work call."

Sitting across from Eleanor, I quietly ate the food Aunt Macy served. Eleanor kept her head down the entire time, her cheeks still noticeably flushed. I found myself stealing glances at her, confused by her shyness.

She initiated everything, and given what she was involved in, I figured she should be more used to this. Ye