No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 1601

Ian turned to look at her. "Besides the conference in Kingston next week, is there anywhere you want to visit? Or anything specific you'd like to eat?"

Eleanor thought about it for a moment. "We could carve out half a day for sightseeing. As for food, I don't have any particular cravings. Let's just see what happens."

"Alright, I'll take care of the itinerary," Ian said, then added, "I heard the autumn leaves at Maple Crest are stunning right now. We could go take a look."

Eleanor's eyes lit up. She had always heard about the breathtaking autumn scenery at Maple Crest, and catching a glimpse of it would make the trip truly worthwhile.

"Sounds perfect," she agreed, tilting her head up to look at him. From his vantage point, her delicate features, full lips, and radiant complexion made her look like a serene, beautiful oil painting.

She met his burning gaze. As their eyes locked, a subtle, electric tension crackled silently in the air between them.

"What are you looking at?" she asked, blinking.

"You," Ian replied, entirely straightforward and unapologetic. "Beautiful as always."

He leaned down and pressed a firm kiss against her lips. "I'm going to spend some time with our daughter."

After dinner, the two of them took Evelyn outside to kick a soccer ball around. By eight-thirty, after a bath and having her hair dried, the little girl dragged Ian toward the bed, demanding a story.

In the past, Ian would have needed explicit permission to even step foot in Eleanor's master bedroom. Now, he treated it like his own territory, no longer feeling the need to ask.

Eleanor sat nearby, keeping them company while reading a biology paper on her iPad.

It wasn't until it was past Evelyn's bedtime that Ian finally closed the picture book. "Daddy will read more to you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay!" Evelyn nodded happily.

Ian kissed his daughter's forehead. "Goodnight."

Then, he walked over to Eleanor and, right in front of their daughter, pressed a kiss to her forehead as well. "Goodnight to Mommy, too."

"Aren't you going back to sleep? How are you going to have any energy tomorrow?" she asked him.

Ian reached out, grabbed her hand, and pulled her firmly against his chest. A restless heat radiated from him as he buried his face in her hair, inhaling her scent. He felt like a predatory beast that had retracted its claws, forcefully burying his fierce instincts beneath an overwhelming wave of affection.

He knew he had to rein it in. Tonight wasn't the right time. He had to be patient.

Eleanor trembled slightly at the contact and gave him a gentle push. "It's late."

Taking a deep breath, Ian marshaled every ounce of his willpower to loosen his grip. He leaned down and pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. "Tomorrow is a big day. Get some rest."

She nodded. "You too. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." He gave her hand a final, tight squeeze before turning and striding out the door.

Eleanor's heart raced, her breathing slightly ragged. She unpacked her clothes and headed for the bathroom, knowing she desperately needed to get some sleep.