Chapter 64

Abby, completely unaware of the sudden tension, leaned forward and gave Nora a small, affectionate kiss on the cheek.

“Bye–bye, Auntie,” she said sweetly.

Nora smiled, returning the soft gesture. She bid Cole and Abby farewell, then turned to follow Leo out of the lodge.

What she didn’t notice was the way Cole’s eyes lingered on her retreating figure, his expression unreadable.

As they walked, Leo glanced at her, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

“How do I feel like Cole was looking at me with suspicion?” he mused aloud.

Nora arched a brow. “Really? What’s he got to scrutinize you for?”

Leo let out a soft chuckle. “Could it be that he saw me getting too close to you and thought our relationship was too ambiguous?”

Nora’s smile faltered slightly.

Leo’s words were teasing, but a part of her didn’t find them amusing.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she muttered. “That’s not it.”

Leo watched her closely. “You sound awfully sure about that.”

Nora’s gaze flickered ahead. “They want Arnold and Linda together more than anything.”

Leo didn’t argue. Instead, he looked at her with something close to quiet understanding.

Then, unexpectedly, his voice dropped to something softer.

“You should pay more attention to the men around you, Nora.”

head slightly, caught off guard by

his eyes–concern, maybe even a hint

she could say anything, Leo simply smiled, his usual playful demeanor

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Chapter 64

the main road. “Let’s get out of here.”

like that,

Nora couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted–something

soft murmur of guests filled the lodge, Nora prepared to leave.

she was about to call for a car, her phone buzzed. It was Arnold’s grandmother.

warm yet commanding voice came through. “You must come to Lancelot

hesitated. “Grandma,

decline, the woman continued, “You’re at Hot Springs Lodge, aren’t you? Perfect. I’ll have Arnold pick you up and

to protest,

invitation had turned into an order, leaving her no choice but

wait.

into an hour. The lodge’s grand clock chimed softly, marking the

one

Not even a simple call or message explaining

A small part of her wasn’t surprised. She had been stood up by Arnold before, but she had thought–just for a moment–that maybe today would

phone. No missed calls. No

smile curled on her lips. So much

who had slipped away earlier,

decided

the request at the front desk, Leo appeared, hands tucked casually into

12:11

Aloha father and a

Chapter 64

somewhere?” he asked.

she replied.

an

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