She was always quiet, keeping mostly to herself, and with him, she was nothing if not politely distant.

Joseph pressed his lips together. "Glad to hear it."

Elodie turned to glance at him. "Is there anything else you need, Mr. Delacroix?"

He caught her meaning and shook his head. "No, that's all. I'll leave you in peace."

After he left, Elodie lingered a while longer, enjoying the solitude. Nights like this, when everything was still, were surprisingly comforting. As the hour grew late, she finally got up, ready to head back into her tent.

The moment she stood, she heard footsteps nearby, and the faint glow of a lantern flickered through the darkness.

A woman's voice, soft and edged with laughter, floated over. "Is this your tent?"

Elodie looked toward the sound.

Sylvie stood arm-in-arm with the tall, broad-shouldered Jarrod. He ducked inside the tent first, with Sylvie following close behind. They disappeared together into the same tent.

They're sharing a tent...

Elodie's gaze flickered, the realization catching her off guard. She hadn't expected that—especially with Jarrod knowing she'd be staying here tonight. He didn't even try to avoid her.

Her fingers tightened around her thermos. She turned and headed back to her

own tent.

complete with soft mattresses, sofas, and a

that was something of a

dawn, she passed by Jarrod's. Only then did she notice it was already empty-the beds were perfectly made, as if no one had slept there

of it and caught the

air was crisp and clean, and Elodie felt herself relax for

Octavia's voice from one of the stalls, chatting on the

other end

hide her amusement. "You and my brother

the hotel in the middle of the night? Oh, I get

realization sinking

stayed here last night

the tents weren't private enough for...well, for whatever couples in love

always a

was the only explanation that

in thought for a moment, then made her way

makeup, gather herself, make sure she looked as calm and composed as

last

learned that Jarrod and Sylvie had

her presence

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