Nailah’s words still hung in Eleanor’s mind. She knew the other was trying to paint Caine in a more favorable light than his reputation illuminated. But it was unnecessary. Eleanor had already glimpsed Caine’s sensitive, sometimes awkward side.
Though he tried to hide it, Caine was kind and good-natured. His woodwork hinted at his artistic side. He playfully teased her but also galvanized her to action. She had taken up her training to get back into shape, but she never had a goal beyond that. If Caine hadn’t pushed her, she doubted she would have tried the Fun Run.
But she did, and she had overcome something she still couldn’t put into words. Still, that didn’t mean Caine felt anything for her except friendship. Maybe he considered her like a sister he never had.
Eleanor had no exper
