With their two visitors gone, Eli and Belle let out a heavy sigh at the exact same time. The perfect synchronicity of their reactions caught them both off guard, causing them to lock eyes and burst into a shared laugh after a few seconds.
"You really needed me to drive her away, huh," Belle commented, a teasing note in her voice as she began clearing the empty containers from the table in front of her.
"Are you really free this afternoon?" Eli asked, watching her movements closely. "I mean, I asked you to stay until I'm done with my work."
"Do you still need my help? I can stay if you want."
"Honestly, my work today isn't really that hard and it isn't very hectic either," Eli admitted softly. He looked at her, his voice dropping slightly as he confessed, "I just wanted you here."
