When His Eyes Opened

75

breakfast the next morning, Avery and Elliot sat at the dining table in silence.

was having eggs and while he was eating cereal.

“Thanks for getting my phone back last night,” Avery said, the silence between them.

about my said, finally the apology that had bothering him.

Avery’s cheeks flushed she “You weren’t the one who hit me.

Why are apologizing?”

“She shouldn’t have slapped your face,” Elliot said in a stiff voice.

“If anyone touched my face, would,”

he finish his sentence, Avery lifted her hand gently caressed his cheek.

His skin surprisingly smooth and good her fingers.

eyes were smoldering as Adam’s apple rolled in his throat, while his hand trembled around his glass of milk.

“Okay, even,” Avery said as she withdrew her hand and lowered to have a of her tea.

Her heart was thumping in chest, and the skin on the fingers touched his felt they on fire.

She hurriedly finished her breakfast and to room.

The on her face was lighter than the day before, and it did not hurt as much.

put on a light layer of makeup to cover up the bruise.

She could no longer stay cooped up in the house.

The called her multiple throughout the week, and Trust Capital was inquiries every other day.

She from the got dressed.

Elliot had already left.

you going to the office, me get the driver,” Mrs.

Cooper then went off to call for the driver.

Avery was waiting at the front door when her rang.

“Do you have time to spare today, Miss Tate?” voice the phone speaker.

“I have a favor ask.

”

Avery asked puzzled.

“Are you sure I could help?”

“I’m Ben answered assuredly.

“Are you at home? I’ll come pick you up.

We can more when we meet.

”

Avery hesitantly.

Ben arrived at the gates the mansion half an hour later.

from color, which was white of he had the exact same car as Elliot.

“Aren’t you office today, Mr.

Schaffer?” Avery as she hopped the seat and fastened her seat belt.

“I don’t need to clock in at the grinned.

“We need your help picking out present.

”

“What do you mean else are talking about?”

“The other managers at the office.

Elliot’s is coming up.

We need get but not sure what to buy.

That’s where you come in.

”

his birthday?” asked bashfully.

“Do you not care about husband at all?” Ben chuckled as felt some pity for Elliot.

Chelsea him like treated him like garbage.

so, he willingly chose be garbage.

Avery’s reddened with embarrassment.

She simply up with excuse and said, pretty busy.

”

“Of you are.

going a rough patch, you’re your thesis.

I’m sure you’re busier than Elliot,” Ben said.

“You’re making fun me,” Avery said as she noticed the in his voice, but she was angered it.

don’t what he likes.

I’m afraid won’t be help.

”

“Of can Ben said as drove the the freeway.

“Let’s to the mall.

” was not long the car came to halt in front the city’s largest shopping mall.

There not much of a on a weekday morning.

Avery and Ben walked into department store and went straight to jewelry section on the first floor.

Avery raised brows in confusion asked, “Does he like jewelry? I’ve never seen him wear any…”

Was jewelry not a more suitable gift for women?

Ben had no choice but to be honest with her.

“Elliot has never accepted gifts from he said.

“But now that he you, accept from us on behalf.

”