Because it bugged the hell out of him to think Elena had been going without personal effects for months in an effort to be reasonable. He’d understood her financial position had taken a hit in the split from her ex, but given her drive and resourcefulness, he’d assumed she would bounce back. It hadn’t made sense to him that she’d arrived in Montana with little luggage and few clothes when she had once been a successful lifestyle blogger. When they’d been together, her closets were full; she’d never lacked for fashion samples from all the big designers.

Now? She hadn’t even brought boots to the mountains for the weekend. Whether she admitted it or not, Gage suspected she was struggling.

“Yes.” Elena confirmed his understanding of what had happened, sounding more resolved and less upset now that she’d had a few minutes to settle down. “Which only confirms for me that it’s long past time to go over to the house and deal with the situation personally. No more deceiving myself things will work out for the best.”

Gage studied her, curious about this side of Elena that he hadn’t seen when they’d been dating. She’d always been so sure of herself. So fiercely committed to whatever path she chose.

He realized he’d probably been watching her for too long, his body too close to hers. His hands were still braced on the armrests of her seat. The scent of the perfume she favored—something tinged with lavender—teased his nose. And damn, but this was not the time to touch her.

“Do you need anything in the meantime?” he asked, wanting to help ease the burden of her months of frustration. To say nothing of the heartache that must have come before it. “Is there anything I can do to make things easier for you until you return to Los Angeles?”

“No. Thank you.” She made a point of peering out the window off to one side, as if she wasn’t ready to accept any favors from him. “I really appreciate you bringing me with you today. That’s plenty.”

She might not be looking at him, but he could sense her awareness of him in the way she gripped the seat cushion more tightly.

He would let it go for now.

Easing away from her, he took the seat closest to Elena as the pilot descended toward the northwestern edge of Lake Tahoe. Gage would contact a friend in security to ensure Elena’s things were retrieved at a time when her ex-husband was present. For that matter, Gage had seen the name of the friend who’d attempted to help her today on Elena’s tablet before she ended the call. He could solicit input from her to be certain they collected what belonged to Elena—quickly, legally and without having Elena inconvenienced another minute.