He turned to watch her use the photo editing software at the workstation near the front of the aircraft. She’d been manipulating images for the last hour, testing fonts with the graphics and different filters. He recognized some of the garments in the shots—clothes she’d discovered in the casino’s boutique or that she’d made herself. There were close-ups of hems and stitches, shoulders and necklines.

To a certain extent, filling her time with work was the norm for Elena Rollins. But Gage couldn’t help but wonder if she was busying herself purposely to avoid talking to him. To avoid whatever was happening between them.

He’d sensed her pulling away somehow last night after an incredible sexual encounter. Or had it been the story about his past he’d shared that had left things feeling uneasy between them?

“How’s it going?” he asked, unfastening his seat belt to join her at the workstation as the plane began its descent.

Glancing up at his approach, she combed her hair from her face as her brown eyes flicked over him. Memories of her dark hair sliding along his bare skin threatened to derail all his good intentions.

“I’m putting together an inspiration board that can double as creative content on my blog.” She leaned back in her chair, her red-tipped fingernail tapping against the mouse, as he took the seat closest to her. “Now that I won’t be selling scandalous news bits to the tabloids, the pressure is on to ensure I can leverage a new revenue stream.”

“If you need financial backing, Elena, I can give you extremely favorable terms.” He’d barely gotten all the words out when she was already shaking her head.

“Thank you, but no.” Shifting in her seat, her calf brushed his for a moment. Quickly, she repositioned herself to avoid further contact. “Too much potential for conflict of interest.”

He bit back a retort, knowing the defensiveness he felt had more to do with this damnable sensation he had that she was pulling away from him.

Already.

She’d been back in his life for a handful of days, hardly enough time for them to iron out anything from the past, let alone think about what came next. And there hadn’t been nearly enough time for him to enjoy having her back in his bed again.

“You might change your mind about the loan when I tell you I have a big favor to ask of you.” He should have brought it up the night before when he’d told her about Zach. But when she’d given him the chance to leave the conversation behind and lose himself in her beautiful body, he’d been powerless to refuse.

“Gage Striker needs a favor from me?” She gave a self-deprecating smile. “Do tell.”

Frustration knotted in his shoulders.

“I’m not sure why that would surprise you.” He didn’t understand how or why she’d lost herself in her unsuccessful marriage, but he wouldn’t listen to her sell herself short. “You’re a smart, enterprising woman on the verge of an exciting new chapter in your life.”