Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 251

Harvey went to his study, lighting a cigarette as he settled into the solitude.

These past three years, he’d been too busy to even miss Eloise, let alone anything else. But now, in this rare moment of tranquility, he had some time to himself.

Regret washed over him as he remembered how he’d forced Eloise to cut ties with Landon. That single act had ensured Landon a permanent place in Eloise’s heart. Even if it wasn’t love, it was enough to make him feel jealous.

Just as Harvey was immersing himself in his thoughts, the study door creaked open. A head of curly brown hair peeked in, belonging to a little girl with bare feet, clad in a cute colorful nightie.

“Daddy!”

Linda threw herself into his arms, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck. Harvey put her small feet into his arms, planting a gentle kiss on them.

“Why are you up, sweetheart?” He asked softly.

Half-asleep, Linda nestled into his chest, mumbling something about wanting her mommy. Harvey felt nervous at the thought of Eloise in their bedroom – she was in no state for Linda to see.

He soothed her gently, “Mommy’s asleep in daddy’s room.”

“I want to sleep with mommy!” Linda insisted.

Harvey cradled her in one arm, gently shaking her as he told her a bedtime story. His voice, slightly raspy from the late night, was a calming presence. Eventually, Linda drifted off in his arms. Knowing she’d wake if he put her down now, Harvey wrapped her in a blanket and held her for almost an hour.

Finally, Linda was asleep. Harvey sat by the edge of the bed, watching her peaceful face, and couldn’t resist planting a soft kiss on her cheek. This little girl was the treasure of him and Eloise. Of course he loved her dearly.

Linda stirred in her sleep, cuddling her stuffed bunny. Harvey couldn’t bear to leave her just yet, so he stayed a while longer.

When he eventually returned to the bedroom, he was taken aback. Eloise was a mess. Her hair and forehead were damp with sweat, and her body was seductive and tempting.

Harvey moved closer, crouching down to take a closer look at her. His Adam’s apple bobbed. He removed the tie and gently loosened her. Eloise’s breath came in soft pants, and her voice sounded very soft, “Harvey... you asshole!”

Harvey knew women well. He knew what she wanted, so he leaned in close, “Bath first, or...?”

Eloise wrapped her arms around him, meeting his lips.

The room heated up. In the midst of their passionate kiss, Harvey murmured sweet nothings into her ear, “Call me Harvey! Eloise, call me Harvey!”

Eloise abruptly pulled back. She whispered in his ear, “I’m sleeping with Linda! Goodnight, Mr. Horigan!”

She prepared to leave, giving his handsome face a playful pat, “Taste this feeling, Mr. Horigan!”

Harvey didn’t stop her. He leaned against the headboard, watching her tidy herself up and leave the room. A small smile played on his lips, “I didn’t expect you to have such self-control!”

Eloise gave him a middle finger.

Harvey chuckled. He was attractive and skilled at teasing her, to the point where Eloise could hardly look at him.

She took a shower in the guest room and went to bed. Her phone beeped. It was a message from Harvey on Facebook. ‘Missing you!’ it read.

A small smile graced Eloise’s lips as she stared at the two words. She didn’t reply. Another message came in. [Come sleep with me! I won’t do anything... I just want to hold you as we sleep. Tomorrow morning, I’ll go for a run and bring you back a rose to wake you up with.]

Eloise had been entangled with Harvey for many years. She knew what he wanted. He didn’t force anything on her, because he just wanted to start over with her, to date her.

She closed her eyes. Over the years, whether it was love or hate, it was always Harvey.

Everything was Harvey.

She didn’t respond to him, but she knew he wouldn’t mind. He was enjoying the process of wooing her. They lived together, but if they rushed into a lifelong commitment just because of Linda, it would be a tragedy. In their future relationship, Eloise didn’t want to be cheap and easy to get again. If Harvey wanted her, he would have to pursue her, to try his best to win her.

Whether she’d give in, or how much she’d give, Eloise wanted to be the controller.

...

The next morning when Eloise woke up, there was a fresh rose on the bedside table. She rolled over, gently touching the petals. It reminded her of when they were together, of how he often gave her roses. But she couldn’t tell if he felt the same now as he did then.

Eloise didn’t want to appear too affected.