Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 362

At twenty, Eloise was a vision of youthful vibrancy. Back then, her cheeks were plumper, her legs more slender, showcased by a pair of denim shorts that seemed to stretch her legs to heavenly lengths. At the crook of her thighs was a delicate hint of blush pink.

Her waist was even slimmer than one could imagine. Even though Harvey knew this was but a dream, the intense reality of it sent shivers down his spine, and he almost lost control of his emotions, wanting to grab her without a second thought.

“Eloise, it's been seven days since we last spoke.”

...

Eloise breezed past him. Perhaps it was Harvey’s striking looks or his air of aristocratic charm that made Eloise take a second glance.

Harvey's gaze lingered on her. A subtle smile played at the corners of his mouth.

Just then, a voice called out, “Eloise.”

Veronica dashed over, followed by Gunner.

Veronica approached, and her eyes roamed over Harvey, then flicked to Eloise, with an air of insinuation.

She recognized the man before her, a rising star in the legal world. Born to an illustrious family, handsome and distinguished, the man had it all.

Eloise paused.

Surprised, Gunner addressed Harvey, “Attorney Horigan, what brings you to Peterborough Music College?”

Harvey's eyes remained on Eloise. He spoke slowly, “I came to find a book at the library. I’m just not sure where it is.”

Gunner glanced at Veronica. “Shall we show Mr. Horigan the way?”

Veronica's eyes twinkled, as she latched onto his arm. “Let Eloise lead the way. She's free anyway. Weren't you going to treat me to some ice cream?”

Gunner, every bit the playboy, chuckled at Eloise. “Would you mind taking Mr. Horigan there? He's a friend of mine.”

Eloise turned to Harvey. This man looked to be about twenty-four and was a lawyer. Why was he at their college looking for books?

Harvey openly allowed her scrutiny. His dark eyes locked on hers. He smiled faintly and pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it with an air of masculine grace.

Eloise was spellbound. She had always thought Max was handsome, but now she realized there were leagues beyond.

“Let's go,” Harvey gestured.

Eloise followed him as he walked unerringly in the right direction, despite claiming he needed her guidance.

Behind them, Gunner wrapped an arm around Veronica, who giggled. “Gunner, Attorney Horigan seems quite taken with Eloise, doesn't he? His gaze lingered on her legs for quite some time.”

Gunner playfully flicked her cheek. “Impossible. Mr. Horigan just split up with his girlfriend and is heartbroken. Eloise is pretty, but not his type. Would the son of Peterborough's wealthiest need to settle?”

Veronica snorted, unimpressed. “Was his ex a goddess?”

Gunner quickly apologized.

...

Eloise led Harvey to the college library. Unadorned by makeup, Eloise’s natural beauty was striking. She spoke softly to the attractive man, “Attorney Horigan, feel free to look around, the library stays open until nine in the evening.”

Harvey didn’t reply. He walked to a particular seating area. He had seen this place before. It was there Eloise had been kissed by Max.

Harvey’s long fingers gently traced the chair's back. His touch was tender, as if caressing a lover.

For some reason, Eloise blushed. Harvey looked up, his black eyes fixed on her, and his voice slightly hoarse. “Could you wait for me, Miss Laurent? I'm afraid I might not find the exit after I finish with the books.”

Eloise inwardly berated his naivety—had lawyers become so helpless? But as Gunner’s friend, she managed a reluctant smile. “Alright, but I need to be home by eight.”

Harvey smiled gently. He pulled out a chair, looking at her.

Eloise’s heart skipped a beat. She always enjoyed sitting here. How did he know? It must’ve been a coincidence.

Without refusing, Eloise randomly picked a book and sat down to read quietly.

The library was hushed. Harvey chose a legal tome and even bought Eloise her favorite coffee at the small bar.

Eloise couldn't help but glance at him again.

Harvey took a sip of his black coffee, calmly flipping through the pages. His composed demeanor seemed out of place amidst the college setting, attracting glances with his striking appearance. Yet, he remained indifferent.

Eloise wondered how self-assured one had to be to ignore such admiring looks. How could he be so unfazed? She couldn't help but study his features.

He was truly handsome, especially the high, straight bridge of his nose. Would it clash with a girl's nose during a kiss?

“Eloise... what are you thinking? Aren't you into Max? Why daydream about kissing a stranger?”

She quickly averted her gaze, but Harvey caught her eye, quietly observing her. His wife sat before him, Eloise at twenty, untouched by the world, untangled from Max's four-year hold—a potent temptation. He wanted to date her, to share intimate moments.

Harvey had his composure. He turned the pages slowly.

From four in the afternoon to seven in the evening, there was no sign he planned to leave.

Eloise, feeling drowsy, laid her head on the table to sleep.

Harvey put down his book and stood up, approaching her. He gently brushed aside her soft, tea-colored hair, revealing her delicate face.

He knew they were being watched, but he didn't care to hide. He wanted to kiss her. He was Eloise's husband. It was his right.

A gentle kiss landed on her lips.

Gasps filled the room. Wasn't Eloise infatuated with Max from the neighboring school? Who was this man?

Someone had sneakily snapped a photo and uploaded it to the campus network. Eloise's face was captured in high definition, along with Harvey's profile. It didn't take long for Harvey's identity to surface.

The golden boy of Horigan Inc., the founder of Prestige Legal Advisors, an alumnus of a world-renowned university, Harvey.

The campus network exploded with the news.

Veronica, who was enjoying a popsicle, scrolled through her phone and nearly choked, almost spraying Gunner's face with icy shrapnel. She swallowed hastily, clutching her phone and exclaiming, "Holy smokes. This is straight-up fantasy. There goes Eloise's first kiss. How's she supposed to chase after Max now?"

“Attorney Horigan, that's brutal.”

Veronica had said Harvey had a thing for Eloise's legs.

Gunner was equally dumbfounded. How could this be? Harvey was known to be the pickiest of them all, never embroiled in any scandals. Aside from Joan, he never showed an ounce of fake affection to any girl. How could he just swoop in on Eloise?

Was this for real?

Gunner cleared his throat. "He must've been out of it."

That ticked Veronica off. She bumped into him and stormed out, saying, "What do you mean by that? Is Lou not good enough, and is Mr. Horigan too precious? Ha. If he's so precious, why's he stealing kisses?"

Gunner hurried after her.

Eloise was the talk of the town, but blissfully unaware.

Inside the library, the light cast a warm glow. She blinked open her eyes to find a handsome face, smiling gently at her. It took a moment before she recognized him as Gunner's friend.

But boy, was he close.

Harvey held a book with his slender fingers, smiling nonchalantly. "Eloise, could you lend me 20 bucks? I forgot my wallet."

Eloise's fair complexion turned a shade of pink. Ah, the rich heir needed to borrow cash.