Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 376

Eloise was flustered. Clearing her throat, she whispered, "Weren't you supposed to come by this afternoon?"

Harvey strode toward the hospital bed. Pauline stepped aside to let him sit down. Harvey tenderly stroked Eloise's face, saying outright, "Couldn't wait any longer; I had the doc give me a shot to ease the pain and here I am. Eloise..."

He cradled her face in one warm palm.

Their eyes met.

They had shared a dream, and seeing each other now felt different. There was so much to say, yet it was hardly the place, especially with little Linda staring wide-eyed from the bedside.

But Harvey couldn't help himself. Whether it was their parents or children, what did it matter? He wanted to kiss her.

Leaning in, he kissed his wife gently. She resisted instinctively at first and was surprised, but then Harvey took her hand, holding it gently before deepening the kiss.

Parker was losing his composure. Were young folks always this forward? He blushed, motioned to his wife, and ushered the kids out, including the curious Linda. The room quickly quieted down.

After a long kiss, Harvey buried his handsome face in the crook of Eloise’s neck. In a low voice, he asked, "Has the doctor been by? How's the baby doing?"

"The baby's fine."

Eloise gently caressed his arm, feeling the muscle loss, then moved to his neck and chest. Harvey caught her hand, his voice husky. "Even if you want it, I can't."

Her delicate fingers paused on his lips. Her husband loved her, but was never quite serious.

Their eyes locked. Finally, Harvey let it out, "Eloise, I've missed you so much!"

Those seven days she was unconscious felt like an eternity over flames to him.

How could Eloise not know? He had lost weight. Dhe could see it, and it pained her. But sentimental words weren't her style. She only remembered that Harvey had pulled her from the abyss at great cost to himself.

Gently, she pulled him onto the bed. Her voice trembled slightly. "Harvey, take care of yourself. When you're better, let's go visit the apartment."

He agreed.

And then they lay side by side, heads touching.

By lunchtime, Harvey's leg was giving out again. The doctor had to attend to him urgently, and... well, he was temporarily in a wheelchair, needing at least a month to recover fully.

Eloise's health, too, was improving day by day. Particularly, the baby was strong and resilient.

In the afternoon, Eloise stood before Harvey and let him caress her swollen belly. She suddenly asked, "Are we really going to call her Stephanie?"

Harvey smiled slightly. "Don't you like it?"

As his hand moved, he became even less appropriate. Eloise could feel it. She couldn't help but remember the dream where, at 20, she'd had sex with him. Even if it was only a dream, that sensation lingered in her body.

She blushed and held his hand. "Ease up, Harvey."

Harvey truly desired her. With her condition and his frostbitten leg, they had limitations, but there were always other ways.

He was coaxing her as he peeled back her gown. Her slightly rounded belly was not unsightly; it only added to her womanly charm.

Eloise wouldn't let him touch her but hugged his neck and whispered softly, "The 20-year-old version of me is prettier, isn't she?"

All was well. Harvey couldn't resist a flirtatious thought. Besides, those dreamy encounters were worth reminiscing.

He pressed against her ear, murmuring hotly, "An innocent 20-year-old can't compare to you, Ms. Laurent. That's just an unripe young lady, hardly as in sync as us."

Familiar with his shamelessness, Eloise stopped caring about her attire and simply snuggled into him, exploring his body. He'd lost weight, and it pained her. Finally, with her cheeks aglow, she gently unbuckled his belt.

"Eloise!" Harvey's voice was a bit hoarse.

She whispered against his ear, "Quiet, Harvey, I want to take good care of you."

They were husband and wife. He was lustful and enjoyed sex, so she would indulge him. Anything he liked, she was willing to do.

In the hospital room, passion was in the air.

Afterward, an hour passed before Eloise playfully complained about his greed.

In the bathroom, Harvey wrapped his arms around her from behind, asking tenderly, "Is the baby okay?"

Eloise blushed. They hadn't gone all the way, but she'd had her pleasure, and surely the baby felt something. She said nothing, and Harvey understood. His hand rested on her belly, chuckling. "Quite the delicate one."

Eloise wouldn't let him continue, insisting he sit in the wheelchair. "The doctor said it's best for you to stay in the chair for a quick recovery."

Harvey didn't take it seriously.

...

At half-past two, Harvey lay down with Eloise for a nap.

The bodyguard entered, "Mr. Horigan, some folks from the production crew want to see Ms. Laurent."