Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 387

Eloise hung up the phone with an abrupt click and turned her attention back to Orlena, who sat beside her. A storm of silent questions brewed behind Orlena hesitant eyes.

The thing was, Eloise was a year younger than Orlena, and yet, Orlena felt a certain restraint around her. Despite being, in a convoluted way, Eloise's aunt through her relationship with Brett, Orlena just couldn't muster the courage to probe deeper.

Irritated with her own timidity, Orlena followed Eloise out to the charming backyard garden, which Harvey had lovingly adorned with a sea of white roses.

"Harvey's got a romantic streak, huh?" Orlena mumbled to herself.

With practiced ease, Eloise snipped a few rose stems and artfully arranged them into bouquets, her movements a dance of grace and precision. "These blooms are more than enough for me to handle," Eloise said nonchalantly, clipping another rose.

The penny dropped for Orlena. Eloise adored roses, sure, but only those that came from Harvey. A pang of envy struck Orlena as she watched Eloise's effortless artistry.

Eloise caught Orlena's dazed expression and let out a soft chuckle. "Daydreaming about Uncle Brett?"

Orlena's cheeks flushed a delicate pink.

Eloise pondered for a moment before saying, "I heard Uncle Brett's thinking of taking you and Daniel to Brockville for Christmas. What's your take on that?"

Orlena had always trusted Eloise implicitly. Despite Brett being Eloise's uncle, Orlena shared everything with her, clinging to Eloise like a little girl seeking comfort. Her expression was a mix of hope and uncertainty. “I just don’t know! I want to go, but I’m terrified. I’m scared my boldness will just lead to another disappointment.”

Eloise patted her gently, a soothing presence. Orlena nestled closer, saying no more…

When Harvey came home with the kids, he stumbled upon this tender scene. He sent Linda and Luca off to play and strolled over, lighting a cigarette in the crisp outdoor air. Taking a drag, he teased, "What's all this then? Still cuddling up to Eloise?"

Embarrassed, Orlena turned her head away as her eyes shimmered slightly.

Harvey gave Eloise a look that was part playful, part reprimand, but held an intimacy only spouses could understand. His cheeks hollowed with each drag of the cigarette, an image of rugged masculinity.

He scraped a finger across Eloise's cheek—a familiar gesture that sent a thrill through her. Eloise busied herself with the vase, her expression softening.

After extinguishing his cigarette, Harvey's hands found their way to Eloise's belly, his voice husky with affection, "How's our little one today?"

She nodded. Their baby was a girl and as gentle as a lamb.

Unable to bear the intimate atmosphere, Orlena excused herself, leaving the couple to their privacy.

With Orlena gone, Harvey wrapped his arms around Eloise from behind, his hands cradling her belly. Whispering into the nape of her neck, he murmured, "Heard someone's been sending you flowers?"

Eloise frowned, surprised he knew. Then, she leaned into his embrace and whispered back, "Don't worry about it. Jacob's useful right now."

Harvey understood she was planning something against Ravenna. He considered for a moment before saying, "Could this get messy?"