Tangled Temptations

Chapter 236

At nine in the evening, Linda finally agreed to come out. She had polished off two bowls of mac and cheese.

Eloise was particularly indulgent with her today, giving her a warm bubble bath, blow-drying her hair, and reading her a bedtime story. Linda, knowing Eloise was staying the night, fell asleep contentedly.

Dimming the bedside lamp, Eloise tiptoed out of the room. She wanted to talk to Harvey. She found him in his study, sitting quietly in the dimly lit room, not smoking, just sitting.

"Harvey!" Eloise called his name.

Startled, he rose from his chair and walked towards her, closing the door behind him. "Is she asleep?"

Eloise nodded. As she was about to speak, Harvey enveloped her in his arms, pressing her against the door.

His strength caught her off guard, and the impact made her back ache slightly. Sensing his agitation, she held back her discomfort and softly suggested, "Let's talk."

He responded absent-mindedly. After a while, Harvey buried his face in her neck. Eloise soon felt a dampness there, making her uncomfortable. But she didn't push him away. In that moment, she realized how vulnerable he could be. His last trip to Britain had taken a toll on him too, not just her.

Perhaps because they were raising a child together, Eloise felt a surge of tenderness towards him. She gently held the back of his neck, stroking it softly.

Harvey stiffened. He looked up at her in the darkness, his eyes intense. Then, unable to resist, he lowered his head and kissed her lips. The tender touch was tenderly innocent. Afterwards, his breath hitched slightly.

Eloise, her body pressed against the door, looked at him in surprise. She had come to discuss Linda...

Harvey kissed her again. His lips, tinged with the scent of tobacco, deepened the kiss. Despite his usual intensity, he was unusually gentle this time, kissing her with a careful, treasuring touch, making her feel it. His heart pounded so hard it threatened to burst out of his chest.

He hadn't felt this kind of innocent yearning to kiss without lust for a long time. He kissed her for a long while. Maybe half an hour, maybe two or three. When it ended, his voice was hoarse. "It's late. Go take a shower and sleep. I'll get your clothes."

Eloise remained glued to the door. His gentle touch, devoid of force, had left her weak in the knees. If not for his hand supporting her waist, she would have collapsed.

He lightly stroked her waist, whispering, "If you want it, go to the master bedroom."

Of course, Eloise refused. "I'll sleep with Linda. You get my clothes."

He switched on the study light, his hand gently caressing her arm. "Shower in my bathroom. Your clothes are in the walk-in closet. I'll handle some stuff here."

In the end, Eloise took a shower in the guest room and spent the night with Linda.

...

The next day, the atmosphere between them had changed.

Harvey treated her with a newfound gentleness, a hint of intimacy lingering in his actions. Eloise tried her best to ignore it. She got up early to make breakfast for Linda, helping her get ready for the day. Linda was in high spirits, clinging to Eloise.

Harvey calmly interjected, "She should do her own things."

Eloise was about to reply when he looked at her and gave a light laugh. "Spare the rod, spoil the child."

reflection of Parker in him, Eloise felt a pang of annoyance. He was becoming more

of him. All her warmth and affection were reserved for

intimidated by her father, had started to feed herself. But when her mother suddenly started feeding her mashed potatoes, she immediately put

that, she climbed onto Eloise's lap,

arms.

her. He had his own parenting principles. He believed in providing

tensed, slowly coming down from Eloise's lap. She sat properly

eat on her own. Half of the food ended up on the table, but Harvey

couldn't help but say, "She's

coffee, replying nonchalantly, "Sometimes, she behaves

Eloise fell silent.

previous night, bringing them closer. He didn't want to

example. "Look

expression, he lowered his voice. "She's fine, just

said softly, "I'll ask someone to look for her later." Harvey gave

...

had improved considerably, making their visit to the psychologist

check-up on Linda. Then, Linda was taken to a playroom next door, where

said

Mrs. Horigan's sudden return. Children are very sensitive, especially to their parents' divorce. It can cause a

Eloise's eyes grew moist.

could understand. No woman could be completely strong

neither of you has a partner, you might consider reconciling. Living together as parents can greatly help Linda's psychological health and might even lead

nodded. "We'll

while longer before handing over Linda's medical records for her

her emotions teetering on the edge of

age of two, used to visit almost every week. At that time, she would retreat into herself every other day.

able to

much better now, and the doctor said

She whispered, "Harvey, I've made

felt his heart skip a beat, suppressing his excitement as

looked at him.

the kiss last night. Do you think we need to pretend?

it weren't for Linda's treatment, he wouldn't have

had her own

and she admitted that the kiss

their mutual need for comfort. Under such emotional circumstances, it was easy to develop feelings. She had made mistakes

is all I can give

"I'm willing!"

spoke again,