Tangled Temptations

Chapter 382

Eloise wrapped her arms around his neck. Her embrace was charged with emotion yet punctuated by her tears.

"Harvey, are you really back?" she whispered, her voice breaking. "Do you remember everything about us-the good and the bad?"

Harvey's own eyes glistened. "Don't cry!" His voice was a tender rumble, comforting her as one would a child. "I'm back, Eloise. Completely back."

In their moment of bliss, there was an underlying ache. He held her fiercely, as if he'd just returned from war, and in the quiet of their embrace, her tears flowed silently onto his shoulder.

Pulling the blanket over them, Harvey held Eloise close, sheltering her from the cold night.

"It's like a dream," Eloise murmured, her voice a soft echo in the stillness. "A long, painful dream."

"I'll never leave you again. I promise," Harvey vowed as he kissed her shoulder. His lips felt warm against her skin.

Perhaps he had anticipated her tears, and chose Christmas Eve to make his return—an evening that, despite its joy, brought her such sorrow.

They lay awake, not wanting to sleep nor to speak of things that might sour the mood. Instead, they reminisced only about the happy times.

"Do you remember our first Christmas together?" Harvey began, his tone light. "You were dating Callum. I followed you two like a madman and watched him kiss your forehead under the fireworks. I was so jealous."

Eloise remembered well. She stroked his strong jawline, her voice soft. "Didn't we agree not to talk about the past?"

his fingertips as if memorizing her all over again. "Eloise, my wife," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I forgot

up

finger on his chest playfully. "I

with a teasing tone,

him; he was as careful and tender

wrapped her arms around his neck. Her eyes were shining with clarity. "Even if I settled, I wouldn't want anyone

Harvey teased her with soft nuzzles and a flirtatious spark in his eyes. "Tell me, Eloise, during the

his playful banter and blushed. She surrendered to

can't say how much I love you, but no matter how much of a jerk you've been, I can't let

that realization, she understood the depth of her love-a

bracelet—a gift that would make any woman's heart flutter, especially when given by the man she loved

struggled with the clasp. Harvey appeared in the doorway,

you let me help you with that?" Eloise asked

down and pinched her nose affectionately. "Times have changed, Eloise. I wouldn't dare ask you to do such

wrist, he kissed her gently. "Thank you for last night," he whispered,

playful, swatted at him with the rose. "Enough of

the mountain after breakfast,"

the bracelet. Her thoughts

Now that you and the kids are

there's something I'd like to