Tangled Temptations

Harvey stepped into the foyer, slowly shedding his coat before continuing inside. Eloise couldn't help but watch him. Every movement he made was a delight to the

eye.

Approaching her, Harvey rested his hand lightly on her shoulder, casually suggesting, "Don't you fancy it? Have a seat and give it a try."

Eloise was flattered beyond measure. The piano before her wasn't just an instrument; it was a treasure with a beautiful legend attached to it. She had longed to see it up close.

Her fingers hesitated before finally touching the ivory keys, and just as she was about to begin, Harvey said, "I'd love to hear Under the Moonlight."

Tears glistened in Eloise's eyes as she turned to look at him, her heart pounding fiercely. That feeling was back again. Why did Harvey seem to know her so well, almost as if he had her figured out completely? She even wondered if he had investigated her.

Harvey watched her intently, his gaze softening at her delicate and temperamental manner, reminiscent of Linda, which he found irresistible.

Finally, Eloise began to play. The music flowed effortlessly, a testament to her unmarred talent and spirit.

Before drifting into this dreamlike state, Harvey had been given a nudge by Master Lee, carrying all his memories with him. He was Harvey with a full recollection of his past.

As Eloise played, he felt a profound surge of emotion, his eyes warming with the intensity of his feelings. If only he had handled things better with Joan, then perhaps Eloise wouldn't have any regrets, wouldn't have lost her dreams, and perhaps she'd already be a world-renowned pianist.

But life was devoid of 'what ifs'. Now, all he wanted was to bring her back with him safely.

After finishing the piece, Eloise slowly lifted her hands, feeling an aching familiarity with the touch of the keys.

That's when Harvey stepped behind her, his warm palms gently pressing upon her slender shoulders, drawing her closer. He was the epitome of tenderness.

Unbeknownst to herself, Eloise's heart had been firmly seized by Harvey, despite her recent infatuation with Max that had left her appetite wanting. Now, her affections were undoubtedly redirected.

Overcome with emotion, Harvey whispered into her ear, "I've missed you so much. Do you know that?"

Eloise stiffened, unaccustomed to such closeness with a man. Her voice trembled as she replied, "I didn't know."

Harvey said nothing more, simply burying his face in her chestnut hair, basking in its softness. It had been far too long since he had held her.

Meanwhile, Orlena was quite shocked with the display. What was going on? Why were they embracing so suddenly?

She tiptoed to the kitchen in search of a snack, only to discover a brand-new air fryer. "Why would he buy this?" she muttered to herself, eyeing it hungrily and resolving to wait until their affectionate display concluded.noveldrama

Dusk settled around them. The last rays of golden sunlight streamed through the apartment's floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow upon them. It was a moment of pure beauty.

Eloise was still in Harvey's embrace, her innocence and lack of experience with men causing her to whimper softly, "Attorney Horigan, please let go."

But Harvey's hand boldly wrapped around her waist, his voice husky and laden with masculine charm, "I've held you for so long. Eloise, can you honestly say you feel nothing for me?"

She couldn't deny the fluttering in her heart, the weakness in her knees. She didn't push away because she didn't want to. This enigmatic man struck a chord within her soul.

As Harvey's hand caressed her waist, he pulled her fully into his arms and murmured, "Are we together now?"

Eloise wanted to say no, but being in his apartment, in his embrace, she couldn't deny it. Her hesitation gave him the opportunity he'd been waiting for.

Harvey leaned in and kissed her tenderly.. With that kiss, Eloise's mind went blank. Her senses were overwhelmed by his scent as his presence enveloped her.

"Close your eyes," Harvey's voice urged. His hand gently cradled her head to help her relax.

Inexperienced and uncertain, Eloise was at a loss. Harvey covered her eyes with his hand, then lifted her onto the piano. A single chord resonated as she felt his masculine presence.

The intensity of the kiss frightened her. Blind to his gaze, Eloise reached out, her hands eventually finding his shoulders.

Lost in the kiss, she forgot the world around her.

When they finally parted, Harvey buried his face in her neck. His breath felt hot against her skin, reminding Eloise of a primal beast. Though she was innocent, she could feel his desire for her. Her delicate skin blushed a deep red, adding a womanly allure to her youthful appearance.

Harvey gently touched her cheek, his voice soft. "Don't be afraid. I won't touch you."

The piano bench was slippery, and Eloise, fearful of falling, clung to his waist, protesting, "But you already have."

Harvey looked down at her, his desire apparent. With Eloise looking so vibrant in his arms, it would be a lie to say he held no improper thoughts.

Pinching her nose playfully, Harvey smiled lightly. "I'll start dinner. Orlena must be starving by now. That girl can't stand being hungry."

Eloise's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She had almost forgotten Orlena was there, yet here she was, nestled in Orlena's brother's arms, kissing on a piano, being caressed. Her face burned with shyness.

Harvey couldn't resist giving her a peck, teasing, "Embarrassed?"

Eloise shook her head, her voice soft. "It's just too fast."

At 20, had she really given herself away so quickly, for a piano, for his good

looks? The thought alone seemed unreal.

"It feels like a dream," Eloise whispered.

Harvey was silent, for indeed, it was a dream. He was here with a 20-year-old. Eloise but knew he had to leave eventually. He hoped that upon waking, they would both fetain this memory, a romantic tale to recall in their old age.

Harvey carried the weight of this bittersweet sentiment alone, gently lifting Eloise from the piano. From that moment on, she was his.

Harvey scooped up Orlena from the kitchen, her laughter trailing behind them like

a playful breeze. The two girls, one reserved and the other lively, meshed as if they were kindred spirits.

In a moment of shared intimacy, Orlena flicked through her phone with the

excitement of a child at Christmas and presented Eloise with a photo. "Check this

guy out, isn't he a catch? My brother says I might have a shot."

Eloise peered at the screen with genuine interest. The man in the photo had a refined, aristocratic air about him, striding through the rain while@crowd of admirers clustered around. A secretary-type figure held an umbrella over him, adding to the scene's allure.

Yet, as Eloise studied the man's features, a wave of emotion she couldn't quite place washed over her. There was something eerily familiar about his face, especially the fine from his nose to his tips, which bore a striking resemblance to her own.

Eloise knew that Angus, the man she called father, was not her biological parent. Could this Mr. Brett from Brockville be her real father?

Noticing Eloise's expression, Orlena voiced her concern with an almost brash directness. "Hey, Eloise, you've already got my brother, so don't even think about swooping in on this one."

Eloise couldn't help but let out an amused chuckle. She couldn't spill the beans about her origins, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that lingered. Mr. Brett from Brockville... Brett.

With an acknowledging hum, Eloise offered Orlena the reassurance she needed.

...

Harvey had whipped up a feast, his culinary skills shining through. As the dishes

hit the table, Orlena couldn't keep her praises in check. "Bro, when did you learn to cook like this?"

With her cheeks puffed with food, she turned to Eloise. "Girl, you're in for a treat. Harvey never used to step foot in the kitchen."

Eloise agreed, the food was delicious.

Harvey served her a helping, his voice soft. "I learned it all just to impress you."

There wasn't a woman alive who didn't love a good, sweet talk, especially from a man as handsome as Harvey. Naturally, Eloise was no exception, but she still felt a touch uneasy.

Harvey gently stroked her hair. And just like that, her uneasiness seemed to fade into insignificance. Maybe, just maybe, Eloise was ready to fall in love.

She had tasted the bittersweet longing of unrequited love, and now this incredible man was treating her with such tenderness. She couldn't resist, and more importantly, she didn't want to.

Eloise let herself go. She ate her meal with a newfound peace, and afterward, she and Orlena tackled the dishes together.

Having never lifted a finger to do housework, Orlena protested dramatically but eventually succumbed, all because Harvey had mentioned that Mr. Brett admired a woman with domestic prowess.

"I can be domestic too," Orlena mumbled, half in defiance and half in pride, as she reluctantly scrubbed the plates. "I've got idle hands, and I sure can use them."