Landon picked a pretty decent Italian joint.
Eloise rolled up there right on time at eight. Landon was waiting for her in the parking lot. As soon as she parked, he smoothly opened the car door for her. "Gee, getting you out for dinner wasn't easy."
As Eloise got out of the car, she leaned on the door and smiled, "Just the other day, I was at your place teaching Blake piano. Attorney Bowen invited me to stay for dinner. You just weren't there."
Landon was all eyes on her. Then he said slowly, "You know what I want isn't just that."
Eloise hesitated a bit, but decided to be straight with him. "Landon, you know my deal. You and I, it’s not gonna work."
Landon kept his gaze on her. The atmosphere got a bit tense. It was the first time Eloise felt such a strong masculine vibe radiating from Landon. Even though he didn't do anything, she still felt the pressure.
Suddenly, Landon broke into a relaxed smile. "Wow, you're so tense just for a dinner. I'll be scared to invite you next time," he said softly, trying to calm her down. "This is just a dinner to celebrate your career success."
Landon was quite a funny guy. Eloise couldn't help but laugh.
She closed the car door and walked side by side with Landon into the restaurant. Landon had booked a table in advance. Unfortunately, Harvey happened to be there too. He was dining with a lady in her fifties. She was very respectful in her speech and manner. She seemed to be an old acquaintance.
Landon knew her as well and briefly said hello.
Harvey looked up, first at Landon, then slowly turned his gaze to Eloise. Eloise wished she could hide somewhere.
Harvey picked up his napkin and casually said, "Ms. Laurent, living alone with no strings attached, you should have an easy time finding a boyfriend."
Landon raised his eyebrows. How ironic!
Holding the back of Harvey's chair, he said with a smile, "Harvey also lives alone. He should have an easy time too."
Harvey's eyes narrowed a bit.
Landon was smiling.
Everyone felt the tension, even the lady. She asked softly, "Harvey, who is this young lady?"
The relationship between Harvey and Eloise was awkward. He was reluctant to admit that she was his girlfriend. He gave a faint smile and just he was about to find an excuse to get away, but Landon blinked and sweetly said, "This is my friend, Eloise. What do you think?"
The lady was clueless. She just said with a smile, "She's nice."
Then she turned to Harvey, "Your mom mentioned you have a girlfriend. Bring her over sometime. I'll treat her to dinner."
Fortunately, they both kept their cool in front of the elder, avoiding a big scene in the restaurant. Landon also respected Eloise and didn't want her to feel awkward. Harvey quickly finished his meal and left.
Eloise relaxed a bit. During the meal, she felt like Harvey was constantly watching her.
"You still have feelings for him." Landon's voice rang in her ear.
Eloise was startled. Landon's charming, almond-shaped eyes were close, full of allure. His voice was slightly husky and very attractive. "Remember what I told you last time? If you're with me, you'll see a different Harvey. Look, he almost started a fight with me in this fancy restaurant."
Eloise lowered her head. Her relationship with Harvey was nearing its end. There was no point in talking about it.
Landon just smiled and didn't say anything else. He was a gentleman, always polite.
Eloise felt comfortable around him, totally relaxed. She cherished this friendship with Landon. He always stepped up when she needed him.
After dinner, Landon suggested they take a walk to digest. If they saw a good movie, they could catch it together. Eloise thought this was a bit flirtatious, so she declined.
Eloise didn't waver. She glanced at his car and said, "Attorney Horigan, I'm not mad at you. I don't have the right to be. I just think based on the nature of our relationship, it is more suitable for doing that kind of thing in a hotel. Let's take your car. I'll take a taxi back after."
Harvey's eyes darkened. He stared at her for a while, then suddenly got in the car.
After buckling up, Eloise plopped down next to him. Harvey purposely tossed a small box onto the dashboard, then turned to her and said, "Let's crash at a hotel tonight. I'm afraid you won't be able to walk after we're done."
Eloise snapped her head around to glare at him. What a cold-hearted jerk he was.
Harvey glanced at her for a moment. Seeing she remained silent, he was a little ticked off and drove them to a five-star hotel.
Even the receptionist could feel the tension in the air when they were getting the room card.
With the room card in hand, Harvey led the way, his steps a bit brisk. Eloise trailed behind him, slowly walking into the elevator.
This was the second time she had been to a hotel with him. His actions last time were a bit too over the top, leaving her a bit traumatized even now.
The elevator was eerily silent. Harvey had his hands shoved in his pockets, his face expressionless.
Eloise thought to herself, what was he making such a big deal for? They were supposed to be here for a good time, but he looked as if he was in pain.
Once in the room, Harvey wasn't as eager as before. He casually tossed the box onto the bed, then took off his coat and tossed it onto the bed's foot. "Ms. Laurent, care for a shower?"
Eloise was completely loyal to him; she'd only been intimate with him, no other men. At this moment, the way he spoke to her in this tone made her feel hurt no matter what. The corners of her eyes and nose were a little red, but she still pretended to be calm.
"No need."
"What do you mean no need?" Harvey suddenly moved closer, his slender fingers gently touching her face, "You reek of Landon. How can you not clean yourself up?"
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