Chapter 148: A Different Kind of Paradise

** Eli **

Harper might be joking, but in Eli's eyes, she really was a beautiful princess … or a gorgeous queen. The arrangements he had made for the evening could barely do her justice.

He pulled back just enough to look at her again, taking in the view in front of him that was more breathtaking than any sunset and any flowers. Her deep auburn curls were a whirlwind atop the blanket of rose petals, wild from the car ride but all the more alluring because of it. Her cheeks were flushed, probably from too much sun and ocean breeze at the beach, though Eli rather hoped it was from him kissing her.

And her eyes — those beautiful eyes shining like true emeralds, with the kind of sparkle that belonged only to the most precious gems — were smiling as they studied him with a soft gaze that probably matched his own.