Stevers

She took a second to calm herself before she could speak again. And that was when she remembered what she had wanted to say in the middle of his speech. "Though there is one thing I have to correct you on, Eli. You were wrong about what you said about yourself."

His Naughty Lessons

Urban · Witchhazel

And what if she thought tonight wasn't romantic enough for this? As far as dates went, they had done many more swoon-worthy things than hiking up a mountain and watching the stars. He had decided to pick this evening because it felt right to him — because these simple, homey, nostalgic moments were when it all started, when the story of their lives was first written down in the stars — but what if she wanted something more different? What if his choice of timing wasn't perfect, leaving them with the regret that it wasn't as memorable as she wished it could be?

His Naughty Lessons

Urban · Witchhazel

And when she closed her eyes at the perfect moment, Eli's own hand reached into his pocket.

His Naughty Lessons

Urban · Witchhazel

Eli stared at the closed exam room door again, then stared at the clock. Harper had been in there at least ten minutes now … and he was getting increasingly uneasy with every passing moment.

His Naughty Lessons

Urban · Witchhazel

The man's gaze turned scrutinizing, yet she continued. "However, I do agree a hundred percent with what you said about Eli deserving the best. If I may offer a small suggestion … I believe he will take over your company's legacy much more willingly, if you actually give up the control you still have through all the executive members who only follow your orders. Like you said, Eli has a talent, but the power games that he hates might kill it before he gets the chance to put it to use."

His Naughty Lessons

Urban · Witchhazel

"As you can see, however, it is already too late. Eli had made his choice, one that he doesn't appear to plan on changing. So consider this my peace offering — because as much as both of you believe otherwise, I do care about what he truly wants." Ronald Sterling gave her another smile. "Just promise me that in the future, you will always keep him at the first and foremost place in your life. My son deserves the best, and I expect you to be able to give that to him."

His Naughty Lessons

Urban · Witchhazel

Eli shrugged, not seeming particularly concerned. "Not that I know of. And even if he does, he's outlived my mother by too many years already."

His Naughty Lessons

Urban · Witchhazel

Tyler, who should probably feel guilty for unintentionally causing the accident, rubbed his nose and ventured an uncertain glance at Eli. The latter walked over and gave him a brotherly pat on the shoulder. The two were saying something in a low voice when Chelsea all but crashed into Harper, yelling "oh my god where have you been I can't believe you weren't there by Eli's side when the announcement came out you're a big deal in the finance world now owner of the Sterling CEO pretty please don't forget to invite me to the new leadership celebration party." And that was how Harper finally knew what announcement it was that she missed.

His Naughty Lessons

Urban · Witchhazel

"So what, if you've got a little show going on the billboard?" Vanessa's shriek tore through the crowd again, interrupting the couple's private conversation. "Don't start dreaming so soon yet! For a mass consumption product like this, how far do you think you can get without the cooperation of every advertisement channel? And remember who runs the largest funding in the city for media, even including the convention center!" She glared haughtily at Harper, then Emory. "Just you wait — it's too early for anyone to celebrate!"

His Naughty Lessons

Urban · Witchhazel

"Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce you." Eli finished the last two strides toward his girl just as the trailer cycle ended, lifting her hands in his and brushing a formal kiss over her knuckles. "This beautiful lady you asked of is Harper McKenzie, chief architect at Miracles Gaming, who I also happen to have the honor to call my girlfriend. Since I've only recently returned to Davenshire, most of you might not know this, but Harper and I grew up together. We've met each other's parents long ago, and as you can see, she is a close friend of my sister as well."

His Naughty Lessons

Urban · Witchhazel