** Harper **
With a soft stroke, Harper floated closer to the rim of the pool. "Come sit," she patted on the sleek tiles in front of her, "it's a long story."
Eli hesitated, though only for a second before he obliged, perching over the spot she indicated and letting his legs dangle over the edge into the water. Harper resisted the urge to grin, feeling like a hunter watching her prey walk closer and closer into her trap.
"Wallace was assigned to my project the week before your venture investment visit," she began. "He's actually a nice person to work with, pretty capable and friendly," — she paused when she felt a sudden cold glare icy enough to freeze the whole pool — "well, I mean, he was friendly, to the right extent … until he stumbled upon my web novel."
Eli's head snapped toward her. "He what?" The words came out almost a growl.
