Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 247

At nine in the evening, Eloise finally arrived home.

The warm, golden light spilled from the hall, creating a cozy atmosphere that warmed the heart at a single glance. Linda was playing the piano, with Harvey at her side. Dressed in a classic three-piece suit with his coat discarded, his fitted waistcoat accentuated his lean physique. Upon seeing Eloise, he lightly swirled his glass of red wine and asked, "How was your shopping?"

Eloise set down her purse, sank into the couch, and gently massaged her aching legs.

Linda started to approach. She had initially taken up piano to find her mother, but now, she couldn't abandon it!

Harvey softly held onto her cute curly brown hair, instructing seriously, "Play this piece five more times!"

Linda was speechless. Harvey was too mean! He wasn't like this when he wanted her help to woo his wife!

Linda continued to play the piano, her fingers dancing across the keys!

Eloise was both annoyed and amused. She protested to Harvey, "She's only four. You shouldn't push her so hard!"

Harvey squatted in front of her, massaging her feet, his voice low and gentle, "She has talent! Eloise, I've always wanted to apologize to you, but no amount of apologies can restore your legs to their former state. So, I want Linda to have another option!"

Eloise remained silent, simply gazing at him. She rarely looked at him like this, for she had always avoided developing feelings for him again. After a while, she murmured, "Even so, don't push her too hard! I want Linda to live freely. Besides, with you around, she won't be lacking in the future."

Harvey chuckled, "It's rare that I have some merits in Eloise's eyes."

They changed the topic, and talked about Orlena for a while. Harvey had probably been thinking a lot during the day. As he held her foot, he whispered, "I won't force you or make you do anything because of Orlena. We are different!"

Eloise watched him under the light. Her gaze was a bit softer than usual. It was natural, not deliberately put on to placate him.

Harvey was somewhat moved. His voice husky, "Eloise, do you like me a little?"

Eloise reached out and gently touched his handsome face, "Just a little!"

Harvey chuckled lightly.

Just as they were both getting a bit emotional, Linda, slightly annoyed, finished playing the piece five times. She also ran over, demanding that Harvey massage her feet.

Harvey adored her the most. He held the little one in his arms, not only massaging her feet but also her hands.

Finally, Linda wasn't jealous anymore. She lay in his arms, blushing a little.

Eloise patted her little head, telling Harvey, "She really likes you."

Harvey teased her, "You're a grown-up, but still get jealous of a child."

That night, Eloise still slept with Linda.

Harvey didn't bring up the matter of her sleeping in the master bedroom again. He also didn't demand to have sex with her. The fact that she didn't push him away in the cloakroom during the day proved that she didn't reject him that much anymore.

He wasn't in a hurry. This time, he wanted to take it slow with her, to seriously and sincerely fall in love.

...

Late at night, Orlena stood on the balcony.

Daniel was with Pauline, making this probably the most relaxed night for her in years. She should have been happy, but after everything she had been through, she could no longer return to the carefree Orlena of the past.

Suddenly, a cell phone ringtone sounded from the room. She went to pick it up. It was an unfamiliar number. Without thinking too much, Orlena immediately answered, "Hello!"

The person on the other end didn't speak at first. After a long pause, a hoarse voice finally said, "It's me!"

All of Orlena's blood seemed to freeze. It was Brett. She had never imagined that she would receive a call from him again, especially since their break up had been unpleasant; at least she had left with despair and resentment.

Her lips moved slightly, but in the end, she couldn't say a word. Compared to her, Brett seemed much calmer. He asked quietly, "Your brother said you haven't been home in two years. Is that true?"

Orlena felt as if her throat was blocked. She suppressed her feelings for a long time before she managed to squeeze out, "Mr. Brett, why are you calling? We made it clear that we would cut all ties."

Brett's tone carried a hint of warmth, just like when he used to coax her, "Your brother said you're not doing well."

Orlena closed her eyes slightly, "I'm doing fine now!"

Silence fell between them. After a long while, Brett softly said, "I'm in Peterborough! Can we meet? I'm still at that apartment."

Finally, Orlena exploded, "Meet? Mr. Brett, what do you take me for? Am I a delicacy that you've grown tired of and suddenly remembered? Or one of your many lovers? Am I really that disgraceful?"

...

Brett's breath hitched. His voice remained calm, "Orlena, I just want to meet and have a meal together."

Orlena restrained herself, her voice soft, "I won't be going!"

She abruptly hung up.

Late at night, she cried alone on the balcony for a long time. She didn't know when she started to like Brett. Perhaps it was when she watched him work in the hospital, or when she saw him smoking alone late at night. Perhaps it was when she saw a man's loneliness...

She was afraid he would blame her brother, so she always followed him carefully, trying to make him happy. As time passed, he allowed her to stay by his side.

He often stayed up late, and sometimes she would fall asleep on the couch in his small office. One night, she woke up to find him covering her with a blanket. Under the incandescent light, his face was extraordinarily attractive. She couldn't help but call him Brett.