Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 379

Brett's proposal was as tempting as a freshly baked apple pie cooling on the windowsill.

Orlena wanted a slice of that pie, too, but she hesitated because if it were just her taking the risk, that would be one thing, but she had her little boy to think about. If things didn't pan out, the embarrassment would be unbearable.

Brett seemed to read her thoughts as easily as an open book. He gently tousled her hair, whispering, “Let’s talk later. Wrap up here and get home early.”

He should have left then, but he lingered for a moment longer, for parting was never easy.

Finally, she resumed the photo shoot.

Brett stepped out of the studio into the stormy weather. Donny attempted to offer Brett his coat, but Brett declined, “A little chill is nothing. I’m not some old geezer yet.”

Donny didn’t think much of it, replying with a smile, “At your age, you gotta take care better!”

Realizing his slip, Donny quickly opened the car door for his boss. As Brett settled into the vehicle, brushing off the snow from his sweater, he joked self-deprecatingly, “Yeah, at my age, I still can’t provide a full-fledged home for my wife and kid.”

Donny sighed in empathy.

Back at the set, Orlena’s performance faltered after Brett’s departure. She managed to regain her composure and finish the shoot; she politely declined the crew’s invitation to grab burgers together afterwards. Her assistant was quite the problem-solver and handled the check discreetly.

Orlena’s mind was on Daniel. She hurried back, intending to pick Daniel up and take him to her apartment, but the sky was dimming, the snow was falling, and she found herself at Harvey’s estate.

Harvey sat on the couch with his laptop open. He was dealing with work and didn't even look up. “Stay here tonight. Daniel’s been waiting to play in the snow all day.”

Orlena glanced at her son. Daniel came over, took her hand, and said in a soft voice, "I wanna play with Linda and Luca."

She always felt like she owed it to Daniel, and how could she refuse? Orlena patted her son's head. "Go on, but put on your puffer jacket."

With a whoop, Daniel ran off to play in the snow with Linda and Luca. Their laughter was a vivid contrast to the stark winter day. Orlena's eyes moistened with emotion.

At some point, Harvey closed his laptop and stared at his sister silently. These past few years, Orlena had changed a lot for Brett. She had become mature and sensible, yet Harvey wished she could remain naive and blissfully ignorant of heartache. His gaze fell on her hand. Half a cup of coffee remained untouched.

Harvey's tone was nonchalant. “Did Brett buy that? Are you treating it like a treasure?”

Orlena bit her lip, staying silent. She feared her brother’s disapproval.

Harvey gave her a sharp look, disappointed at her lack of determination. “Weren’t you all fired up earlier? Now a latte’s got you all touched.”

Orlena whispered weakly, "Harvey..."

Despite everything, Harvey loved her too much to stay mad. In a soft voice, he reassured her, “If you want to wait, then wait. You are an adult.” With that, he went upstairs to join Eloise.

Orlena sat alone in the living room, holding the half-drunk coffee, staring out the window at the ever-intensifying snowfall.

Had Brett’s private jet taken off safely?

Now, she regretted the afternoon’s quarrel. Brett always made time to see her and Daniel whenever he could. If only she hadn’t lost her temper, they would’ve had a bit more time together. After much hesitation, she dialed a number.

On the other end, Brett grunted an acknowledgment. Background voices suggested he was indeed on the road, likely rushing to Brockville.

Orlena’s heart ached, and she blurted out, “Drive safe.”

Brett was silent for a moment before assuring her, “Take care of our son. I’ll visit when I can.”

Orlena wanted to say there was no need, but she couldn’t bring herself to utter those words.

...

Eloise, pregnant and fatigued, was just waking up in the soft yellow light that made her look incredibly tender and vulnerable.

Harvey sat by the bed, and Eloise didn’t move. She just reached out an arm and wrapped it around his waist. Harvey, a handsome man with a physique to match, was something Eloise loved to hold close.

Her voice was soft. “Are the kids playing outside?”

Harvey hummed absentmindedly in agreement. "Orlena will keep an eye on them."