Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 389

Brett had a proposal on his mind. Orlena, deep down, was thrilled. But as she aged, she held onto a woman's modesty. So, with an air of nonchalance, she replied, "And what does your proposal have to do with me?"

Immediately after, she felt a tad embarrassed for putting on such an act and bowed her head to pretend to be engrossed in her phone.

Brett watched her in silence. After a long pause, he whispered, "You are the only daughter in the family. How can you say my proposal has nothing to do with you?"

Orlena's fingers froze on the screen. Staring at her phone for an eternity, she asked softly, "Brett, is this a dream?"

"It's not a dream! Orlena, we can finally be open about us. You can tell anyone that you're my wife. I'll be there to pick up and drop off Daniel at preschool with you."

...

His voice was tender, yet it carried a tinge of melancholy. These everyday moments, mundane for most, were a Herculean task for him. He took Orlena's hand and whispered, "Once the project's over, I will just be yours."

He pulled her close. Her cheek pressed against his well-maintained midsection – no sign of middle-aged spread at all.

Orlena closed her eyes, savoring the moment. After a while, she murmured, "Even if... we get married, I still want to work."

He said that was fine. He owed her too much to confine her to the house. His little girl had grown up, and he wouldn't let her revert to her old self.

Orlena was quite content. She quietly admired the dazzling ring on her finger. In a soft voice, she teased, "At your age, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a grand wedding gift. My brother and sister-in-law will give me plenty. Daniel and I don’t need you to provide for us."

Brett couldn't help but laugh with a mix of irritation and amusement. He gently pinched her cheek. Did she really think he couldn’t provide for his wife and child?

"Shall we head to that old apartment later?" he suggested in a low voice.

Orlena wanted to go shopping. Despite being together for years, they had never really openly strolled around together. The experience was refreshing.

Brett wasn't opposed to accompanying her but craved alone time with her. Besides, her earlier jab about his age had stung.

They left the restaurant in Brett's car.

Orlena wasn’t naive, and she had an inkling of what a man wanted when he suggested going to his apartment alone. But since he didn't spell it out, she was too shy to bring it up.

The sleek black sports car zoomed past Diamond Plaza.

Brett reminisced about New Year's years ago when he clearly had feelings for her but was wary of their age gap and social standings. Years had passed, and they were still together.

Orlena noticed his quiet mood. "What's wrong?" she asked softly.

Brett just smiled faintly, squeezing her hand, not saying a word.

Soon, they arrived at the small apartment on Sixth Avenue. The place was cold, having been empty for a while.

They were both a bit awkward, almost shy, about physical intimacy.

Brett flicked on the lights and shrugged off his wool coat. "Turn up the heat, get cozy, then you can take off your clothes," he said.

Orlena snuggled on the couch, continuing her game. Her voice was sweetly muffled. "Who’s taking off their clothes?"

Brett smiled silently. Instead of pressing her, he teased, "What kind of mom is glued to her phone all day?"

Orlena was worried he'd snatch the phone away. She shot back, "What kind of mom has to single-handedly raise her son like I do?"

Brett touched his nose, turned up the heat, boiled water, and ordered some veggies, fruits, and meaty snacks – clearly, his visit was impromptu.

Soon, the delivery arrived.

As Brett busied himself in the kitchen, Orlena stole glances at his tall, slim figure from behind – he looked so young.

She frowned playfully – he sure could play it cool.

...

After all, Brett was a mature, established man. He had self-control.