Tangled Temptations

Chapter 388

Orlena ducked into the living room, curling up on the couch to play video games, her focus absolute. Suddenly, her phone was snatched away by a firm hand. Looking up, she blinked slowly, staring in disbelief at the figure before her.

It was Brett!

Wasn't he swamped with work, claiming no free time until the year's end? How did he find his way here?

Curiosity overcame her, and she voiced her thoughts without a filter.

Brett had made a detour to Peterborough. Partly to visit the temple, partly because it was Daniel's birthday. He had genuinely been tied up, but after a few grueling days and nights, he made it.

Seeing Orlena deepened his yearning.

But this wasn't the place for certain feelings, and he resisted, only petting her head indulgently. "Don't game all day. You'll ruin your eyes."

Orlena didn't want his interference, yet she couldn't bear to rebuke him. She set down her phone. "You came for Daniel's birthday?"

Brett's smile was soft. "I haven't even bought my boy's birthday present yet! How about his mom joins me, so I can get to know what our son fancies?"

Heat crept into Orlena's cheeks.

What was he implying... He said "son and mom," as if they were that close.

Years had passed since their split. Their intimate reunions happened only once or twice, and now, they were like strangers, uneasy in each other's presence.

She retrieved her phone, pretending to resume her game.

Brett confiscated it again.

Orlena gazed at her empty hand, biting her lip. "What are you doing?"

Brett pulled her to her feet. "You're coming shopping with me!"

Still protesting as she settled into the car, she argued, "Dinner's soon, and tonight's menu is a treat!"

Brett instructed his trusted driver to start the car. The driver was in on the secret and chuckled at the complaints from the backseat. Mr. Brett with Miss Orlena was

a fine sight, their youthful energy akin to that of a young couple.

Orlena fished for her phone from his coat pocket. After a fruitless search, she realized he'd put it in his trouser pocket. As she reached for it, Brett swatted her hand away, his reprimanding tone husky. "Behave!"

She looked up at him. Brett's face, scholarly and handsome, held a hint of restrained desire.

moments before, she understood. She then sat as far

straightened his clothes, eyeing her. "Will

weren't you

Silly girl. She was taking their spat

the dim car, he whispered, "Not

heart, he added, as long as you don't

his tone was even, Orlena felt

Harvey called, asking her whereabouts, saying dinner

"Harvey, it's me! ... Yeah, I'm taking her out to eat. I'll

a brief conversation, he hung up, eyes fixed on his girl. Then, gently, he asked, "Still

Brett...

lips trembled, but she

of moisture in his heart, knowing he had disappointed her too often, and that

tinged with helpless compromise, not for Daniel, but because she truly adored this

birthday gift was

restaurant, in

had arranged everything, and

red-rimmed. Brett wiped away her tears, whispering softly, "You are a big girl now, still crying at the drop of a hat. You gotta set an example for

to hell!" Orlena

stifled a laugh, inviting,

his coat, he teased, "Donny, you're enjoying this

their drinks, always the atmosphere setter,

young, Mr. Brett. It's only right you

getting too good at

Orlena, he suggested, "Take off your coat.

there; you won't catch

chimed in, "Mr. Brett sure knows

shimmered. She

serving

Old...

for them, "Seems I haven't been attentive enough. That's my fault.

thought, "You shameless

out in the open now. There was no need to hide, and Donny even cracked a few jokes at the table. Orlena didn't respond,

heartless man; the softer she was,

for a while, he took out an amulet and placed it in her wallet.

was another, older one he had given her years ago.