Tangled Temptations

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?"noveldrama

"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.

He adored her body and the sex, but he also loved taking care of her. Sensing her satisfaction as she ate his homemade meals filled him with joy.

She hadn't eaten much at the restaurant. He made her a beef bone soup with cilantro and a few noodles, knowing she was always mindful of carbs. He paid attention to that, too.

Brett served it on a tray and brought it to the cozy dining area.

Orlena, lured by the aroma, came over. Noticing there was only one bowl, she said, "Aren't you eating?"

Brett sat beside her and pulled out a cigarette but didn't light it.

With a casual smile, he said, "I've always been indifferent to indulgences of the flesh."

Orlena thought about it; Brett rarely snacked late at night and always watched his portions carefully - he was indeed quite self-disciplined. She huffed, "Why bother being so fit? Trying to charm the ladies?"

Brett didn't take offense. He eyed her, "Didn't I charm you?"

Orlena's cheeks flushed. She was reminded of the first time she saw him at the Horigan Mansion - he was breathtaking! Even now, he was still a catch.

He's so poised and polished, who would've guessed his fierce side in the throes of passion?

Her thoughts strayed, and she fell silent.

Brett knew her too well. Observing her for a moment, he let out a low chuckle. His gaze was predatory, yet he made no move, torturing her like a dull knife.

Orlena couldn't stand it. She finished her meal slowly, looked at the empty bowl, then looked up at him.

Brett remained unaffected. His long fingers toyed with the cigarette, the sight of it making her face burn. The unlit cigarette grazed her soft cheek and then trailed down to her neck, setting her heart racing.

Orlena's voice quivered, "You can't tease me like that."

Brett pulled back, placing the cigarette between his lips and igniting it. He took a drag and chuckled softly, "Don't like it?"

It wasn't that she didn't like it; she just couldn't handle it. She was outmatched, and his teasing made her feel bullied.

Orlena could hardly bear to look at him.

Brett stood up and swept her into his arms. Orlena gasped, a mix of surprise and shyness. Her hands hovered in mid-air before grabbing the sleeve of his shirt. "Put me down," she said.

Brett's pace was steady. He looked down at her, his voice husky, "You've had your fill. Isn't it my turn now?"

What did he mean by... having had her fill...

Her cheeks were aflame, and her limbs seemed to have a mind of their own, unsure where to rest or how to move. It had been too long, far too long since she'd been this close to someone.

Nervous as she was, Brett guided her to the foot of the bed, letting her sink into the soft mattress. The faint smell of dust tickled her nose - a clear sign that the room hadn't been lived in for a while.

With a gentle touch, Brett pressed his lips to hers for a brief moment. Looking at her flushed face, he uttered his first piece of explicit endearment, "Orlena, you're stunning."

It was a pick-up line, sure, but it was also his earnest truth. The Horigan siblings were all blessed with good looks that turned heads. Now, with her dark tresses spread across the stark white sheets, and her delicate complexion, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

She was also much younger than him, and Brett was tender with her. He kissed her softly along her cheeks, before finally sitting up.

He shrugged off his pale blue shirt and laid it across the sheets. Then, he gently lifted her and placed her atop the blue fabric. "I haven't slept in this bed for a while. I'm worried there might be bugs," he explained.

Orlena's face turned an even deeper shade of red.

Brett bent his knees, looming above her, and began to show her affection. Their clothes fell to the floor, one piece at a time.

She wrapped her arms timidly around his neck and whispered, "Are there really bugs?"

Brett chuckled lowly. At a moment like this, she was still concerned about that.

As she reached a point where tears mingled with her cries, he teased in her ear, "Still scared of bugs, huh?"

Orlena beat his chest in frustration, sobbing.

Brett felt no urge to be overly gentle - after all, she had made fun of his age! "An older man," he thought, "knows just how to cherish a young woman!"