Tangled Temptations

After the storm of their passion had passed, Brett found the energy to change the sheets. The light blue shirt lay crumpled on the floor, drenched in sweat and beyond wearing again.

Orlena curled up at the head of the bed. Her cheeks were still tinged with the faint blush of someone who had cried not long ago.

Brett was busy with the aftermath.

He washed the sheets in the washing machine, dried her delicate lingerie, and even picked up the stained shirt she thought he'd throw away. But Brett was frugal, saying a wash would make it as good as new.

How could he ever wear that again? Orlena was furious with him!

In the laundry room, Brett's eyes were soft and tender. His days were long and not without fatigue, but being with her, holding her close, seemed to wash all the weariness away. What remained was pure contentment.

Once he finished, he handed her the freshly laundered lingerie. She had her own here, untouched and unworn for years, but she was too uncomfortable and didn't want to touch them, convinced they were infested with bugs! Brett bit back a crude joke, sparing her the words. He passed them to her, and Orlena took them, slipping them on beneath the covers.

The night had grown deep, and Brett brushed her hair gently. "Want to talk for a bit, or should we sleep?"

She turned away silently, laying down to sleep.

Brett smiled to himself. Leaning close, he whispered in her ear with a soft tone, "I'm going to step out for a smoke, then I'll come back and keep you company."

Orlena ignored him.

He didn't take offense and was about to stand up when he felt her grab his arm. The voice of his favored girl was tender and soft, "Don't go out."noveldrama

Brett looked down at her slender arm. She wore only his oversized shirt, which rode up with the slightest movement, revealing more skin than intended.

His desire, far from sated by their earlier encounters, flared anew. He slipped under the covers once more, his hands rediscovering her body.

Orlena squirmed but couldn't break free. She was held close in his embrace, her face burning with embarrassment as she protested, "Enough already. You should be settling down at your age!"

Her words hit a sore spot-Brett was sensitive about his age. He wouldn't let her off easily.

By the end of the night, she hardly knew how much she had endured. Their night of passion seemed to reset their relationship to its early days.

Brett thought back to how cold she had been on his last visit, but now she was compliant and sweet. In truth, Orlena was easy to please. All she wanted was a home.

Brett made breakfast and returned to the bedroom to find Orlena still sleeping soundly. Despite being a mother, she still clung to things in her sleep, having held onto Brett until early morning when he replaced himself with a pillow.

Brett leaned in to kiss her awake. She blinked open her eyes, looking up at him. Memories of the previous night flooded back. Her cheeks turned red at the thought of how wild they had gotten... and how eager she had been.

Brett lightly caressed her face, speaking gently, "Let's have breakfast, then go pick up Daniel. I've found him a nice preschool."

Orlena snapped out of her daze. Sitting up, she ran her fingers through her hair, asking, "Are you sure you want Daniel to stay in Peterborough for school?"

"Would you prefer to take him to Brockville?" he asked without batting an eye. Orlena wasn't going to be so forward.

Brett smoothed her hair, smiling softly. "Let's start in Peterborough. All the other kids are here, and it's good for his development. Later, when he's older, we can think about Brockville for elementary school."

After a moment's thought, he asked, "Orlena, Brockville isn't as bustling as Peterborough, and there might not be as many job opportunities. Would you be okay with that?"

They hadn't discussed much last night and were too caught up in each other. Now, the conversation was due.

Orlena wanted to play it cool, but she could never resist him. She gently took his hand, whispering, "If Eloise could give up her career for my brother, I think I can do the same. It's not like I'm quitting work altogether. I could open my own shop, or find work that allows me to commute."

She understood that Brockville was Brett's anchor. It was the home of the Noland family, and he couldn't leave it behind. If they were to marry, she would inevitably have to move to Brockville.

After she spoke, Brett didn't say much and just pulled her close, pressing his forehead against hers. Perhaps others wouldn't understand his choice.

Many beautiful, talented, and charming women had tried to win Brett's heart, but he had chosen a delicate young girl.

How could they know how wonderful she was? Her worth was a secret only he knew.

It seemed that clearing the air had changed everything between them. They were only just reconciling, both physically and emotionally, which made everything feel fresh and new. So it was no surprise that they were a bit indulgent, with Brett kissing her for a long time before she got out of bed...

She called him Brett softly, her voice warm and fuzzy. "If we don't get up soon, Daniel might leave with my parents, you know?"

With that, Brett finally let her go, though his gaze remained intense.

Orlena felt like he was like in heat.

After breakfast, Brett took her to the Horigan Mansion. They seldom spent time together in broad daylight, and as Orlena sat in the car, she couldn't help but feel sentimental...

It was the weekend. Parker and Pauline planned to take their beloved grandson out for a round of golf.

Brett arrived with Orlena in tow. As the car door opened, Parker looked at Brett and his daughter, a hint of surprise in his gaze.

Daniel ran over happily. Instinctively, the little guy called out, "Uncle!" prompting Brett to playfully smack his behind, "Call me Dad! From now on, you're not allowed to call me uncle anymore, whether at home or outside."