Gaya ng nakasanayan ay hindi ko gaano'ng napapansin si Rafus at inaabala ang sarili sa trabaho. Kapag susulyap naman ako sa kanya, nagtatama ang tingin naming dalawa kaya nahihiya ako. Siguro ay dahil ito sa naging isyu sa akin kamakailan at ang kahihiyang nagawa kong pagtulog sa dibdib niya.Natagalan ang usad ng counter na pinupwestuhan ko dahil sa magboyfriend-girlfriend na nagtatalo sa pagbabayad.The girl wants to pay, but the guy won't let her, and he insist to pay instead. Maski ako ay naguguluhan kung kaninong pera ang tatanggapin. Kapag aabutin ko ang pera ng lalaki, nakakamatay na tingin ang iginagawad sa akin ng babae. Kapag pera naman ng babae ang aabutin ko, seryoso at nakakatakot na paaran naman ang pagtingin sa akin ng lalaki.At the end, Ate Reive exchanged places with me and handled the couple who are still arguing. Ang ibang babae sa paligid ng magkasintahan ay nagbubulungan na sweet at cute daw nila. For me, I find it inappropriate. Of all the places, why are they a
"Oh! The fashionista is here!"I smiled sarcastically because of Jangkit's comment as I entered the room and also made my classmates' attention all on me."You can pass the modeling audition with that outfit, my friend! You have to do some poses, then viola! You can have your schedule for your photoshoot!"Imbis na pumatol sa pambobola niya ay naglakad ako patungo sa upuan at tahimik na nagmamasid sa paligid. Bumalik narin sa kaniya-kaniyang ginagawa ang kaklase ko at naririnig ko ang pinag-uusapan nila Crezst at Jangkit, nagbibiro na susubukan daw akong ipa-apply sa isang modeling agency.I couldn't care more because I was preoccupied. I'm enjoying the feeling of Rafus' coat covering my body. I still can't believe that he'll do this kind of thing. It felt surreal, I've known him for years, and he's not the type of guy who cares about his surroundings.Foreign feelings gushing over of my system as I simply sniffle his coat. His scent is so addicting. I think I'll be having a hard time
"Huwag nalang kaya akong sumama? Makupad akong kumilos baka matagalan pa," Pagdadahilan ko dahil sa totoo lang ay tinatamad talaga akong kumilos.He shook his head, then pensively smiled at me. "I can wait."I sighed in defeat. I looked at him while his attention was on the show, I smiled a bit and then nodded slowly. Fine, I'll let him... this time."Okay, just gave me thirty minutes," I said, then he hummed as a reply, not tearing his eyes off the television.I can't believe I finished preparing myself for the whole thirty minutes, usually I'll just spend fifteen to twenty minutes!Hindi ko nga alam kung paano ako nakabalik sa kwarto ko na nakatuwalya lang! Though, I'm still thankful he didn't turn to look at me. Maybe he sensed it.After spraying raspberry scent perfume on my neck and wrist, I twisted the door of my room. I'm wearing a skin pink cold shoulder top and a high waisted black denim shorts. I wore my usual combat boots because I feel comfortable with it. I let my hair fl
"Look who's here." I came back to consciousness upon hearing a baritone voice slowly coming near to where I was standing.I lifted my head, and my jaw almost dropped when I was welcomed by the two drop-dead gorgeous Dela Rue cousins.I can't take my eyes off the guy who's at the back. My breathing hitched, my knees started to get wobbled, and my eyes were only fixed at him like every move he did was in slow motion, making me totally beguiled and lose my sanity."Mesmerized by what you saw? Relax, it's just Rojas Andrieu Dela Rue." He said and sexily chuckled, but my eyes were glued on the guy at the back.I haven't seen him for five days, yet he'll appear in front of me looking blazing hot? He's not wearing glasses, and his skin got tanned! What made my jaw dropped the most is that he's wearing a black sleeveless shirt, and his arms were in full view! His tanned skin complemented the redness and kissable lips of his. If kissing him is a crime, then I guess I'll be sentenced to reclus
Ilang segundo pa ang nakalipas bago ko narinig ang pagbuntong-hininga ni Martinus. "Boyfriend mo?""H-huh?" Naguguluhan kong tanong."Is Rafus Cattaneo... your boyfriend?"His question silenced me. I was taken a back when in fact, I already perceived he'll ask me that question. I don't know what to do or what to answer. My flirty side wants to say yes, while my conscious side wants to deny it."Slaine Amaris Aranza!" Sigaw ni Crezst papalapit sa akin at agad akong niyakap.Nabaling doon ang atensyon ko at tuluyan na akong hinila ni Crezst papasok ng cottage. My body went numb as I saw Dan comfortably sitting on the couch.I surveyed the whole place and I didn't see our other friends. I took a glance at Crezst. Does it mean they slept together in this cottage last night? If my memory serves me right, Jangkit reserved four cottages. Who stayed in the other three, then?"Change your outfit first, Slaine. Sayang nga hindi ka nakasama kahapon, naghiking kami at pinanood namin ang paglubog
Ilang mesa lang naman ang pagitan ng inuupuan nila sa amin. I can vividly see how Rafus' muscles stretch as he clasps his finger and then places his arms on the table.My kinky side was preying on him as I saw him lick his lips while talking to Rojas. Oh, good God! Lipat mesa nalang kaya ako?I jolted when Dom suddenly wiped the tissue at the side of my lips. I faced him in bewilderedment."Tulo laway mo," mahina niyang sabi saka napangisi. I glared him then got the tissue out of his hold. Pinunasan ko ang gilid ng labi ko pero wala naman akong maramdamang basa roon.He and Jangkit laughed loudly, making our other friends confused. Even Rafus and Rojas turned their heads on us. Rafus was looking at me profoundly, and this was the first time I wished to be gone. As in right now.It's embarrassing for me! I didn't lift my head the whole lunch because once I did, their teasing eyes and smirks welcomed me. They just won't stop, and it annoys me more.Also, I'm not used to Martinus being a
"Slaine, nilamon ka na ba ng buhangin?!" Napabalik ako sa reyalidad dahil sa sigaw ni Jangkit mula sa malayo.Nawala sa isip ko na kasama ko pa pala sila. Napatampal ako sa noo at napailing bago marahang tumakbo papalapit sa kinaroroonan nila."Ayaw akong lamunin ng buhangin kasi nanghihinayang sila sa lahi ko kung maaga lang daw akong mamatay," asar ko kay Jangkit ng maabutan sila."Chosera! Maganda rin naman ang lahi ko ano! Undiscovered pa nga lang!" Umirap siya at pinagkrus ang braso.Nagtataka ako kung bakit hindi gumagalaw si Dom sa harapan ko at malayo ang agwat naming tatlo sa iba pa naming kaibigan. "We have something to confess to you," nagsitayuan ang balahibo ko dahil sa tono ng pananalita ni Dom. Kahit sanay akong seryoso siya parati, naninibago parin ako. "But, I do hope that whatever we say will remain here. Can we count on you?"I chuckled awkwardly, and the tension between us three was unsual. I never saw Jangkit this serious... so I conclude, whatever they'll say is
"Baliw ka! Saang lupalop ka nanggaling?" Halos mabingi ako sa sigaw ni Jangkit nang makatapak ako papasok sa cottage ni Dani."Naligo lang doon sa kabilang parte," sagot ko at lumapit sa kaniya para tapikin ang balikat. Umakyat ako para maligo at nang makababa ay nanliliksi parin ang tingin na ipinupukol sa akin ni Jangkit."Bakit?" Taka kong tanong habang pinapatuyo ang buhok."May dagat naman diyan sa harap, bakit doon ka pa sa kabila naligo?""Nasaan na ang iba?" Pag-iiba ko at napakrus naman siya ng braso."Tayo nalang ang hinihintay doon sa restaurant kaya tara na, sa amin ka ni Dom tumabi ha para hindi kami halata."Wala akong naging reklamo sa sinabi ni Jangkit at tahimik lang ako habang naglalakad kami papunta sa nasabing restaurant."Ang tahimik mo ata, Slaine?" Napaangat ako ng tingin dahil sa sita ni Lowell. Nakangisi siya at handang handa nang manukso."Kapag dumaldal ako, lantad pati ang kahihiyang
"Baby..." I heard Rafus spoke and I felt his presence in the bathroom.I stayed silent and acted oblivious. I don't want to talk with him at the moment because I know it'll end with screaming and fighting."Let's talk, I'll explain everything to you." His voice is cooing, and I just found him behind my back. His clothes are already soaking wet but he didn't left not until I faced him."Later... let's do that later." I said almost a whisper."No," he shook his head. The wet shirt is tracing his built. "We have to settle this now. I don't think I can last another second knowing something's off between us."My lips remain in thin line. I'm staring at him because I'm waiting for the words that will come out his mouth."That night when you finally gave me and our relationship another chance, kagagaling ko lang no'n mula sa dinner kasama ang pamilya ko at pamilya ni Aurora." He sighed and held my waist. His eyes were pleading and fille
"Be with me," Rafus whisper to my ears.The sunlight's already spreading everywhere, yet we're still here lying on my bed, both naked beneath my comforter.I hummed then buried my face more on his chest. "Where to?"He tightens the hug before kissing the top of my head. "Palawan. I brought a vacation house from Sienna, and I wanted to visit it with you."Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kaniya. I don't think I can get used to his handsomeness that will welcome me when I wake up in the morning. "Kailan ba ang plano mong bumisita roon?""Two days from now. Is that alright with you? We'll just fix what we needed to be fixed in the corporation, then I'll ask Rojas or Amadeus to look after the business for a while."I gasped audibly and blinked twice. "You're still friends with Amadeus?""Baby, what are you talking about? Of course, I'm still friends with Amadeus." Natawa si Rafus at inangat ang pang-itaas na katawan para kubabawan
I groaned when my clock alarmed loudly. I covered my face with the blanket, hoping that my sleepiness would visit me again, but failed.Marahan kong iminulat ang mata ko at ngayon ko lang natanto na walang sinag na tumatama sa mga mata ko dahil natatakpan ng kurtina ang sliding glass door na nakakonekta sa balkonahe.Natutop ko ang labi nang maalalang sa sofa ako kagabi, papaanong nandito na ako ngayon sa kwarto? I scanned myself, and I also found out that I'm wearing comfortable cotton oversize shirt, not my office clothes.I shook my head. Damn he's doing this again! Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko. It's beating wildly as if something triggers my system to feel those feelings again.I climbed off my bed then help my way towards the bathroom and fixed myself ready for work. Hindi na ako nag-abalang magluto ng agahan dahil dadaan nalang ako sa café mamaya."Good morning."My heart leaped. Kalalabas ko lang ng apartment ay siya agad an
I fixed the belt on my trouser and left the two buttons of my long sleeve top open. I wore tube beneath, so I won't get to receive any lewd stares from anyone.Napakurap-kurap ako nang lumuhod si Rafus at siya mismo ang nagpasuot ng ankle strap sandals sa akin. I felt the gentleness as he held my feet and carefully assuring that the strap was perfectly locked."Rafus, don't treat me like this please..." I said almost begging.I don't want him to treat me like I'm valuable. Damn, I don't want to get hurt by the same person again! Nawasak ako dati at ayokong mawasak ulit. His gestures and the way he treat me brings the feelings I used to feel for him."Let's clearly draw the line. I don't have any hang ups with you, and yes, we had sex. I think that's normal for us, don't try putting another meaning of what happened last night when it's clearly lust and sexual desire."His expression became stoic and later, he laughed at himself. "Damn, bab
We're both silent the whole ride. I refuse to utter a word because I'm trying hard to control myself after remembering all the memories we had here, and Rafus' perfume never change over the years.Damn, even if I don't admit it, I know to myself that I still have hangs up for him.I don't know where Rafus is taking me. Nagdrive thru lang kami ng pagkain tapos tumulak uli kami. I looked at my wristwatch, it's nearing five thirty already."Seriously speaking, where are you taking me Rafus?""You'll see, we're almost there, just hang on for few minutes."I sighed and shut my mouth. He won't tell me, period. Why did I kept on trying since earlier then? Rafus' unbending, what's new about it?After an hour of driving, finally the car stopped. I didn't wait for Rafus' cue and help myself got out of the car."What are we doing here?" I seriously asked him with my arms crossed over my chest.Kalalabas niya lang ng kotse
"Come in," he announces and after a moment, a guy enter his office."Mr. Cattaneo, I'm here to inform you that the partition and curve table is already here. We'll just going to install it here in your office."Rafus nodded, "Okay, and do finish it as fast as you can."Naalerto ako nang hawakan ni Rafus ang kamay ko at pinagsiklop iyon. Nakita ko rin ang pagsulyap ng employee sa kamay naming dalawa kaya ginapang ako ng kaba at nagpupumilit na kumalas."Do inform me if you're done," Rafus formally said to the guy and swiftly picked my handbag on the floor.Lumabas kami ng opsina at doon ako nagkaroon ng lakas loob para lagyan ng puwersa ang pagwaksi ko sa kamay kong hawak niya."It's working hours," I said, not taking my eyes off him. "I believe you do know how to separate personal relationship with work, Mr. Cattaneo."He flashes that smirk, making me feel annoyed. "Well that principle works depending where my woman
I blink couple of times before slowly opening my eyes to adjust to the light that passes through the slightly open curtain.I groaned as I felt pain in my head like it's been hammered multiple times. I travelled my eyes to the whole room and fear starting creeping in my system.This is not my room!I touched my body and that's when I finally felt at ease. Thank God I'm still fully-clothed.I spend few moments of ransacking my head to find answer why I'm here in someone's room, but I only remember that I'm with Ma'am Claireen in the club last night!Before I could finally recognize the familiar scent that fills in the whole room, the door push open and a man step in, making my jaw drop in shock and confusion."Oh, you're awake now..." He calmly said and I got distracted by the sweats dripping from his forehead.I cleared my throat, "Where am I? And why I am here with you?"Mariin siyang napatingin sa akin at doon
"What are you doing here?" My brows furrow and my blood starts to boil. He didn't answer, he just remain there, standing while looking calm and collected.I took a deep breath and almost rolled my eyes on him. Kinuha ko ang grocery bags na nakalapag at binuksan ang pinto ng apartment ko saka bastang pumasok pero bago ko pa iyon maisara, pinigilan iyon ng malakas na kamay."Ano ba'ng problema mo?" Pinigilan ko ang sarili na huwag siyang pagtaasan ng boses.Titig na titig siya mga mata ko at hindi ko magawang umiwas. I can see exhaustion, pain, and longing in his eyes. In a snap, he invited himself in. He took the grocery bags from my hold and shamelessly walked towards my kitchen."Seriously, Rafus? What are you trying to do? Why are you doing this?" I followed him to my kitchen and took the grocery bag to place it on my countertop.I was taken a back when he wrapped his arms around my waist and buried his head between my neck and shoulder
I paid the driver a yellow bill and didn't wait for my change. Lumabas ako ng sasakyan dala-dala ang dalawang duffel bag. Hindi naman siguro ako mukhang haggard mula sa flight dahil malaki ang tiwala ko sa simpleng make-up na inilagay ko sa mukha.I'm wearing a matching plaid trouser and blazer, a black tube top, then white shoes. This is often my office attire, and I never got any complain from my fellow workmates or from Mr. Sorrento.Hindi ako pinigilan ng security guard nang basta-basta akong pumasok. Sa dalawang taon ko ba namang pagtatrabaho dito sa incorporated ay hindi nila ako nakilala."Ms. Aranza!" Gulat na bungad ng receptionist. "Naparito po kayo?"Tipid akong ngumiti, "May problema lang sa resignation ko. Uhm—pwede bang maiwan ko muna dito sa ground floor ang mga duffel bag ko?""Uh sige po," nakangiti niyang tugon at sumenyas sa security guard kaya madaling naipasok sa loob ang workplace ng receptionist ang bags ko.