FIFTEEN

NIKKI’S POV

When I woke up the next morning, I immediately looked for Gale but he was nowhere to be found. Realizing that I was alone in the bed, I quickly got up and washed my face before heading down stairs.

I could hear Gale’s faint humming and an aromatic smell filled my nostrils. I found myself standing in the kitchen doorway, watching as Gale moved to the rhythm of a certain disco song. Nakasuot siya ng apron at may hawak na sandok na siyang ginagamit niya sa pagluluto. Napapangiti ako habang pinagmamasdan siya na umiindak-indak sa saliw ng kanyang musika. He was topless, and I couldn’t seem to look away from his well-built body. Para itong isang piyesa ng sining na nililok ng isang bihasang iskultor.

My smile faded when I suddenly remembered the picture frame I saw last night. I was dead curious about the woman, but I can’t ask him. I don’t want to sound nosy, and bes