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CHAPTER 10
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2022-04-24 19:41:10Related chapters
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 11
The sun grazes my bronze skin warmly, doing away the slight cold that's been enveloping me for a while. Walking around, I end up near the sturdy, old-looking barn. Everything's so peaceful at the moment and much to my surprise, I'm welcomed by two beautiful horses grazing inside the railing fence groining the barn.How I love horses. I grin ridiculously.Smiling, I grab my old vintage canon and click a few pictures. The horses are both brown, except one has a white patch on the back and neck. I saunter along the fence, nearing them, slowly, as though afraid to startle them. Now this is what I call having fun."Hi, there." I lean over the fence, drinking in the horse smell that I'm so new at; it put me at ease nevertheless. An infantile giggle escapes my mouth as he responds with a neigh. Wait, is it a he or she? "Well, let's pretend you're a boy," I mutter, proceeding with endeavor; patting is smooth hair with delight."Excuse me," a boy's voice snaps, startling
Last Updated : 2022-04-24Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 12
He's holding the reins in a way that makes my heart flutter. I'm sure any woman would be. And it's as if I'm seeing the Mr. Darcy of Pemberley; Pride and Prejudice. No, what I need is to immediately snap out of this stupidity, because I'm living a real life and not some movie or classic romance novel."You never cease to amaze me, Ms. Jones." Liam dismounts the horse in a swift move, quite naturally. It's fascinating. "You're something else, I must confess. Aren't you afraid to be here on your own?"Not really. This place may be much safer than humans, my subconscious answers boldly as I gaze up at Liam. He's now staring directly at me, standing on the same position near his horse."What are you doing here?" I ask, ignoring his question. In return, he does exactly the same, neglecting my query by marching closer. Gosh! "I'm asking you, Mr. Darcy, why did you follow me here?" I repeat, sternly this time."I came to check if you are okay. Your friend is worried,"
Last Updated : 2022-04-24Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 13
I feel Liam's sculptured abs beneath his shirt as we bounce up and down in rhythm, following the horse's move. My breath stills when I leaning towards his sturdy, wide back, searching for my balance. To my sweet dismay, his muscles tense, responding to my touch.Oh boy! I draw back stoutly."If you continue like that, you're surely going to fall down." Liam's voice startles me, and his words almost come true when the horse speeds up.Shit! I tighten my grip, bumping up, then down, in turns . . . a rough, exciting pace."Like this?" I ask, stifling a laugh."Whatever fits you, Ms. Jones," Liam replies, his voice laced with . . . concerns? I can hardly tell, for his emotions are well guarded. "I'm only concerned about your safety; don't find it such a burden,” he adds gently.What an assurance! I sigh softly."I hope you can breathe," I utter against his back, almost, because it feels like I'm buckling him a bit too hard."Why?" He huffs a small la
Last Updated : 2022-04-24Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 14
A second goes by and to my surprise, everyone burst out laughing. Everyone including Peter who's like Liam's clone when it comes to playing cold. I don't think I understand what's so funny about it, but I'm glad I'm not being reprimanded for my crazy actions."I swear I like her," Malik utters simply."Oh, Kira, seems like the ranch life agrees quite well with you," Eleanor says, still laughing. "Just go in and take a shower, dear.""Oh, okay," I answer and start moving."Let me go with you," Sam offers to accompany me inside.I barely enter my room, and she already starts bombarding me with questions about how it all happened and stuff."I just walked until I reached the river.”"And you just couldn't resist swimming, could you?" she mutters while lying on the bed, holding my camera."Well, it was nothing.” My voice is heedless."Hey, do you have any idea who Malik is?" she snaps abruptly."No, do I have to?" I reply while undressing.
Last Updated : 2022-04-24Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 15
The rest of the evening goes smoothly. Seated on the adjoined bench to my bed, with my diary on the lap, I decide to put a few things off my head by scribbling down. It's been the best therapy whenever I can't talk to anyone about something.Apparently I have plenty of unspoken words that I'd love to let out. Thinking of the few hours that I've been here, my mind gets jagged with enormous feeling of anxiety over something in the immediate future.Hence I begin:Dear God,All I hoped for was a nice and relaxing vacation, which has been the case by far. I appreciate everything I've seen here and our hosts have been very kind to us that I'm afraid I may get too much attached. I like Mrs. Eleanor a lot, if I were to have another mother in this lifetime; I wish she would be just like her. I dare say that all is well, except for one thing . . .I'm yawning audibly as I place the diary back to my suitcase. I better
Last Updated : 2022-04-24Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 16
He's obviously trying to intimidate me with his weird innuendos, but I won't let him.I simply don't understand what he has against me, that he always gives me the impression that he knows me more than I do myself."Goodnight, Ms. Jones," he smoothly says. "I hope you get to sleep well tonight.""You, too. But before I go, let me ask you something important, may I?" I ask."Go ahead," Liam complies smoothly."Do you love my friend?" I ask. Okay, maybe I shouldn't have asked such a personal question. I regret as soon as I do. It's not my place after all, right? But I'm very curious of his intentions."What did you say?" He frowns, and even seems disturbed, which makes me squint my eyes in confusion.He sounds . . . displeased? I fail to gather with precision."Maybe the word love is a bit too much. Let's say . . .
Last Updated : 2022-04-24Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 17
Around five Mrs. Eleanor and I reach the boutique where her office resides. Sam went for a spa after our late lunch, and I have to tend my fashion emergency as soon as possible. This ordeal always gives me a headache, so I literally can't wait for it to end.Lurking my eyes around this nicely decorated office, I can't cease wondering how a classy woman like Eleanor could be this nice to some poor strangers coming from some part of the country. Maybe not all rich people are as conceited.I should really graduate from the prejudice school."Just a moment, Kira. I need to confirm my flight," Eleanor tells me, holding a telephone receiver."Sure," I easily oblige.A few minutes later we head for the main task. The boutique has two sections, ladies and gents, separated by a ravish lounging area. We go to our respective section, and my eyebrows arch at the sight of all the stocks insid
Last Updated : 2022-04-24Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 18
"Over here! I'm trying on a dress!" I speak aloud, responding at Sam's call."Oh you! What took you so long to respond?" I feel Sam's steps getting closer, and I must think fast."DON'T COME IN!" I snap, and she halts right before the curtains. "I'm still changing, Sam," I add.Why am I lying? I'm disgusted with myself."And so what if you're changing?" Sam questions, chuckling lightly."Um, I'm kind of naked?" I say desperately."And since when do you care about that? You always strip without a warning," she casually remarks.Liam shoots me an inquiring eyebrow at this little piece of information.God! This is not going well, and I wonder what this Englishman is imagining right now.I decide to reveal my head through the curtains. "I'm trying on the new dress and I don't want anyone to see
Last Updated : 2022-04-24
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Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 73
Smiling faintly, I turn my back to hop into the taxi that's been waiting for ages. The driver is probably wondering why we're having a display of affection in the middle of the city, instead of wherever we came from.It's when Malik grabs my wrist suddenly, right before I grab the door handle.He steadfastly pulls me to his side, like he's forgotten something very important. I'm so startled as I land my hands on his chest, and find myself tightly against his body. He swallows nervously, his shiny eyes piercing into mine.I don't understand this attitude, until his lips land onto mine.I don't do a thing. I'm just too puzzled to react. He's kissing me, I know he is, but it's like I'm hypnotized with the shock or something. Everything ceases to exist, and I can't even feel my own heartbeat.What is this? What is Malik doing now? My two subs widen their eyes, utterly shocked.He suddenly frees me, and I look up at him
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 72
"What happened?" Malik eyes my suitcase with pure dismay."She knows," I sob, wiping my tears. "She's found out already."Malik says nothing. Slowly he pulls me into his arms and I easily dissolve in his embrace. My hiccups take the best of me like a child, my chin on his shoulder. I feellost and empty. I just cry . . . and he rubs my back gently, no word coming from his mouth. I still can’t believe the worst has happened."I'm sorry for this." I finally tug out and manage to smile while picking my bags, ready to face the aftermath; my scary unknown after ruining everything."It's okay," Malik tells me softly, smile forced and rueful. "You're still leaving?" He sounds indisposed."Yeah, I can't stay here anymore." I lift my eyes to meet his, a bittersweet laughter escaping my lips at this mess I'm in. "I don't want to be here, Malik. I don't have any right to be here." Tears fall down yet again, blurring my vision
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 71
"I can't believe this! So you're trying to excuse yourself by pretending that you had no choice?" Sam is gravely amused."No, I'm not making any excuses! The last thing I wanted in my life was hurting you, and you know that perfectly well.""No, I don't think I know." She shakes her head in denial. "And you've succeeded to hurt me, just so you know, Kira. And I'll never forgive you for this.""Sam," I breathe, "I'll understand if you decide to do so. But truly, I'm really sorry.""With that face of yours, everyone thinks you're a saint," Sam snarls with a fine deliberate to hurt me, which works perfectly. "The nice one." She twirls around me. "The good one . . . Always the loved one." Now she stops moving."Sam, that's not true." I wipe off the fallen drop."And of course I'm the bad one, right? So tell me, Kira, how did you seduce him?" she mockingly asks. "How were his kisses like?" she adds, and I swallow the anger t
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 70
"You're finally back," Sam utters casually, her eyes stone cold. Seeing my astonished face upon the sight of the diary, she lifts it up, smirking."Did you read my diary?" I manage to ask with much difficulty, as though a fishbone is stuck to my throat."Oh . . . tthis? I didn't mean to read it," she says coolly."What?" I scoff angrily. "That's my fucking diary!" My body trembles, fear and worries engulfing me wholly."I only wanted to return your charger, and by pure coincidence, your lovely diary dropped and flipped." She smiles, a very bitter smile, and I'm stuck to my feet. "Why, Kira? Why this?" she asks me in a soft voice while getting closer.I press my lips together to repress whatever that's about to burst in me. My worst nightmare is here. I'm not sure which one is scary, between my dreams at night or this foreign situation that I've brought upon myself.What should I say now? That I'm sorry? That I can expla
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 69
I return to where I parked the car. I can't say I've had my fill, but I've quite enjoyed this Ocean drive neighborhood. Well, eventually I realized where I am during my promenading. I even had a pleasure to relax and grab a big bite of cheeseburger so cheer myself.And I usually eat a lot when I'm stressed.I'm about to hop in the car when the incoming call on my cellphone stops me halfway. I slam the door sharply before rummaging inside my bag. I clutch my phone and a hard scowl appears on my face when I find it's a new number. I swipe the receiver hesitantly."Hello?" I croak."Where are you? We need to talk.” A male voice snaps quickly, causing a shiver throughout my skin.And I could recognize this voice even in my deep sleep.”Liam,” I breathe softly."It's good that you know my voice by heart," Liam remarks. "Where are you, Kira?" he practically snaps at me again."Liam, please, no
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 68
They tried talking to me, the girls, the boys, but none succeeded to open my mouth. The world had lost its colors in my eyes, but some brunette kid named Samantha didn't give up. She tried until I opened my mouth."It hurts," I utter, tears streaming down. "That's what I said." I lift my eyes at Sam. "Why are you reminding me?""Nothing," Sam says softly. "I just want to say that you're the person I love and trust the most in my life. I know you'd never hurt or betray me, because you're my bestfriend. I want to be that person to you too, Kira. I know I can be bitchy . . . but I never intend to hurt you. If I did, by any chance, please forgive me." She sits next to me, and my heart shatters.Guilt. Pain. Loss. I feel them all at once."No, you haven't done anything to apologize for," I breathe and I know I'm the one who should apologize to her.But I don't have the guts to."Did Jay do anything to offend y
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 67
"Are you deaf? I said let go of her.” Liam’s voice isn't harsh, but the threatening vibes it exudes is quite alarming."Easy there, bro." Jeremy releases me from his grip. "We're just talking,” he says and my eyes are on my wrist, faint finger marks accented on the skin."Don't call me bro, kid!" Liam snaps, his fists clenched as he glares at Jeremy with blazing eyes while pacing closer. "Are you okay, Kira?" He glances at me . . . at my wrist, too, and I nod like a little girl would.His jaw ticks. He pulls me to his side and I'm worried whether he has heard the rest of our conversation or not. I hope he hasn't. He then glares back at Jeremy, eyes dark."She told you to leave her alone, didn't she? Why were you forcing your hands on her?" He places himself between Jeremy and I, making me stay behind him. He’s tense.Jeremy roams around, like a tamed dog, holding his head and waist with either hand. I know he usually acts macho and a
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 66
Once again Malik restores back my sweetest smile. Only he can influence good even in bad times, and I'm so grateful for his being supportive: at least I've got someone to share this ordeal with. Jamal and Natasha join us shortly, and I believe I'm more relaxed with them than my previous companion."And my job here lads and ladies . . . is done!" Jamal announces cheerily, and from a distance I see the others enjoying the self-service."You're the best barbeque maker, I swear." I give compliment when due.I can't explain how tender and juicy this meat tastes inside my mouth."I know, right? My boo is the best." Natasha kisses him.Malik and I share a smile."I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Kira," Jamal says, his voice calm and reverent."Oh you got that right." I thumb up. "And I seriously need the recipe for this vegetable noodles," I tell Natasha and she promises to give it to me anytime.
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 65
Liam is now out of sight and I’m only thinking of him. I wonder what he is doing right now. Malik, Jamal, and Natasha are still around the grill, chatting over something humorous judging from their laughter.I have been oblivious of whatever Sam and her friends are hilariously discussing about, and only drop a comment when necessary. Sickly enough, Jeremy has been eyeing me and it’s uncomfortable."This house is so damn terrific," Veronica utters, her eyes batting around like butterflies. "Who's the owner?" she inquires while her boyfriend stares around snobbishly.Sam gives them a clear picture of the owner by pointing out at Malik's direction. She tells them more than asked when Veronica swears to have seen Malik before. Discretion is never in my friend’s dictionary."And are you the one riding his dick?" Jeremy asks Sam, and the two ladies laugh as though it was something beautiful to say . . . or hear.So disgusting.
