I JUST CLOSED my eyes and continued dancing but was immediately dilated when someone held me. “What are you doing here?”
Instead of answering, he took off his coat and covered my body.
“You’re drunk!” he shouted because the music is too loud.
“No, I’m not!” I felt his hand on my wrist, and I was stunned. My heart was pounding.
“Bestie, we have a problem. Carrick is here!” I heard Cindy say, and I succumbed to her tow as we saw Carrick approaching.
“Hello, love! What are you doing here?” Cindy asked with wide eyes.
“The group decided to continue the bachelor’s party here,” he replied and kissed his fiancée on the cheek.
“You should not be here!” Cindy muttered.
“It’s alright, love. They seem happy to see us,” Carrick replied before glancing at some of his companions.
I looked to his companions. I think they are at ten. Some of them are familiar.
“Okay, love,” Cindy agreed before hugging her groom and givi
“WHAT THE?!” I quickly stood up and covered my blushing face tightly. “You can use the shower if you want. I have prepared clothes for the employees,” he said softly as if nothing had happened. “No, thanks.” I lowered my hand and pretended not to be affected by his body. He was now wearing his black shorts. “As for what happened earlier, I just want to apologize for my action,” he began. “You should not have done that,” I said in my low voice. “Peter took advantage of you. Didn’t you notice that? He took advantage of you because you’re drunk; that’s why he tried to kiss you.” I watched his jaw clenching so hard, and the darkness of his eyes was staring at me intently. “But you should not hurt him! Besides, we’re just dancing!” I said without blinking. “So you mean, you like the idea of him kissing you?” I could not believe what he said. “Of course not!” I said quickly. “I’m not buying it,” he sai
“IT’S OKAY! THE breakfast is delicious, so it’s okay,” I said shyly, although I have not forgotten what he did to me last night. “The dress fits you perfectly. You look beautiful today,” he praises. “Thank you for the dress. You shouldn’t have bothered in the first place.” My cheeks become redder. “Don’t think about it. You’re beyond gorgeous in that dress,” he replied before turning his back on me and return to the man he talked to earlier. With delight in my heart, the heat traveled to my cheeks. I followed him with my gaze. I thought I’d just go back to the suite first and called Cindy. But I’m frozen to my feet when I saw Peter approaching me. “Peter?!” “Yes. You must be shocked?” A sweet smile flashed on him. “No—honestly, yes!” I muttered. He laughed a little. I quickly turned to Lawrence, who was now busy talking to someone again. “I’m sorry for what happened last night. How are you? You alright?”
I REMAINED SILENT. I have no intention of discussing this matter further because I am not in the position to ask him for an explanation. I just went straight to the room he had reserved for me last night and slumped on the side of the bed. I calmed myself a few times before noticing the red rose he had given me. I closed my eyes for a moment and smelled its scent. I can’t help but smile when I saw again the letter he wrote. “Hmm. Lucky rose . . .” My eyes opened. Lawrence leaned against the door frame staring at me with a curved lip. His dimple shows. I can’t help but be overwhelmed. What would it be like to be trapped in his arms, especially if something more serious had happened to us last night? I quickly shook my head and scolded myself for thinking about that. “Our lunch is ready. Let’s eat,” he said before leaving. I quietly followed because I actually starving. He pulled out a chair for me and gently tapped my shoulder before si
A FEW HOURS after the wedding, guests went straight to the Pavilion de Saavedra, where the reception will be held. I decided to sit in a corner that was not too crowded as I quietly sipped the wine in the glass I was holding. “Why don’t you join them?” I suddenly turned to the source of the voice. Lawrence stood beside me, holding a glass of champagne. I sipped my wine instead of answering. “Don’t drink too much, Margaux,” he reminded me. I frowned at him and took another glass from a passing waiter. “It’s just wine, Lawrence,” I answered sparingly. I was about to drink again, but he snatched it and drank it straight. I just felt sorry for him for what he did. Then he suddenly took off his coat and covered it on my skin. “Thanks,” I murmured. “You look pretty as always,” he said in his husky voice. I looked up at him. He has a pleasant expression. “It’s getting colder here.” He gently took my hand and gu
“IF YOU CAN’T, it’s okay—” “No, it’s okay,” he cut me off. “Alright, then I will set a schedule for our meeting after we get back to Manila,” I declared. “No problem,” he still answered sparingly to me. Since it looks like he really has no intention of talking to me, I decided to just look out the window again. But to my surprise, the car suddenly turned to a restaurant. “Let’s eat first before going home,” he said, something I agreed with. “They have delicious food here,” he said as we walked inside. “Elliesse Restaurant”, that was the name of the restaurant he brought me. I can’t help but appreciate it since the diner’s overall structure is appealing. There’s also a large tree in there, as well as a stairway to the rooftop, which I’m sure I will love. The place is beautiful, and the theme color was green. The table and chairs are made of top-notch wood. A violinist is playing in the corner, and the restaurant is conne
TIME PASSED QUICKLY. I just finished my meeting with Mrs. Talameda. Our discussion was very long, and now it is past four o’clock in the afternoon. I was late for my meeting with Lawrence, and the traffic was still heavy. “Shit!” I said in disgust. I took my cellphone out of the bag to get even more frustrated because it turned out to be a low battery. “Why now?!” It was 5:30 pm when I got through the traffic. I was an hour and a half late for the meeting. I immediately parked the car in front of the famous coffee shop where Lawrence and I will meet. My eyes immediately searched for Lawrence as I entered. “For reservation, Ma’am?” the waiter politely asked me. “Yes, with Mr. Saavedra,” I replied as the nervousness was still in my body. “Ah, this way, please.” He guided me up the stairs, where there were very few people. “Thank you!” I said as he pointed me to our table. My chest tightened immediately when I saw
“HERE’S YOUR COFFEE!” I put the coffee in front of him and then decided to sit down. “Thanks.” He met my gaze, so I slowly bowed to the food. I swallowed a few times before speaking again. “Any plans for today?” he asked as he sipped a coffee. “Hmm, I don’t have any plans today.” “May I ask you out on a date?” he instantly said while looking directly at me. I pursed my lips. I did not immediately respond to his offer. “How about shopping? Or movies?” he suggested and laid his back against the chair. Maybe I’ll do the baking of the cake later. “I’m not busy, so let’s go,” I agree. After we ate, we went to the mall. He left me for a while to buy a ticket while I bought popcorn and drinks. From here, I can see how some women look at him. I have to admit that he’s attractive and definitely a head-turner. I can’t help but wonder if the women’s necks were not clenched as they look at him. He ca
THE THINGS I will take with me when Lawrence and I leave are ready. While waiting for him to arrive, I glanced in the mirror many times since the anxiety in my chest didn’t go away. I almost jumped in shock when I heard a series of doorbell rings. “Just a moment!” I yelled and glanced again at the mirror to check my reddish-orange dress and tiptoe shoes again. “Hi!” I greeted him warmly when I opened the door. I seemed to be burned by the way he looked at me. Nor did I escape his gentle look at my whole being. “Ah, come in first. I’ll just get my things,” I said before turning around. As he walked inside, I glanced at him. My heart flushed as I noticed the strength behind his stunning features. He was wearing a simple white T-shirt and faded denim jeans and his Nike shoes that matched his brown leather jacket. My eyes were wondering when his eyes met mine. “Let me help you with that,” he said, then took my bag from me.