Fortress Island Series 3 Matteo: The Bastard's Sweetest Downfall

TEN

Never Mine to Keep

"So, can I pick you up tonight?"

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't hide the smile on my lips. Nakaipit sa aking tainga ang cellphone habang naglalagay ako ng icing sa cake.

"Matt, wag kang makulit." Ilang beses ko nang sinabi sa kanya na hindi ako pwede dahil marami akong pending orders. At ang totoo ay gahol na ako sa oras. Marami na rin akong tinanggihan na orders dahil hindi ko na maisingit pa. Mukhang kailangan ko magdagdag ng empleyado para sa aking bakeshop.

"C'mon, cupcake. Promise, I won't tire you. I am just gonna massage your whole body and all you have to do is to lie down, naked on my bed." He said teasingly.

"Massage your face." I giggled. "Knowing you, you can't keep your hands off me. Itataya ko buong bakeshop ko, hindi lang masahe ang gagawin mo sa akin."

"Hmmm.... I guess I just have to try but if I failed, you can't blame me. I worship your body, Porsche. Your body is to die for."

"Yah, yah. Whatever. Busy ako, Matt. Tawagan kita mamaya?"

I heard him sigh on the other line. "Hmm...Okay."

Natawa ako. "You're sulking like a baby, Matteo Salvatore. It's so unlike you."

"I just missed you."

"Nagkita pa tayo kagabi, Matt." Mula nang maging okay kami sa birthday niya, halos gabi-gabi kami nagkikita buhat noon.

"I want to see you every day."

"Why are you so clingy, hmm?"

"Only for you."

"What should we do about it?"

"How about I come to your house every night and sleep there and I leave in the morning for work?"

Halos mabitawan ko ang hawak kong icing spatula. Nilayo ko muna ang cellphone sa aking tainga bago ako humugot ng malalim na hininga.

"Porsche? Are you still there?"

I cleared my throat bago dinikit ulit sa tainga ang cellphone. "Matt.... it's not funny."

"Of course it's not because I am not joking, Porsche."

"Matt..."

"I am serious. Alam kong hindi mo maiwan ang bakeshop kaya ako nalang ang mag-a-adjust. Kasi kung ako ang magdedesisyon, mas gusto kong dito kayo sa condo ko titira ng mga bata. Or if you want, we can buy a house of your preference. Pero alam kong hindi ka papayag. So the best option is ako nalang ang titira diyan sa bahay mo. Sound's great, yes?"

I swallowed. "Could you give me a minute?" Umalis ako sa baking area at hinubad ang hairnet at apron na suot. Tinahak ko ang maiksing hallway patungo sa sala. Wala sa loob na napasuklay ako sa aking buhok, hindi alam kung ano ang gagawin.

"Matt...." Tawag ko sa kanyang pangalan.

"Yes, baby."

"I can't let you live here."

"Why?"

"Can we, can we talk about this next time, please? Marami lang talaga akong ginagawa."

"Hmmm...I understand. I'm sorry if I am disturbing your work, cupcake."

"Okay lang. Talaga lang gahol na ako sa oras. Marami pa akong gagawin."

"Do you want me to come over and lend a hand?"

Alanganin akong tumawa. That's probably the worst suggestion ever. "No, Matt. You are such a big distraction. And besides, the kids are here...."

"Oh, the kids...When can I meet them personally?"