My Boss is a Freak (Published under Pop Fiction)

44: Vren

Mira smelled of fresh flowers. I wonder what fragrance she dabs on. Her sweet, light smell was captivating.

"Sir Vren, ito na po ang two copies ng picture niyo ni Ma'am Mira." Frank, the Magic Moments photographer, smiled as he handed me notebook-sized shots. "And here are your GCs, valid for one year, for free services from our studio." This time, he gave me a couple of gift certificates with a fancy logo of Magic Moments.

"Thanks." I smiled at Frank, then glanced sideways, only to see Mira wearing a rather unreadable expression on her face.

"Hey, what's with that expression?" I told her as several Magic Moments staff ushered us out of their studio, all smiling their thanks. "Anong nangyari sa'yo?"

"Mukha akong tanga kanina," she said morosely. Agad naman akong natawa. Mira looked dejected, like someone poring over the loss of a beloved pet. "Ang daming tao, tapos, tapos..."

"Tapos hinalikan kita?" I asked, grinning.

"Exactly!" she hissed at me. "What were you thinking? Bakit mo ginawa 'yon, ha?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" I answered, still wearing the mischievous grin that most women find alluring on me. At para mas mainis siya ay sinamahan ko pa ito ng kindat. Hindi naman ako nabigo dahil halata ang naging pamumula ng mga pisngi niya.

Now thoroughly amused, unti-unti kong inilapit ang mukha ko sa kanya. Gaya ng inaasahan ko ay nanlaki ang mga mata ni Mira.

"Besides, Ms. Custodio, you're lucky that the kiss was just on your cheek," I told her in my best seductive tone. "Because if that was here," I bit my lower lip, making sure she saw the gesture, "you surely would have been crazy by now."

Her scandalized expression made me roar with laughter. Mukha namang nagpabalik sa kanya sa realidad ang tawa ko, at kaagad niyang hinampas ang braso ko.

"Talipandas!" singhal niya habang pulang-pula pa rin ang mukha.

"Hey, that hurt!" I protested, still laughing.

"Dapat lang 'yan sayo!" sigaw niya ulit sa akin. I just smirked before turning my back on her, walking away.

"Hoy!" Sinimulan niya akong habulin. "Saglit lang, Mr. Montevilla! Saan ka pupunta?"

"Home decor," I replied, looking back. "I'm going to buy a nice frame for our picture. Want to come with me?"

Reluctantly, she said yes. And right before looking ahead again, I could swear that I saw a smile forming on her lips.