Bedroom Negotiations - Gold (Self-published)

16

The metal doors glided open and Dustin firmly took my hand in his. I thought we would be heading to my office but he pulled me along towards his.

He typed in his password, pushed the door open, then ushered me inside.

It was my first time in his office. I honestly expected something austere and was surprised to find that Montemayor's office felt almost homey.

"You did the decors?" I asked looking around before putting the paper bag I was holding on top of the leather and glass console table.

I turned to find him leaning against the door.

"I hired someone," he said.

"Ahh, I see. Nickolai's office is next door, right?"

"Bakit mo naitanong, gusto mo ba s'yang bisitahin?"

Bakit bigla naman yatang naging seryoso 'to? Anong meron?

"Bawal bang tanungin?"

"Pwede naman. I'm just wondering how you can ask about Nickolai and not ask about us."

My brows slightly furrowed. "Ano naman ang itatanong ko tungkol sa atin?"

"Are we official?"

"Officially what?"

"Stop playing dumb, Lia, hindi bagay sa'yo. Tayo na ba?"

"Ligawan portion ba 'to?" I sat down on the large black leather sofa in the middle of the room.

"Kailangan pa ba 'yun? Gusto kita, gusto mo ako. We've fucked countless times and although I know my feelings, I am still uncertain about yours kaya gusto kong linawin natin ngayon. Are you my woman?"

"Bakit ba ang hilig mong mang-angkin ng tao?"

"Stop skirting the issue."

I looked at him and although he seemed unfazed, I couldn't help but notice how stiffly he was standing.

"Umupo ka nga rito." I patted the space beside me.

He leaned away from the door, walked to where I was seated, then sat down.

"Gusto mo akong maging girlfriend?" I asked.

"Gusto kitang pakasalan."

"Kalma. Hindi naniniwala sa fairy tales itong kausap mo," I lightly said.

"You'll find me worth the leap of faith eventually..."

"I'll give us a month."

His brows creased.

"Makikipagrelasyon ako sa'yo nang isang buwan," I explained. "Kapag hindi nag-work out then let's part as friends. Ayoko ng kung anu-anong drama."

He laughed softly. "Is that the Carbonel trademark? Alexa told Alexander the same thing."

"And Alexander told you about it? Ang daldal n'ung best friend mo."

"He told me after they got married. Proud na proud s'ya and he couldn't help but talk about what he went through just to get Alexa to say yes."

"Hm..."

"But, I'm not Alex, Lia. I don't want ultimatums. I will never agree to something like that. It's either you are in a relationship with me or not. I'm too old for vague affairs. So, ano, tayo na ba?"

I stared at him before I softly laughed. "And what good would a romantic relationship with you do me?"

"Well, for one, you'll own me."