Tempted by Temptations

Epi Four

It's only 6 am and I haven't slept yet since I got home, but I'm feeling confident about this date and too excited to even think about sleeping.

I searched my bag and luggage for some outfit to look good. But i guess I'm ending up to wear just shorts and spaghetti top with an upper of longsleve polo.

I haven't checked the time, but it feels like it's getting close to eleven. The last time I checked, it was only 6 o'clock. I'm feeling really nervous and I don't know how to act. This is my first time going on a date, especially with someone from a different nationality and culture.

I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and decided to go with the flow. The first thing I did was to take a bus from my apartment to Colon, and then transfer to another bus from Colon to Ayala. It was quite exhausting, which is why I don't usually go window shopping or exploring in this area due to the hassle.

In

3

2

1

I happened to notice him standing in front of the H&M store at the main entrance of Ayala. He looked quite dashing in his cargo pants and a black V-neck shirt, which complemented each other quite well.

As soon as I entered his sight, he greeted me with a confident wave and a charming smile. He confidently flaunted his imperious nose, angular cheekbones, and flinty jawline. Unlike most models, he had a manly and robust physique.

I couldn't help but notice how strikingly different he looks now as compared to last night, which I believe is primarily due to the dim environment we were in earlier. He undoubtedly possesses a striking Arab look, with his neat appearance and his aquiline nose that complements his prominent cheekbones. He carries a strong presence in an understated way, with his chiseled jaw and spartan shoulders that exude his strength. He is truly handsome with a latent, leonine power, and he always walks with purpose and authority.

Enough with this fantasising Khady.

I smiled at him and he winked his eyes.
Really????

"Hey lovely!" As soon as he saw me, he flashed a warm smile and offered me his arm. "Shall we?" he asked, as I happily linked my arm with his. It was a lovely gesture that made me feel so special, like a true lady.

I can sense an electrifying energy coursing through my veins, filling me with a rush of romantic excitement. It's as if my entire being is ablaze with a fiery passion, yet it's not anger that's fueling this flame. It's something entirely different, something thrilling and exhilarating.

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh as we started walking. I felt his hand touch mine. It was a small gesture, but it made me feel closer to him. In that moment, we looked like a couple, strolling along a romantic path. "Where do you want to go?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.

Having never experienced this before with my ex-partner, I find myself in awe of my current relationship with this handsome Arab man. Unlike my previous relationship, where my ex kept his distance and we looked like mere friends, this man treats me with the utmost care and attention. He makes me feel valued and appreciated, like I am the most important person in the world. I feel secure and assured that I am safe, where my feelings and boundaries are respected.

"Hmm, I'm not sure how to decide. What do you want?" I said, smiling sweetly and holding his arms, showing him how I want him to decide.

He smirked and motioned for me to follow. "Alright then," he said, "let's go." And with that, we were off on something.

I'm curious about Ahmed plans since he reserved a movie ticket for 6 p.m. and it's only 1 p.m. Perhaps he has a different itinerary in mind? I'm open to exploring other options though.

His grip on my hand was firm but gentle, leading me down the path. I couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in his touch, as if he never wanted to let go.

We're directly in front of the perfume store on the ground floor. "Let's check out some perfumes," he said confidently, scanning the store and then turning to me. I couldn't help but feel surprised. It looked like a luxurious brand that I couldn't afford.

"Are you serious?" I asked, trying to understand why he would offer me something so expensive. I released his arms and tried to make sense of the situation.

"Let's go check out that shop," he suggested with a smile, gently placing his both hand hands on my shoulders and leading me inside.

These perfumes are so expensive, I can't afford them. If I bought one, my mom would be furious and disown me.

As I stand behind him, I can't help but appreciate how seriously he's taking the task of selecting a scent. His determination is admirable, and it's clear that he wants to make the right choice. It's moments like these that make me realize how important it is to put effort into the little things in life.

I find this man to be serious in life but also very cool. While I was watching him intently, he caught me staring at him. He responded with a silent smile and I gave him a confused look with my eyebrows furrowed.

As soon as I noticed him walking away, I started following him. I tracked him down to the women's fragrance section, where he was testing some scents. He then summoned the male attendant and demanded, "Give me the latest scent available in this section."

"Good day, sir! You're in for a treat. Our newest scent just arrived this week," he announced with excitement. He then led Ahmed to the display of the latest fragrance, eager to showcase its unique aroma. He confidently led the way, but before heading off, he insisted on holding my arms together with his, so that I wouldn't be left behind. Despite feeling self-conscious, I stood my ground and allowed him to take my hand and link it with his arms.

What's happening, gosh I'm new to this situation.

He handed over the perfume and firmly asked, "Could you please tell me how much it is?"

"That one sir is our latest scent the Chanel Coco Mademoiselle that would be seven thousand in Philippine peso sir." Male attendant said while formally  standing up straight in front of us.

"What do you think?" he asked, while about to hand me the tester. I didn't move as he sprayed it on his wrist and rubbed it with both of his wrists. He then offered it to me so that I could smell the scent.

As I was about to step back, he sprayed it again on his wrist and this time he placed his wrist on my neck, near the back of my ear.

"It looks like I have found what I was looking for. I will go ahead and buy this one, along with the one I had picked out earlier before coming to this section," he said thoughtfully. He then turned to face me, beaming with a warm smile, and gently took my hand, bringing me closer to him.

This is blowing my mind. Literally.

We waited at the counter to pay when he handed over his foreign credit card. Later, I found out that all shops in Ayala accept credit cards from other countries.

He finally paid and with a smile, handed me the pink paper bag. "This is for you, my lady," he said in a charming tone. The bag felt light in my hands, but I couldn't accept such a treat like this.

"Wait, why did you get one for me?" I asked, my voice betraying my shyness. A small chuckle escaped my lips as I waited eagerly for his response.

"I was thinking of buying you something, and since it's a date, it would be great if we can decide together on what we want to buy. I'm happy to take responsibility for the purchase, but let's make sure it's something we both enjoy," he suggested as we strolled along the ground floor hall.

I can't believe that the perfume he gave me cost more than my Samsung cellphone! Honestly, I'm not sure how to react. While I appreciate the gift, I can't help but feel like it's a bit too extravagant. I'm not one to shy away from a little luxury, but I think there are better ways to spend money.

"Ahmed, this is too much," I said firmly as we walked out of the store, his arm still clinging tightly to mine.

"I insist. Let me treat you. I haven't had the chance to spend on someone in ages, and I'm too comfortable to be with you that's why," he declared firmly.

As I stood there, I simply nodded and replied with a heartfelt "Okay, thank you though!" And then, unable to contain my gratitude, I flashed him a beaming smile that surely make him smile to me more handsomely.