A Chain Reaction; Moons on the Twist

24. At your service

“Here.” I dumped the heavy box by his feet and sighed. Might squatted besides the box and rummaged through it after opening. He picked couple of tools and started picking through the lock. I watched his dark head bent over the door working on the lock.

I leaned against the side wall and tried not staring too much. I saw the veins in his forearm flex when he twisted the tool. He has strong hands, strong capable hands that could hold someone and protect someone. I blushed a little remembering his hands on my body, that night.

Stop! Why am I thinking about that night? I should forget about it. It  was a mistake. A small lapse of sanity. I shouldn’t. It’s not right.

Ming stood up and tugged the door. It shut smoothly. He gave me his signature  blinding Ming smile. I can’t help but stare at his even white teeth.

“I fixed it P, for now.” He looked around for something to wipe his hands, which were greased up with his job. He gave up when he didn’t find anything. “I’ll send someone to change the locks first thing tomorrow.” He turned to leave and I panicked.

“Are you leaving?” I blurted. I can’t believe I asked him that. He looked back at me with a tender expression.

“I came to talk to you.” He gave me a searching look. “But now it’s late. You should rest and get some sleep.
I’ll talk to you later.” I struggled for something to say. My eyes snapped to his dirtied hands.

“At least come in and clean up a bit.” I gestured at his hands. He nodded and started following me to my apartment.

“There are towels inside.” I showed him the bathroom and walked to my pantry to boil water for tea. It’s the least I can do. If he didn’t show up, I’d have to stay up whole night and guard the door till morning.

Ming walked out of the bathroom and came to the pantry, looking around curiously. I blushed a little remembering what happened the last time  he was here. I shook my head to banish my unwanted thoughts.
“I made some tea for you.” He looked at me in surprise. I guess I’ve never treated him this civilly before. I felt bad for treating him like shit but he can be super annoying when he wanted to be.

“Thank you P.” He sat on the chair I pointed for him. “This is so unexpected.” He mumbled looking at the plate of chocolate cakes and the tea set placed on the table.

“It’s the least I can do to thank you for your help.” I mumbled.

“You don’t need to thank me.” He picked a piece of cake and admired it before taking a big bite. “I’d do anything to help you.” He mumbled through the bite.

I didn’t say anything. I don’t know how to respond to these little criptic remarks of him. They make me confuse and frustrated.

“Since we are here, I’ll speak P.” He leaned forward to where I sat and looked straight in my eyes. “I’m sorry I forced myself on you that night.” His voice is sweet like flowing honey. “I wasn’t myself then. I should have asked you first. I should have asked you before kissing you. I’m sorry.” He spoke those words so earnestly, I was speechless for a moment.

“Nong Ming, it’s fine.” I replied after a long silence. He grinned, his mischievous side is coming again.

“And P?” He held my eyes firmly. “ I really meant what I said that day.” I could hear my heart beating faster. “I like you. I like you so very much.”