This is a joke.
My life is a nothing but a big, colossal clusterfuck of events.
"Wait. So, you mean to say that this hottie?" Aubrey said, shoving my phone, which displays the grabbed photo I have of Reid, on my face. "This seriously hot, all Clark Kent but dripping of sexy enigma is the person you sent your nudes to?"
I snatched my phone out of her hands and dropped it on the pillow beside me. I groaned. Not because I don't agree with her, but because she's freaking right.
That guy can seriously make a nun cum with his gravely, raw voice and oozing sex appeal. He's pure delicious sin that comes in a long hair, piercing eyes, and a perfectly toned body.
No woman can ever resist that! Ang sarap kaya niyang titigan at dilaan. King-ina! Ito nga! 'Yon nga ang rason kung bakit dapat isa siya sa ninilalagyan ng DOH ng health warning. He's bad for my health and for anyone's for that matter. Kita mo nga si Aubrey, laway na laway kahit hindi niya pa nakikita sa personal. Partida, tahong ang first choice niyan. Pero, sadyang exception to the rule itong si Reid.
Ugh!
Nilapat ko ang malamig na bote ng beer sa sentido ko. I think I'm blowing a vein in my head. Malapit na ata akong mamatay ng aneurysm.
"I don't see the problem here, hon." Banggit ni Aubrey sabay lagok sa baso ng wine na hawak niya.
"Are you even listening?" I scowled. "I really don't like you when I'm sober."
She laughed, pouring another of the red poison in her glass. Somebody should tell her that a flute shouldn't be filled to the brim. But then again, she's convinced me months ago that she, in fact, is living with an iron liver.
"Eh 'di lalasingin kita ulit, 'yon lang pala ang problema."
Inirapan ko siya at inakmang babatuhin ng throw pillow pero mas lalo lang tumawa ang gaga. Inakbayan siya ni Lucy nang bumalik siya sa pagkakaupo niya sa lover's couch na mayroon ako sa unit ko.
"Kung ayaw mo naman tanggapin 'yong deal niya, eh 'di, balik tayo sa original plan. Sa bangko na tayo manghiram." Lucy suggested, solemnity and concern enveloping her words.
"Sure na ba kayo? Gagamitin ko pangalan niyo para manghiram ng pera. And take note, milyon ang kukunin ko, hindi 'yon basta-basta." Tugon ko, giving them another chance to bail out.
Kumibit-balikat lang si Aubrey saka nagbiro, "Kapag binenta namin 'yong Bentley mo, I'm sure bawing-bawi na kami." Then she straightened up, her eyes filling with worry. I seldom see this expression from her. "May sinabi ba siyang gagawin sa mga hubad mong litrato?"
Umiling ako, "Wala. Like I said, at first he blackmailed me of distributing it to his phonebook but when I taunted him, he didn't follow through. He's maybe a bit of an asshole, pero may kaunti pa rin siyang sense ng kabaitan."
Aubrey let out a sigh of relief. "Naman pala, eh. Bakit ayaw mong tanggapin 'yong tulong niya?"
"Just because! It's awkward and embarrassing! He's seen me in my naked glory and I don't think I can ever face him again. Sa susunod nga na magpunta 'yon sa clinic, ipapasa ko siya sa iba."
"Well, not in ALL your naked glory, hon. Hindi niya pa nakikita ang Yamashita treasure." Aubrey snickered.
"Oh my god, Luc! Bakit ba ganiyan ang girlfriend mo?" I whined, barreling a pillow in the air and hitting Aub straight on the face.
She gave me a glare, feigning annoyance but I know she enjoys making me uncomfortable.
Lucy shook her head and refused to take sides. Instead, she opened another topic. "Ano nga ba 'yong "magandang deal" niya sa'yo?" Putting her finger in the air, to quote and unquote the two words she stressed.
I raised my shoulders momentarily to express my ignorance. "Hindi ko alam, eh. Basta sinabi sa'kin ni Arcie, hihingi siya ng good deal. Pero nang nalaman kong siya 'yong mahihingan ko ng tulong, I never bothered to investigate nor ask. Kahit na apat na araw nang panay ang tawag ng secretary niya. Minabuti kong 'wag na lang alamin tutal wala namna akong balak tanggapin."
"You turned down a negotiation without even knowing what's in it?" Lucy asked in this belief, her eyebrows shooting up.
I know, it sounds stupid for a businessman to decide that way. But I don't want anything to do with him, let alone have an agreement that would have me tied to him for a certain period of time.
"Yup." I huffed out, not wanting to say more because I'll make a fool out of myself. Hindi ko kayang i-justify kung bakit ganoon ang naging desisyon ko na hindi bumabalik sa katangahan ko sa gabing nalasing ako.
"Fire," Lucy said with a sigh. She glanced at Aubrey who's wearing the same expression, upset and confused. As to why, I don't even have it in me to ask. I only wait for her upcoming wisdom. "Bakit hindi mo subukang makipag-usap kay Reid? Kung mas maayos at nakaka-angat naman 'yong i-o-offer niya sa'yo na contract, hindi ba't mas makakaganda 'yon sa clinic mo at sa mga taong nagtratrabaho sa'yo?"
Ack! I didn't realize she'll use this one on me. Alam niyang mahina ako kapag nadamay na sa usapan ang mga tao ko. I tried to look indifferent, but I'm really brimming with self-loathe. God, hindi ko naisip na nagiging selfish na pala ako.
She's right. I'm putting everyone's job in danger because of my idiocy.
"You're right. Holy crap, you're right." I sighed. I leaned back on my computer chair, feeling a bit woozy. Hindi ko nga alam kung dahil sa alak o dahil nasapak ako ng kapabayaan ko.
We've gone still for a moment. Pakiramdam ko binibigyan nila ako ng pagkakataon na mag-isip at aralin ang mga sumusunod na desisyon ko sa buhay.
"Mag-i-inquire muna ako sa mga banks. Kung wala talaga, saka ko siya tatawagan." I finally said, breaking the silence.
Lucy gave me an approving nod. "Sana sa lalong madaling panahon. We don't know how long his offer will stand."
"I hear you. I promise to get right on it first thing tomorrow morning."
"And since you're at it, you might as well do something to let the tension roll off from your shoulders, hon." Aubrey added. I saw the trickster gleam in her eyes and I know I won't like what she's going to say next.
I took a swig of my beer only to spat it out followed by a string of painful, throaty coughs.
"I'm sorry, tama ba 'yong narinig kong sinabi mo?" Hingal na tanong ko sabay punas ko sa labi ko.
"You heard me, baby girl. You need sex to release all that stress." She wiggled her eyebrows at me.
I looked at her with heavy dubiety. I pointed at Lucy, hoping she'll pick my side this time. "Are you hearing this, Luc? Naririnig mo ba itong kahibangan ng jowa mo?"
Natawa siya at nagkibit-balikat. "She does have a point, Fire. The best way to blow off some steam is to have a steamy, wild sex."
"Oh my holy Lord. Ngayon ko lang na-gets kung bakit kayo naging mag-jowa!" I face palmed.
"Sus! Akala mo naman birhen kung maka-react ang loka." Tudyo ni Aubrey na may iling. "Kita mo na, kulang ka lang sa kalabit."
"Dahil wala akong oras para sa mga nangangalabit. Busy ako sa problema ko." Depensa ko.
"That's why, I'm suggesting is for you to pull your head out of that beautiful ass of yours and consider Reid to fix your problems. Including the one where you both end up with tangled limbs and sweaty bodies."
I looked at her with the 'are-you-serious' expression. Minsan na akong nakinig sa kanya noon, kita mo nangyari. I don't think following her advice would ever steer me to the right direction.
"Think about it, hon. When's the last time you did it?"
Napaisip tuloy ako sa tanong niya. I'm near on my eight month. Cobi and I haven't done it in awhile even before he decided to cheat on me. Sobrang busy ko kasi sa business ko at lagi akong pagod.
When I was killing myself with self pity, pumasok 'yon na rason sa isipan ko kung bakit niya akong nagawang lokohin. But when I got better, I realized that a real man would understand you whatever the situation is.
Sadly, hindi totoong lalake si Cobi.
"Mukhang matagal na. Hindi ka makasagot, eh." Aubrey said with a snicker. "The more reasons na kailangan mo nang maglilinis ng agiw sa iyong down there."
The more she pushed the idea, the more my mind drifts to the feverish incident Reid and I had. God, the way every word rolls from his tongue is addicting. And I want nothing but to taste it directly from him.
A sweltering feeling slowly filled my body and it's blistering. Kita mo na! I'm either turned on or annoyed of that person. Jesus Christ!
"We're not. . .he's not into me, Aub." Why does it hurt to say that one out loud?
"He won't save your pictures if he's not crazy about your body, hon." She simpered all knowingly.
Shit, she does have a point. Hell, he even complimented my tits and ass that day. He called it fantastic and irresistible if my memory serves me right.
But the thing is, kung pumayag siya, gugustuhin ko rin ba? Fuck, yes! I'd willingly go all Dora and explore his hot, scupltous body. Gosh, I'm really starting to consider Aubrey's crazy plan. Anong nangyari sa sinasabi ko kanina na hindi na ako makikinig sa kanya?
I jerked my head from side to side. "Ayaw ko ng magdagdag sa mga problema ko. Basta tatawagan ko siya kung hindi okay 'yong sa bangko, tapos."
Lucy shook her head with a small smile on her face. Sumilip siya sa relo niya saka nag-inat. "Okay, then. Why don't we call it a night?"
Aubrey nodded and started to gather the bottles of empty beer and the garbage from the completely eaten chips.
"Ako na 'yan, Aub." Pagpipigil ko sa kanya na sinunod naman niya. I settled my own drink down the coffee table and waited for them to get ready.
They both gave me an encouraging hug before they left. I finished the remaining liquor on my bottle before I turned in for the night. Our last flow of conversation seemed to have did me in because my dreams consists of me sitting on that examination table, legs wrapped around Reid while he thrusts me into oblivion.
--
"Good morning, Doc." Annie greeted as I breezed into the clinic.
I waved at her, since I'm busy talking to a stranger on the phone. Masyado pang maaga, hindi pa ako nagkakapag-kape kaya nauubos ang lakas ko kakatimpi na sumigaw.
"I'm sorry, who's this again?" I gritted out but polite enough not to be rude.
"Miss Samonte, this is Jade po, Mr. Almodovar's secretary. I've been phoning you for the last five days."
I closed my eyes. She's really persistent. Magkano kaya binabayad ng lalaking 'yon sa kanya para bulabugin ako araw-araw?
Sandwiching my phone on my ear and shoulder, I keyed in the lock on my office's door and encroached to the darkness. Switching on the light, I placed my bag on the couch I have and returned my attention back to Jade.
"Uh, yes. Sorry. Bakit ka nga ulit napatawag?"
She gave an exasperated sigh making me roll my eyes. "Mr. Almodovar is asking when are you free for a meeting so I could block the day for him?"
"Please, tell him that I'll contact him when I see an opportunity." I answered, dropping my weight on my chair. I fired my laptop on to check the list of banks and the mock loan calculations Kuya had sent me.
"Busy po si Mr. Almodovar, Miss Samonte. Kaya gusto niya po sanang malaman ngayon?"
I raised an eyebrow at nowhere, my annoyance getting quite noticeable. "Well, tell him na busy rin ako."
"Pero po, Miss Samon –"
"Good bye, Jade." I said cutting her off and ending the call.
She gave me another ring right after so I activated the 'do not disturb' button on her. I know I'm acting like an ungrateful bitch, but he's at the end of my list. Siya ang last option ko.
Sighing and massaging my temple, I let out a few heavy breaths before I opened my email and studied the files Kuya Yno attached. Kakaumpisa pa lang ng umaga, sumasakit na ang ulo ko. And it went on like that the whole morning. It's a blur of unanswered calls from Jade, three cups of overpriced coffee, two unruly clients, and a roster of cute and sick pets.
Late na nga ako nakapag-lunch. Alas-dos na nang pumanik ako sa opisina ko para makakain. Packed lunch na kasi ako simula ngayon, except for Thursdays. Kuya Yno's been dropping early every morning in my unit to deliver cooked lunch courtesy of his wife.
Saktong-sakto, kakabukas ko pa lang ng pagkain ko, tumatawag na siya sa'kin. I'm sure he's to discuss my questions about the loans.
"Firecracker, kanina pa ko tumatawag sa'yo."
"Busy morning, Kuya. Kakain pa nga lang ako."
He clicked his tongue and I can imagine him giving me a glare. "You're as bad as dad. Parehas kayong workaholic."
"That's why I'm his favorite daughter." I sarcastically replied, making him chuckle.
"Anyway, about sa questions mo. Can you open tha matrix I did for you?"
I shoved a spoonful of chicken adobo on my mouth and answered, "Yup. Totoo ba 'tong sinasabi rito na kahit walang i-collateral? Hindi ba sketchy?"
"Tinanong ko pa lang 'yong kakilala ko kung may ibang catch. Pero kung may choice ka na mag-collateral, anong ipipirma mo?"
"'Yong sasakyan ko, tutal hindi naman tinanggap nila Aubrey at Lucy na kapalit kung sakali mang gamitin ko ang pangalan nila."
"Lagot ka kay dad kapag nalaman niya. Regalo niya sa'yo 'yon." Pananakot niya kaya ako napairap.
"Hindi niya naman malalaman kung hindi mo sasabihin. Ikaw lang ang prime suspect kapag bigla niya akong sinugod."
"Yeah, yeah." He said in an exhausted agreement. Kung kaharap ko lang siya malamang nasipa nanaman ako ng ugok. "Anyway, about the computation –"
Then there's a knock on my door.
"Kuya, wait lang." I said and called in the person from the other side.
Carol popped her head in between the small slit she made. She gave me a regretful look. "Sorry, Doc. May naghahanap po kasi sa'yo."
Itinulak ko sa tabi ang pagkain ko saka nagpunas ng mantika sa labi. "Kliyente ba? Baka pupwedeng i-deck mo muna sa iba?"
Hindi siya sure sa susunod niyang sasabihin. She ducked her head back outside and I can hear her talking to someone, but cannot make out the words.
"Kuya, tawag ka after ten minutes. May kakausapin lang ako." Paalam k okay Kuya Yno na agad naman binaba ang linya pagkatapos niyang magpaalam.
"Carol, papasukin mo na." Utos ko saka uminom ng tubig.
She shot me another rueful look before she pushed the door wide and revealed the last person I wanted to see for the life of me.
Naibuga ko 'yong tubig sa bibig ko. I nervously grabbed a tissue from my dispenser and started dabbing it on my computer and on the papers scattered on my desk.
I peered at him and there's a tiny tipping on one side of his lips that says he enjoyed my reaction of seeing him. Nilapitan naman ako ni Carol at tumulong magpunas.
Sinabihan ko siya ng mabilisang thank you saka muling ibinaling ang tingin ko kay Reid na hindi pa rin gumagalaw sa kinatatayuan niya.
He's wearing a navy blue pinstriped, three piece suit. The way it holds his body shows that it's custom made just for him. He's bleeding with power. He looks so authoritative, astute, at the same time menacingly appetizing.
"Gusto niyo po ba ng maiinom, Sir?" Tanong ni Carol bago siya tuluyang lumabas.
Reid gave her a short shake of his head. Napatitig pa muna pabalik sa'kin si Carol bago siya nagpaalam.
We both fell into a staredown. At wala pang limang segundo pakiramdam ko natutunaw na ako. He's staring at me so fierce, so savage, I can feel my skin prickling with goosebumps.
There's so much tension I'm convinced he can set me on fire.
"Tell me, Doc." He drawled. Oh god, there's his tainted but sweetly sinful as a chocolate cake voice again.
Tell me, Doc.
Hindi ko alam kung anong gusto niyang sabihin ko sa kanya but, I can listen to him whispering those three words to me over and over again.
"Wh-what are you doing here?" I asked instead, my voice shaking.
He moved a step inside and closed the door with his Italian shoes covered foot. The thud echoed across the confined space. Is it always that loud? Or is it because everything felt quiet because his presence is too overpowering?
He stalked slowly, keeping his eyes on me until he's situated on the other side of my oak desk.
"Contract. Meeting. Here." He droned.
I was drowning with the loud and untamed hammering of my heart but I chose not to be defeated. Paulit-ulit kong inisip 'yong sinabi ni Aubrey kagabi. He's just as affected as I am. Hindi lang ako ang nakakaramdam ng ganito.
"I'm still going through my choices. At busy rin ako. Hindi ba sinabi sa'yo 'yon ng secretary mo?" I spat out, happy that my voice is steadier compared earlier.
He plated his palm at the edge of my table, drooping his upper body forward. I felt my body tingling in attention, hot flush cursing through me.
"Doc Fire,"
Oh god.
I sink my teeth on my bottom lip as I curl my hands into fists. His corner of his lips tipped higher and telling me that he knows how badly he affects me.
He stood straight after a couple of seconds. Without his eyes leaving my face, he unbuttoned his suit coat. I swallowed hard and it like a freaking explosion on my ear.
Mabagal siyang naglakad, sinusundan ko siya ng tingin hanggang sa huminto siya sa tabi ko.
He grabbed my arm rest, pulling my chair and turning me to face him. Hindi ko na alam kung anong itsura ko. Basta alam ko nagbabaga ang pakiramdam ko. Red-hot, scorching, and searing flame engulfed the whole of me and I'm wanton to the feeling.
His other hand rested on the other arm rest. He gave me one more hungry look before he pushed the chair, taking me with it. With a thump, my body wobbled when the chair hit the wall.
Napalunok ako, hindi pa rin maialis ang titig ko sa kanya. He raised one of his hands and released my bottom lip from the biting Ive been doing. I shivered with his touch.
Taking in my reaction, his eyes blazed even more. It was so consuming. My breaths are coming out in shallow and heavy pants, more so when he started rubbing his rough, calloused thumb on my bottom lip.
"Doc." He whispered.
"R-reid." I gasped.
Saka siya mabagal na yumuko habang titig na titig sa mga mata ko. I swear we're about to kiss. I can feel him. I can feel the waves of intensity he's emitting. Just before our lips touch, my cellphone rang bringing us both back to sanity.
Sabay kaming napatingin sa phone ko sa mesa. A picture of my brother flashed with a bear emoji as his name.
Muli kaming nagkatitigan, sa isang iglap nawala ang init ng bawat sulyap niya. He's regarded me with an icy, glacial stare before he straightened his height and stalked away without any word.
Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko, kung saan nagwawala ang puso ko. Tell me, what the fuck just happened?