“CONGRATULATIONS everyone!” Farrah greeted loudly as the flute glass with only champagne was raised in the air.
“Congrats to all of us!” Dillan was second, so we tossed at the same time.
Today is the thanks giving party for the launch of new advertising Billboards from T-shirts & Glam, at the same time as the release of the year end catalog of one of their clothing products. And lastly, to be invited at the fashion shows next month in Singapore.
“Congrats, Cherry!” Nicholas greeted me before hugging me and dabbing a delicate kiss on the cheek. I feel the heat on both my cheeks, even more so when we were tempted by his outright kiss with me.
“Thanks, Nick! I wouldn’t be where I stand if it weren’t for you and yours,” I happily said and rebuked them for still teasing us.
“You deserve all the success in life, because of your own diligence and determination,” he softly said, caressing my lovely cheek.
I blushed, I feel like my two cheeks are cheap tomatoes because of what he awarded, as well as the attention everyone is giving me.
“I can’t thank you enough, Nick! I know you’re just trying to be honest with me. I really appreciate your effort and warm understanding,” I sweetly said before I faced everyone.
“Group hug!” I announced, and widely open my arms to everyone.
The celebration was filled with laughter and stories. The Resto-bar was filled with some of Nicholas ‘party-goers and business partners. He wanted this celebration to be solemn, but some staff suggested celebrating the success of his clothing line outside.
Cindy is invited too, she came along with some of her friends. He congratulated me on the success of Fashion & Style that I also became a model.
“I am offering you another contract under my company. If you are interested, you can visit my office anytime soon,” Cindy said to me while we’re at the same table. Her voice is also quite loud due to the volume of the melody.
“Thank you, Cindy. I will consider this offer as another acquirement in life.” I emotionally said, wanting to peek at the beads of tears at the corner of my eye. I am so thankful to her for whatever I have now.
“Tss, what! We might even cry here!” She tapped my arm as if we had a deep bond.
I smiled a bit, “Thank you again, Cindy!”
Eventually he also accepted my gratitude and hugged me tightly.
The night was getting dark, almost everyone was drunk. I also feel a bit dizzy with some vodka I drank.
Darn it! I never thought alcohol would be so strong for me. I should just stick to champagne.
I was shocked when Farrah pulled on my wrist after I put the glass of vodka on the table.
“Come on, Cherry, let’s dance!” she screamed with full of excitement, obviously with the right amount of alcohol as well.
“I do not know how to dance!” I shouted back.
“Come on! Everyone can dance!” she cheered me up, dragging me to the middle of the dance floor.
I could do nothing but imitate her fear. I’m a bit tipsy, so I grind as best I can.
“Hooh!” The crowd began chanting, the music got louder and the dancing in the middle increased.
I was shocked when I felt something crawl on my hip. I was immediately confronted with it.
“Nicholas!”
I looked up at him in shock, it was too late to avoid him because he almost hugged me.
I think I was drunk, based on his sly eyes and red cheeks and neck.
“May I dance the most beautiful model in the Philippines, or I’d rather say in the Universe?” he teasingly said.
I awkwardly smiled and gripped his nape to steal some strength.
“You’re kidding!” I grin at what I said, shaking my head with disbelief.
“I’m true to my words.” He lowered his head to come closer so our breaths unified together.
I smiled and looked away. I’ve never been comfortable when he’s like this to me.
“I’ll take you home,” he asked my permission while holding in one hand a bottle of Beer. He noticed maybe that I was no longer comfortable with our arrangement.
He pulled me away with so much care, the intensity of the stares was still there.
I couldn’t speak right away. I just wanted to deny it, I didn’t want to give him another revelation that there was something special between the two of us. I need him not because I need this job, It’s because I wanted him as my friend, nothing more. Nothing less.
“I’m okay, Nick, I can still take a taxi.” I answered quickly before the stingy smile faded. I tried to adjust my posture, knowing that my two legs are tremble and weak even if my head is spinning. I can still think straight and clear and I know what to do.
“I insist, I’ll deliver you home,” he declared, he even stroked my arm to assured me.
“Uh, it’s up to you.” I stared him for a moment before I looked away. “All right, I’ll just rest for a while so we can go home later.”
“I’ll just finish this drink, then let’s go,” he huskily said, before caressing my cheek. I close my eyes because of the warmth of his hand there, I just stared as he turned around to face some staff.
I followed him with my eyes. I still feel the guilt in my heart for what I did to him in Barcelona. We haven’t talked about that yet, because when I try to open the conversation, he himself changes the topic, which makes me feel embarrassed and felt shamed for my lies.
I just shook my head and looked for the right place away from them to rest there. I sat alone at the couch and lolled my head to relaxed. I haven’t even sat down for a long time with someone sit next to me.
I open my eyes thinking it was just Nicholas. I lean closer to my side and glance at him.
He laid his back relaxedly against the couch, while two arms at the backrest. He was wearing a black jacket, not the leather one, while the hoody was wrapped around his head so no one could immediately notice him.
Shock overtook me for a moment as I realized that he is Rexon. My eyes slowly raked behind the sheet of his textile. Darn! Am I drunk? I swallowed one after another but my throat was dry. I could not speak immediately for fear of making a mistake in the utterance.
My two thighs came together spontaneously. Shit, I could still feel him inside me. The pain and the pleasure, every muscles of my body tenses in anticipation. I close my eyes to the rising sensation, I also can’t help but bite my own lips because of the rising nervousness.
He slides into the seat beside me, glare traveled with unnerving thoroughness.
“Your boyfriend wasn’t invited to your party, huh?” he asked under his warm breath, the tension in his jaw did not escape me either.
Boyfriend? What he just said?
I lick my bottom lip and bite them hard again, if I can just bleed it I will. I clasped my hands tight, not knowing what to say.
He let out a sigh and gripped my hand tight after. He stood up without warning and dragged me outside the Resto-Bar. I couldn’t even look at Nicholas because of the speed of events. We headed to the emergency exit and I saw his black car was parked outside.
“Get in,” he said with authority.
I nodded again and again, seemingly fascinated by what was happening. The effect of the alcohol before seemed to dissolve in my body. I don’t understand but I felt renewed and revitalized, as if the nerve tissue in my body had come to life.
“Wear your seatbelt, baby. ” he ordered.
“Where are we—? I lost my final word, I can’t continue what I have to say because of his glance at me.
“I said wear your seatbelt, baby,” he said in a commanding visage, eyes more darker and fiercer.
My hand reached for the seatbelt so that I could hug myself. He pushed the clutch and got the engine going.
My eyes shut the whole time, I don’t know if I’m going to shout or cry. It’s like my soul was left somewhere and I haven’t been able to chase because of its speed.
When I noticed that he take slow, I just took a deep breath before opening my eyes. I turn my eyes automatically at the window and my brows arch curiously.