We looked at each other for a long time. I also gazed at his lips, as if wanted to eat me again instead of the food he had prepared for us both. If I am the reason he doesn’t want to work today, I should accompany him on the trip. I should collaborate, correct?
I smiled and was about to kiss him when I realized something. I asked him if he wasn’t going to work; it turns out that I am! What time is it? I haven’t yet reported to Miss Sapphire!
“Ismael…”
“Hmm?”
“I know this is out of the blue, but how about the collaboration?” I exclaimed. Right, I almost remember. That was the reason I wanted to speak with him again. Miss Sapphire was quite disappointed by the mess I made with the CEO of Loeisal Malmdan Company, who happened to be my one and only boyfriend, Ismael. “Didn’t you ask for our company to collaborate with you?”
“I did; what about it?” His query took on a serious tone, as if he were unhappy that I was hanging on him. I laughed to myself. Despite the fact that we’ve had a lot previously, he appears eager to go again. I couldn’t believe he still wanted to do it, even now. But it appears that I am equally to blame, as I am about to kiss him and am sitting on his lap, feeling his hard flesh below.
“What do you mean? How about it? Ismael, are you serious about that?” He didn’t respond. “Did you simply ask for this collaboration because of me? Why did I decline your offer?”
“Yeah?”
I gave a gasp. “What the hell, Ishmael?” I yelled. How rapidly can my mood shift?
“Why?” He was in the same mood.
I rolled my eyes. “Who on earth would do anything like this? If an applicant declines your job offer, will you consider collaborating with the company she is presently working for?”
“You aren’t just an applicant. You’re my lover. I want you close to me. I just found out late, so you are also called late.”
I frowned. “You mean I wasn’t really accepted?”
He shakes his head. “No, it was not that way. I heard you actually passed the interview and exam. It was just that they forgot to call you right away, and when I learned it, I told them to get in touch with you. Unfortunately, you are now working for a different company, so the rest is history.”
So, if Ismael was unaware of my application, they would not contact me? Perhaps it was simply forgotten since someone else could be found?
“If it wasn’t me, you wouldn’t do that?”
“I will tell them to call the applicant, of course, because she honestly passed, but I will not go as far as to request a collaboration with her company. I just did that because it was you. I know you won’t come here, even if it’s your dream; I’ve heard you understand loyalty and honesty so well.”
“I know integrity because of you.”
He smiled. “Yeah, I am a man of integrity, Jothea.”
And I nearly forgot about it. He is not like other males, who will do stupid things if they are not watched. That is undoubtful, based on what I know of him. I’m not sure why I was so willing to believe in others after doubting him. The problem is primarily with myself. He doesn’t do anything wrong to me, but I always think negatively of him, as if what he has proven to me isn’t enough. Now that he is back, it is clear that he kept his word. I have to teach myself to trust because I don’t want him to get tired of understanding me.
I hugged him again, which clearly astonished him, but he let me do so. I felt him patting my back as I relished every moment with him. I closed my eyes. If I could just teach myself not to live in a way that could destroy myself or others, I would do so. I wish to avoid causing pain to anyone who loves me, but especially to this man who puts me before everything else in the world.
I closed my eyes and gripped him more tightly. We enjoyed each other for a bit before deciding to consume the food that had been prepared for us. Because flirting was our priority!
Miss Sapphire called just as we finished dining. I responded immediately and updated on the status of Safira’s engagement with LMC.
“I’m glad you finally figured it out, Jothea.” Miss Sapphire told me before hanging up. She stated that I do not need to return or visit Safira on a regular basis; what matters is that I can manage the collaboration with LMC. She also stated that I could check the marketing concerns for our products online. I believe this is part of my work to conduct studies outside of the firm, particularly at LMC, on topics that we may apply to Safira.
“Done?” Ismael inquired, having just finished washing the dishes. I was immediately humiliated because I neglected to show up for it. “Let’s take a shower together. We will go outside.”
I tilted my head in confusion. “Where will we go?”
“We’ll date.”
I gasped at what I heard, and the sparkle in my eyes returned. Is what I’ve heard true? Will Ismael and I go out for a date?
I smiled as I approached him. I remembered again when we went on a date to the mall before. Because I was a student and he was a professor, we had a difficult time hiding from my classmates. And now I can’t help but feel excited since we can do whatever we want.
We took a shower together, as he had promised. It was a miracle, and nothing happened to either of us. I still look like I’m waiting and looking.
I put on the bathrobe he handed me before taking the blower, but he took it first and startled me by putting it on my face for a moment to torment me. “Oops, sorry.”
I glared at him. “Ismael!” He merely laughed at me while drying hir own hair. “Let me do mine first!”
“Kiss first.”
I rolled my eyes at his foolish request. “My hair is still wet; come on, me first!”
“Nope, not until you kiss me.”
I was prepared to kiss him after teasing him once more when he placed the blower to my face. “Is that what you want? Do you want me to pinch you?” I threatened, which made him laugh even more. He was staring in the mirror while drying his hair and casually looked back at me to see how upset I was with him.
“You’re like a kid!” I turned my back to him.
“Look who’s talking.” He grabbed my arm and pushed me into the chair in front of the mirror.
“Let me have it,” I stated, but I lost my cool when he caressed and dried my hair with the blower he refused to lend me. So that is the reason why he’s not giving the blower to me because he wants him to do it himself.
I merely stared at him in the mirror while he was behind me, drying my long hair. I really want to trim it but I couldn’t since I don’t have the time.
“I like it long,” he said, as if he could read my thoughts. I had just mentioned that I needed a haircut, and he commented that he preferred my hair to be long.
“Okay,” I just replied. “But long ones are hard to dry.”
“Then I will do it. Please don’t cut it short, my love. Long hair suits you.”
“Are you deciding for my stead?” He laughed at me. “But fine,” you said. “I’ll get a haircut after we break up.”
“That will never happen, Jothea.” He paused drying my hair to gaze at my reflection in the mirror. “You are bound to marry me, so don’t joke around about breaking up, ’cause no one’s going to break you here, even if you break me.”
I gripped his arm before glancing up to see him in person. “Why should I even break you? Ismael, breaking you is like committing suicide.”
“No one’s going to break someone,” he said, reaching for my lips one more time before we left. He handed me a small bag containing my dress. I was shocked to find a gray knitted dress with long sleeves that curled to fit the shape of my body. The dress is above the knee and looks great with my nude lipstick. I have no idea where we are going, but I will continue to be lovely regardless.
He opened his car door for me when we exited the private parking area. I climbed in and sat down; he was still in the driver’s seat. He is dressed simply and casually, making him appear much younger than his actual age. Because he is not wearing the tuxedo that I frequently see him in. To be honest, a simple gray polo shirt and slacks look good on him.
I was going to buckle my seatbelt when he did it for me. Such a service-oriented individual.
“So, where do you plan to take me all of a sudden?” I inquired with undeniable excitement.
“To Baguio.” I gasped when I heard the answer. “Have you been there?”
I shake my head. “No. Not yet. I can’t afford to go there, but I’ve been daydreaming about visiting the tourist attractions they have there. How about you? Have you been there?”
“Yeah, a couple of times, but I have never been excited this way because I am with you,” he said.
“You really are a sweet talker,” I growled.
“Nope, I am telling the truth, Jothea.”
He began driving. I can’t help but remember our camping excursion as a college student. It appears that he is making the most of it since last time we were accompanied by some students in the car but now we are alone with each other. I cannot wait!
We traveled for many hours before arriving in Baguio. I didn’t expect the trip to take long, especially since Ismael and I stopped to buy food and drinks along the way. It’s amusing that he’s not too finicky about food, as long as it’s not garbage. He bought me some elder-made sweets and fresh juice. I couldn’t help but smile as I observed him taking care of me. I feel like we’re actually on a trip! It’s a road trip, so I’m alright. Even though it was pretty dark and I couldn’t see much of the mountains we passed, it was enjoyable since the air was chilly and fresh, unlike the dirty air in the city.
“Do you want to check in first, or do you want to eat first?” said Ismael.
“Let’s check in first. We might have a difficult time finding a hotel later since it’s already late in the evening now.” I responded, staring at the clock on the screen of his car. It is 8 p. m., by the way.
I noticed him laughing. “We won’t have any trouble because we’ll be checking in at my hotel.”
I was stunned. So he has property in the province as well? “Are you serious? What in the universe does not belong to you, Ismael?” I inquired in amazement.
“You?”