Georgina couldn't help but notice the sleek black BMW nestled in the mansion's garage. A curious expression played on her face. "I bet it's Alex's new ride," Blake remarked, seemingly attuned to the thoughts running through her mind.
Alexander Williams, her older brother by four years, was the owner of the mysterious black beauty. Unlike Blake, Alex had a penchant for sports cars.
Her shoulders lifted in a casual shrug. "Probably," she said, though doubt lingered. Alex had a strong aversion to black hues. "You won't know until you check inside," Blake suggested.
She eyed him. "Don't you fancy a cup of coffee?" she inquired, extending an invitation into their home. Blake nodded. "Maybe next time, Georgy. We indulged in quite a feast on our date. I'm stuffed now. Another time, sweetheart," he said, flashing a warm smile.
A reciprocal smile formed on her lips. Yes, they had just returned from a date. "Is that alright, sweetheart?" Blake added.
She sweetly smiled in agreement. "Of course. I understand our date took a while, and you're a busy man. There's always a next time."
He gently squeezed her hand. "I feel blessed to have you in my life, Georgina. And you know what? It's okay if our dates take a lot of time. In fact, I want to date you every day. I want to be with you, always." His words touched her heart.
"Same here. I love being with you, Blake."
"I can't wait for the day you become my wife. I love you so much, Georgina," he said sincerely.
Overwhelmed with happiness, she almost teared up. "And I love you too," he planted a tender kiss on her forehead, followed by a lingering one on her lips.
However, before things could escalate further, Blake gently halted the kiss. "Let's stop here before we regret it later. I want to marry you first; that's how much I love and respect you." There were moments when she felt frustrated with her boyfriend, questioning her desirability. Blake, though, always maintained a boundary when things turned intimate and sensual. While she allowed him access, he was content with kisses and hugs, always mindful of their limits.
Joy radiated through her as she basked in the warmth of their love. They were at that perfect age, on the brink of marriage. It made sense if they were still in their youth, navigating the challenges of education, but at 26 and 30, respectively, they maintained a steadfast boundary. Beyond that limit, they did not venture, even in the height of passion. A heavy sigh escaped her, contemplating the wait until their wedding day. Eager to be his wife, to bear his babies, and share in his genes, she found herself yearning for Blake's body. After all, he possessed the coveted six-pack abs and firm muscles—qualities every Eve sought in her Adan.
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach at the thought, prompting a giggle. "Please, don't tease me like that again, sweetheart. I might end up staying here and not going home with you," she playfully warned Blake.
"I'd prefer that," he teased back, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "But you know I can't. Dad needs me at the company. I have to go. Don't be sad, love; we're tying the knot in just a month."
"I understand, Blake. You go ahead," she replied, accepting the reality.
As she was about to open the car door, Blake insisted on doing it for her, a gesture that never failed to make her heart flutter. Watching his car disappear into the distance, she made her way inside, expecting a quiet evening in their dull entertainment room.
However, shock replaced her anticipation when she found Doña Marietta, Don Francisco, her parents, and her brother Alex waiting for her. Greetings were exchanged, and she kissed the visitors' cheeks. Doña Marietta, observing the glow on her daughter's face, couldn't help but comment, "Oh my, Georgina! We visited just months ago, and yet, why this radiant beauty?"
Grateful for the compliment, she replied, "Good evening, Doña Marietta and Don Francisco. What brings about this surprise visit?"
"Good evening to you too. You arrived late. It's past dinner," Don Francisco noted, his tone curious.
Her cheeks tinged with embarrassment as she explained, "Blake took me out for dinner."
She couldn't shake the feeling that the atmosphere shifted at her words, and her parents seemed to notice. "Ah, I think we should start our dinner now, Marietta and Francisco. Georgina is already here," her mom swiftly changed the topic.
Attempting to lift the mood, the elderly couple agreed, "Good idea."
They settled into the dining room, arranging the table, a voice called out from behind, breaking the silence, "Georgina…”
Her head instinctively turned when a voice called out her name. A tall figure, standing at 6'2, commanded her attention. His built physique and composed demeanor painted the picture of masculine perfection. Thick, wavy brownish hair framed his face, and his eyes held a captivating allure. This man, right before her, embodied sheer virility.
A frown creased her forehead. The man seemed familiar, yet she struggled to recall his name. Seeking help from her parents with a subtle glance, she felt a warning from her father, suggesting they disapproved of her reaction.
In a courteous gesture, she stood up and extended a handshake. "Hi! I'm sorry, maybe I'm just being forgetful. My job, you know, makes it hard. With all the notes and to-do lists in my mind. But I know you're a significant part of my life. What's your name again? T-t... Terrence? Trace? What was it?" She felt a twinge of embarrassment, fearing he might interpret her struggle as unfriendliness.
Gasps of shock echoed around her, including the man standing before her, displaying a mix of surprise, pain, and disappointment. Don Francisco intervened, "Georgina, are you serious?! He's my son, Tra--"
The man interrupted, "Georgina, six years. Only six years, and you forget me this easily? It's me, Travis. Travis Rosselli."
Wide-eyed, realization struck her. Travis! He had changed so much physically, looking even more handsome and mature. She hugged him, a friendly embrace. "Oh, I'm sorry! My mind has been occupied lately. It's not that I completely forgot you; your name was on the tip of my tongue and wouldn't come out. Anyway, have a seat, big brother,"
His eyebrows furrowed. "Big brother?"
"Yes, I'm thrilled we finally have the chance to reunite after six long years," she said, intending to use 'Kuya' as a term of respect, hoping to avoid delving into their past.
Confusion painted the faces around her. "Anyway, how many children do you have now, big bro?" she asked, flashing a quick smile.
Gasps ensued once more, especially from Alex, who seemed bewildered. "I bet your wife is beautiful. Share your life with us! You've been gone for too long. When can I meet my nephews? Our families are close, so it's like I'm already an Aunt," she said, leaving everyone utterly baffled.
Travis struggled to find words. "Y-yeah. She's beautiful... damn beautiful," His gaze lingered on her as he spoke. "But we're not yet married. I'm determined to make it happen."
She expressed happiness for him. "Oh. She must be special. You need to fight for her. But I think I'll beat you to it. I'm getting married a month from now. I hope you and your future wife can make it. We should all be together for the most important event in my life."
"As if I would let that happen."
"Huh? Did you say something?" he nodded. "Nothing. Just finish your food, and tomorrow we're going somewhere," he declared without checking if she had prior commitments.
She appreciated his kindness, but the timing seemed off. "I'd love to, big brother, but we have a meeting with the wedding planner tomorrow. Alex is free; he can join you. You two are best friends, after all. You go ahead. I'm sure you miss each other's company."
His jaw tightened, and a shift in mood was palpable. She brushed it off, attributing it to jet lag. After a few minutes, she politely asked the elders for permission to rest. As she drifted into sleep, a smile adorned her face, excited about the next day's activities with Blake—her Blake.