Chapter 1
1990 Words
I fixed my beach hat as I sat on one of the sun loungers. My Piña colada is sitting prettily on the side table as I overlooked the clear blue beach in front of me.
Ah, this is so relaxing.
It took me days to convince my parents to allow me to go to California alone. At first, they were adamant about not letting me go but when I told them that I needed to relax because I am extremely stressed, they were even the ones who booked my flight.
My Dad owns an advertising agency while my Mom is a psychologist. I am their only daughter and I think that’s the reason why they are so protective of me.
I sipped on my drink as I watched some surfers ride the waves. I could hear the girls squealing while watching the guys who were really good at surfing. But most importantly, they were cheering that handsome man who seemed like an expert in riding the waves.
The man purposely dropped himself into the ocean after a huge wave. He swam back to the shore making the flock of girls occupying the loungers beside me squirm in delight. His biceps flexed as he held onto his surfboard.
When he got out of the water, I saw how perfectly toned his body is. I think he’s over six feet tall. His built biceps tensed as he fixed the board in his arms. There’s a tattoo on his left arm extending to his left chest. I bet it’s his iron-clad chest and his perfectly formed abs that make these women giggle and swoon. Or maybe all of him. Well, I could not deny how handsome he is.
His skin was reddish while walking towards a lounger a little far from me. He rested his elbows on his knees as he panted and watched the sea. His chiseled jaw is leaving everyone breathless. And I could not deny that fact.
“He’s so hot!” One girl beside me giggled. I looked at her and saw how young she is. Sure she’s pretty with her blonde hair and tanned skin but she looks like she just finished primary school. I think it’s true that even children are liberated in America.
“You should get his number,” the brunette beside her whispered. It was a little loud that overheard them.
The blondie stood up and walked towards their target. When she was in front of him, he just gawked at her. His expression is unreadable. I can’t even see if he’s surprised or confused because a woman suddenly appeared in front of him.
Or maybe he’s already used to it? Maybe he already knows how handsome he is that the girls screaming for him is normal for him.
I saw how he creased his forehead when the woman asked him something. He shook his head and that was the only time that the kid let him go. She walked back to her friend while rolling her eyes.
“He has a girlfriend!” She hissed in a frustrated tone. I’m just not sure if it’s because the man has a girlfriend already or if it’s because she got snubbed.
They chorused a frustrated expression and I shook my head. If only all women stop when they know that a guy is already taken, then the world would become a better place. Respect is essential and I think that’s what is lacking from that cheerleader.
I shook my head and sipped on my drink. I’m here to have fun. I’m here to unwind, not to think about him again. I took a heavy breath before removing my cover-up. I left it on the lounger because I know that no one is going to take it anyway. Girls here love to expose their bodies. They don’t need a cover-up.
I went for a swim. I didn’t even bother if I get tanned or get a sunburn. Well, it’s summer in California. I bet being tan is in during this season.
I saw two groups of boys playing beach volleyball while I was enjoying myself on the beach. I didn’t give them much attention and just continued to swim. I just hope they don’t accidentally hit the ball towards my direction or I’ll hit it back to their faces.
I sighed hard to cool myself down. I just hate seeing balls. It reminds me so much of my asshole ex. Any kind! It’s annoying!
I walked back to the lounger after an hour of swimming but I was shocked to see the man the girls are squealing for a while ago. He’s sitting on my lounger, acting like it’s his new territory. Didn’t he see that I left my cover-up there? But well, if that’s where he wants to sit then I better just get my things and go back to my suite.
I stopped in front of him and gathered everything. I finished my drink quickly while I know that the guy is staring at me, watching me intently for some unknown reason. I raised my brow but I still ignored him.
“Hey.”
I could hear him calling me but I acted like I heard nothing. I don’t think he’s talking to me. Why would he talk to me in the first place?
I walked to the hotel I am staying at to eat lunch because I am already hungry. I haven’t had anything today aside from the pina colada that I drank by the beachfront.
I decided to get changed first before heading over to the all-day buffet of the hotel. I wore a flowery sundress. I put my hair up in a bun after blowing it dry. I also checked my phone because my parents would be hysterical if I wasn’t able to answer their calls or texts immediately.
My brows furrowed when I saw a message from Cole. It was a text asking me to hear him out. I rolled my eyes and deleted the message thread. I’ve already seen enough. Whatever reason he has wouldn’t do anything because I have already made up my mind.
The fact that he cheated on me is enough proof for me to end whatever relationship I had with him. There will be no second chances because I don’t trust him anymore. Why else would we try again if he’s already broken my trust?
I let out a heavy breath and finally walked to the buffet. Most of the people are eating near the beachfront so there were not a lot of people near the buffet area. Me? I don’t care where. I just need to eat.
I was busy replying to my mom when I noticed someone stop in front of me. I looked up and almost had my jaw dropped when I saw the handsome surfer guy standing there.
He’s changed into a simple v-neck shirt. He’s wearing his cap backward and he’s smiling at me while holding a plate in his hand.
“Hi,” he greeted.
I narrowed my eyes at him.
He motioned to my table. “Are you with someone?”
I shook my head and his smile widened. “Can I sit with you then? I’m alone, too, like you.”
I raised my brow. What’s with this guy? I thought he already has a girlfriend? What’s he doing in front of me now?
“Excuse me? Are you flirting with me? I hope not because I don’t want to get tangled with a guy that’s already in a relationship,” I told him fiercely while watching him sit in front of me.
He raised his brow and bit his lower lip, seemingly stopping a smile that’s about to break out of his lips. He leaned closer before resting his chin on his palm.
I narrowed my eyes at him. The way he tilted his head made him even more handsome. Yes, I’m not even denying how handsome he is.
“In a relationship?” he asked as if it was a new idea to him.
I pursed my lip in a thin line. “Well, you told the blondie a while back that you’re in a relationship,” I replied nonchalantly.
Did this guy think I was easy? That he could wrap me around his finger like his toy? Excuse me! I’m here to have fun on my own not to find another complication.
He laughed at me and shook his head. I noticed that he has a dimple on his right cheek. His reddish skin is glowing in front of me.
I took a deep breath. “I am not joking,” I told him, already on the verge of getting annoyed because of me who can’t be contented with one woman.
He bit his lip and stopped laughing. Maybe he already understood that I am not playing around.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you but I am single.”
I raised my brow. Did he think I would believe that?
He smiled and looked at me with utmost interest. “You? Maybe you’re the one in a relationship?” he asked. “But you’re alone, so, I don’t think so.”
I pursed my lips in a thin line.
“You’re letting your beauty go to waste.”
I am not that dense. He’s totally hitting on me. And he really even denied having a girlfriend, huh?
“I won’t let it waste to another asshole like you,” I replied.
He placed his hands on his chest and acted like I hurt him there. “Ouch!” he dramatically exclaimed. “Don’t tell me an asshole hurt this beautiful face?”
I looked away. I don’t need to answer that, do I?
“Are you here for vacation? Where do you live? Cali?”
I turned to him again with a glare this time. “And what even made you think that I’ll answer questions from a total stranger?”
He chuckled while shaking his head. “Sungit,” he muttered under his breath.
“I heard that!” I snarled.
He looked at me with wide eyes. There’s a forming smile on his lips like he was so amazed to know that I understood Filipino. “Wow! So you’re a Filipino, too?” He smirked.
I rolled my eyes. I couldn’t even enjoy my food because of this guy.
“Where do you like in the Philippines? I’m from Makati.”
I gave him a sharp stare but he only laughed. “What’s your problem, gorgeous? You said you don’t want to flirt around a taken guy. I told you I’m single. Why are you still snarky?”
“You’re a player. I know by just looking at you,” I told him before sipping on my iced tea.
“You don’t know me yet, baby. Why would you think that I would play with your heart? I’m not like that.”
~*~
A/N: Sungit means ill-tempered. But in that sentence, it's meant to be an expression. Also could be a joke.
- Writer
