TWO: FEISTY
3187 Words
“Are you just going to stand there? I bet those long legs of yours are already shaking. Uhmm...” He propped his left elbow on the table and rested his chin on his hand. “Now that I mentioned it, I remember one steamy night with this chick who smelled as sweet as candy. Her legs were securely wrapped around my waist while I—”
“Is this what you want, Mr. Salvatore? Pinapunta mo ba ako dito para pahiyain? I did not know you are this rude.” Nagtagis ang aking bagang. Kung nakakamatay lang ang titig, tiyak akong kanina pa ito nalagutan ng hininga.
Alam kong hindi maganda ang humiling ng isang trahedya pero sa oras na ito, hiniling kong lumindol ng malakas at mabagsakan ang lalake ng mga naglalakihang prenteng nakaupo na animo’y isang prinsepe.
“My attitude depends on the person I’m dealing with.” Naka-angat ang kilay nito.
Huh? Ano ang kanyang ibig sabihin? Gusto ko sanang magsalita para alamin kung ano ang kanyang tinutukoy pero bigla itong tumayo. Namulsa ito habang naglakad palapit sa akin.
His strides were big that in just a blink of an eye, he was now standing a few inches from me. Humakbang ako paatras pero huli na nang ma-realize kong pintuan pala ang nasa sa aking likod.
I was trapped in between when he stretched out his arms and pressed his palms against the hard surface of the door. I instantly forgot how to breathe. With this proximity, he could hear the loud beating of my heart.
Naningkit ang kanyang mga mata habang tinatanaw ako. Kung noong gabing iyon ay nabighani ako sa paraan ng kanyang mga titig, ngayon ay parang gusto kong kabahan. May sumbat kasi sa paraan ng pagkakatingin niya sa akin. Para bang galit ito dahil may ginawa akong kasalanan sa kanya.
Suminghap ako. “Anong problema mo sa akin? Dalawang linggo na rin ang lumipas buhat nung gabing yun Mr. Salvatore. At kung tama ang pagkakaalala ko’y nagustuhan mo ang pangyayaring iyon. Ano ang iyong kinakagalit ngayon? Wala naman akong balak gumawa ng ingay o di kaya ay mag-eskandalo. It was a mutual understanding between us, even though both of us were under the influence of alcohol.”
Mas lalong naningkit ang mga mata nito. With his height, I looked so small. At kung gusto niya akong saktan, tiyak akong sa isang pisil lang ng kanyang palad ay kaya niyang baliin ang aking buto.
Mas bumaba pa lalo ang kanyang mukha sa akin at halos isang pulgada na lang ang pagitan at magbabanggaan na ang aming mga ilong.
“You almost did not believe me when I told you I am single. Sa paraan ng tingin mo sa akin nung gabing yun, you thought I was lying through my teeth. And I believed you when you said you’re not married. But look who’s lying now, huh.”
“I—I wasn’t lying.” Ani ko sa nanginginig na boses.
“Really, huh?”
Nilapat ko ang aking mga palad sa kanyang dibdib. “You’re too close, Mr. Salvatore. Hindi kaaya-ayang tignan.”
“I don’t give a shit.”
“But I do.” Tinulak ko ito. Ako na mismo ang humakbang palayo sa kanya. “At oo, hindi ako nagsisinungaling. I mean—” Did I lie? Mali baa ko?
“Don’t lie to me.”
“I did not lie to you.” The audacity of this man for accusing me.”
“I was informed that you’re married.”
“Yes, I was!” I yelled.
He crossed his arms over his broad chest. “You were? What’s that supposed to mean?” He asked while leaning against the door.
My jaw clenched as I looked at him. His overbearing behavior was getting to my nerves. This ill-tempered brute was like no other.
“I think that’s none of your business anymore, Mr. Salvatore.” I need to get out from here. What the f**k was I thinking? Hindi na dapat talaga ako nagpunta pa dito.
Because you’re wishing to meet him again, you hypocrite.
“Shut up.” I hissed to myself. I will not listen to my inner self anymore. I promise.
Ang problema ko ay paano ako makakalabas gayong nakasandal ang lalake sa mismong pintuan. Kinuyom ko ang aking kamao at nag-umpisang humakbang palapit sa kanya. Hindi naman niya siguro ako ikukulong dito sa opisina niya, noh? If he’s going to hold me captive, I’d call the police.
“Excuse me. Kailangan ko nang umuwi.” Sabi ko sa matigas na tinig.
Nag-angat lamang ito ng kilay sa akin. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“Hindi ko obligasyong sagutin ang bawat tanong mo, Mr. Salvatore.”
His lips quirked up. “After that night? Just call me Matt. I’d like to hear my name in your lips, Porsche.”
Goodddd! This man was a jerk. He practically moaned my name as if he was…. what the hell is wrong with him?
I would love to slap him so hard he would still feel it next month.
“Don’t make me hate you even more, Mr. Salvatore. I need to go. Now.”
“You hate me now, huh? Masama bang alamin ko kung bakit hindi ka nagsabi ng totoo sa akin nung gabing yun? I may be looking like a jerk to you, but I value honesty. At katulad mo ayoko rin makipagtalik sa taong may karelasyon. Women who are in relationships are off-limits to me, even if they want to dump their partners just to be in bed with me.” He was telling me this as if it was a matter of fact. Perhaps it was.
“Hindi ko alam na kailangan ko pa palang i-elaborate sa’yo ang sitwasyon ko. But okay. Fine. Kung ito ang ikakapanatag ng kalooban mo, kaklaruhin ko. I was married. Take note of the past tense, Mr. Salvatore. My husband died five years ago, and I’ve been a widow since then that’s why when you asked me that night, I said no.” I breathed. “Malinaw na ba sa’yo? Masaya ka na?”
Hindi ito umimik. Imbes na sagutin ako, tinanaw lamang ako nito mula ulo hanggang paa at pabalik. He was studying me, and I suddenly felt uncomfortable under his gaze. His expressions softened at hindi ko mapangalanan kung ano iyon.
“Mr. Salvatore?” I called him out.
He blinked his eyes. “Matt. Just call me, Matt.”
“Whatever. Gusto ko nang umuwi.”
“You haven’t heard about my proposal yet, Porsche.”
I bit my inside cheek. I didn’t know why I liked the sound of my name from his mouth.
“Wala akong balak tanggapin ang kung ano mang proposal yan. Kaya lang naman ako nandito dahil gusto kong magpasalamat sa kapatid mo dahil sa nagustuhan niya ang cupcake na gawa ko.”
“Nagustuhan ko rin.” He smirked as he licked his lower lip. “Especially the icing. So sweet.”
Kumunot ang aking noo. “Walang icing yun!”
“Oh? Pardon. I’m talking about the other cupcake.”
Namula ang aking mukha. Was he talking about—
“Yes. I’m talking about you, cupcake.” He laughed a little as he moved to his side, giving me the way to the door.
Nanlisik ang mga mata ko sa kanya. Pulang-pula na aking mukha sa pinagsasabi ng lalakeng ito. I did not know he was this flirty.
“Well, nice meeting you again, Mr. Salvatore and I’ll make sure this will be the last.” Ani ko sabay hawak sa doorknob.
“If I were you, I’m not going to hope for it. Till next time, Porsche.” He winked.
“There won’t be a next time.” My voice was full of conviction.
“Oh, believe me, there will be. Especially now that I can’t get that cupcake out of my system. I’m craving to taste it again.” He teased.
“Mr. Salvatore, there’s something wrong with you. Magpa-doktor ka na.” I said as I clicked the knob open. “Goodbye.”
“See you soon.” I heard him say but I didn’t bother to look back.
Nagmamadali akong umalis sa building na iyon. Naghahabol ako ng hininga nang nasa loob na ako ng taxi. Pinagpawisan ako ng malagkit.
Matteo Salvatore is one dangerous man. I need to steer clear from him. Hindi ko gusto ang paraan ng pagtibok ng puso ko sa tuwing nagtatama ang aming mga mata. His presence was slowly consuming me. I didn’t like how my body reacted when he was around.
Matteo’s POV
The moment the door closed, I walked towards the window and stood there staring over Metro Manila. My hands were shoved in my suit pockets as I felt a burning sensation at the pit of my stomach.
What the f**k was wrong with me? I messed up. Our meeting wasn’t supposed to be like that. I wanted to punch myself for acting like a fool.
Porscheska Madrigal.
Beautiful. Sexy. Hot. Smartass.
I tried to wipe her out of my mind for the last two weeks but every time I closed my eyes, her face was all I could see. The way she looked, the way she smelled, the way she shivered under my touch. And oh Lord, the fire in her eyes were captivating.
She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in a long time. And I so wanted to see her again that I was thinking of going after her.
Pero bago ang lahat, kailangan ko munang komprontahin ang aking magaling na kapatid.
Nagmamadali akong lumabas sa aking opisina. Nang mamataan ako ng aking secretary, she stood up.
“Sir, do you need anything?”
I shook my head. I signaled her to sit down. “I’ll be back. Call me if it’s an important matter.” Ang sagot ko. Tango lang din ang sinagot niya sa akin.
Tinahak ko ang daan patungo sa opisina ni Romano. Tiyak akong nandun pa sila ni Mira dahil nakagawian na nila na bago umuwi sa kanilang bahay ay dumadaan muna ito sa aking opisina para magpaalam.
“Are they inside?” Tanong ko sa secretary ni Romano.
“Yes, sir—”
I waved my hand dismissively. Hindi ko na hinintay pang matapos ang kanyang sasabihin. I was pissed alright.
Hindi na ako nag-abala pang kumatok at basta nalang binuksan ang pintuan. “Mira, why the hell didn’t you—” My sentence was cut mid-air.
Romano was leaning against his seat, eyes closing. “You’re disturbing us, Matt. Leave.”
“What the hell? Where is my sister?”
A hand behind the table showed up. “I’m here, kneeling.” She giggled candidly.
Napahilamos ako sa aking mukha. “Jesus Christ.” I uttered in annoyance. “Get a damn room!”
“We are in the room, but you barged in unceremoniously, dear bro.” Romano chuckled as he fixed himself. Yumuko ito at tunog ng halikan ang aking narinig. He then grabbed a box of tissue from the table and gave it to my sister.
I rolled my eyes. This two, really. “Why didn’t you tell me that Porsche is a widow, Mira?”
“Oh? Is she? I didn’t know. Hindi naman kasi nakalagay sa kanyang personal data.”
“Right.” I grunted.
“Why? Are you interested in her? She’s beautiful alright but she’s older than you.” Mira stood up as she fixed her hair. Romano on the other hand, was fixing her crumpled dress with a smug look on his face. His palm resting on her protruding stomach.
“Don’t give me that face, Romano. I so badly want to wipe that out from you.” Inis na sabi ko.
Humalakhak ang gago. “I don’t even utter a single word, bro. Chill.”
“Don’t start, babe.” Bahagyang ginulo ni Mira ang buhok ng asawa. Pagkatapos ay may kinuha itong papel mula sa folder at nangingiting inabot sa akin. “Here. If you want to know more about her, malalaman mo dito. Her friend who is working in our company wrote down some information of hers. Wait, naialok mo ba ang proposal natin sa kanya?”
I screwed up my face. “I f****d it up.”
Bumanghalit ng tawa si Romano. God, I so wanted to punch his pretty face.
Mira’s face fell. “What did you do this time, Matt?”
“What did he do?” Bea’s voice joined in as the door opened. Behind her was Alejandro who was looking at us questionably.
“I think our brother has a crush on Porsche.” Mira answered as she eyed me teasingly.
“Oh!” Bea squeaked in excitement. Si Alejandro na nakahawak sa baywang ng asawa ay nakamata sa akin.
“And who is Porsche?” He asked in a serious tone.
Bea lifted her hand and cupped her husband’s cheek. Alejandro instantly rested his head on her palm. Alejandro was the perfect example of a p***y-whipped man. Let’s add Romano on the list, everyone.
“The woman who made the cupcake for the party two weeks ago. Mira and I liked it so much. Kaya naisipan namin na kunin siyang baker ng kompanya. Matteo volunteered to offer the proposal to her—”
“Apparently, he f****d it up.” Romano interjected, still laughing like a lunatic that he was.
“You, what? Did you scare the poor woman, Matteo?” Namewang si Bea sa akin. Salubong ang kilay nito sa akin.
Niligid ko ang tingin sa kanilang apat. They looked at me as if I just murdered someone. Napakamot ako sa aking batok.
Shit. I did f**k it up.
“I’ll do something about it.”
“You’d better be.” The two women answered in unison.
My brothers subtly smirked at me, and I threw my middle finger to both.
Nang makalabas na ako ng opisina, rinig ko ang tawanan ng apat. I smirked. Hearing them laugh unguardedly made me feel warm inside. I loved them all even if they annoyed the living s**t out of me.
*********
I exhaled heavily as I dialed her number. Kumakalabog ang dibdib ko habang naghihintay sagutin ang kabilang linya. It felt like forever before she finally answered the call.
“Hello?”
I closed my eyes at the sound of her voice. It was sexy and husky. Something stirred in my stomach. What the f**k is this feeling?
“Hello?”
I shook my head a little before I cleared my throat. “Hi, Porsche. It’s me, Matt.”
“Oh.” She sounded surprised then fell silent. I heard her breathing. I waited for her to speak. “Anong kailangan mo?”
“Hindi ka ba nagtataka kung paano ko nakuha ang numero mo?” What the f**k, Matt? Do you want to screw this up again?
“Hindi ko na kailangan pang itanong. For someone as powerful as you, you’ll get everything you want with just a snap of your finger, Mr. Salvatore.” Her annoyed voice made me uncomfortable in my seat.
“Matt. It’s Matt for you, Porsche.”
“I will call you whatever the hell I want, Mr. Salvatore. May iba ka pa bang sasabihin bukod sa bwisitin ako? In case you didn’t know, I have a bakery to run at nakakadistorbo ka.”
I cleared my throat once again. “I’m sorry about what happened yesterday. I am sorry if I upset you or if I made you uncomfortable. It was unprofessional and careless of me to ask such a stupid question.”
“And you accused me of lying.” She added.
I groaned internally. “Also, that.”
“But my feelings are no longer your concern, Mr. Salvatore.”
“Matt.” I corrected her.
She hissed. “Anong kailangan mo?” Mataray na tanong nito. Hindi ko alam bakit napangiti ako. I could imagine her annoyed look.
“I would like you to have a dinner with me tomorrow night, Porsche.” Napapikit ako kasabay ng pagkagat labi. I was supposed to call to apologize but why did I just invite her for dinner? Seriously, what is wrong with me?
“Are you asking me out for a date?” She was caught off-guard.
I took a sharp intake of breath. “I want us to start all over again. Perhaps we can be friends. Our meeting yesterday didn’t start on the right foot.”
I was confident she would say yes because I was indeed sincere with my intention. But the next thing I heard shock me.
She laughed so hard in a very condescending manner I could feel her mocking at me.
“I have no interest dating a bastard like you, Mr. Salvatore. I would never go out with you even if you were the last man on earth. Have a good day, Mr. Salvatore.”
The phone clicked as she hanged up. I stared at my phone in my hand. I had never been rejected and never been spoken to like that in my whole life. To say that I was shocked was an understatement.
Nagpalipas ako ng ilang minuto para pakalmahin ang aking sarili. I was confused with my feelings. I didn’t know if I should be mad or be impressed with her feisty attitude.
I snapped my head to the window. I opened my car door and walked across the street where her bakeshop was.
Pumasok ako doon. She was standing behind the cash desk while her head hung low. She was staring at her phone that she didn’t bother to look up.
She seemed not in the moment, or her mind was somewhere else. Perhaps, she was thinking of me? A man could hope.
“Hi.”
She jumped out of her skin that her phone slid through her hand when I spoke. She looked up to me with nervous eyes. When our gaze met, her mouth fell open.
“Anong ginagawa mo dito?”
“I’m buying a cupcake.” Nakangising sagot ko.
Tinitigan ako nito na para bang hindi ito makapaniwala sa narinig mula sa akin.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” She scoffed.
I was about to speak when a young lady yelled as she ran down the stairs. Kasunod nito ang batang lalake na umiiyak.
“Mommy! Nilagyan ni Darren ng bubblegum ang buhok ko!”
“Mommy, pinalo ako ni ate!” Iyak ng bata.
“Dahil makulit ka! Tignan mo anong ginawa mo sa buhok ko?!”
“Hindi ko naman sinasadya.”
“Anong hindi mo sinasadya? Pilyo ka lang talaga.”
“Mommy!”
Agad na dinaluhan ni Porsche ang umiiyak na bata. Niyakap niya ito. “Ano bang nangyari?”
Hindi ko na nasundan pa ang mga susunod na pangyayari. Namalayan ko na lang ang sarili kong nasa labas na ng bakeshop na iyon.
I shouldn’t be here. I need to get out from here.
- Writer
