Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Not Jealous

Time: 2 p.m.

I sipped through the straw of my cold Mocha Frappuccino. Dec bought me this through the help of his assistant. I just can't believe that he ordered his secretary to go outside the company in this abundance of boiling afternoon just to buy me a cup of drink from Starbucks. I hope he is okay right now, and now recovered himself from the hotness of sun.

I really hate that Philippines is too much hot in summer and even in typical days.

I'm so bored here, sitting in the lounge outside of his office. He was busy there with his father's secretary, which shock me a bit that it's the chubby man I interacted with in the elevator earlier.

The reason why Gregory, my flawless best friend, begged me to just go outside of his office to avoid being with the same room with the chubby, handsome man. I thought that he doesn't care at all what happened inside the elevator.. little did I know he really does, and he was listening intently to what was the guy was telling me.

I slightly stoop my head as I felt some people gawk at me.

Like what's their problem? Did I do anything wrong or displeasing? And I believe, I did none. I did nothing but to just sit here and wait for Dec's time for me.

Or maybe I have a dirt on my face? But that's impossible, I just finished checking my face in the restroom!

I rolled my eyes discreetly. The world is honestly full of gossipmongers. Ugh!

How I hate it. Are they whispering things about me? Is it good or bad?

Or maybe they just appreciate my beauty and was just asking each other '-I'm curious, what's her skincare?-' is that it? The reason why they are staring at me, because I'm a lovely woman? I hope yes.

I ignored them. I don't mind them anymore even if their eyes will bled just because of me. It was their choice.

***

Location: Urdaneta Village, Makati City, Philippines

---

Time: 7 p.m.

"So how was the day of both of you?" Arc asked as he swallowed the cookies that we brought from Cookie House near the company.

We just got home after a very long, dull day.

"Actually, it was really fine but," I grimaced, I can't help it. "Boring." I glance at Dec.

His lips twitched into a small smile, "I told you it's gonna be boring."

"I know, but I will still go with you tomorrow." I said, laughing. My day will be more dull without him.

He chuckled. "Good, baby." He said as he hugged me.

My brother shook his head in dismay and chuckled, "Why would you rather going again, you said it was really boring." He said as he moves the mouse of his laptop.

"Just because." I said and rolled my eyes.

Dec let out a loud laugh, "Just because she wants to be with me. No need to question that. What does she meant by it was very easy to predict."

My brother chuckled. "Yeah, she's just shy. Eeve, you're too old to be shy. Admit it."

I groaned.

These guys will always be annoying as ever.

***

Time: 8 p.m.

I was busy rubbing myself with a scrub inside my shower room when I heard my phone ringing.

Ugh! Bad timing it is!

I wanted to answer the call, but I just couldn't.

I hope it's not important.

I was closing the door of my walk-in closet room, that is connected through my bathroom, when I unintentionally glance at the living thing lying comfortably on top of my bed.

I flinched a bit. He's so annoying! I almost had a heart attack!

"What are you doing here?" I harshly asked.

"Lying." He simply replied as he watches me with his arms resting under his head.

"You just got home."

He just got home and here he is again. In my house.

"Yes, but I'm not yet sleepy. So instead of staying inside my room and think of what happened earlier.. I took a bath.. and used my car to come back here in your house to spend my time with you."

"Wow, very detailed. I think that you memorized what you just said." I said as I went to my dresser to comb my hair.

My eyes furrowed when I saw him hardly gulped while watching me.

What is he doing? Is there something on me that makes him feel uneasy?

I'm wearing my usual clothes, silk top and silk short. He's used to when I'm wearing like this and now I'm kind of confused with his reaction.

There are really some times that he's acting like this and whenever I ask what his problem is, he only says 'nothing.'

After finishing my night face routine, I clamber up to my bed and crawled beside him.

"Be mindful on your actions. 'Cos often you don't notice that you're showing unnecessary stuffs." He said as he gazes at me while hugging him.

My eyes dilated.

Oh no, not again, it's always like this, I'm always being careless, always forgetting that I'm not a child anymore.

I bit my lip. I'm so embarrassed that he saw it. "I'm sorry... I know, I just forgot." I said as I buried my face on his arm.

How can I always be careless in front of boys!? I'm not a little girl anymore! Eeve, you're a grown-up now! - my subconscious reminds me.

"How many times do I have to remind you to be careful on your actions? Yes, you're still my baby, but you're a woman now. Everyone sees you as a woman now.. even me." He said in a gentle, serious tone. His voice was hoarse.

And I felt like I'm being scolded again.

"Sorry." I mumbled.

"Okay, I will consider your carelessness this time, again. What I'm saying is for your own... And my own peacefulness. You get me?"

I nodded my head.

After a short while of silence, I changed the topic.

"What do you say about James?" I asked. It's the assistant of his dad, the one who is chubby but handsome.

He was very kind to me.

I gaze at him when I heard him groaned, "Are you having a crush on him?" He asked.

I don't know. But I'm very fond of him even when he kind of irritated me earlier inside the elevator.

"I'm not sure, but he's a good-looking guy."

He glowered his face even further, "He's a gay." He said.

I cracked up, "No, you're the gay."

He irritably furrowed his brows, "So I'm a gay for you?"

"The way you act.. it's a yes."

"What do you want me to act to prove that I'm not gay?" He said as he change his position, he faced me and sits his elbow on the bed.

"To act mature and not immature."

"I'm not." I shook my head in dismayed and laugh because of his over-confidence answer. "You want me to prove it?" He asked as moves closer to me.

"And in what way would you show it?" I raise a brow, I can't help but to laugh at his frowning face.

My eyes widened and I shrieked when he unexpectedly scooped me on top of him and hug me.

"¿¡Por qué siempre tienes que hacerme gritar!? (Why do you always have to make me scream!?)" I said as I was trying to pull myself out from his hug, but I can't, he's hugging his arms too tight on my back and waist.

"What? I didn't understand you." He said, chuckling.

"Ugh! You are the most irritating person I know."

He just laugh at me once again.

***

Location: Century City Mall, Makati City, Philippines

---

Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Time: 9:30 a.m

I don't know how to control my head from falling.

I'm sleepy and I can't help it.

I slept late because of this man that is comfortably sitting in his chair and scanning some papers.

Last night, he almost slept in my room, only that my mom visited me and she saw him. Of course, she didn't mind. She trusts him and she knows what our relationship is. And when he got home, he immediately called me! That's the reason why I slept late! He demanded me to tell some stuffs to him and sing! Oh, gosh!

And now, I feel like I'm a walking dead! Because of him!

My brows furrowed from the sleepiness and irritation I'm feeling.

I need a very strong coffee.

I stood up and spank his table loudly.

He calmly lifted his head and raised a brow. "What do you want, Eeve?" He sweetly smiled.

I rolled my eyes and it made his forehead creased in slight confusion. "I'm going out to buy a very cold coffee. You don't need to tell your assistant to buy me, cos I can buy myself." I said.

"No, I'll tell her to buy. Don't make yourself tired." He said, placing the papers back on the table from his hands.

"But I'm so bored. Ugh! I need to walk to make my energy go back!"

He massaged his temple. "Fine. I will go with you."

"What? You don't need to. Just do your work. I can do it myself and I'm not a baby anymore."

He stood up. "Nope, you're still my baby." He opened the drawer of his table and took his phone out and put it in his pocket.

Then he grabbed the telephone on his table . "I will go outside for a short while. Yes... Yes, thank you." He placed it back.

Is he required to be with all the time when I'm here in his company? He doesn't need to be my babysitter. I'm too old to handle myself alone.

We went out of his office, with his hand holding mine.

I tried to remove my hand, but he just tightened his grip on it.

***

Time: 3 p.m.

"Hi," I got startled because a man suddenly appeared in front of me while I was busy eating in here in the cafeteria.

I looked at him and flashed a small smile.

"You alone?" He asked.

I hesitantly nodded my head.

"Are you nervous?" He asked, grinning.

What the? Why does he always assume so much?

"Huh? Why would I be?" I can't help but to show the annoyance building up in me.

"Because you always seems like nervous."

I ignored him.

He chuckled. "Do you speak Tagalog?"

"Yes." I coldly said. He's too bold and too talkative, but he's kind and I'm still fond of him.

"Sinong kaibigan ba dinadalaw mo dito? Baka kilala ko. (Which friend are you visiting in here? Maybe I know him/her.)"

I bit my lip. Should I say that I came here with the next boss of the bosses of the company or the CEO's successor? Of course not!

"You know him." I said.

"Oh, it's a him?" I nod my head once again.

"Declan Gregory." I flashed him a small smile and continued eating while his mouth got dropped.

He nodded and gulped. "I.. I thought you're just someone he knows."

"No. Sorry."

"I'm.. uh.. I'm.. I think I gotta go now." He stammered as he looked back at me and to something or someone behind me.

I just nodded at him and smiled.

I looked up to Declan when he sat down beside me.

"Talking to him again?" He asked, opening my bottle of water.

"What is wrong with that. I shouldn't just ignore him. He appeared in front of me and talked with me in a friendly way. I can't just avoid my eyes at him and act like a mute." I spat.

***

Time: 5 p.m.

"I want to go home. Are you going to work longer?" I asked as I hug him on the back while he's busy typing in his computer.

"A little bit longer." He said.

"¿Pero por qué? (But why?)" I said in my grumbling tone.

"Perché non ho ancora finito. (Because I'm not done yet.)" He said and my brows furrowed.

I didn't understand him! Ugh, I really should not talk to him in Spanish.

"What did you say? Clarify it." I kissed his cheeks.

"I said 'because I'm not yet done', get it now?" He faced me and kissed me back on my nose.

"I felt like you cussed me."

He chuckled. "Molto captive. (Very naughty.)" He mumbled.

And I didn't understand him once again!

***

Location: Century City Mall, Makati City, Philippines

———

Time: 6:30 p.m.

I thought we are about to go home but he oppositely maneuvered the car.

And I was right when I assumed that we are gonna go to a mall.

"Are you going to buy something?" I asked.

He shook his head and motioned me to stop asking as he look for a place to park the car.

Okay bossy, boss.

The sun was almost obstructed by clouds. Maybe after a short while, moon will replce it and we will be home with the darkness sorrounding us. And my brother Lock will scold me again, just like what happened yesterday. I honestly don't understand why I still have a curfew when it comes to him, when our parents doesn't even worry about that, while he is always overreacting.

After slamming the door of the car behind me, Dec placed his arms on my shoulder and pulled me closer to him. My left feet stumbled because of him and I pushed him.

"Can you please be more gentle?" I said and rolled my eyes. He's too aggressive that he can't even control it even in simple things.

I scan my phone after settling myself down on the comfortable chair. We just reached our destination of the restaurant we wanted to eat in.

I was busy scrolling on social media when few messages popped on my screen.

Chelle: You free today?

And it was sent a few hours ago!

Oh no! I missed our bond date again!

I heaved a deep sigh and did not even bother to type a reply.

Dec was busy playing with my fingers when he glanced at me and caught how I frowned.

"What's the matter?" He gently asked as he entwined his hand with mine.

"I just missed a date with my friends." I said, pouting.

"Rochelle and Vien?"

"Yes."

"You can ask them to sleep ov-- I forgot, you shouldn't. You're going with me tomorrow again, right?"

"You know, you got a good idea. I can just tell them to have an overnight in my house." I said smiling, I winked at him.

I really miss them. Like so much. We haven't seen each other for a few weeks now.

He frowned. "No, just next week, can you?" He pleads.

"What? Why? You can labor without me." I said grimacing.

"Just this week, please. And after this, you could decide whether you want to go or you don't with me." He said as he grip tightly on my hand. It's like he can make me agree with his pleading hands.

How could I reject this beautiful man with the most beautiful eyes? He is just so irresistible.

"Bien vale. (Okay fine.)" I said, giving in.

He just flashed me a sweet, contented smile.

We're in the middle of relishing our dinner when my eyes suddenly captured two girls walking towards us.

My eyes widen in shock. Dec who saw my face looked behind him too.

I stood up and hugged them. We spoke in unison,

"Oh my, I miss you so much, guys!"

"We miss you, Cass!"

Dec called a waiter to request for two more seats in our table.

"I thought we wouldn't see each other, 'cos you're busy. What a nice coincidence." Vien said as we settled on our seats.

The first time I met Vien, I thought she was very cold. I thought she was not easy to be with. But then after we got to be comfortable with each other, I asked her why she's always so serious. She said that she was just shy and not used to being friendly and chatty to others.

While Chelle is my childhood best friend ever since I started going to school and learned how to socialize.

"So how did the two of you got in here?" I asked, after they finished ordering.

Our conversation went on and on. They said that they set a bond date without me anymore, cos they thought that I was really busy. They told me that they assumed I was always going home very late with Dec and not this early, that's why they didn't bother to nag me to come with them.

I glance at Dec, who's just busy eating and listening to us. After a while, I saw him peeking at his watch. I glanced on mine too and I saw that it was already 7:30 p.m.

Few minutes later he called me, "Hey." He said.

I raised my brow and smiled, gesturing him a question.

"We need to go home." He said.

We bid our goodbyes to my best friends and we went out of the restaurant with a smile plastered on my face. I'm just happy that even if we didn't meant to see each other and have a bond, we did. Even in just a short span of time, I really enjoyed my catch up with them.

Dec placed his arm on my shoulder as we walk. He pulled my neck closer to him as if he was going to whisper something.

"What?" I mumbled as he leveled his mouth on my ear.

"You want an icecream?" He whispered.

I sweetly smiled and faced him. "We really left on purpose, did we?" I asked.

Whenever I'm with my friends or with someone else that he's not that close with and for example, I didn't have the chance to talk with him and acknowledge his presence, he always do some things that will make me unintentionally put my attention to him, like asking me to go home, inviting me somewhere or saying that he's going to say important things to me.

I felt like he always can't get enough of my attention when it was really opposite.

He just smiled at me and we walked until we found his car.

We got in it and he drove off until we arrived in our destination. The Baskin Robbins.

After ordering, we sat in a very comfortable, vacant couch.

He was playing with my phone and I'm so bored.

"I was about to ask them to sleep over in my house." I said. I want his attention and my phone doesn't need his attention.

After hearing me, he immediately turned my phone off and rested it on the table.

"What?" He asked, his face was serious.

"I was--"

I halted on speaking when he pulled me closer to him on my waist.

I glared at him.

He chuckled. "You told me you're not asking them anymore? Cos you're going with me?"

"I didn't invite them. I was just about to." I rolled my eyes.

"Good. Always do what you say, because if you don't, I will pun..." He stopped talking when someone appeared in front of us.

"Here's your order, ma'am and sir." The woman in front of us said.

I smiled at her and she returned it back with a smile. Dec glanced at the woman and flashed her a little smile. The woman's eyes dilated a bit, amazement was all over her face.

After the woman recovered from the shock, she immediately bow her head in shame and turned her back from us.

"Seems like everyone here in the Philippines can't help but to unintentionally notice you and be shock of how the way your physical looks drain them."

He just shook his head. "Am I that good-looking?" He grinned as he look at me intently.

I pretend to think further. "Uhmm... For me.. it's a no, because how can I still like other guys if you have the most handsome face?"

His smiling face slowly turned to his poker one. "Really? And who are those guys you're liking right now?" He raised a brow.

"Leo my classmate... Paul and Liam my close friends and many more." I couldn't help but to chuckle discreetly when I saw how his face turned bad.

He didn't bother to reply and I ate my icecream. After a few second, he spoke. "I am liking some women too."

I grinned. "Then tell them."

He frowned. Grabbing me closer to him, he pulled me on my waist.

"You're not jealous?" I scooped a spoonful of icecream and leveled it on his mouth. He took it and frowned even more.

"Why would I be? You took too much time to think of what you are about to say and I immediately guessed what was on your mind." I chuckled.

"But that's true."

I shook my head in dismay and laugh, not bothering to say any words instead, I just fed him.

"Can we go out of town after your work?" I asked. I really want to have a vacation again and just spend my time relaxing, away from the pollution.

"Sure.. but maybe when I'm not busy anymore. We can go anywhere you want."

"¿Solo nosotras dos? (Just the two of us?" I asked in Spanish that for sure he won't understand.

"What?" And I guessed right.

I chuckled, he couldn't help but to smile too. "I said 'just the two of us?'."

He shook his head in amusement and gently caress my hair. "If you want.. then why not."

***

Location: Urdaneta Village, Makati City, Philippines

---

Time: 9:30 p.m.

"Great!" I yelled in exasperation as the girl we're watching in the movie made a stupid mistake.

Gosh, she's just so dumb to do that! She didn't even think of others that will going to die because of her!

Everyone got startled because of my shout.

"Deja de hacer ruido! (Stop making noise!)" Lock said irritably.

"Okay, I'm sorry." I murmured.

I heard the twins giggling. I glanced at them and I bit my lip to resist myself laughing too as I felt Lock glaring at me.

After a while, Casslie sat beside me.

"Can I go with you tomorrow?" Casslie pouted her lips as she pleaded.

And my forehead creased. Tomorrow? In the company?

"What? Where?" I asked, brows furrowed.

"Ugh! With you, tomorrow, at the company." She scowled.

"It's not a park, Cass. And Dec wouldn't grant you to." I rolled my eyes.

"Pero no jugaré, soy demasiado mayor para hacer eso. (But I won't play, I'm too old to do that.) She said, almost yelling.

I heaved a deep sigh. "Entonces, ¿qué vas a hacer ahí? (Then, what are you going to do there?)" I asked in a very lazy tone.

She will just be bored there and will ask me to go home.

"Nothing, let's go shopping if you want." She wiggled her brows.

"If you want to go there just to shop--"

"No, I will come with you! I'll ask kuya! (Referring to Dec - endearment for older brother or man)"

"Entonces pregúntale! (Then ask him!)" I rolled my eyes once more.

She's so hard-headed.

We finished the movie and it was very frustrating til the end. I probably won't forget it this night.

"Ate, (Referring to a sister or older woman)" Cullen called me as I was about to leave his room.

"Yeah?" I smiled at him.

"Goodnight. I love you." He sweetly said.

I chuckled and walk towards him. I tapped his shoulder and hugged him. "Goodnight, little boy. Always stay sweet and don't you ever change or I will kick your head out of your neck."

He cracked up and pushed me. "Go to your room!" He said, laughing.