Through Secrets Unveiled

Chapter Twelve - Luz

NADATNAN SI STACEY NI RENANTE NA NAKAUPO SA SOFA. Her laptop was cradled by her crossed legs. Nakataas sa upuan ang kanyang mga paa at nakasandal ang balakang sa arm rest. Her back hunched a bit, to lower her head and help her see the screen better.

Stacey was already aware of Renante's arrival. Narinig niya ang ingay ng gate sa labas para ipasok sa bakuran at iparada ang sasakyan nito.

As he got in, Stacey granted him a small, welcoming smile. Gumanti ito ng ngiti. He was genuine about it, but could not hide his tiredness.

Renante dropped his laptop bag at the other end of the sofa. He walked past the backrest of the sofa to reach her side. Tiningala niya ang binata nang huminto sa kanyang tabi. Yumuko ito para lapatan siya ng halik sa mga labi.

Then, he eyed on her laptop.

He saw pictures of weaving patterns on the screen.

"Studying new designs?" he loosened the top buttons of his shirt. Renante's eyes were still on her laptop.

"Yes. For you."

Napatingin ito sa kanya. "For me?" he was confused but felt funny about it, having that little chuckle as he talked.

"I want to help. Kahit sa concept man lang ng designs," kilos ng kamay niya sa cursor board para ituloy ang pagtingin-tingin ng mga disenyo sa internet. "There is no need for collaborations or anything. I want to help you not as a business collaborator but as your girlfriend."

He smiled. He really looked tired, physically, and yet he was still generous with those smiles.

"Thank you," he patted her shoulder before giving it a little squeezing massage. "Send mo lang sa akin, Boo. Isa-suggest ko sa meeting ulit namin ni Cherry."

"Cherry?" napatingin siya rito.

"She's Pierre Gallardo's assistant. Siya ang mismong contact person namin pagdating sa collaboration."

"Oh," she returned her eyes on the designs. "Isn't it going to be rude if you'll pick my chosen designs over theirs?"

He just smiled at her. "I don't think so. They might add a little bit of some customization ideas if they like to work on the patterns you showed me."

He had a point. "I agree."

He patted her shoulder. "Enough with that. Let's have dinner first."

Tiniklop niya ang laptop at iniwan iyon sa mesita sa salas. She stood up and hurried to Renante, carressing her hands from the sides of his neck down to his shoulders.

Minasahe niya ang mga balikat nito. "What do you want for dinner?" Nginitian niya ito. Ngiti na nag-aasam. "Gusto mo ba ng feet dip and Netflix?"

He cocked his head to the side, wearing a playful suspicious smirk. "Being so sweet all of a sudden, Boo. So out of character."

Her hand trailed from his left shoulder up to his jaw. Her fingers lightly traced before cradling it.

"You call this sweet already?" she grinned naughtily.

"Yes," swabeng hapit nito sa kanyang bewang para maglapit ang kanilang mga katawan.

This man, always taking her by  and championing it. And each time she falls a victim, her heart pounding excitedly with his every score.

He lowered his head, lips brushing against the side of her face. Stacey lowered her eyes, stared at the blank spot on the shoulder part of his shirt.

"I think it is so sweet of you, Stace, and I like it," he spoke softly, almost a murmur. "But, if you're in the mood to treat me bad and rip my clothes off right here and right now. Go on, Boo."