Fit the Puzzle (Azcona Cousins #3)

36

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Chapter 36

When I fully recovered with my surprise, sweat began trickling on my forehead. It was because of the nervousness brought by Brent Iverson's presence. When he was not able to answer any of my calls the past few days, I only thought that he was busy with his rounds and patients, I did not think that he was going to visit me here.

A sweet tension was filling the room. Some of the students were craning their necks to throw Iverson quick glances. I knew he was just pretending that he did not care, but I saw him stir his body to avoid my students.

His mouth was curved into a modest smile, his eyes were kind of sparkling, and his languid moves were smooth.

I wanted to snort because his drama was effective一 he may be writing down comments, ticking a box, or answering a likert scale. I got distracted when he caught me looking at him. He raised an eyebrow and mouthed, what?

"D-During the Spanish period..." I faked a cough before talking again. "U-uhm...F-Filipinos..." I emitted a short laugh. "Sorry, give me a minute to collect my thoughts."

Great.

I could not avoid his gaze. Iverson's brow rose again, and I knew he was containing his laugh.

"I think Miss Gozum did not review her lesson plan well..."

"I did. I am just distracted," I answered without my voice letting my left confidence down.

"Because of me, Miss Gozum? You can't resist me?"

I nodded... absentmindedly.

"Yes, exactly."

I paused. Wait, what?!

Umingay ang buong room. Saglit akong natulala at inalala ang binitawang salita.

Sinipat ko ng tingin si Iverson na komportableng nakaupo. He had a huge and proud smirk. Natutuwa siya sa nalikhang mga asaran at hiyawan ng mga estudyante. I felt like his heart was happy due to the hype my students created.

"Miss! Ikaw ha!"

"Hala, namumula si Miss!"

"Sir, single 'yang si Miss Gozum!"

Mula sa 'di kalayuang distansya, natunghayan ko ang munti ngunit matamis niyang halakhak habang pinapakinggan ang mga asaran sa aming dalawa. Samantalang ako, maliwanag na sa'kin na namumula ang buong mukha ko.

My eyes flew on the laptop, acting busy.

Hinintay kong humupa ang ingay nila bago magsimulang magturo muli. Iverson also sensed that I was not joking around him... or to anyone. The half of the discussion became smooth as Iverson did not interrupt or make any distracting glances. Nang lumabas ako ng room ay umalis na rin siya sa pwesto niya.

My breathing hitched by just looking at him again. Humakbang siya palapit sa akin hanggang sa mawala ang malaking pagitan. Iverson softly held my hip and dipped his mouth on my cheek.

"Surprise..." he whispered on the crook of my neck. "I am going to wait for you at Ma'am Conchi's office, okay?"

Lumunok ako at lutang na tumango. "O-Okay..."

He hummed. "See you."

Sa mga susunod na klase ko ay paminsan-minsang lumilipad ang isip ko. I would wince and stare at my laptop to get back on my track. Buti nga't hindi masyadong halata ang mga biglaan kong pagkawala sa daloy ng pagtuturo. At nang sumapit ang break ko ay dumiresto na agad ako sa opisina ni Ma'am Conchi.

Naabutan ko silang dalawa ni Iverson na kumakain. I also spotted an empty and untouched plate on the table. They both halted, Iverson stood up to greet me with a tight hug.