Love and Cigarettes

Chapter Thirteen

Time passed by rather quickly.

While Sir Lars and I were still recovering from the accident, the company's workload piled up due to the absence of the editor-in-chief. Miss Kyla took charge temporarily, but she couldn't make major decisions on behalf of our boss.

Due to the momentary halt of our operations, we were reprimanded by other teams who were also affected.

"Would you like some tea, Sir Lars?"

He pinched his nose in frustration. "Yes, please."

Habang nagtitimpla ako, hindi nakalagpas sa pandinig ko ang sunud-sunod na buntong hininga ni Sir Lars. Hindi ko siya masisisi. Talagang ginisa siya ng ibang departments.

I placed the cup of tea in front of him. "You did well, Sir Lars. Don't take their words to heart."

"I know you're just trying to comfort me, but it's really my fault this time." aniya at sumubsob sa mesa. "I should've done a better job in distributing the tasks. Look what happened while I was gone... The team couldn't function properly without me. I should've prepared Neil or Kyla for that kind of situation."

I reached out my hand in order to comfort him, but I hesitated. Would it be okay to touch him at a time like this? It's not like we're officially dating again. We haven't cleared our status yet.

Pinagmasdan ko si Sir Lars na noo'y nakasubsob parin sa mesa at nagmumukmok. No, I shouldn't be too touchy. It might not be a good time to cling on him.

I was just about to pull my hand away when Sir Lars suddenly grabbed it then looked at me through his arms. His appearance gave me butterflies in the stomach. Hindi ko kita ang buong mukha niya at tanging mga mata lamang niya ang tanaw ko. Nakakatunaw.

"Why are you hesitating? Do it, Moya." Sir Lars said barely above a whisper. His hand played gently with mine. "Hold me. This is the perfect time to seduce me, you know. I'm upset and emotionally vulnerable right now."

I bit my lower lip. Even if says that, I have no experience in taking the lead. Romance is not exactly my forte!

Nanatiling nakasubsob si Sir Lars sa mesa habang nakasilip ang kanyang mga mata sa akin. Patuloy parin siya sa paglalaro ng kamay ko.

"Moya," He whispered my name. "Comfort me."

My cheeks reddened. Who's seducing who?!

I was just about to say something when the door suddenly opened and Sir Neil entered the office. Out of reflex, I swatted the hand of Sir Lars away then raised my arms in panic. Oh, my god... He didn't catch us holding hands, but he just had to see me in a funny position! Imagine me standing stiff like a log with my arms raised in the air!

Napahinto naman si Sir Neil at napatingin sa akin, tila nagtataka sa mga braso kong nakataas. "Aria, there's somebody waiting for you in the lobby."

"Oh, who could it be?" I chuckled awkwardly then lowered my arms. "I'll be down right away."

Nilingon ko si Sir Lars at nadatnan ko siyang nakasubsob parin sa mesa at nagpipigil ng tawa. Grabe, tuwang tuwa naman 'to. Mukha siguro talaga akong tanga.

"I'll excuse myself for a moment, Sir Lars."

He waved his hand dismissively without looking up to me, still suppressing his laugh. "Go ahead."

I smiled to Sir Neil. "Thanks for telling me."

"Welcome. Nice pose, by the way." He laughed.

Pareho silang humagalpak ng tawa na siyang nagpainit sa aking mga pisngi. Pulang pula ang mukha ko nang magmartsa ako palabas ng opisina ni Sir Lars. They're obviously making fun of me!