Skipped Heartbeats (Amorous Revival Series #5)

Prologue

"Maybe it's the champagne," marahan kong sagot kay Amara no'ng tinanong niya kung okay lang ba ako. "Or, it's my eyesight. I think I need to change my lenses. Kanina pa ako nahihilo."

Her hands are on the steering wheel while I comfortably sit on shotgun. Maybe she sensed something was off with me the moment we left the party. Kaya laking pagtataka ko nalang nang mag-alok siyang magmaneho ng sasakyan pauwi.

I was busy drowning my eyes in the sea of stars outside the car window that I didn't manage to focus my attention on her face whenever she talks.

"You look like you weren't happy tonight, Xave," she commented flatly.

Napakunot ako ng noo. Halos ilang segundo ring katahimikan ang pumagitna sa aming dalawa bago niya basagin iyon at ituloy ang nais sabihin.

"You won a prestigious award and was recognized by the board because of your excellence but..." she paused. Bahagyang nabalot muli ng katahimikan dito sa loob ng sasakyan.

I felt something painful stabbed my heart when she used that tone before she trailed off. Then after a few seconds, I heard her stifle a sob.

Damn. Tuluyan na akong napatingin sa dako niya.

"Hey, babe. What's wrong?" nag-aalala kong tanong.

I may be uptight most of the time but when it comes to Amara's feelings, I'm very much concerned. Mabilis akong manibago kapag hindi ko nakikitang tumatawa o ngumingiti siya. It was torture and I always held myself accountable of her sentimental breakdowns.

Hinaplos ko ang likuran niya nang dahan-dahan upang mapakalma siya. "I'm sorry kung ano man ang nagawa ko. Masama lang talaga ang pakiramdam ko kaya halatang lumilipad ang isip ko't wala sa sarili. To tell you honestly, I really am happy-"

"For fuck's sake, stop lying to me, Xave!"

This is a first time. I've known her for so long since we've been together for quite a year now. Raising her voice louder than normal is very new to me.

"I saw how you glued your eyes to that woman in maroon dress. Really, Xave?! You may be physically with me but your attention was stuck with someone else. What if wala ako doon? Baka paniguradong nilandi mo na siya."

Amara was breathing heavily. I was thankful because she managed to park the car safely on the building's ground floor. Whew, mabuti nalang at pumutok ang galit niya no'ng malapit na kami sa bahay ko.

"Kaya ka siguro lutang dahil hindi mo nalapitan o nakausap ang babaeng 'yon!" she accused.

She irritatedly unbuckled her seatbelt.

Before Amara could even open the door, I pulled her gently and locked her in my arms. "Shh. That was nothing. I promise."

I rested my head on her left shoulder.

"Damn, Amara. I admit you're irresistably hot when you're fuming mad," I whispered.

Sinubukan niyang kumawala sa bisig ko subalit hindi siya nagtagumpay. I know I was about to receive a painful smack but I shushed her with a kiss, which I positively think calmed her down.

We were both catching our breath after that long, deep and sensual kiss.

"Admit it, babe. You're jealous," I chuckled.

Bumuntong-hininga siya saka ibinaon ang mukha sa manibela, wari'y itinatago ang hiya sa akin.

"Ewan ko sayo, Xave. I've never been jealous my entire life. Basta ang alam ko lang ay ayokong mapunta ka sa iba."

Nagpakawala lang ako ng mapanuyang pagtawa nang sinubukan niyang i-angat ang ulo niya upang tignan na ako nang tuluyan - mata sa mata.

Her cheeks blushed when I flashed her my signature smile which left most of the ladies who witnessed it before wet their underwear.