The week following Eric's family gathering had been a whirlwind of emotions and professional responsibilities. Despite the growing connection between Eric and me, my primary focus remained on the mission at hand. I was determined to uncover more about the mafia's operations, but unexpected developments were on the horizon.
One morning at the office, I received a call from the CBI. They needed me to return to headquarters for a new assignment that required immediate attention. It was a crucial task, and I had no choice but to comply. I knew it meant leaving Tetratech Solutions for a brief period, and I had to inform Eric and my colleagues of my absence.
After finalizing the details of my leave, I approached Eric in the office. "Eric, I need to take a three-day leave for a vacation," I said, trying to sound casual despite my internal tension. "I'm planning to go to Laguna for some rest and relaxation."
Eric looked surprised but masked his concern with a smile. "Laguna sounds nice. I hope you have a good break. We'll miss you around here."
"Thank you," I replied, relieved at his understanding. "I'll be back before you know it."
As I prepared for my departure, I made sure to notify my colleagues and wrap up any pending tasks. My leave was approved, and I set off for Laguna, where I was scheduled to complete a confidential assignment for the CBI.
The three days were intense and filled with high-stakes operations. I completed the mission with the utmost discretion, carefully avoiding any mention of my professional duties to Eric or anyone else.
To my surprise, as I was finishing up my assignment, I noticed Eric waiting for me at a nearby spot. His presence caught me off guard, but his concern was evident.
"Eric? What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice a mix of surprise and apprehension.
Eric looked sheepish but determined. "I heard you were in the area, and I wanted to see if you were okay. I know you mentioned a vacation, and I didn't mean to intrude."
I was touched by his gesture but relieved that my mission was complete. "Well, since you're here and I'm finished with my business, how about we make the most of the trip? There's a beautiful spot in Tagaytay I've been wanting to visit. Would you like to join me for a day trip?"
Eric's face lit up with genuine excitement. "That sounds wonderful. I'd love to."
We drove to Tagaytay together, enjoying the scenic views and the change of pace from our usual environment. We rented a small, cozy cabin for a night's rest, a retreat that offered a perfect blend of relaxation and intimacy. As the evening fell and the chill of the night set in, the cabin became a sanctuary away from our usual lives.
After settling in, we prepared a simple dinner, the cozy space perfect for a quiet evening. As we sat by the fireplace, the soft glow of the fire and the warmth of the cabin created a comforting atmosphere. The conversation flowed easily, and the intimacy of the setting encouraged us to open up more.
Eric looked at me thoughtfully, his expression serious yet affectionate. "Liezel, I've been wanting to ask you something. Since we've been spending more time together, I've felt this strong connection with you. I know things are complicated, but I need to know where you stand."
I met his gaze, feeling a mixture of vulnerability and honesty. "Eric, this has been unexpected for me too. I've never felt this way about someone while being on a mission. It's difficult to balance everything, but I can't deny what I'm feeling."
Eric reached out, gently taking my hand in his. "I understand that things are complicated, and I respect your situation. But I want you to know that I care about you. Whatever happens, I want us to be honest with each other."
His words touched me deeply, and I squeezed his hand, feeling a surge of emotion. "I care about you too, Eric. It's just... hard to think about the future with all the uncertainties surrounding me."
Eric nodded, his eyes full of understanding. "We don't have to figure everything out right now. Let's just be present and enjoy the time we have together."
The warmth of the fire and the intimacy of the cabin created a space where we could fully express our feelings. As the evening wore on, the connection between us deepened. The physical closeness of the small cabin and the emotional intimacy of our conversations created an undeniable tension.
Later, as we lay in bed together, our mutual desire grew stronger. The kiss we shared intensified into a more passionate and intimate encounter. The cabin, with its soft lighting and the crackling fire, became a haven where we could fully express our feelings for each other.
During our encounter, Eric's surprise was evident when he realized that I was a virgin. His eyes widened slightly as we paused, and he looked at me with a mixture of admiration and tenderness. "Liezel, you're... you're a virgin?"
I nodded, feeling a bit shy but also relieved by his gentle response. "Yes, I am. I've been focused on my career and missions, and I've never really had the chance for a relationship like this."
Eric's expression softened, and he cupped my face in his hands. "I didn't know. It makes this moment even more special. I'm honored that you're sharing this with me."
We continued, our connection deepening as we explored each other's desires. The experience was a blend of romance and raw emotion, a culmination of the chemistry that had been building between us. Our connection deepened as we shared this intimate moment, marked by a sense of surrender and mutual understanding.
The following morning, we awoke in each other's arms, the aftermath of the night a mix of satisfaction and contemplation. As we prepared to return to Baguio City, I felt a complex mix of emotions. The trip had brought us closer, but it also added layers of complication to our relationship.
Returning to work, I knew I had to keep our relationship secret from the CBI. The mission and my personal life were intertwined in ways that couldn't be publicly acknowledged. It was crucial to maintain discretion for both our sakes and the integrity of the investigation.
As we drove back, I stole glances at Eric, contemplating the future. The road ahead was uncertain, but the bond we had forged was undeniable. With a sense of resolve, I knew that navigating the complexities of our relationship while continuing my mission would require careful consideration and honesty. For now, I needed to focus on returning to my duties and maintaining the delicate balance between my personal and professional life.
