When Love and Hate Collide

CHAPTER 20

BRIDGETTE
Chocolate Syrup

Agad siyang napasinghap nang bigla ko siyang iharap sa akin at idiin sa nakasarang pinto. Her hands gripped my shoulders, startled by my sudden movement. Matagal kaming nagkatitigan, parang tinitimbang ang bawat kilos.

I leaned in slowly, keeping my grip on her waist, as though testing the waters. I could feel her warm breath against my face, her lips slightly parted with anticipation. I let my lips brush lightly against hers, teasing. She followed my movements, desperate to close the gap, her grip tightening on my shoulders each time I pulled away.

"Stop," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I told you, I haven’t forgiven you yet," I said, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes. Her face was flushed, even in the dim light.

"I know," she replied softly, her hands sliding up to the back of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "What do you want me to do?"

Gumanti ako sa paghawak, my hands sliding over the silky fabric of her nightgown, stopping just above her hips. "I want you…" I said slowly, letting the tension build between us.

She breathed heavily in my ear. "…to…" I continued as I traced my tongue along the curve of her neck, her labored breathing growing louder. Her grip tightened on my nape, pressing herself closer, craving more. Her scent, intoxicating, filled my senses.

"Anything you want, I’ll do it," she whispered breathlessly. She guided my hand down her thigh, her body shifting to give me access.

For a moment, I was lost. Is this really the Natalie I know? It felt like she was a different person. My mind was clouded with thoughts I hadn’t planned on having, desires I wasn’t sure I should act on.

As she guided my hand beneath her dress, closer and closer, a surge of anxiety gripped me. I couldn't. Not now. Despite the heat of the moment, something inside me hesitated. I took a step back, pulling my hands away. She looked at me, confused by my sudden withdrawal.

"What’s wrong?" she asked, her gaze questioning.

"I’m…I’m hungry," I blurted out. "Can you make pancakes?" I couldn’t explain the panic stirring inside me, the way my body was rebelling against my own thoughts. The intensity between us was overwhelming, and I needed a way to cool down.

She stared at me, taken aback. "You...want me to cook?"

"Yes."

"You don’t want this?" Her voice was edged with uncertainty.

I closed my eyes briefly and took a deep breath. "I want to eat," I replied simply.

"Then eat me," she said, her tone so direct and unapologetic that my knees nearly buckled.

"T-tanga! P-pancake," I stammered, stepping back to put some distance between us. "Just…make me some pancakes."

"You really want pancakes instead of me?" she challenged.

"I thought you said you’d do whatever I wanted," I shot back.

"Yes, but…"

"Then make the pancakes," I insisted, trying to regain some composure.