THE BAD BOY & THE TOMBOY

CHAPTER - 30

Visitor

We are currently in their backyard, overlooking the city. Mathew is grilling some meat and sausages while Atlas is trying to help him.

The late afternoon sun bathed the backyard in a soft amber glow. The view of the city stretched out. This is so nice and calming.

The kids were with Ana at the playground, just within sight from where we stood. Their laughter floated over, light and carefree, mixing with the distant hum of the city. We are having a major deep cleaning in the house, so Ria had to stay there to supervise until the cleaners were done with the work.

Atlas stood in front of the grill, a figure of absolute confidence. His left hand rested firmly on his waist, his right gripping the tongs. The glow of the flames lit up his face, a soft sheen of sweat catching the light, making him look like he'd just walked out of a summer ad campaign. The definition of effortless cool.

He glanced over his shoulder, catching me looking. His grin was slow, cocky, and just a little too aware of himself. "Like what you see?" he teased, flipping a sausage.

Mathew is putting some marinated sauce on every meat Atlas flip.

Napa singhap ako. Ang yabang!

Hmp! Naka dalawang anak ka lang naging breezy ka na.

Napairap ako nang makita ang napakalapad niyang ngiti.

"He's hot." agresibo akong napabaling kay Sharmaine. Kumunot ang noo ko.

She smiled guiltily like she'd been caught red-handed. Well, she is!

"Oh, I know that look." she laughed. "I just blurted out what's in your mind."

"What?"

"With the way you look at him, you looked like you're about to eat him alive." tukso niya. She grinned.

Napailing ako.

"It's just my pregnancy hormones."

"Yeah right."

"Here's your orders beautiful ladies." Mathew put down a plate full of sausages on the table.

"Thanks, darling." Sharmaine kissed his lips.

Napailing ako. Sa harapan ko talaga?

Oh my gosh, why am I so irritated?

"Thanks, Mathew," I said with a smile. He grinned back but his gaze shifted past me, eyes locked on something behind me. Instinctively, I turned to look.

Atlas was approaching, a pitcher of citrus lemonade in his left hand and a tray of highball glasses balanced perfectly in his right.

"Here's the drink," he announced, setting down the glasses and pitcher in front of me with practiced ease. His eyes met mine, a mischievous glint in them. "No wine for you, mi lady. We're expecting."

Before I could react, he leaned down and pressed a quick, soft kiss to my right cheek. Right in front of them.

My eyes darted to Mathew and Sharmaine. Heat rushed to my face.

Sa harapan pa talaga nila! I pressed my lips together, fighting back a grin that was threatening to break free. Nag tagal ang init ng kanyang halik sa aking pisngi.

Mathew returned carrying another plate, it was stacked with cuts of red meat fresh off the grill. My dietitian had given me the green light to eat more meat today. The seasoning had to be lighter than usual. So, of course, Atlas made sure I had my plate.