Pinagsoltada

93

"PINAPUNTA na ako rito ni Madam Olga kasi nag-aalala siya nang hindi mo na siya binalitaan tungkol sa pagkompronta mo kay Vidal kahapon," lapit ni Joan kay Ernesto.

He was about to explain that he finished his appointment with the Silvestres first, before his plan of interrogating Vidal about Thea, but something made him stop. He completely forgot what he was about to do when all of a sudden, he got of whiff of a gentle, icy mint. It had the same scent as his shower gel, a scent he always put on his body when he bathes, but why does this smell blow him away this time? Was it because his scent was on Joan's skin? Was it because he was seeing Joan while inhaling this refreshing coolness?

"Siya ba ang nag-alala o ikaw?" lapit niya rito sabay hapit sa baywang nito palapit sa kaniya.

"Please—"

He pressed his cheek against hers, then nuzzled her temple with his nose. "Why are you wearing my robe, hmm? Tamang-tama. Gusto ko nang maligo. It means, it won't be a waste that you took my bathrobe because you can join me in the shower then."

She cupped his face with both hands and faced him to her. "Ernesto, focus!"

What Joan did only made their faces almost a breath apart. Their noses nearly touched. Ernesto rested his forehead on hers.

"Naka-focus naman ako, a? Alam mo namang kapag ikaw na ang kausap ko, hindi na maalis-alis ang atensiyon ko sa 'yo," he murmured lowly, throatily.

"I know you miss me," she stared soulfully into his eyes. Her voice suddenly softened.

"And you miss me too."

She sighed in surrender. "Yes! I miss you too! Okay?" Binitiwan nito ang kaniyang mukha. "Pero sandali lang naman, pagsalitain mo ako."

"I'm listening," he said without moving an inch away from her or their position.

"'Yong pagkompronta mo kay Vidal? Ano ang nangyari?" halos pabulong na nitong tanong.

"Hindi ko pa nagagawa. Alam ko, sinabi ko kay Madame Olga na kakausapin ko si Vidal tungkol kay Thea kinabukasan. Pero ipinangako ko lang 'yon dahil nakalimutan ko na sa araw na iyon pala ang napagkasunduan naming magkakapatid na maghahanda kami para sa panunugod sa mga Silvestre ngayon. So, unfortunately, I had to postpone my agenda with Vidal."

"Did you shoot someone?" she worried.

"Just a warning shot. I told you, I won't kill, Joan." He gently pulled one sleeve of the robe off her shoulder, revealing her soft skin. "Now, let's take a shower."

Lumayo ang dalaga kaya kumalas ang pagkakahawak niya sa baywang nito. Pagkatapos ay ipinahawak nito ang buhok nito sa kaniya. "See? It's wet. Kaya ikaw na lang ang mag-shower."

"Okay. . . ." he whined. Puwede naman siguro siyang magreklamo dahil hindi niya ito masasabayan sa pagligo! "Can I kiss you first?"

"No," lagpas nito sa kaniya. She was heading to the door.

"Why not?" habol niya ng nagtatakang tingin dito.

"Dahil gumawa ka na naman ng ikapapahamak mo," walang-lingon nitong sagot. "That behavior shouldn't be rewarded."

"Nasermunan na ako ni Mama sa 'baba, so please, have mercy on me, Jo."

Joan looked at him over her shoulder and smirked. "And I'm your ex. Remember?"

"What?" gusot lalo ng kaniyang mukha.

"We broke up before I left Masbate. And we can't pursue this relationship—"

"—hanggang hindi natin naaayos ang problema kay Vidal. I know, I know," Ernesto groaned in surrender.

Joan smiled in satisfaction. "Babalik na ako sa guest room. Nag-shower lang ako rito kasi sira ang shower head doon."