Playing with Fire (Acosta Sisters Series #3)

Kabanata 2

Kabanata 2

"Kali, Rod is here. Bumaba ka na d'yan," rinig kong katok ni Mama habang nagkakabit ako ng pearl earrings sa tenga.

"Sige, 'Ma. Entertain him first. Pababa na rin po ako," tugon ko.

Mabilis kong kinuha ang purse ko at siniguradong lahat ng kailangan ko ay naroon—phone, wallet, lipstick, at konting pabango. I even glanced quickly at myself in the mirror, making sure my makeup was flawless and my hair was perfectly styled. I wanted to look my best tonight.

It's a dinner date I promised to Rod. He said he would take me to a fine dining restaurant tonight since he wanted to make it up to me. So, I prepared myself to look presentable, wearing my favorite little black dress that fit me perfectly.

As I went down the stairs, I saw him looking so dashing in his tailored dress shirt, happily talking with Ate Ellaine. Mukhang enjoy na enjoy na kausap ito, palibhasa ay ngayon niya lang din nakita si Ate.

You could see in his expression how much of a gentleman he was, and it's no wonder he charms and impresses so many people.

Itinuro ako ni Ate kapagkuwan. Mabilis naman ang naging paglingon ni Rod sa'kin.

He smiled sweetly, his eyes lighting up when he saw me. Napangiti rin ako.

He's really handsome, with his perfectly styled hair and that confident smile. He looked so boyish, and I had to admit, he's really attractive. And if we weren't just friends, I might have fallen for him. But I don't want to risk it with the thought that I would eventually ruin us. Kung magri-risk man ako, I want it to be serious—'yong tipong alam kong hindi ko siya masasaktan at sigurado ako sa sariling siya na panghabambuhay because I know how this person gets serious when it comes to a girl. I couldn't bear to hurt him. Or us hurting each other. Mas doble ang sakit no'n.

Maybe it's better for us to stay like this. Masaya at kuntento naman kami sa kung anong meron kami.

"You look amazing!" he praised, his voice full of admiration.

I pinched his side, making him yelp, then we burst into laughter.

"Ganda naman kasi talaga," ngisi niya.

"I know," I replied cockily, flipping my hair. "Kaya nga bagay tayo," pabiro kong sambit na tinawanan naman niya.

"Likewise," he whispered, pulling me closer as he wrapped his hand around my waist.

I let him hold me like that, as I turned my gaze to Ate who looked happy watching us.

"Alis na kami, ate. Pasabi na rin kay Mama."

Tumango siya, her smile looked so teasing. Pabirong pinagtaasan ko siya ng isang kilay. Natawa naman siya.

"Take care of my sister, Roderick. It's really nice meeting you," baling niya sa katabi ko.

"Me too, Ellaine," Rod replied sincerely.

Hinatid niya kami palabas, and before I entered the car, I waved goodbye to Ate.

"Enjoy you two!" si Ate, kumakaway pa rin hanggang sa makalabas kami ng gate.

We went to a fancy restaurant like what he told me. And I've been here several times with my family since it was the best in town.

I ordered the usual, and the food arrived promptly every time we finished a course.

"You didn't tell me you're a regular here," he said after the chef greeted us and asked if we were satisfied.

"Well, I love it here," I grinned.

"Where do you want to go after this?" he asked.

I took my napkin and pressed it softly against my mouth, unsure of where I wanted to go next.