Obnoxious Oxygen

Chapter Thirteen

I woke up feeling light. I have slept well last night after Oxygen cooked dinner for us, he even insisted of washing the plates just so I could rest early. Maybe that's his way to show how sorry he was for what he had said.

A small smile broke my lips when I saw several new things inside the bathroom, things that hadn't been there the last time I stalked in. On the counter lies a branded bath soap, shower gel, hair stuff. Not the same as I'm used to, but I'm familiar to those brands so all will do.

After my morning rituals, which had simply been washing my face and brushing my teeth because I didn't have my things with me to go hydrate and moisturize the skin of my face, I changed into my workout attire. A sports bra and the matching sports shorts, slipping into my tennis shoes. I've decided to have a morning walk across the beach and have a little jog as the sun invades the area.

I'm not sure if Oxygen is still asleep because the door of his room remained close, but the pleasant smell of food that filled my nostrils as I went down the stairs confirms that Oxygen had been up before me. Which confused me a little, I'd been thinking that he's more of a night than a morning person. He's a party animal, oh, well, there's no party for him to attend to in this secluded place like the ones he'd been crushing in the city. I wonder if the serenity of the place bores him.

In the kitchen I saw Oxygen, in front of the stove, cooking. Again, I was free to watch him without him knowing. The worn jeans he's wearing along with a cut off shirt, looks threadbare, tattered with age, but no, it didn't change the fact that he's tall, strong and studly physique.

"Nasasanay ka na, Gabgab. Maniningil na ko bukas, ah."

His teasing voice snapped out my thoughts, I immediately looked away, flushing. How did he know I'm here? I'm certain I didn't create any sound, I'd been very careful because I don't want him to caught me. But then, it was late. He started turning to face me with a grin plastered on his face, much as I'd love to, I couldn't just run and leave him here. That'll be ridiculous. So, the least that I can do is to compose myself.

"Nagugutom ka ba?" He asked before walking towards the counter and setting up the eggs he just cooked.

Instead of answering his question, my attention was called by a familiar smell. "You're baking?"

Mabilis na hinanap ng aking mga mata ang oven. "Oo, medyo matagal pa. Kaya mo pa bang antayin o gusto mo ng kumain, may wheat bread naman. Pwedeng mag-toast nalang-"

"Tell me, I'm smelling a Rosemary Focaccia!" I chirped in excitement, I turned to him with my eyes wide open.

The amused look on his face stayed a little before he chuckled and shook his head. "Looks like you were thrilled by the smell."

"I can't remember when was the last time I had Rosemary Focaccia, so yes, I'm thrilled!" Lying will be pointless when it's obvious.

"Paborito ko 'yan. Kung alam ko lang na gusto mo pala niyan, edi sana inagahan ko pag-gawa. Medyo matagal pa 'yan matapos, e" paliwanag niya.

I smiled at him, I want that bread he's baking. "That's okay, I originally plan to go outside for a walk and a little jog. We can have breakfast when I get back."

Before he uttered a reply, he licked his bottom lip and surveyed me. From my face down to my legs, that's when he realized that I'm geared for a jog.

"Uh," I cleared my throat to get his attention back. I succeeded, he looked at me straight in the eye and the heck with me, I lost my tongue.

He didn't say anything, made me duck my head and avoided his gaze. I can't handle him outstaring me.

"I'll get going," I told him.