Enchantment of the Miss

Chapter 12

Like I always say, Selah is a small town. The residents know almost everyone. It's not even a trading route for merchants. Those who had bigger lands still had to bring their harvest to the next town if they want a bigger profit. It would be of no surprise if the other towns would not know of our existence, but we are proud of our small town. It existed on its own for centuries now and the residents are the most kind-hearted people I know—well, most of them. It was one of the reasons why I survived for seven years without a family—scratch that. They are my family now.

My house is at the east boarder of the town, where the houses are dispersed because the area is covered with gardens and rice fields. After thirty minutes of walking through the gardens, we arrived right at the market. The market is quiet crowded now. Crap! I should have arrived earlier.

"Excuse me," I tried to walk through the crowd while simultaneously smiling at those who would meet my gaze. Though, I didn't have to push my way since they are already moving aside, their curious eyes at the man behind me who is carrying a big basket of strawberries on his shoulder.

Alezzander offered to use Goshen, his horse, but I refused since we would need to go around the rice fields to reach the market. Instead, I let him carry the basket through the fields. He didn't complain though, much to my disappointment.

"Good morning Nana Lena," I greeted the lady at the stall full of fruits.

"You're late," the side of her lips twitched.

"But it's only ten,"

She did not bother listening when her gaze turned to my companion.

This time, it is my lip's turn to twitch. Alezzander is getting too much attention and I don't like it... not a bit. All the ladies are eyeing him, older women included.

My head snapped at him when I notice him move to unbutton his polo.

"What are you doing?" I glared at him. He stopped on the third button.

"What? I'm already soaking in sweat," he frowned.

"We're in public for goodness' sake. Be a little discrete."

His frown turned into an amused grin. "So we can do it in private?"

I flushed. What the heck?!

"Hush! You pervert," I hissed as I turned back to Nana Lena who, I caught, is still staring at Alezzander.

"Nana, I came to bring your order," I snapped to catch her attention. She turned back to me, her face flushed when she realized I caught him ogling my man.

"Oh right," she cleared her throat before calling one of her helper. We went at the back of the stall to weigh the strawberries. The helper and Alezzander did the weighing while we stood infront of them.

"I didn't know you married, Giselle," Nana Lena suddenly asked, obviously probing.

"I didn't Nana," I suppressed the irritation in my voice. She is still one of my biggest buyers.

"Oh. A suitor," she laughed and I found myself more irritated. I didn't dare correct her. Maybe it's better that way. "At least you allowed someone to court you now. Well, if it would be that handsome, why not?" she mocked.

I chose not to answer. I worked for Nana as a maid before I reached my legal age. She and her late husband became my legal guardian then since I was staying at their house. Those were the times when gentlemen would visit to ask my hand. I refused every single one of them simply because they just wanted a wife and I turned out to be one in their long lists of choices. I saw that as being wise. Nana saw that as being arrogant.

"Here," Nana handed me a thick stash of Dahon Bills.

"Thank you nana," I forced a smile before pulling Alezzander out of the stall. I didn't want to stay there any longer.

"Hey, you alright?" Alezzander asked.

I didn't answer.

"You don't like her, don't you?"

"Obviously," I snorted. "Come on. I have to buy some things."

I woke up for a start. Light is starting to leak outside and I know I have to wake up. I opened my eyes just to come face to face with the sleeping face of Alezzander Roque Castillan. He had been sleeping on a separate comforter and I don't know how he managed to transfer next to me. We're now sharing my pillow and our face is only inches apart. I'm snuggling with my blanket but Alezzander's blanket has gone down below his arm. He is topless and I can see the muscles of his arms down to his strong chest.

It has been three days since he started staying here. I've been nagging him to go home but he insisted he's stay here with me. To be honest, my life has become much easier since then. He helps me in everything and he avoids complaining. Our useless spats had also gone down. We can already sit down in silence and talk about anything without raising voices. He became more patient and he never pressured me about getting married. I'm supposed to think about it but I found it hard to think because we're literally always together. Well, everything is going fine except for the constant advances that would always leave me breathless.

I took a long controlled breath. I was about to move away when his eyes opened. His face automatically broke into a wide smile.

"Good morning, Giselle," he greeted, his voice hoarse.

For three days, I have proven that Alezzander wakes up as handsomely as when he just showered; and he smells just as good too. I cleared my throat and moved away from him.

"Why are you sleeping next to me again?" I glared at him.

He chuckled. "Must have done it while I'm asleep."

"Then why aren't you moving away from me," I scowled.

He chuckled again before finally standing up. I looked away when the blanket slipped, revealing his upper body. I have seen him topless a lot of times but I still can't get used to it.

It's because you always end up ogling him. I flushed. Darn!

"I told you to stop sleeping topless," I got up and went straight for the ladder.

"Why? Is it bothering you?" I heard him say playfully.

I didn't bother answering him. I just went down the ladder. I was about to get myself a cup of water but I stop midway. Another pair of piercing blue eyes met mine.