Elyu Series #1: Drifting with the Waves

Chapter 36

Ivo's eyes went wide, as if his brain stuttered and his thoughts are catching up while staring at me. Itinagilid ko ang ulo at pinagmasdan siya.

"Seryoso ka ba?"

"Bakit, ayaw mo?"

"Hindi ah!" sabi niya kaagad. "Wala nang bawian, no! Mahal mo pa ako?" Ivo reached for my hand.

He said it so casually that a wash of cold took over me. Ako naman ang nagulat. Pero mas lalo kong ikinagulat ang biglaang pagbukas ng pinto. Napatingin sa amin ang EIC namin at si Kaye na hindi inaasahang makikita kaming dalawa sa dressing room, magkahawak-kamay.

I tried to withdraw my hand from his grip but he wouldn't budge. Mas hinigpitan niya lang ang hawak sa akin habang nakatingin sa dalawa na para bang pagmamay-ari niya ang building na ito.

"Nakakadisturbo ba kami, Miss Montanez?" there was a hint of tease in my EIC's voice that made my blush like a teenager. Si Kaye naman, bukas-sara ang bibig at hindi makapagsalita nang maayos habang nakatingin sa amin.

"Hindi po, Ma'am!" hinila ko nang marahas ang kamay mula kay Ivo at sinamaan siya ng tingin. He pouted like a kid and stepped back.

Our EIC smirked at me, tapping Kaye's shoulders.

"We went here to see if Mr. Escarra needs any more assistance but I think our editorial assistant can handle him." her voice is teasing despite her poker face and they left.

My chest is about to explode. Binalingan ko si Ivo kaso bayolenteng tumunog ang phone niya. A shadow of worry crossed his face when he glanced at the screen.

"Sorry, sagutin ko lang 'to."

I nodded as Ivo stepped out of the room. I was pacing back and fourth, nervously glancing at myself in the big, vanity mirrors, trying to figure out how to say to him what I really feel at this moment.

Yes, the chase is not over. But unlike before, I think I'm ready to have him by my side while I realize my dreams. I'm no longer that little, weak girl who needs to depend on someone to take the leap.

Nagtagal ng ilang minuto si Ivo sa labas. When he came back, there was a sense of urgency in his face.

"Raya, kailangan ako sa office."

Tumango kaagad ako. It seems serious, whatever their problem is. Tuluyang lumapit si Ivo sa akin at hinawakan ulit ang kamay ko.

"Can we meet for dinner tonight?"

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "You will be in Manila in a few hours, Ivo. Huwag ka nang bumiyahe dito sa Pangasinan."

He opened his mouth to protest, so I quickly butted him off.

"Dadalhan kita ng lunch bukas."

Ivo's face lit up like a Christmas tree. Nginisihan niya ako.

"Sabi mo yan, ah?"

Tumango-tango ako at bahagya pa siyang itinulak. Mukhang wala na kasing balak umalis dito, eh.

"Oo, sinabi ko yun. Alis na, baka ma-stuck ka pa sa traffic."

Ivo grinned and gently placed his hand at the back of my neck to pull me closer. Nagulat ako pero huli na nang siniil niya ako ng halik. My eyes were wide with shock, so I could see clearly how his ears are turning red while kissing me. I started melting at the softness of his lips, as if lulling me into a promise of comfort and healing. When he pulled away, he smiled at me.

"Tawag ako mamaya."

Tumango ako at ihinatid siya palabas. Ivo quickly got into his car and honked twice before leaving. When the car vanished from my line of sight, I touched my lips with the tips of my fingers, trying to catch the lingering moments of his kiss.