The Secrets We Keep (Completed)

Chapter Six

Halos dalawang oras tumagal ang lunch dahil kasunod nilang dunating sa Cozy Corner ang isa sa mga katrabaho ni Stefan sa security agency kasama ang fiancee nito, pati na ang kasama nila sa King's Lait na si Marnie at ang pamilya nito.

Jendra hoped she didn't look too relieved when their colleagues joined their table and treated them to more food, because even if she's set on doing nothing about whatever Stefan had for her -- she still didn't want to hurt him too much.

Kanina pa niya iniisip kung paanong nagagawang makaakto ng normal at ma-enjoy ng mga katrabaho ang araw na ito.

Nasanay na kaya? O magaling lang nagtago? They laughed and talked loudly, they even teased them in between. Medyo awkward dahil kanina lang ay halos harapan na niyang ipinakita ksy Stefan na walang epekto sa kanya ang ipinagtapat nito.

It wasn't really the case though. She felt heat rise to her cheeks, that rush as her heart pounded and her pulse quickened. She has never felt so aware of someone in awhile, and it was just unfortunate that that wonderful, giddying sensation had to make its presence known during a dangerous assignment.

Isang assignment kung saan walang puwang ang personal niyang nararamdaman, ang tunay na nangyayari sa kanya sa tuwing makakasama si Stefan.

Hell, under different circumstances she would have been thrilled. She would have kissed him the moment he said he liked being with her.

But he calls her JC, and knew only about her fake identity, while she knows so much, so many truths about him even if she calls him Paul.

"I hope you're not offended." mahinang sabi ni Stefan sa sandaling makaupo sila sa vintage trolley car na ipapasyal sila sa iba pang historic areas at landmarks sa downtown Memphis.

"Bakit ako mao-offend?" sumulyap siya sa katabi. Stefan's beautiful haunted eyes were focused on her. She could easily drown in them, so she looked straight ahead. "Our friends think we look good together. Bumagay pa pala ang itsura ko sa iyo." she tried to sound as nonchalant as she can. "Walang dahilan para na-offend ako. It's an honor."

"An honor?" he sounded amused. "That's a strange word to use to describe being associated with me."

Napabuga siya ng hangin. "Come on, Paul. Alam mo ang ibig kong sabihin."

Umiling ito. "Hindi rin."

Bumuntung-hininga siya, at hindi na muling nagsalita. Balik naman si Stefan sa pagiging tour guide at may trivia o anecdote sa bawat nadadaanan nila. The clickety-clack of the track took them past notable attractions like Beale Street, Orpheum Theatre, Downtown hotels and the Arcade Restaurant.

Forty-five minutes ang itinagal ng trolley route at pagbaba ay nakita nilang muli ang pamilya ni Marnie. Nagyaya ang mga ito sa river cruise na mag-iikot sa Mississippi River sa loob ng isa't kalahating oras.

"Um, Marnie, we have to --"
"What?" tinampal ni Marnie sa braso si Stefan. "Can't wait to have her to yourself?' she teased.

Namula ang katabi niya. Hindi agad nakasagot.

"Come on, Paul," sabad ng asawa ni Marnie na si Dalton. "JC here said she hasn't been to a Mississippi cruise. Marnie said she works hard six days a week! As touristy as it is, the tour is quite relaxing."

Gusto niyang yakapin ang mag-asawa right then and there. Stefan looked torn, but he soon agreed and even paid for all their tickets. They either sat together or stood beside each other by the railings, but didn't get to really talk. Mukhang sineryoso ni Stefan ang sinabi ni Dalton na kailangan niyang nag-relax.

Hindi rin umangal si Srefan nang pati sa dinner ay kasama nila ang nag-asawa. They got a table at the second floor veranda of one of the restaurants in Overton Square. It was, for Jendra, one of the truly fun, relaxing days she's had in years, despite being on assignment.

Pasado alas nueve na nang maihatid siya ni Stefan pauwi. He walked her up right to her doorstep, and they both were obviously, consciously avoiding talking about his earlier confession.

"Thanks, JC. I really needed today since I won't be at King's Lair this week." nakangiti ito pero malungkot ang mga mata.

Inisip niya kung paanong mula sa pagiging mailap at imposing ni Stefan noong una niyang makilala ay tila bukas na libro na ito sa kanya.

Isang librong hindi niya mabitawan, isang kuwentong nahila na siya sa mundo nito na hirap na siyang iwan, pero kailangan.

"Bukas na iyon?" hinarap niya ito sa sandaling ma-unlock niya ang pinto ng kanyang flat. "Pero sa gabi lang iyon, di ba?" tanong niya, subtly fishing for more details to tell Arianna.

"Baka kailanganin kong umalis sa opisina ng maaga. Um..." he suddenly looked uncomfortable. "I had to pr... Do things before I go to Sizzle."

Tumaas ang isang kilay niya. "Okay, but text me kung sasabay kang mag-lunch." tatalikod na sana siyang muli para itulak pabukas ang pinto pero nahawakan siya ni Stefan sa balikat nagawang muling maiharap dito.

She blinked when she realized how their bodies are almost touching. Stefan leaned down, his face just inches from hers, as his eyes flickered with fear, determination and something she dared not acknowledge.

"S....Paul?" kumakabog na ang dibdib niya. Napahawak ang isang kamay niya sa pinto, ang isa ay sa hraso ni Stefan.

"In case..." he swallowed, "in case I never see you again." Then his lips were on hers, just a brush, then a press, that lingered. He was warm and soft and he felt right. So right she felt her eyelids drop, so right she didn't feel the need to push him away.

Not when his soft lips slowly opened up against hers, not when she felt his tongue dart out to trace her lower lip. Para siyang nalulula, medyo naliliyo.

Oh, God. Stefan now pressed his body against hers, as a hand splayed on her back and the other cupped her face. His tongue slid inside her mouth, moist and sweet and wanting.

This shouldn't be happening. Kahit hirap dahil tila hinihigop ng halik na iyon ang focus niya ay sinubukan niyang planuhin ang gagawin o sasabihin.

Stop it, this isn't right, Paul.
We shouldn't, Paul... Please.

But then he was gone. His lips, his face, that body. Napadilat siya. Isang ruler lang ang layo nila sa isa't isa pero kung tingnan siya ni Paul ay parang hirap na itong abutin siya.

"I'll see you soon... tomorrow..." he swallowed again. "I hope." nagsimula na itong humakbang paatras. Palayo. "I'll see you." Ulit ni Stefan na parang pati ang sarili ay kinukumbinsing mangyayari nga iyon.

Marahang tumango siya. "Yes." she blinked the kiss-induced haze away from her eyes. "I'll see you."

She watched as he breathed deeply, before he headed for the elevator.

Naiwan siyang mahigpit ang hawak sa hand bar sa pinto, bago iyon utinulak pabukas.
She's not sure she believed her words either.