"If you love something - let. If it is yours - it will come back. I love you not because of who you are, but for who I am when I'm with you."

- Gabriel Garcia Marquez

So what now? You just let her kiss you and you liked it so much. Kelan kaba huling nakatikim ng halik? Parang hindi kana ata marunong eh. Ano, si M.A pa ba ang huli mong halik?

Shut up you f*cking mind! Ano naman kung siya pa ang huli kong halik? Bakit ba? I'm not rushing things over alangan namang halikan ko ang mga pinapadate sa akin ni Dad? Ni hindi ko pa nga kilala yun, duh!

Excuse me? Bakit si Tanch kilala mo naba para magpahalik ka sa kanya and you even answered back? Masarap ba? Tsk tsk you're in so much trouble Sarah.

I shake my head in disbelief! Ou nga hindi ko pa ganun kakilala si Tanch. Heck! kakaintroduce pa nga lang namin kagabi at nagpahalik na ako kaagad! What the self!?

Sus! Gustong gusto mo nga eh! Naiwan ka pa ngang nakatulala sa kanya. Come on Sarah!

Ou na! Ou na!

I forced to close my eyes as I remember how her alluring lips captured my soul.

At first I thought it was just a soft and quick kiss. As she leaned forward, her lips brushed mine, soft, delicate like a dove's feather, just long enough that I could inhale her breath and taste her lipstick. But as soon as I opened my eyes, I saw how her eyes darkened with passion and desire. I looked at her intently, my eyes held fire, inviting her to bring me to ecstasy. She snaked my arms around her neck and drew me closer to her. She kissed me like the way I wanted to be kissed, and I kissed her like no man had ever kissed her. Soft and moist, hot and breathy. Not trying to win for dominance but seeking union and closeness, and the sharing of one breath, one sensation, one timeless and passionate moment together. The best kiss I ever had so far. A kiss from one single pair of lips that bewitch all that is sacred about love. The kiss that has left me to toss and turn in my bed for the rest of the night.

Garcia! You're in love, finally. I smiled like an idiot as my mind shouted in pure euphoria.

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Pacific Loop Office Building...

"Good Morning, everyone!" masaya kong bungad sa lahat ng empleyadong nadadaanan ko.

"Good Morning ma'am. You're so much in the mood, nakakapanibago." bati naman ng head ng HR namin.

"Kaya nga ma'am eh. Ngayon ka lang namin nakita na ganito." pagsang ayon ng isa sa aming mga guards.

"Oh baka in love, the last time kitang nakitang ganyan ka saya was way back several years ago. When he was sweeping off your feet." hirit naman ni Karen which one of my inner circle na nagtatrabaho sa finance department namin.

"Sshhh." Pagpapatahimik ko sa kanya. Babaeng to! Ang daldal masyado eh.

"Tara na taas, let's work work work." Pakanta kong tugon sa kanya.

"You're so you, Sar. Sobrang nakakatuwang makita yung Sarah sa sobrang lively at makulit. "

"Makulit parin naman ako ah. Whatever!" I smiled at her.

When you're really happy nagraradiate talaga ito and it will be infectious lalo na sa mga nakakasalamuha mong mga tao. If I know, si Tanch ang may dahilan niyan. Panunukso ng utak kong sira.

"Good Morning Ma'am! Sobrang saya natin ah?" bati ng secretary kong si Gia.

"Diba? Sobrang saya ng boss amo manager mo ngayon eh noh? nagrereflect ang happiness sa mata at mukha niya." pag agree naman ni Karen.

"Bakit ba? Gusto niyo malaman why? Ok wait." sabi ko sa kanila, hihintayin ko lang makarating kaming top floors nasa lift pa kasi kami.

Pinauna ko na silang lumabas ng elevator.

"Everybody, sit down and listen..."

Shookt lahat ng nasa top floors when I started to sing and dance.

Want to tell you what you've been missing

Secrets, big, big secrets ( I continue singing while making a no no gesture with my index finger)

Angel came out till now

And vanish without a warning

Angel, like and angel

And when she moves

The way she glides across the room

Just like an angel

I wish that I could see her one more time

And when she moves

The way she glides across the room

Just like an angel

I wish that I could see her one more time

"Oh bakit ganyan mga tingin niyo?" masaya kong tanong sa mga shocked nilang pagmumukha.

"Anong nangyayari sayo Garcia? You're really up to something kahit ayaw mo pa yang sabihin. But whatever it is, I can see that it brings you so much joy, so I'll pray for it. We missed this side of you." maluha luhang saad ni Karen.

Grabe! Ngayon nalang ba talaga ako naging sobrang kulit kaya namiss niya ng bongga yung ganitong side ko?

Malamang sa malamang! Wala ka na kasing inatupag kundi ang negosyo at pagtatravel overseas mourning over someone.

Sermon ng utak ko.

Ou na...

"Ma'am, daming pabulaklak ah. Masugid talaga yung manliligaw niyo. Never missed a day na magpadala ng bulaklak. Sayang nga lang at lagi niyong pinapatapon." pukaw sa akin naman ni Gia.

"You know what Gia? Why don't you get a vase at iarrange yang bulaklak na yan?" buong sabi ko sa kanya habang ngumingiti.

Hindi ko alam kong matatawa ba ako or what kasi di ko alam kung sino ang mas nashock sa aming dalawa dahil sa binitawan kong salita, ako ba o siya?

"Are you sure ma'am?" dagdag at di makapaniwala niyang tanong.

"Yes, Gia. You heard me right. So better get going."

I told her.

"How about the note ma'am? Would you like to read it?" she inquired nicely.

"Ah! About that. Please put it on my table along with papers that I need to sign. Anyway, what's my schedule for today?"

"You have a video conference meeting with our foreign partners by 9AM after that there'll be a meeting with the cell site contractors by 3PM. Then you're done. Also ma'am, I need to remind you about your business trip to France with Loukas Castelleni of Euro Links and Cyber Technology. It is about the new internet solutions partner program which will be 2 days from now which means to say you need to fly first thing tomorrow." mahabang salaysay ni Gia sa akin.

"Oh? Loukas already took over their company? I wonder why I didn't hear that." I asked curiously.

"Yes, just recently ma'am. Is there anything you need?"

"No, Gia. You can do your stuff now. Thanks." I said to her.

"Karen, see you around." pagpapaalam ko sa kanya, before I shut the door behind me.

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Andami naman atang paperworks? Kaya ko kayang tapusin to lahat ngayon before I left for France? Ay of course yakang yaka mo yan, diba nga inspired ka? So chicken lang yan. Ireminisce mo lang ulit kung paanong dumampi ang mga labi ni Tanch sayo para ganahan ka. Matalinong suggestion ng utak ko. Why not nga diba?

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knock knock

"Come in."

At nakita ko si Gia na binuksan ng buo ang pinto at tila may kinakargang napakalaking bagay.

"Gia, what is it?" I asked her in confusion.

"Ah ma'am! Someone send you a big teddy bear and this huge bouquet of flowers." sabi niya sabay bitbit ng mga gifts.

"Let me help you. Kanino ba ito galing?"

"Hindi ko po alam but it comes with a note. And if I'm not mistaken iba ang sender nito from the consistent flower sender mo ma'am. From the style and choice of flower I'm sure hindi ito galing sa kanya."

Agad ko naman siyang tinulungang maayos ang bulaklak at teddy bear sa mini living room ko inside my office.

"It's all good Gia. You can leave now. Thanks."

"Anytime ma'am." she said before she left me alone in my office.

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"Great!" I said with satisfaction. Natapos ko narin ang paper works as early as now. Iba talaga pag inspired! Kulang ka lang pala sa halik eh!

As soon as I've done with the papers I went outside on my balcony to breathe some fresh air. I never imagined that this day would come, that I'll be this happy again. I stared over the vast horizon wondering what this day would bring. It's a good life Sarah! Yes! Absolutely.

My thought was interrupted when I remembered the huge bouquet of flowers with a giant teddy bear. So I immediately went back inside to check the note and who was the mystery sender.

My silly heart galloped in my chest at the sight of the signature. I can't stop the excitement and the happiness of my heart at the moment. After our encounter in the parking lot, after she kissed me passionately, there's no way in hell that I could deny now that she had somehow melted the ice queen within me a little bit.

And you got scared at the fact? You were scared because she is the only one who managed to creep into your heart since M.A.

So what if I am scared? I answered back to the demon in my head. I really don't care now. It's not even started just yet and I am overthinking things already. I know I have bid goodbyes to romances years ago and I would never really know if love is still for me. So whatever happens now, as long as it brings happiness to me then I'll let it be. I won't bother much about the future because what if it will never even come or when would my fantasies last?

Still. Can you take the risk of heart twice?

"Ma'am"?

"Ma'am Sarah?" Gia's worried voice dragged me out of my reverie.

"Are you alright, ma'am?"

"I'm fine, silly. What is it you need?" I asked her as I tried to give her a reassuring smile.

"I called for your attention several times already. I just wanted to inform you that there is a caller who wanted to be connected to the CEO's line. But you are not picking up so I decided to check on you." she explained.

"Sorry, Gia. My mind can be somewhere sometimes. Thanks."

She gave me a slight nod and left. And I immediately picked up the phone. Who might be this caller and why he wanted to talk with the CEO when he can arrange an appointment with me through my secretary.

"Good Morning. How can I help you?"

"Good Morning baby! Good thing you decided to take pity and answered your phone." My face broke into a smile as I shivered slightly when I heard her sexy voice over the phone. I didn't expect that she would bother to call me first thing today.

"Hey! Tanch! Good Morning to you too. To what do I owe you this early morning call?"

"I just want to ask if you received the gifts I sent at your office?"

My heart leaped in extreme happiness as I remembered her gifts. "Uh...yes, why?"

"I just want to inquire about your answer." she said over the phone. "Is it a yes or a no?"

I removed the phone in my ear and stared at her beautiful gift. Is she really asking if I want a date with her or not?

"Are you asking me out?" I asked playfully, though I already knew the answer for her question. Oh! Not an easy girl huh?

Of course.

"But what about your boyfriend?" I added. Silently hoping that there is none. Asa pa gurl! Pa as if ka pa, baka friendly date lang. Masydong kinikilig.

I heard her sigh on the other line. "Yes, Sarah." She answered in a sincere tone. "And let me tell you this, I DON'T HAVE A BOYFRIEND OR ANY OTHER KIND OF RELATIONSHIP." she said with deep emphasis.

My heart dance in happiness at her revelation. Sige umasa ka ng sobra para masaktan ka din ng sobra. Bear in mind, it's just a friendly date no more no less.

"Sarah, is it a yes or a no?"

"You sound so snappish." I informed her. "If you're asking me out, you should try to win my favor you know."

"I'm sorry." she said in apoligetic tone. "Will you go on a dinner date with me, Sarah Garcia, please?"

I smiled in satisfaction. "Yes, Tanch. I like a dinner date with you."

"Yes." she said cheerfully. "I'll pick you up tonight, just give me your address. 6 P.M. sharp."

"Okay." I agreed with her.

"See tonight babe." she said in a sexy tone which sends shivers down to my spine.

"I'm hanging up now. I'll have a meeting in a few minutes from now."

"Sarah, wait."

"What?"

"I miss you." she whispered before ending the call. I shook my head in resignation. She's really something. And you're in so much trouble...

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I just finished my conference meeting. and I'm done with all the paper works. I just can't slouch here in my office and wait for the contractors to come.

"Gia..." I called her through the phone.

"Can you make the meeting with the contractors? If they are free to come I'll offer a lunch meeting."

"Okay. A moment, I will just call them ma'am."

... few minutes later

"Yes Gia?"

"They said they're coming by lunch."

"Great. Thanks." I said in full of enthusiasm. I'm so excited for my plans...

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Goodness! Why is it so difficult to pack?

You're just too lazy to do it for yourself. You want out of this company right? I'm sure a few hours of small suffering won't hurt. After all you'll be seeing her at the end of the day.

It's really happening. I'm moving to our mobile network company. For the past few years, there was never a time that dad will not ask me if I'm really sure that I don't want to be part of it. And for the last time I checked, I really had no interest at all in his mobile network not until I met, you know who.

I couldn't help but to laugh whenever I recall their reaction. Naked shock was on their face at my sudden declaration, that I - Tanchellie, would like to work in our network company. But then, I am willing to make some sacrifices to be closer to the person I care so much about even if it means doing a job that I actually hate.

You really felt something to do such an impulsive act. Given in a short span of time, you've agreed to do the job so you can be closer to her.

What can I do? She completes me. And a day without her is like a lonesome fish in a fish bow, waiting to be tossed in boiling water to become Tinola.

It is nuts, so foolish, you can call it the madness of love. But I would rather be stupid than to lose my chance. I would do everything for you. I told myself while looking at her picture on the web on my mobile phone.

You're hopeless. Ang tinuod na buang ka tungod sa iyang graduation picture na pirting gwapaha.

"Surprise!"

The silence in my empty office room was filled with so much happiness at the beaming voice of the person that I least expected to show up right before my office door.

My heart danced in jouissance at the sight of her. My baby.

"Hi Tanch!" She greeted me with a ready smile on her face.

"Missed me already? What brought you here Madam CEO?" I asked her, trying not to melt in her presence.

"Aww! Did I bother you or something? Maybe I should go now."

"I'm just messing with you." I informed her before I broke my face into a smile.

Oh! How I missed her lovely face.

"What are you doing here? I thought we agreed to pick you up in your home by 6?"

"Well... Paper works are done. Meetings are over. So I'm spending time with you. Besides, your secretary just informed me that you have no agenda for today so I decided to pay you a visit."

"Are you sure, you only want to visit me?"

"Uhhmm...about that." she started while rubbing her nose.

F*ck! I cursed silently, she's so d*mn hot when she's doing that, it boosted her already oozing appeal.

"Tanch? Are you listening?" she asked, dragging me out of my fantasies about her.

My eyes widen as I try to focus on her question and not with her overflowing charisma. "Yes, what is it?"

"Since you have nothing in your agenda today and I am done in my office. So I am taking you out." she said smiling.

Bless my silly heart. I am not expecting that she's taking me out on a date right now as in right now. I am not yet prepared for this.

"Where do you want to take me?" I asked her trying not to sound so excited about her invitation.

"It's a secret, my darling." she said, while winking at me. "I'm sure you will love it there. Come on, now Tanch, let me take you to Paradise."

"Anytime, my baby..." I told her before she dragged me out of my office and we drove to nowhere.

"Relax, Miss beautiful. I'm not going to kidnap you, I'm taking you out to Villa del Tarah."

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Sorry! I forgot to post this saved draft last night. Anyway, Have a great day everyone.

Much Love.