"A MASSAGE THEN," Stacey promised to Renante.

Pagkatapos nila kumain sa restaurant, mabilis silang bumalik ni Renante sa tinitirahan. Pagkababa ng kotse, pagkasara ng gate, hindi muna sila agad pumirmi sa loob ng bahay.

Instead, Renante invited her to lie down at the front hood of his car. Kumuha lang sila ng isang manipis na puting kumot panlatag. Stacey took a beige zippered jacket to cover her bare arms and shoulders.

Past the mango tree with leaves and branches almost hanging overhead, bright dots of stars managed to peek through. Sa bandang kanan ng bakuran na hindi na abot ng puno, malinaw nilang napapanood ang pagkalat ng mga bituin sa madilim na kalangitan. The con, though, was the bright light post that contrasted the view.

Kaya naman kinontento na lang nila ang sarili sa pagtingala. Sa uluhan nila, mas madilim ang kalangitan, hindi nasasapawan ng liwanag ng poste ng ilaw. At dahil madilim, mas nagniningning ang mga bituin.

Renante held a small plastic bottle of Coke in his left hand. Medyo nakalaylay iyon sa gilid ng kinauupuang hood ng kotse.

Si Stacey naman, naglublob ng lemon tea bag sa mainit na tubig ng hawak na puting mug.

Naunang nangalay si Renante kaya habang umiinom ng Coke, sa kanya nakatutok ang mga mata nito.

"What interests you now?"

"Hmm?" tingin ni Stacey dito.

Hindi naman ito natinag nang mahuli niyang nakatitig sa kanya. Her heart thumped as Renante confidently took in her gaze and kept her eyes captured by his'.

"Nagsawa ka na sa woven bags, kaya binenta mo ang Hibla," siguradong wika nito. "So, what interests you now?"

Her boyfriend didn't sound curious. He didn't sound bored either. He just spoke too casually. He looked at her as if there's nothing surprising or special or different with this topic at all.

As if it was nothing of a big deal at all.

"I don't know," she admitted, breaking away from their eye contact.

"You showed up to Kylie and Piccollo earlier," he softened.

"Oo," her tone slightly picked up a pitch, her words raced against her breath. "But I don't even know that Piccollo would be there! Wala rin akong idea no'n sa klase ng negosyong pag-uusapan namin ni Kylie. I figured she'll help me out because she already knows I sold Hibla. Kaya lalo akong napapunta ro'n. I just want to know what the start-up business will be..." She calmed down, catching her breath. "..and if I will be interested in it."

Renante looked away from her, capped his Coke bottle.

"Pero gusto mo pa rin mag negosyo?"

"Of course!" Natigilan siya. Bakit parang ang defensive ng tono niya? Stacey lowered her voice. "Of course."

She cupped the mug with both hands. Tutal, hindi na naman nakakapaso ang init niyon. Nilapit niya ang labi sa mug para lang maramdaman ng kanyang mukha ang init na nagmumula sa tsaa.

"Then, work with me."

Buti hindi pa siya nakainom ng tsaa. Wala pa siyang naiinom nga, nasamid na agad siya sa narinig.

She turned to him, wide-eyed.

"Work with me," ulit nito. His half-closed eyes met her questioning stare.

"With you?"

"Sa VVatch."

Binaba niya sa tabi ang mug.

"What will I do there?"

"You know designs. You'll team-up with Paige. How about that?"

Bumaba sa katabing mug ang tingin ni Stacey. Kinakabahan siya. Isang salita lang kasi ni Renante, walang pagdadalawang-isip na umo-oo siya kaagad. Pero sa hindi malamang dahilan, lumukob sa kanya ang pag-aalinlangan.

Stacey has never experienced working for other people. Hindi pa siya nagiging empleyado sa buong buhay niya. The only one time was for an OJT and that's it. Kahit nga OJT, hindi niya kinokonsiderang pagiging empleyado.

Pinanganak siyang mayaman. At matigas ang ulo. She preferred being independent, having the first and last word in everything. It made her seem fierce, because people interpreted her logical approach to things as heartlessness. But it's only her sticking to what she really wanted for things to be. It's her minding her own business. It's her being the boss.

Paano ang magiging scenario kapag nakatrabaho na niya si Paige? Paano ang magiging scenario kapag naging boss niya, hindi lang sa relasyon nila kundi maging sa trabaho, si Renante?

"I think... that's a great idea," ngiti niya rito. Nakaabang ang mga mata sa magiging reaksyon ni Renante.

He smiled back, seeing her lips more than the hesitation in her eyes.

"Welcome to VVatch," he finalized with a glaze of excitement in his stifled-breath voice.

Kung makatitig ang lalaki, akala mo, gulat at hindi makapaniwala na naka-jackpot ito sa Lotto.

Then, Renante started briefing her about VVatch.

Habang inuubos ang kanya-kanyang inumin, kinukwento na rin sa kanya ng nobyo ang three-year projection plan ng kompanya. Ang mga navi-visualize nitong mga bagong disenyo at materyales para sa mga relong ipo-produce nila nang magkasama.

Then they stripped down their clothes upon reaching Renante's bedroom that used to be her Tito Manuel's. Renante was left with nothing but his black, skin-tight boxers on. Stacey put on her loose pastel blue cotton shorts and white oversized crop top.

Tumupad si Stacey sa pinangakong back massage dito.

She carefully straddled him on his upper thighs, just a few shy inches away from the bottom of his ass hugged tightly by his black boxers. Stacey poured and spread the oil all over his back, the sweetness of sunflower and biting chill of eucalyptus diffusing in the air.

It stung her hands, but Stacey kept on rubbing his back. She patted and squeezed and massaged every part.

And it would always make her softly smile when Renante groans in satisfaction.

"Thank you, Boo," he moaned as her pressing thumbs circled at his lower back. "Ah... That's it, Stace. That's the spot..."

Unan pa rin ni Renante ang mga braso. Nakatulog ito nang nakadapa bago pa siya natapos sa pagmasahe rito.

Nang matapos si Stacey, napatitig siya sa nakatagilid nitong mukha. The inner corners of his eyebrows angled up, lips downturned.

She didn't mind the oil. Although still slippery on his skin, it has dried enough for Stacey to comfortably embrace him from behind. She almost buried her face on his hair, taking in his cool scent— like air that is essential for her to keep breathing. Then, she studded kissed on his head before leaving that room…

Bumalik si Stacey sa sariling kwarto. Bago natulog, pinulido niya gamit ang laptop ang kopya ng sariling resume.

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***

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RENANTE HALF-SLOUCHED ON HIS SEAT, an arm lazily folded on an arm rest. Patagilid ang anggulo ng kanyang ulo, pailalim ang tingin sa nobya.

She stood on the other side of his sleek desk. Mahigpit ang yakap ng peek-a-boo dress sa magandang hubog ng katawan nito.  Her magenta dress has a twisted front, the knot of the twist rested at the lower center of her round breasts bossed by the tight material. The long sleeves made her arms look slimmer, the length reached her wrists. Stacey matched the attire with a pair of white high heels. Her dark silky hair, like a cool starless night sky, dropped straight, neatly combed down. Those red lips, luscious as always. Those side bangs hid her left arched eye brow and shadowed her fierce eyes. Renante held back the urge to flick them away with his hands, just to see her beautiful face better.

Binaba ni Renante ang print-out ng resume ni Stacey.  still held it though, as both paper and his hand rested on the desk.

“You don’t have to give me this,” tukoy niya sa resumé, hindi maalis-alis ang tingin sa nobya.

“I’m your girlfriend, but this is a work setting, Mr. Villaluz,” wika nito, mas pormal kaysa sa normal na paraan ng pakikipag-usap nito sa kanya. “We have to be professionals toward each other. Alright?”

“So… you’re the type who doesn’t mix business with pleasure, hm?” nanunuksong ngisi niya rito.

Her eyes narrowed at him. “Why, Mr. Villaluz? Is that how you are in the workplace?” Then she lifted her chin up, making her bangs slightly bob. “Because if that is the case, your girlfriend would like to have a word with you later—” pagdiin ng kalmado pero nagbabanta nitong tono, “—after work.”

Mahina siyang natawa. Nabitawan niya ang papel para mamasahe ang sentido habang napapailing-iling. Hindi umalis sa dalaga ang kanyang paningin.

He just couldn’t look away.

Lalong nagsalubong ang mga kilay nito.

“What’s so funny?”

Lalo siyang natawa.

“Mr. Villaluz—”

“Geez!” tindig niya mula sa kinauupuan.

Inikot ni Renante ang desk at huminto s harapan niyon, sa tapat ni Stacey. Sinandal niya ang likuran ng mga binti roon bago inupuan ang makitid na dulo ng mesa.

He outstretched a hand. “Come here.”

“Why?” she gave him a doubting look.

“Just,” he still outstretched his arm, wiggled his fingers to motion her to hurry up.

Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ni Stacey sa kanya at sa invisible na imahe sa kanan nito ng ilang ulit bago mabigat na napabuntong-hininga. Hindi natinag si Renante sa kanyang posisyon hangga’t hindi lumalapit si Stacey.

Napilitang lumapit si Stacey sa kanya.

He held her arm first to bring her close. And when she was already within reach, his other hand took the small of her waist too.

Napasinghap ito nang maglapat ang kanilang mga katawan. At dahil nakaupo si Renante sa dulo ng desk, mas matangkad na si Stacey sa kanya. Kailangan niyang tumingala para masalo ang naghalong gulat at pagkalito sa mga mata nito na tumugma sa pagkakaawang ng mapula nitong mga labi.

“There’s no need to act cool or too formal,” he smiled, brushing away the stands of hair that touched her cheek as she lowered her face to deepen her soldering gaze into his eyes. “Just be natural.”

Nakadiin sa pisngi ni Stacey ang kanyang kamay para hindi tumakip doon ang buhok nito.

Stacey rolled her eyes.

“Pero oras ngayon ng trabaho at—”

Hindi natuloy ang pagpoprotesta nito dahil sa hindi malamang dahilan. Napatitig na lang ang dalaga sa kanya.

“Look. Kapag oras ng trabaho, hindi kita malalambing o kung anuman iyang iniisip mo.” Naningkit ang mga mata nito. “Mr. Villaluz, we’re here to get business done and to set as a good example to your employees. At least, try to display some decent work ethics, Sir.”

At maingat siyang tinulak ng dalaga sa dibdib para makalayo. But he did not nudge.

To her shock, he just gripped tighter on her waists, making her bounce back— and much closer— to him. Her breasts almost touching his chin. Hindi tuloy napigilan ni Renante ang nakakalokong ngisi.

“Yes, Ma’am,” he breathlessly said, just looking at her and allowing himself to drown with how beautiful she is. Exhilarated with the idea that she’s his’ and they’ll be together everywhere.

Almost every hour.

“Now, before we become workmates, come here and kiss your boo,” he throatily demanded, combing her hair that fell on the side of her face. Tinulak niya ang buhok nito papunta sa likuran ng tainga at nilapat sa likuran ng ulo ni Stacey ang kamay para ipirmi iyon.

Stacey smiled and lowered her head until their lips met. Their lips moved slowly and thoroughly, as if tracing each other’s lips with their own before deliciously parting ways.

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PAGKATAPOS NG MAIKLING BRIEFING, prinesenta siya ni Renante sa HR Staff ng VVatch na si Eloisa.  Kahati ng babae ang Accounting Staff na pinakilalang si Ryan sa may kaliitang opisina na katabi lang nung kay Renante. Hindi agad mapapansin ang desk nila dahil nangingibabaw ang abot-kisame na mga shelf ng dokumento na paikot ang sakop na mga pader. Medyo nalula si Stacey doon. Nasa start-up stage pa rin kasi ang VVatch pero nakakalula na sa dami ang mga papel at dokumentong hawak nito.

 Inayos ang pag-compile ng requirements ni Stacey at dinagdag siya ni Eloisa sa record nito sa computer na isa sa mga empleyado ng VVatch. Nang matapos, hinatid na si Stacey ni Renante sa maliit na opisina ng Design Department.

Every corner of the four walls were bright white. On one wall, a white drawer stood with glass cases lined atop.

Each glass case contained stands with different models of VVatch luxury wristwatches. On the right was a black wood desk long enough to almost touch the walls in opposite directions. May tig-tatlong upuan sa kabilaan ng mesa.

Nasa likuran ng mahabang lamesa si Paige. Naka-stand ang gamit nitong tablet, nakahalang ng pagkakaharap dito dahil mas abala ang babae sa hawak nitong lapis at nakabuklat na sketchbook.

The light clicking of the door open instantly got Paige’s attention. Nag-angat ito agad ng tingin at pinanood ang pagpasok nila sa silid.

“Good morning, Paige,” masiglang bati ni Renante at huminto sa gitna ng silid para lingunin siya.

That must be her cue. Iniwan ni Stacey ang pinto para tabihan si Renante. Inabit siya ng kamay nito na lumapat sa kanyang likuran para igiya siya palapit sa desk. Siyang tindig naman ni Paige.

In this meeting, Paige wore a waist-high trousers in birch brown. Naka-tuck in ang may kaluwagang button-down blouse nitong dark walnut brown. Her bob hair was still straight and dark.

Lumipat mula kay Renante papunta sa kanya ang tingin nito. Her lifeless eyes did not even change a size. It was as if she was lost in trance, her gaze going through them before she nodded.

“This is Stacey. She’s going to work with you starting today.”

Doon na nagkaroon ng reakyon ang dalaga. Bahagyang umawang ang mga labi nitong kinulayan ng nude lipstick. Her eyes remained the same though.

Renante glanced at her, then back to Paige. “But for now, i-orient mo muna si Stace. Familiarize her with how things are done here.”

Tinitigan siya ni Paige. Hindi ito nagsalita agad. Hindi malaman ni Stacey kung ano pa ang hinihintay ng babae.

Renante told her that Paige was his elder brother, Ronnie’s girlfriend. Did that give her the entitlement to act this way here at VVatch?

“Paige?” pukaw ni Renante dito.

“Can we talk alone in your office?”

Stacey crossed her arms. Her voice dry, her eyes unamused. “Why not talk right here in front of me, Miss Uychengco?”

Binalik ni Paige ang walang buhay na tingin sa kanya.

“I bet it’s about me. If so, why not tell it to my face?” malumanay ngunit matatag niyang hamon dito.

“Please, Miss Vauergard.” She’s as icy as how lifeless she established herself to be. “I don’t want to start something.”

“Just tell us what’s your concern, Paige,” seryosong saad ni Renante. Good thing  her boyfriend quickly picks up the tension brewing between her and Paige.

“I am just wondering why your girlfriend have to be here in VVatch too. You won’t need a distraction at times like this.”

Times like this… tinutukoy niya siguro ang problema na kinakaharap ngayon ng VVatch…

Hindi natinag si Renante. “Stacey has kickstarted numerous successful businessness, Paige. ‘Yong huli, may kinalaman sa designing. She designed bestselling woven bags. She can help with our woven wristwatch bands ideas.”

Mariin itong sumagot. “That’s already taken care of by our collaboration with Gallardo’s. So, what is the need for this addition?”

“Well, why are you questioning the decision of the management? The CEO rather?” masungit niyang saad.

Stacey just could not help it.

“Because Ronnie put me here to keep an eye on how Renante manages this company.” Inekisan na rin siya ni Paige ng mga braso. The woman slightly relaxed, as if she just got the upper hand and gotten too confident about it. “I am here to make sure that Renante will make the right decisions.”

Stacey glared at Renante.