The Story of Joaquin and Angelica Final Chapter

My father arrived as scheduled.  He is after all, a stickler for precision.  He knew right away that the flush on my cheeks had nothing to do with the excitement of his homecoming.  He gave Joaquin a once-over and seemed to me he was trying his best to conceal a grin.  
Joaquin on the other hand tried to be on his best business behavior while I naughtily tried to seduce him everything opportunity I got.  Of course he failed miserably.  It's not that he wanted to keep away from me although he seethed at me for knowing all of his weak spots.  I thought it was rather uncomfortable each time he tried to manage a project meeting with a hard-on.    

There was not a single day that passed that we were not trying to get on or in each other; sometimes we go twice for quickies and sleep together at night.  When the sun sets, he turns into a raving sex machine and turns at me with a vengeance. He would slip a finger in me when he can and I stop in my tracks to sigh. I never worked so inspired in spite of my soaking and throbbing pussy that made me walk rather awkwardly, but I didn't really care.  To save time and effort, I would romp around commando and in short skirts.  It made Joaquin crazy when I flashed him when he is in a meeting with my Dad.  It was the best of sexy times and to do it with the man I have been crazy about for so many years was simply heavenly.  The things we did even when my father was around was almost criminal.
One blissful morning, I caught my father and Joaquin in a private huddle, they were talking in hushed tones so I grew very suspicious.  I felt my stomach churned when I heard the mention of my name.  I could not hear the words so I crept slowly behind them, but I started feeling woozy and from the side of my eyes I saw the light flickered.  I barely made it through that I had to grab on a setee' to keep my balance.  All of a sudden, the lights totally went out.
I heard muffled voices and the sounds of beeping machines, and a shocking wave of fluorescent light peered through my lenses rousing me from a very tiring sleep.  There was a peculiar smell I picked up, one which brought sad and bizarre memories, it can only be a hospital.  Hospital!  My eyes widened I almost started to scream when a familiar warm hand squeezed mine.  Joaquin... my Joaquin.  I looked at him and saw how tired his eyes were, dark shadows rimmed the sockets making him look sallow and depressed.  I looked around and I realized there were tubes all over my body and then I saw my Dad.  He moved closer to my bed and beside him stood a man, a Doctor that looked so familiar.  It clicked, Joaquin's father. I remember him for being my mother's oncologist.  Then it dawned on me, a bitter realization, Dios mio!  I am sick and I must be really bad sick in a way.  I searched for Joaquin's face to give me comfort and see that assurance of love, and in his eyes I saw that he knew I have broken into an epiphany.  I held back my tears and stroked his jaw-line, "You need to sleep my love, you look tired." I smiled and he weakly smiled back while his eyes were teared-up.  I wanted to kiss him so badly but I could hardly move.
I raised one hand to my Dad and he rushed to hug me tenderly, carefully looking at the tubes that can be dislodged.  Then I heard Dr. Nuñez official voice over the droning and beeping sounds, "You gave us quite a scare Angelica.  We are still running more tests and things look optimistic but we want to be sure we don't rule out anything vital."
I smiled back at him and said thank you but I heard my voice raspy and my throat was too dry.
He continued, "... like your father and mother, Angelica, you have fighting genes in you and I am sure your father here is very proud of you.  Don't worry hija, I will never allow anything to happen to you under my watch."
My father gingerly propped my pillow and buzzed me on both cheeks, his lips smiled but I must have gleaned some sadness in those eyes that I am too familiar with since my mother passed.  Then he softly said, "Joaquin, watch my little angel will you? Your father and I need to discuss unsettled golf scores and debts."  The three men laughed, lamely.  I felt really bad making all these wonderful, strong men around me, look weak and defeated.

Once again, it was just Joaquin and I.  I look at him and he was looking back at me with those soulful, loving eyes, then suddenly he knelt at my bedside, kissed my hand and said, "Maria Angelica Valdez, will you be my wife?"  I was too stunned to say anything!  All I could think of was, is he proposing to me in a hospital and I look like a terrible camper with hardly any make-up on?  
"I know my timing is rotten, it has always been my flaw," he paused and smiled weakly and out of somewhere in his jeans or jacket, he pulled out a lovely looking ring. I caught my breath, and was too shocked to even squeak a sound, Joaquin went on,"... I would have asked you a long time back but I did not think myself worthy to stand beside you, I did not deserve you.  I am still awed that you have forgiven me and decided to love me again.  Please let me love you and take care of you for the rest of my life."

I found myself suddenly sobbing all I could do was nod and raise my hands to hug him.  He slipped the ring on my finger and we both cried, I whispered, "I will never stop loving you Joaquin and I will love to be your wife."  We kissed and on that particular moment nothing else mattered but my will to live as long as I can, so I can love this man I have loved all my life fully, love him until the last day I walked this earth.  Whatever it was I was up against, didn't matter, I didn't care.  I did not care how painful or how daunting it would be.  Our love and the kiss that sealed it drowned all the aches, agony and grief.  
I could swear at that moment in the midst of the bleeps and whirs of the medical contraptions, I only heard soft heartbeats in harmony, the birds singing and the flowers laughing, while the whole world stood still

The Story of Joaquin and Angelica Part 3

I laid my head down on the bed and looked out my window trying to avoid the awkwardness.  All of a sudden I felt him kissing my hand, every finger, he held on to it the whole time.  I felt droplets of water on my hand, I turned to look at him.  Joaquin was crying quietly it broke me. He moved closer and turned to face me.  I looked back and saw how sad he looked, our eyes met and slowly our lips found what they had longed wanted to do.  

He cupped my face with both hands and we kissed gingerly, at first, then gently, and sweetly. Electric neurons sent shock waves to my entire body and jolted my spine, Joaquin has been the only man I ever had who made it possible to make my nerves go berserk.  As we kissed and with my eyes closed, images of long gone days of bliss flitted through my mind - Joaquin and I as young kids playing tag and holding each other's hands as we ran to strip naked and dive into the beach; as young teens, exploring the changes in our bodies, giggling and discovering new feelings and sensations about one another; the first time we had sex (he was my first but I was definitely not his) and I felt so wanted and loved as his desires were insatiable and so was mine; and that ugly, dark night, when I had enough of his intolerable vices and wanton indiscretions that I finally told him to stay out of my life, forever.  He started kissing me harder, his tongue played in my mouth like a snake devouring another snake and it seemed like he was seeing the images that distracted me and he wanted me to think of that moment.  I started kissing him back feverishly, I felt his body temperature rising I tore his shirt open and just as quickly, my bare breasts were on his chest.  I was completely roused and electrified, I felt myself pulsing and soaking and I felt him body shaking and his desirable hardness.  We touched and stroked and caressed and sucked and licked each other in total abandon and we made love like it was our first and our last.  Without a lot of words or talking, we just groped and moaned and gyrated and grunted.  The only sound I heard were his soft murmurs of "my baby", "my angel", "I need you", "I want you so bad" and each time he said it, his voice cracked and his tone was uneven.

He pounded me hard and repeatedly I convulsed and quivered uncontrollably with each fierce orgasm.  He held on, really long; he allowed to completely satiate my needs and my pleasures.  When he exploded inside me he howled and cried unashamedly.  His body was still shaking when he finally dropped his head tenderly on my tummy.  We were both sweaty and soaking with our body fluids.  I was still breathing unevenly when he started to play his fingers on my nipples and they responded back with enthusiasm.  I wanted him more.  I was aching for him to be inside me again, to fill me wholly. But I laid still and quiet.

With his eyes, he looked at my face and spoke slowly, softly, almost a deep sigh, but I heard it all.   "Ten years I lived aimlessly looking for a way to forgive myself for everything that I did that hurt you Angelica, my baby ... I could not bear seeing you and your pained, unforgiving eyes.  I thought my soul had left me.  I had to deal with all of my demons and now I am clean, I am sober, for more than eight years now.  The women, those girls - done and over with.  They were part of a dark past, a terrible chapter of my life I never want to live through again.  I only truly love one girl all my life.  My dream girl, a feisty princess I tried to kiss when I was 14 and she told me I tasted like a frog."
He paused and caressed my breasts, I closed my eyes and I smiled at the memory and the gnawing feeling that throbbed inside me.  I was only 11 years old and I didn't speak to him all of summer that year.  The electric jolt in my spine scared me when our lips first touched.  When he turned 16 and I was almost 14, we tried French kissing and he sucked my lips and tongue too much I called him a bad tasting, greedy frog.  He looked up at me again but never stopped touching my breasts and said, "You are most beautiful Angelica, up close and personal, much more beautiful than all of the images I held of you in my waking hours and dreams in all those years we were apart.  But you always knew didn't you? That you are the only one I love, and that I love you more than my life. I am truly sorry baby, I am.  More than you will ever know."
I touched his face and traced my finger on his jaw-line, now with small stubs growing, his sexy afternoon shadow, I said, "No, Joaquin.  All I know is that I will always love you for the rest of my life."  I lifted his head and kissed him, with fire and passion and I swooned, "I missed you so much my love."  He licked and kissed my face, neck, breasts, belly button and he got down on me and savoured our juices.  He was unbelievable hungry and I let him feast on me as I basked on glorious ecstasy.  I must have screamed his name all through the night and we continued enjoying our slice of heaven until the sun peeked through my curtains and our bodies started to ache.  We woke up sore and nervously happy.  We chose breakfast in bed.  Hot and spicy.

TO BE CONTINUED

The Story of Joaquin and Angelica Part 2

"Good god you scared me.  I thought you may have already left,"  I wheezed and stuttered as I realized Joaquin was still in the office library room.
"Why do you want to get rid of me so soon Angelica, it is just my first day of work" Joaquin replied rather sarcastically.
I decided that there was no point in prolonging this so I briskly walked away and said in a parting shot, "If you are hungry I can have someone arrange your meals here, if you prefer otherwise, I will have a setting for you at the Dining Room," without turning back.  I can feel my heart thumping again and being squeezed, an all-too familiar pain.  I hold back my tears and think to myself, how could I hate him so much and feel so much hurt in my heart?  I might have heard him mutter something in reply but I didn't look back.

Two weeks passed. uneventfully.  We managed to keep peace and civility.  A few days short of my father's arrival from Paris, a huge bulk of orders came from one of our key accounts and the entire plantation was abuzz with excitement and energy.  Business is robust and this has given an air of gaiety as this meant more good news  for our people.  I watched Joaquin move around with the workers as they grinned and watched him in awe, like they do when they watch my father.  The lady workers preened and tried to get his attention by teasing him.  He is a charmer and his charms worked on them like a potion.  They all looked happy and excited.  They were laughing and exchanging banters as they worked on the delivery schedules.
I suddenly felt so alone and sad, I clutched at my chest because I was finding it hard to breathe.  I crept slowly back inside the Office when I felt a presence behind me.  I turned around abruptly almost knocking heads with Joaquin and tripping over each other.  He caught me by the arms to stop me from falling and I grabbed onto his shirt.  He held on.
"Angelica please, let me talk to you.  I am so sorry that I have hurt you and caused you so much pain" he spoke with his face very close to mine.  My heart tightened some more.
I turned my head away from him realizing that I was trembling, I was almost choking, "Please don't Joaquin.  It was a long time ago.  I have forgotten all about it."  I tried to wiggle out of his hands, but they tightened on my arms some more.  He continued, "You never gave me any chance to explain or to redeem myself."
I kept my eyes down but then this didn't stop my tears from falling and I kept asking myself, how can a 10-year old wound feel like I just got stabbed yesterday?  I have buried this hurt so deeply but his touch made me feel vulnerable and weak.  I thought I was floating back into my dark memories as I started feeling woozy and unsteady, my knees started to wobble only Joaquin's grasp was keeping me up.  My arms felt too heavy I dropped them to my sides.  I can hear  his voice saying words to me, fading.  I can smell his scent and feel his body close to mine, all his muscles tense.  Everything started to spin and I was falling, my tears blurred my vision and I couldn't move.  I was drowning in a sea of overwhelming emotions and dark shadows.  I heard his voice again but I couldn't make out what he said but it sounded gentle and sweet.  I did not want to answer him and even if I did, I couldn't.  I tried to open my eyes but I don't remember closing them.  He was calling me "Angel", a name he called me a long time ago, but the free falling sensation I was yielding to was too seductive to turn away from and the bottomless pit felt so peaceful and painless.
I awakened to sounds of strange voices and nervous chatter.
A Doctor, two nurses, a medical aide, my Nanna Consuelo, and someone sitting beside me on the bed holding and squeezing my hand, Joaquin, "my" Joaquin.  I stare at him, he still has that boyish look about him, soft brown curls fall carelessly on his forehead, his chest, broad and muscular, his skin, a burnt sienna tone, his arms strong and I know under that shirt how ribbed his muscles are.   I know how every part of his body looks and feels.  I notice sweat beads rolled down from his neck to his chest.  He looks at me.
"Angel?  Baby?" he whispered.  I gawked back at him as he has not called me baby in almost a lifetime.  I tried to stand and get my bearings.  I didn't realize my knees had turned to jelly and slumped back.
"What happened?" my voice cracked as I searched for Joaquin's eyes.
"You fainted baby, the Doctor here said from over work and stress and he has taken some blood samples for testing.  I never felt so scared in my life Angelica, the thought of losing you again is going to kill me" Joaquin explained in a very shaky voice.
I tried to get my head to think straight, I fainted in Joaquin's arms?  Such poetic irony.  And with a start, "Papa!  Did anyone call my father?" I looked at everyone's faces as I almost screeched.  They all looked down uneasily and Joaquin spoke first, "No baby, I thought it best not to, since he is travelling.  It will be too stressful for him, too."
"Thank you ... Joaquin, so much" I stammered back, softly and barely audible even to my ears.
The crowd in my room fell silent and slowly started to leave.  Joaquin gave my Nanna a look and she almost bowed at him, smiled at me sweetly then left.
I could feel Joaquin's presence all over me now that he sits beside me, on my bed, just the two of us.

TO BE CONTINUED

The Story of Joaquin and Angelica

"Que Papa?  Did you say Joaquin?  Joaquin?  But did you hear me say, anybody, just anybody, but him?  Dios mio Papa, you never listen to me.  Never!"  I wailed and whimpered.  
"Hush!  Angelica, you know too well that is not true.  I always listen to you.  I listen too much and look at you, you are spoiled rotten.  And what in the world are you over reacting about?  You and Joaquin have always been good friends.  You were inseparable since you were kids, I have always trusted him like he is my own son.  Stop whining Angelica."  My father tried to reason with me.
"Oh sure Papa, you trust him.  That was a long time ago before he became a prick!" I retorted.
"Watch you mouth Maria Angelica, you don't use that language with me" my father cuts me with a scowl on his face, "You are incorrigible hija, if your mother was ..."
I insisted, "I am just speaking the truth Papa.  When we were in the university, I avoided him like a plague.  He is a virus, he is such a ..."
"Prou! N'hi ha prou amb la seva paraula bruta.  I have decided and given my word.  I have asked Joaquin to manage the Operations while I am travelling while you take charge of the finances and helping him out.  Just like you help me out.  Help him with the information he needs to know so he can make good decisions.  You are good at that.  Be', I really have to make a phone call, I am already running late as it is"  my father said that with a tone of finality.
I crossed my arms and gave my father the worst dagger-look I could muster.  He looks at me, his face suddenly breaks into a little grin, his eyes sparkling and I was really feeling furious.
"You look exactly like your Mother when you're angry when you wrinkle your nose that way"  my father chuckled while I tried to keep the fierce expression on my face.  He teased and taunted me, "Now tell me, what was that bag you wanted so much from Chanel?  Do you have that picture you cut from the catalogue?  Come on, show me so I can bring it with me"
"No"  I said trying to be firm, "I am not falling into that bribery trap again. Mai!"
My father couldn't help it, his smile broadened, "Well if you insist on being stubborn, I know what to get you anyway" he said grinning now.
I so hate my father.  He is too charming.  I can see why my mother could not stay angry with him.  I miss her so much.  I hope she is proud of what I have become and can see how I wrestle with this man she loved till her last breath.  My thoughts bring me to her scent and her smile and her soft laughter.
"Angelica my sweetest"  my day dream got cut by my father's soothing voice, "Don't go there.   I miss her every single minute of my life" he says and it's as if I saw a dark cloud passing.  I gave in, I tiptoed and gave my father a tight bear hug.
"I miss her so much Papa, and I will miss you too, terribly.  I don't want you enjoying yourself too much in Paris.  I particularly do not trust those French women." I joked and continued hugging him tightly.  My father hugged me back.
"No other woman can hold a candle to your mother, Angelica, seva mare era el meu únic amor," my father said softly to my ear.  I felt tears starting to well up in my eyes as I feel him let go of a deep, heavy sigh.  I broke away first to allow him to make his business call.  I putter sound needlessly in the office reviewing the tags on his luggages then the driver came in.  I motioned and nodded for the driver to pick up the bags and I hand him over my father's briefcase.  I caught at the corner of my eyes a familiar figure.  My heartbeat jumped to crescendo.  I pretend to be looking at a journal on my father's desk, but my father saw him and waved him to go in.  And just about then, my father shuts his phone.
"Joaquin, my man, just in time.  I was beginning to worry I would have gone before you came around.  How is your father?  Tell him he better work on his "putting" and our bet is still on,"  my father's smile was so warm and wide I wanted to choke him and belch.
And then I hear that voice my throat automatically got dry, "Yes, my father has been relentlessly training himself for the rematch and has been on the green at least  3 times each week now ever since he lost the last bet with you.  I can only deduce he is preparing for the next round" and they both cackle and chortle, I wanted to morph into mutant Mystique.
"Angelica will be giving you a walk through on the budgets and current state of finances, the books are updated and she will see to it that you have access to all the reports you need to see.  You can access from your laptop if you will plug it in or just use the PC in the library if you need to browse files on your own.  Or just use mine.  Angelica has all the passwords," he sneaks a look at me, my father is going to get me all riled up.  "That would be just too easy for you Joaquin eh?"  and he puts his arm around Joaquin's shoulders, "Now if my Princess here gives you any problem" he looks at me and winks, "you know my number" and they both laugh.
I chimed in, but my voice cracked, "I resent that."  I sulked.
I felt a rush of blood flooding into my face when Joaquin looked at me, he was smiling and those naughty deep brown eyes were slightly twinkling, "You should not worry about anything Don Enrique"  and he looks back at my Dad, "Angelica and I will definitely work together very well, we always did."
I throw Joaquin a dark look but my father turned to face me so I smiled sweetly.  "Well I do have a plane to catch  and hope to be back in three weeks.  If I can be back earlier or there are snags in the negotiations, much later, I will call you sweetheart" and he buzzes me on the forehead.  I wrap my arm around his waist and walk beside him to the foyer and to the car.  Joaquin walked with us but stayed on my father's right side while I stayed on the left.  We watch the car move out of the curve and out of sight.  The house is located at the centre of the estate.  
I walk past Joaquin and went straight into my quiet room behind the library.  I was finalizing some balance sheets when I realized it was a quarter past seven.  I stretched my back and yawned.
The room, my father's office was dark and quiet except for a small lamp in the corner.  I stopped dead on my tracks when I heard papers being shuffled.  Is he still here?

TO BE CONTINUED

  

An Unforeseen Twist - Conclusion

"You what??" Frankie squealed and the coffee dribbled out of her mouth.  I laughed and gave her a tissue.  She snatched it from my hand and gave me a dirty look.

"I said we ate and went on a food binge.  You don't really think I would let all those delicious food go to waste.  C'mon, think of all the starving people in the world."  I retorted and slowly sipped on my espresso.

"Madone Sofia, you are the mother of skank hos!  You have a hot and yummy Turkish bachelor millionaire in your hands and you don't give him a chance to go manzo la gousha!  Just wanna go potsy with him? Not for nuthin' gurl, but I wanna wack your cugutza! "  She screeched.  When Frankie gets angry, she goes all Brooklyn with me.

"Frankie, Attila is not a scumbag.  He's really a decent guy.  And it's not that he didn't go for it or that I did not want it either.  Its just that ..." I was still searching for words.

"Fuggedabouit! He's gonna find himself some bo-nasty ho and you're gonna come crying." Frankie needed to have the last word.

"Nah, just feeling fly girl!"  I sneered.

I barely weeded out my jet lag and I was already neck deep in shit-loads of work for the Budget Reviews.  Attila flew to London and Turkey just about the same time.  He called at least twice a week just to say Hello or tell me where he was.  Sometimes I think about what Frankie said.  I don't want to believe I blew it.  Not when I was starting to miss him.

A month and a half has passed until I finally got a go signal from Doug to proceed with my program and fly to K.L.  As usual, Anne Marie put out her magic wand and produced an airline ticket.  This time she went to me and Frankie was watching.  

"Sofia dear, here are your tickets to paradise.  If you don't get him, it'll be a toss up between your girl here and I.  Now get your butt off to K.L.!"  Anne Marie crosses her arms around her Mother of Moses chest!

"I thought you were on my side".  To which she countered, "Oh no, not this time sweetie.  Everybody moves on."

Actually, I was so excited that when I got to my apartment, I thought I should call him.  I dialled his house number first, then a lady answers the phone.  I froze. (OMG!  It's not happening?  Whoa, hold on girl, when did you start believing you're his girlfriend!) I exhaled and looked for him.  

She asks, "Who are you?"

I was so startled I stammered explaining that I work with Attila in Marketing but I work in the NY Office.   The she cuts in; "Is dees Saw-fi-yah? Attila not here.  In Singapore.  Weed hees brow-der Erol. (long pause) Sorry my English not good. You have message?"

I said, "Oh it's alright.  I will just call again.  Thank you."  But she cuts in again. "No, no, no, you tell me message.  Attila will ask.  I am hees mother."

I almost fell off my seat.  I decided there was no use arguing, it was hard enough to understand her, so I told her as slowly as I could about my flight schedule.  She says, "I am  back in Turkey when you come here."

Petaling Jaya Hilton

And I said, that's a damn shame, I gave my thanks and goodbye.  And for a while there I thought ... 

I flew to KL, saw the usual WELCOME MR. S. DELGADO sign and was brought straight to PJ Hilton.  I noticed a peculiar change in the amount of  attention given by the hotel staff.  Everyone was greeting me, nodding as I walked through the Lobby or gawked as I passed by.

I asked my trusted butler, Fatima, "What's going on? I did not realize everyone in the Hotel knows me now."

She giggled. "Miss Sofia, you are popular.  We are very happy to see you again.  Mr. Attila is happy when you are here.  Mr. Attila very nice to us but he is always sad.  We only see Mr. Attila happy when his girlfriend is here."

I stopped unpacking. I looked at Fatima.  "He has a girlfriend here?" I asked matter-of-factly.

Fatima giggled some more. "Oh Miss Sofia, I know.  It's secret.  Mr. Attila is very private.  Women go to him but he just smile because he is nice man.   But only Miss Sofia, real girlfriend make him happy."  I smiled.

"Fatima, I am sorry to disappoint you.  But I am not Mr. Attila's girlfriend.  We are very good friends." I look at her and somehow I felt she didn't believe me.

She whispered. "It's okay Miss Sofia.  We keep it secret."

Fine, I decided just to play on. "Alright Fatima, you got me.  Swear you won't tell anybody about our secret." And I thought, most especially Mr. Attila.

Then she excitedly swore, "In Allah's name, I swear Miss Sofia."  And she went off to do her tasks quietly.  At least I made someone happy.

This was all too flattering for me and confusing.  Attila is right, they love to get into other people's private affairs.  I don't think it's a culture thing.  But it certainly does feel intrusive;  and we're both not locals.  (I wonder if he got my message, he hasn't called and I am here now.)

I had dinner alone at the Coffee Shop that night.  I was too tired for any company anyway.

  

I was jolted awake by a resounding noise.  Is that the phone?  What the hell? What time is it?

I croaked. "Yes?".  The night-stand clock displayed 6:30 A.M.

"Sofia?".  I was wide awake now. "Welcome to Malaysia."  

I couldn't resist; "Who is this?"  He laughed.  "The bogey man.  Did you bring your swimming costume?"

"Huh, what costume?  I was disoriented.  

"Rise and shine lovely Princess.  I will be there in 30 minutes.  Its a holiday so we're going somewhere."  He chimed.

"I'm sorry, but why do I need a costume?  Give me a break Attila, my brain is parked." I grumbled.

"I got that covered.  Just get up and start moving.  I will be there seven-ish." He sounded excited.

"Alright, I'm moving now.  I think.  I'll see you then." I hanged up.

I guessed at casual.  Cut out denim shorts, beige espadrilles and a loose off-shoulder cream blouse.  Not enough time for looking good.  Fuck it.  Big, dark shades.  My hair was still wet when my door buzzer went on.  I opened the door and there he was.  In jeans, sandals and a sport shirt.  I smiled.  I went for the double cheek buss but he went for the lips, and we hugged.  Too long.

I nudged him, "You missed me."

He pretended he didn't hear that and he went straight away telling me we have to rush back to his place to pick up a couple of things.  

"What?"  I said, my voice a slight decibel higher.  I argued why we needed to do that, he had to wake me up early, waste petrol going to the hotel, when he should have brought everything we needed.  I was not even aware we held hands again as we walked and argued; the people were having their heyday watching us.  We were still arguing when I sat on the car, he said; "Yes Sofia, I missed you so much.  You can shut up now, please,  as I will have to drive really fast."  I scowled at him.

A swimming costume, Jesus, a swimsuit!  I brought one but there was a new yellow 2-piece string right there on his coffee table.  Attila hands it over to me and says, "Get changed."

"Are we swimming in the pool?  Because I can get my own back in the hotel.  Or we can swim in the hotel pool."  I badgered him.

He stops reloading beer cans on a carry-all,  looks at me.  "I am bringing you to Club Med. You can change in the club if you want, I just thought you may be more comfortable changing here."  

"Fine," I said.  "I'll wear it under just in case I may not get to be in the mood to swim." (I was lying, truth is, my heart was thumping with excitement and I was dying to be on the beach with this delicious man.)

I barely got out of the Guest Room and he said, "They're here."  My heart dropped seven notches down, "Who's they?" (Frankie may be right.  I may never have another alone time with him, damn!)

'They', were two other couples; A Brit named Charles with his Chinese Malay girlfriend, Lia; a German dude with a Thai girlfriend, whose both names I missed.  They hardly saw me.  I gave Attila an evil-eye when I saw we were not using his car.  We squeezed at the back with Charles and Lia; the German Dude in surf shorts and his Thai girl in front with the driver.  I stiffened.  

I felt Attila's hand on my shoulder and he pulled me to him and whispered; "Relax Sofia, I'm with you. These guys work in our London office, on their holidays, they arrived yesterday and will be here for a few days.  I promised I will take them to the resort."

I spoke with a hiss, gritting my teeth, "They're freaking couples, look at that?  Did you tell them we're not a couple?  For crying out loud, look!  We've barely left and they are making out right beside me and in front of me!  I don't even know where to look!!!"

Attila was trying his best not to laugh with a sound, I actually found it hilarious but I was too angry at him for not explaining these things to me upfront.  He tightened his arm around me and turned my head, "Then just look at me."  

I shot him a dagger look and whispered, "That's not enough.  You'll have to cover my ears then because I can still hear the nasty sounds."  We kept chortling in hushed tones.  

We agreed however that we would definitely leave ahead.  The plan was to stay the night.  I said it's not that I was being stuck-up, but I wasn't really comfortable.  

Club Med, Malaysia

Club Med was breathtakingly beautiful!  We jet-skied and swam for the rest of the morning.  I almost forgot we had company.  Turns out Attila needed to sign and endorse his guests; he was, after all, the member of the Club.  About mid-afternoon, Attila got a driver to bring us back to the city.

It was a more comfortable ride.  I told the driver to take me to the Hotel as I badly needed to wash the salt in my hair and skin.  Even the driver was under Attila's spell or payroll, because we rolled straight back to his place.

As soon as the driver had left, I faced him and said.  "Listen buster, don't ever do that to me again! I don't like to hang around with total strangers, and worst, with your mates who seem to have a desire to leave pieces of their anatomy in Malaysia.  Just because I am your friend does not give you any right to assume that I understand your plans or I am good at second-guessing your intentions.  Are you listening to me?"  He was busy moving around his house while I was talking, it was annoying and he was really trying my patience.  "Hey, I am serious!"

He stops and replies; "Look, I understand.   My fault.  Timing was off.  I wanted you to see Club Med.  You have to admit it's a magnificent place.  And we're back here, now."  

I cut in, "Yes, we are.  I wanted to go to my hotel to take a shower.  What am I doing here again?  Are you trying by any chance to seduce me?"

I got his attention.  He walked towards me and right in front of me, he stopped.  "I have tried miserably and failed many times Sofia.  God knows I'm still trying and the best I do is make you go ballistic."  

I kept quiet as I didn't know how to best counter that,  besides I really wanted to be with him, alone.

"You can take a shower in my bathroom, there's a  bath tub, fresh towels and a bathrobe on the bed.  I can start the water while you relax and try to simmer down." I was still pouting.

He continues; "Come on, check the fridge and since I have foreseen this to happen again with my luck, it is completely stocked with your favorite comfort things.  I have crushed ice, Maraschino cherries,  for your Bailey's if you wish.  I also got you the DVD copy of that Jodie Foster movie you said you missed." (I have completely mellowed out but I kept the grimace on my face; I have not seen such a smooth operator like this guy, and I am thrilled silly)

I provoked him some more; "One other thing.  Why is everybody assuming I am your girl?  Are you playing a new game or something?"  He turned around and walked towards his room.  "And your mother,  did she tell you we spoke on the phone?  She knows my name, what did you tell her?  Hey, are you ignoring me?"  (bastard!)  He disappeared into his room.

I decided to check out the refrigerator.  Holy shit!  This stock can last me for a week.  I couldn't help smile.  More food!  Glorious.  And there's a salad this time.  I got a glass, and some crushed ice, 2 cherries and opened a new bottle of Bailey's.  Ah, c'est la vie!

The wide-screen LCD monitor and the video player was mounted on the left corner of  the living room, the Jodie Foster DVD was on cue (he thinks of everything) ... 

I went straight to the balcony for some fresh air and watched the reflection of the sun setting on the pool.  It was a sight.  I sighed.  The whole thing is surreal.  However I felt comfort and revelled in this dream state.  A sense of calm and harmony caressed me.  There was a stillness in the air that promised warmth and ease.

I suddenly realized where I was, and for a brief moment, I became aware of a stirring inside me; every single pore of my body was delightfully rousing. 

I turned to look behind me. 

He was standing by the sliding doors of the balcony, he has showered and changed to a fresh shirt and loose khaki slacks.  He looked so inviting I caught my breath.  

"Your water is warm and ready Princess Sofia..." he had that charming boyish smile on his face.

"Don't call me that!" I snapped.

"Oohh, feisty.  A true blooded Princess," he chuckled.  "Do you want to finish your drink first?" He moved lazily towards me.  

"Or do you want to eat?"  He was now standing so invasively close, I couldn't breathe.  I could smell his clean and fresh shower scent.  "Or does my Princess prefer to take a shower? (he pauses) Or just do what comes naturally?"

I look up at him and I ask, "What comes naturally?"

He wraps his arms around my waist and said, "This."  He kissed me and I naturally kissed him back.  I didn't hold back, not this time;  he responded with fire and heat and passion.  

He swoops me and I wrap my legs around him, we didn't stop kissing,  we moved inside, into his room, and I cooed, "This is not the bathroom".  He slowly puts me down on the bed, and whispered, "No it's not, but it's a couple of steps away."  He quickly takes off his shirt while I watch. 

"Hey Mr. K, you have not answered  my question."  I ask between kisses.  

He pulls my blouse off and unties the strings of my bra.  "Strings are easier to remove." He says while he kisses my breasts. 

"Not that question."  I pull his face up to face mine.

He grinned.  "I am an alpha dog Sofia.  I told everyone you're mine."

"That's not fair, I wasn't." I was teasing him.

"I know.  Doesn't matter.  You're mine now," he smiled sexily. I grabbed his neck and kissed him, tenderly.

We finally stopped talking and arguing.  

Nothing else mattered on how different our worlds were when we met.  

I let him lead me to his heaven and mine and we knew our souls will always be one. 

An Unforeseen Twist (Part 3 of a Short Love Story)

The sudden silence inside the car was a bit discomforting.  I felt the need to break the ice; "What was that all about?  At the hotel?"  I asked my drop-dead hot "learning partner".
He chuckled and I thought it made him look so charmingly boyish.  I prodded; "I was told you stayed there for 3 months?  So I guess you must know everyone, oh, and Maidon said that you're a flirt!".
Attila laughed. And he went on to say that the staff, not just ladies,  in the hotel have become his friends; he swore by the outstanding customer service the hotel provided had it not been for the unreasonable cost of hotel living for a year, he would have stayed.  He added that Maidon, being the nosy old man that he is,  likes to flatter himself talking about other people.  I raised a quizzical eyebrow; he ignored it.  He continued telling me about his experience in Kuala Lumpur, how much he had to adjust; the nuances of the culture; he spoke about his new place, nestled in the middle of K.L.'s millionaire's row, with a pool; then he started talking about the Company, the new I.T. infrastructure, the Plant production issues, the product we needed to work on.  I sat quietly, nodding.  I found him fascinating, I was actually quite impressed.  It was refreshing to watch a very good looking "dude" talk business smartly.  He glanced at me and said; "Sofia, you don't really want to talk shop tonight.  I know I don't want to.  I just get carried away sometimes.  I really want to know more about this captivating and beautiful lady who is having dinner with me tonight."  I flashed him my killer smile.
My head was telling me he was just putting on his charm skills on maximum.  My stomach and my heart was telling me to fall for it.
The restaurant was a cozy and very private fine-dining  establishment that served international cuisine.  The maitre'd called him by his first name.   (Hmmm, I may not be the first girl he has tried to impress with this place, I thought).  He was doting on me and served me each course; this was despite two waiters hovering around us all the time; even tossed my salad.  He made it a point to ask me first how I liked the soup, the salad, before he ate anything.  When he sliced a bite size portion of his steak, he offered it to me, "Try this Sofia.  It melts in your mouth"  I tried to get the fork from him but he held onto it,  awkwardly I took the bite from his fork.  I returned the favor, I took a bite size from my sea bass and offered this to him with my fork.  However, the minute he took the bite, I left the fork on his mouth.  We both laughed again and loudly. 
Our conversation went on animatedly, we love to laugh and tell stories.  I found out he is Turkish by descent, but was bred and educated in London.  He practically knew more about me (I did not pry how he knew, but my guess is someone may have given him advance information).  We talked politics, economics, religion; we swapped colored jokes and shared our family's quirks; we shared turn-ons and offs and pet peeves; our travels and  countries we've seen.  I had no concept of time at all.  He teased me that I was a misbehaving, naughty, non-practicing Catholic and I ribbed him about being a smoking, drinking and cheating on Ramadan Muslim.  I never had such a good time with a man, I hardly know, just met actually, he made me feel so comfortable, so relaxed; so much like home.
It was almost two in the morning when I got back to the hotel.  Attila walked me to the lift, and we kissed on both cheeks, as customary.  He paused for just a wee bit then landed a peck on my lips.  I just smiled.  When the elevator's door opened, he said, "7:30, I will join you for breakfast."  I said, "thank you for the lovely evening uhmm, morning", then the elevators door shut.
I reached my room feeling heady.  I lied to myself saying it's jet lag.  For the first time in many lunar cycles that have passed, I slept with a smile.
I was up before 5:00A.M.  My biological clock was going haywire.  I couldn't believe I barely had enough sleep but I was already awake.  It was good to get an early head start.  I lingered choosing what to wear.  I cursed that I had brought mainly comfortable clothes.  I caught myself with this thought, this is a business trip, what the hell am I thinking ... and suited up my usual corporate look.  
By 7:15 AM, I was at the Hotel's Coffee Shop.  I got some coffee and read the newspaper.  By 7:45A.M., No Attila.  I stood up to get some fruits,  cereals and milk and ate.  It was almost 8AM when I saw Fatima walking towards me.
"Miss Sofia, your car is waiting."  I stood up.  I wanted to ask her if she had seen Attila, but I shoved the idea aside and went to the car.  It was the Company Service car.  The driver introduced himself as working for Maidon.  (Where is he?)
As soon as I arrived in the Office, the series of meetings begun.  Maidon briefly mentioned that Attila was caught up in another meeting so he had decided to have the Company Driver pick me up from the Hotel.  I casually said "thank you."
It was 4:30 in the afternoon when I managed to settle in my "new cubby work station".  I opened the PC to check my In-box when from behind me, I heard voices of people talking, approaching my work area.  (Is that him?)
Then Maidon's head pops into view, "There you are.  Princess Sofia!", I smirked, then smiled. "It is my pleasure to introduce to you finally, your learning partner, Mr. Attila Kaplan.  Attila's family is our JV (as in joint venture) partner and they own 51% of our Company in Turkey.  He was sent here for a year to observe and learn the ropes, so to speak, as pretty soon, he will run the business, right, my boy?"  He tapped Attila's shoulder.
Attila was looking at me like it's the first time we met.  "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Delgado.  Maidon and Doug speaks very highly of you."
My brain was going on overdrive and my heart was racing, but I did manage to shake his hand and smile.  I muttered, "Pleasure to meet you."  (part-owner?  Doug?  He knows Doug?  Why isn't this computing?  What the fuck is going on?)
I was getting a bit woozy, then I could hear Maidon saying "... call it an early day ... have dinner ..."  I vaguely heard what else was being said.  I wanted to stand from my seat and all I managed was swivel it to face them.
Just as abruptly, I heard;  "So we're settled.  Sofia, please join me, Attila and the rest of the marketing team for dinner tonight, if you're not too tired.  We will be knocking off early as we know you are probably still jet-lagged."
I looked at him, then Attila.  I couldn't read the bastard at all.  I just nodded weakly and said; "Let me just check my mails, I can't go anywhere, anyway.  I won't pull a 'French' escape."  My lame attempt at wit.
I could hear sirens in my head.  I concluded.  This guy's a fucking player.  Hell, if he can ever put one over me again.  (Okay then, let's play.) I decided to look at Attila straight in the eye and said, "Are you joining us for dinner Mr. Kaplan, I don't want my presence here to be an imposition on anyone.  Particularly if they have already made earlier plans."
He looked back at me with those steady hazel eyes, but I couldn't read through it; "I wouldn't miss the chance Miss Delgado."
Then I curtly replied, "Hush, call me Sofia. Just Sofia", I turned to face my PC, and said, "I will see you  in a few minutes gentlemen".
The dinner was painful.  And boring.  I sat between the Managing Director, Graeme, and Maidon.  I learned there were certain exotic dishes that even my adventurous self couldn't handle.  
The days went by.  Work took precedence.  Attila and I spoke mainly during meetings.  He never called me.  Not that I was expecting him to.  Actually, yes I was.  We never talked one-on-one.  Maidon, my other doting host, offered to bring me around for some ocular visits of flats for rent and  on my 3rd day, we managed to squeeze this agenda.  
I was flying back to New York on  Sunday.  I spoke to Doug and learned that my development program has been pushed back a bit as the Annual Budget Review schedules has been finalized.  I need to be in HQ. I overheard Attila was flying to London and Turkey and would probably be gone for 10 days.  I did not want to care, but I really wanted to talk to him and ask when.  I was proud of myself I could play his game as best as he did.  Maybe even better.  I met a few more new friends.  Sometimes I can see him watch me when I am exchanging banters with the guys in Marketing and Sales.  But he kept distant.  I was very close to hating him.  I don't really understand why, but I did.
When Friday came, the guys set up a small drinking party for me.  I kept telling them I will be back anyway so I don't need a send-off, but they insisted it was a welcome party.  We went to several night spots in KL, we bar-hopped, then finally decided on one of the newer bars in town.  Attila wasn't with us for dinner, but a little after 11:00 P.M., I saw him in the bar.  Maidon and a couple of the other executives have gone home after dinner, leaving the soldiers out to get wild.  I was already a bit giddy.  But so was everybody else in the party.  The Chinese Malay ladies can be as wild as the New Yorkers and I was pleasantly surprised.  I noticed he wasn't drinking but I chose to enjoy this night with or without him.  I went to the powder room to freshen up, when I came out, Attila was waiting near the door.  I was going to walk straight past him when he touched my arm.  I stopped.  I looked at him, then his hand.  He dropped his hand and said, "Sofia, can I talk to you please?"  I cackled sarcastically, "Oh we can talk over there."  I pointed to our private area in the bar where the rest of the guys were.
Then he said, "I am really sorry Sofia, but please let me talk to you."
I looked at him sharply and said, "Shop talk?  Mr. Kaplan, email me. Trust that I will reply."  Then I walked away.  I heard him say something like, ..."take you to your hotel?"  But I didn't look back.
Somehow, he must have manipulated it.  When the car pooling was set, I ended up with him.  On his car.  Alone.  I wanted to take a cab but this would insult everyone in the party and I did not want to make a scene.  After all, he is my designated guardian.  So I had to ride with him.
We were not saying anything.  I was looking outside.  Then I heard the sirens again in my head.  "Hey, wait a minute.  I think we just passed the street that goes to Petaling Jaya.  Just where do you think you're taking me?"
His eyes looked so dark it scared me.  But when he spoke, his voice was even, calm.  "We are going to my place.  I have to get something in the house.  Don't worry, this won't take long."
I pushed my luck, "Your place?  Did you tell your girlfriend you have a woman with you that you need to chauffeur for?"
He answered calmly again, I was getting very pissed off.  "I live alone Sofia.  You will not find any girlfriend or woman in my place.  I do not have a girlfriend."
I was unstoppable. "I wasn't asking if you had one.  I just don't want to burden people because I happen to be unfamiliar moving around this country.  I really should have just hailed a cab, that was way easier for everyone."
"Stop it Sofia, please."  His voice wavered.  I had to look at his face, it was almost like he was in pain.

We got to 'his place', a very expensive swanky condominium-apartment in the Bangsar District.  He opened my door.  But when he offered his hand, this time, I did not take it.  He moved a bit behind me touching my back lightly and led me to his "kingdom".
It was beautiful.  He had a balcony overlooking the pool and the trees were lighted with halogen pin lights that hung like little fireflies.  He definitely has a housekeeper for his flat was squeaky clean and spotless.  Minimal furnishings but well chosen.  Earth colors.  beige, browns, sienna and black.  Very nice. He noticed I was scanning the environment, he asked if I wanted to anything to drink.  I told him water will be fine.  He moved fast, he walked to the kitchen which was at the right wing partially hidden by a marble divider, got a glass and walked to the ref.  He looked back and asked, "ice?" No ice.  I found it weird he had to serve me, I don't like this anymore than he did;  so I walked up to him and said, "Come on, why don't you just get what you need, I'll get my own water so we can get moving".  I took the glass from his hand but he pulled me closer to him with his arm we were standing too close our bodies were practically touching.  He was looking at me and I looked away, took his arm off from my waist; and opened the ref.
I almost dropped the glass when I saw what was inside.  


There was a huge pack of pistachio nuts; fresh strawberries with whipped cream topping on a bowl; an unopened bottle of Bailey's Cream Liqueur; different kinds of nutty chocolates, and boxes of chocolate covered macadamia nuts; an unopened carton of Kent Light cigarettes; different types of cheese; a whole Strawberry Short Cake; 2 huge bags of sea salt baked potato chips; several packs of Irish Cream Ground Coffee; a French vintage Cabernet Sauvignon ... my mouth dropped open and I realized he was staring at me and standing right beside me.
"Is this some kind of a joke?" I asked.
He was smiling but his eyes looked sad; then he said, "Do you find it impossible to believe that someone will remember all your favorite comfort things?"
I couldn't say anything.  My mind went on fast rewind.  I mentioned these things during the dinner we had as part of our animated exchange but I don't remember having mentioned this in sequence.  But he remembered them all.  I was too shocked to move or say anything.
He took the glass from my hand, filled it with water and gave it to me.  I gulped the water down.  I still couldn't move.  He took the glass off my hands and cupped both my hands with his.
I looked at him finally.  I wanted to say something that will sound smart or will hurt him.  Then he said, "I am so sorry Sofia for missing the breakfast and having to pretend with Maidon that we have not met."  
I was tearing up and vaguely audible, "I don't understand your games."
He continued.  "Please don't cry.   You are making this more painful than it already is.  I didn't tell you about the business ownership because it is not important.  Not to me.  It is more a source of pressure and stress.  I will be 30 this year and I have to look after so many things when I really prefer to have a life.  I was too excited to be with you that night.  I wanted to know more of you.  The people here, they know I am a bachelor.  They have paired me up with so many women they believe I should go out with, even marry.  It's a nightmare for anyone I actually really like.  People love to talk about other people's lives.  I came here not to draw so much attention to myself.  I do not like it when I am referred to as a flirt.  I am friendly.  Maybe too friendly for local standards.  However, I am quite choosy and some snootiness has rubbed on to me.  I chose this place both for security and privacy.  No one has seen this and no one besides my family will be invited either.  I have never allowed anyone to know where I live outside of Graeme and Maidon.  They have never even been here.  There are things I like to keep to myself.  I am very selfish.  And private."
I think it was clear but my thoughts were too clouded.  I rasped; "Why are you telling me this?  What do you mean?"
"I want you to forgive me Sofia. (gosh why does he make me weak when he says my name?) Forgive my stupidity.  Forgive me for being a bastard, an asshole, whatever name you want to call me now.  I really should have called you.  I wanted to.  But there were problems in the Plant, so much was going on, I was on overseas calls since 5:00 A.M.  that day.  I knew you would be disappointed to say the least; but I am a very proud and stubborn man.  I did not want you to have to take that against me.  I thought you must understand and I did not want to be bothered by thoughts about you.  So I tried to tell myself I don't care if you got disappointed.  But I can't.  Strange as it seems, but I care a lot about how you feel.  When I saw you that afternoon, I knew I already hurt you and its been eating me up since.  I thought if I brought you here and showed you those things in the ref, it would make you smile and learn to forgive me."  He stopped. 
He moved his right had to my chin, his left hand still held both of mine, and lifted my head to look at him.  
He gently flicked the tears from my face and kissed my forehead.  "I am so sorry for your tears Sofia.  I don't deserve them.  I am not supposed to feel this way about you.  But I do.  I have tried my best to keep distant.  Do you understand how complicated this will be?  Do you see why I would rather protect you, even from Maidon's intrusion? I don't want people to talk about you.  I don't want them to say things they don't know.  I would not know how to handle it.  Do you think I did not ask myself to stop being foolish just so I can keep you from those prying eyes and the possible nasty gossip?  Do you have any idea how this would hurt me?  Do you have any idea at all that it pains me more to see you angry and hurt, than all of these things?"
I freed both my hands from his clasp and touched both sides of his face.  Then I run my fingers through his lips and said.  "For a Turk, you talk too much."  I tiptoed and kissed him.

(TO BE CONCLUDED)