Becoming His Woman

Chapter 7: New York's Blinding Light

“Mmmmm…” A moan escapes my mouth as he gentle licks my earlobe down to my collarbone with his hand on my teeny waist.

“Ouch!” I ruined the sweet moment when he accidentally touched my burn. I saw how Calix was taken aback to reality from his driving animalistic desires.

“Sorry.” I heard him apologize before returning me on my seat. He also grabs his coat from the backseat and hands me to cover my body. It was an embarrassing moment for us.

If not because of my burn—

What am I thinking?!

With no further words, I shut my eyes to sleep.

I slowly open my eyes due to the blinding rays of the sun. How can I forgot to close the curtains? “Hmmmm…” My bed is really comfy. And the smell is…wait…what? Masculine!? I immediately got up upon realizing I’m in someone’s bed and worst of a man. As any girl would do when caught up in situation like this, I check my body if I still have my clothes on. Great! I still have my undies but…err! Memories about yesterday started flashing on my minds.

I stepped bravely on the rain, got wet, stripped clothes, and what?...make up with my boss. Oh! I almost forgot about the burn on my back as I don’t feel any pain lately. Gosh! Did he carried me here? He saw my back. Why would I have to worry when he isn’t even present during the explosion as he left? Or did he not? My identity now is up to fate whether Mr. Dexigrous will be suspicious of me or not.

Knock!

Knock!

I heard a knock coming from the door. I immediately grab on the blanket to cover my body. A woman in her mid 60’s entered the room. On her hands were clothes as well as fresh towels. She looks very prim and proper with her neat outfit plus the serious expression plastered on her face. She looks at me first before proceeding.

“Good morning madam. I am Lhiana Sand, a care taker of the Dexigrous.” She introduced herself. Out of courtesy, I also introduced mine.

“Heren—I mean Bliss Fernatto.” I almost slip my real identity. I offered my hand to divert attention. “Nice meeting you madam.” My lips curl into a smile. She just remain on her poker face and ignored my hand. Oh! I pretended shaking to at least save my face. Why is she like that? Should a caretaker harbors that kind of attitude?

“The young Dexigrous has gotten to work. And he insisted me to give you this…” She is pertaining to the clothes on her hand.

“…and look after your needs before you go home. I’ll be at the living room. Call me if you’ll need something. By the way, he said it is okay to absent yourself today.” With that, Ms. Sand marches towards the door.

I proceeded to the door which I thought is the bathing room. Whoa! Even the motif in here reflects masculinity with the all black tiles. I don’t feel like absenting myself today despite his permission. I thought it would be too much for a secretary to sleep on his bed, bath on his house…and absent on her work? Nah! I’m not into abusive behavior.

After taking my normal morning ritual, I faces the mirror. I feel like I’m at home as my necessities are provided well. Only on the bra that I encountered difficulty. It wasn’t my size. It’s smaller than what I usually wear, but I think I can bear with it just for today. The price tag attached on it gives me assurance that’s it’s all new. I don’t have to worry.

The beige sleeveless dress nicely hugs my body. It was top with a black ladies coat. My black pumps completes the attire.

I properly bid my goodbyes to the caretaker even if I receive no single smile. I took a cab going to the office. I immediately rushed towards his office as I handed the driver my rightful bill.

“You should! I told you to arrange me with Mr. Chilagan right away!” I heard Mr. Dexigrous shouting on the top of his lungs on the phone as I entered. He didn’t saw me as he is facing the glassy window revealing the heraldic view of New York. “Come on!” I heard him say before hanging up.

“Mr. Dexigrous…” I called out his name as I heard that he is letting someone arrange a schedule which was suppose to be my job.

I saw him curling his eyebrows in confusion. “Didn’t I told Ms. Sand to send you home afterwards?” He asked. Well, she did told me but I think it wasn’t right.

“It’s okay Mr.Dexigrous. I feel like working today.” I smiled genuinely even though deep inside I’m shaking. I don’t know how to face him after what happened in his car.

“Alright. Make me a report on the monthly sales of the company starting from January up until this month. Finish it this day, I’ll need that by morning.” He ordered before he faces his laptop. From the look of it, he didn’t mind what happened yesterday…so do I? I must act professional and stop thinking something personal in the workplace. Besides I have a tasks to do.

“Yes Sir.” I replied before taking a seat in the table provided for the secretary. I turned on the PC and started working. I used my ID to have an access on the company’s private website. The performance of the company was so far great. Continuous growth each month was very visible.

Blag!

The door suddenly opens without cue. I am about to stand to check on the intruder when a woman in royal blue dress walks in. I don’t think it’s polite ignoring to knock missy. And I guess, Mr. Dexigrous has no appointment for today.

“Excuse me ma’am. But I think you have no---” The woman just passes me by with a glare on her eyes.

“Calix!” The newly arrived woman shouted. Mr. Dexigrous seem to be irritated as he covers his ears.

“Easy Mara. You’re hurting my ears.” Oh they know each. I should better focus on my work. But I’m already intrigue…

“You can’t just ignore me all the time.” She demanded.

“It’s not like that Mara. You see I’m busy.” Calix answered.

“Do you even love me?” The woman who I suppose is Mara asked. Damn! Are they some sort of lover? Don’t I stand a fighting chance at all?

“Of course I do.” I felt like all my hope was shattered.

“We’re of the same blood, how could I not?” Finally, I can now breath peacefully. They’re sibling or such.

“Come to my party then.” She kissed Calix on his cheeks and march outside. No doubt she is also a Dexigrous as she has such nice physical appearance.

Wait! Now that I think about it. She was the same woman in orange dress who argued with the guard during our interview. I bet she really loves making a scene.

It’s been pass 4 PM but I still have two more months to do. I think I will be taking an overtime today. I glance at Mr. Dexigrous, he seems like he doesn’t have a plan to leave his table either. Poor boss. This was the picture behind the successful performance of the top ranking company in the world. I didn’t have to be commanded to bring him coffee. I voluntarily makes him a Latte as I make my own Frappuccino.

“Coffee?” I offered him with a smile. He looks at it first before accepting it.

“Thank you.” He said. I was about to return to my seat when he called my name.

“Ms. Fernatto…” I turned around to see him. “You can continue your work at home if you want.” But I don’t want to leave you alone. Each day I am growing more concern of him.

“Oh yes. But I prefer finishing what I started before going home.” I make up an alibi.

At exactly 8 pm, finally I am done. My eyes are also now surrendering with the whole day battle with the radiation coming off the monitor.

“Are you done?” Mr. Dexigrous asked me as I started packing up my things. The skies are already dark and I can’t stop myself from appreciating the blinding lights of the city. Indeed, New York is a city that never sleeps. I even have a boss in here who seems uninterested to sleep. I looked at Calix. To my surprise, he was also packing up his things. I approaches his table to help him.

“Go on. You seem in love with the view.” He said with a smile. You are right I am in love with heraldic things. Now that he asked me that…I am wondering. Do I still love him?

Throughout these years I worked hard in building a better version of myself to restate my place in his heart. I am wondering if what I am feeling right now is love? Or was it a sense of responsibility in fulfilling what I work for?

“I’ll treat you for dinner.” I heard him say before marching towards the door. Wait! What?

He drove us to a famous Italian Restaurant. Whoa! I am craving for pasta already while we are waiting for the waiter to deliver our food. I just ordered fettucine and salad same as him. I am watching my diet. Having a nice body is one thing!

“I heard you were a half Filipino and half American?” Mr. Dexigrous asked me in the middle of our meal. I observed people loves to asked me about my race as Mrs. Estrada asked me that too.

“Well I am. It was mom who is a Filipino. You see I don’t have a super high nose.” I laugh lightly about my insecurity. It wasn’t bad. The bridge was just right. My nose was the most remarkable attribute of my mom I should be proud of. My mom was even crowned Miss Universe during her youth. It’s a part of her privilege as the reigning queen to move here in New York and finally meet my dad.

“No. I mean it was beautiful the way it is.” I couldn’t really help but smile genuinely at his remark.

“How about you Mr. Dexigrous? What’s your insecurities? If you have any.” I asked. He seems all perfect. He got looks, he got money, and he even got a mafia awaiting on his back. What more can he ask? I saw him stop for a while.

“It’s not really insecurities but more of underprivileged.” I waited for his answer. “I couldn’t freely pick my woman. They have to be strong enough to fit me.” He said with regrets in his eyes. The atmosphere was becoming heavy. Is he regretting leaving me back then when we were young?

“But it’s all for good.” He added before drinking his wine. He isn’t regretting it at all.

After our meal, he drove me home safely. I immediately took a shower and let myself drown to the satisfying pleasure of sleep.