THAT night Lara was expecting Joaquin to arrive at the store. She knew he would pick her up because the young man had told her that earlier before they separated. And since Cynthia is her best friend, it's only right that she introduces him to her as her boyfriend.
Cynthia was so happy, and her friend didn’t hide that from her. Especially the sweetness of her smiles as well as the obvious thrill that she also showed to her boyfriend.
“You were lucky, and you had a friend like Cynthia. She is really happy for you,” said Joaquin when the two of them were in the parking lot already.
Lara just smiled at what the young man said then quietly fastened her seat belt.
She expected that as Joaquin's girlfriend, intimate things would be normal for them.
She’s talking about things like kisses and if they can’t hold back, she knows it could possibly lead to a hotter situation all along. In the way that is how Callie was formed.
But as much as possible, she will try to hold back.
She will try not to give in to the intense attraction and feelings she has for Joaquin. Because even if they say officially that they are dating, there is still no assurance as to how long the young man will be with her.
"Are you okay?" with trace the concerned, that was what the young man's question to her.
Then, as if surprised, Lara immediately turned to the man she saw turn on the car's engine.
"Y-Yeah, I'm just tired," although that's half true because she's really tired, he thinks he doesn't need to let him know the discomfort she's feeling.
Joaquin faced her with a smile after she said that. Then without any warning, he bent down and then pressed a kiss to her lips.
Lara's mind was immediately fixed on what had happened. Even though she didn't admit it, she knew she had prepared for that thing. But even to say she was ready, or she expected it to happen, it was like a high wall crumbling all the stability she had accumulated the moment Joaquin claimed her lips.
"Do you think what I did help you to feel better, somehow?" Joaquin asked softly to her as he released her lips.
Joaquin's eyes gleamed as he looked at her face in a way that seemed to memories every angle of it. He then caressed her left cheek with his hand in the gentlest way she can remember.
"What do you think?" Joaquin asked again.
In the tone of the young man's speech, he was obviously demanding an answer from her. So even though she didn't want to admit it she saw nothing else to do but nod.
“Great! So that means it's okay if I ask for another one. But this time, I want it longer,” he said, bowing again and then claiming her mouth.
Once again Lara took a violent and deep breath because of her boyfriend's audacity. But despite all the nervousness that is now in her chest, she still can't deny the seemingly persuasive way Joaquin kissed her. Until she finally gave in to him.
It was then that the line he told her the night she gave herself to him came to her mind. That he could make her subdue with gentle persuasion. And that’s the technique her boyfriend used on her today.
"S-Someone might see us here," she said slightly pushing Joaquin away from her.
Joaquin stared at her for a moment before a meaningful and poisonous smile flashed on his lips. He didn’t speak and just kept staring at her. In his eyes, Lara saw that he was waiting for the rest she wanted to say. That’s why she went on.
“Callie might be waiting for me. C-Can you take me home now?” she asked despite the undeniable trembling of her voice.
The smile that tore from Joaquin's lips was understandable. And that was only after he had run the car.
*****
"Would you like some coffee?" she asked her boyfriend as she saw him on the terrace of their house.
Lara had just finished washing the dishes. And as usual, her father and her son were together watching TV in the living room.
"Sure," he replied with a smile.
Lara just nodded and then immediately went back inside to make coffee for Joaquin. She just makes it fast. Even though she knew the young man would not complain, she still did not want to make him wait.
"Thanks," he told her immediately after she set the coffee cup down on the small table.
The young lady just nodded.
"Have you told your father about us?" Joaquin asked after his first sip of coffee.
He lowered the cup to the table then took her hand and squeezed it gently.
Lara bit her lower lip at Joaquin's gesture.
Although she liked the gesture and wanted it to last longer because she also wanted the warmth of her boyfriend’s palm, she was forced to withdraw her hand from him.
"I-I haven't told him yet," she said to the young man then smiled shyly.
Her face blushed at those moments. So, to hide that from Joaquin she decided to bow her head. She also couldn't stand the way he was staring at her. His eyes seemed to absorb all the energy she had. So, the nervousness he felt in those moments intensified.
“Can't you tell him yet? Is there a problem?" his kind question to her.
In the tone of Joaquin's speech, it was obvious that he understand her situation. That is despite the fact that he says nothing about it.
“T-There is no problem. The truth is, he wants someone for me for a long time. I mentioned Ramil to you, didn't I?” she asked him.
Joaquin nodded. "But you chose me," he said with a smile, pinching her left cheek slightly.
Lara was shocked by what her boyfriend said and did. And she couldn’t hide that. Eventually, a sweet and wide smile tore well on her lips. Then, with twinkling eyes, she opened her mouth to speak.
"Crazy!" the only thing she could say though was the tremor in the tone of her voice.
Lara heard a weak laugh that Joaquin let out. Then he stared at her. In the same way, he had done earlier to her. He seemed to absorb all the energy of her body.
And not only that, but she also felt the way he stared at her, Joaquin would be able to dig into even the most hidden part of her being. Be of her soul.
That's why Lara thought of looking away from the young man again. But her attempt was thwarted when he spoke again.
“Do you fear me that much that’s why it is hard for you to meet my sight? Or you are scared that I might be able to read your true feelings for me through your eyes?”