Chapter 6

I’ve never even tried to come close to Julian since that day. Every day, he’s been showing up with his ex-girlfriend, who I think is his on-again girl. He wouldn’t even glance my way. Oh, right! Why would he look my way, anyway?

I tried to put it behind my head as I worked. I tried my best to ignore them. But Casey McMiller’s laugh is just too exaggerated for me to ignore. What is this girl even doing in Hermosa anyway?

“I heard she’s one of the models of an advertising agency.” Henney told me one day. She was watching the two get all so touchy and flirty from the counter.

I shrugged. I didn’t ask, though. I don’t really care.

“Mr. Greene seemed to be so in love with her.” Henney’s dreamy voice is so annoying—especially because she seemed to be so dreamy about Julian and Casey’s romance.

I just nodded as I wiped the counter. I don’t really understand why they have to be in the café the whole time. If Julian wants to date his girl, he should be dating her outside The Strand! Not here! Damn it!

“You look really angry.” Henney blurted out. “Are you okay?”

I looked at her, trying to calm my expression. I haven’t even noticed I was scowling at everything until now. “I’m fine. My head is just aching.” I reasoned.

She looked at me, concerned. “You should take an early break. I’ll take over here for you.” She generously offered.

I nodded and sighed. “I’m really sorry, Hen. I’ll stay until the closing.” I told her.

She smiled. “Sure. But you have to go and rest now. The customers will be coming this afternoon so I hope we’ll handle them all.” She beamed.

I nodded and removed my name plate as I strutted outside the café. I didn’t look anywhere but the entrance. I just wanted to go out of here.

I walked towards the tree park near the main building. I saw an empty bench and decided to stay there for a moment. Somehow, the air from nature makes me calm.

I shut my eyes and let the fresh air take over me. With the smell of the saltwater reaching until here, I can feel my senses soothed slowly.

“Are you okay?”

My heart immediately raced when I heard that familiar voice. I opened my eyes and was shocked to see Julian standing in front of me. He’s looking down on me with his serious eyes, seemingly observing my expression.

“What are you doing here?” I asked him as I looked away.

Suddenly, all the senses I’ve been trying so hard to calm were in haywire once again. This internal turmoil is getting really serious. And that’s all because of this man in front of me. How can he do this to me with just a stare? The last time I checked, I wasn’t that weak.

But he stands an exception. Damn it!

“Are you alright?” He asked again, ignoring my previous question.

I let out a deep breath. “Yes. I am.” I said while I stood up.

He took a step back to make way for me. I was so sure he was watching me intently as I moved.

I feel like my heart is about to burst. I don’t think I can continue doing this with him. If this attraction doesn’t die soon, I will literally go insane. This intense attraction will be the death of me.

So I’m just going to stay away. Besides, he has his girlfriend. Harboring feelings for him will just hurt me. I can’t harbor feelings for him—or anyone. No. Not when I’m not sure if I’m going to stay.

I was about to go when he held my wrist. He pulled me so I could stand in front of him and face him. I narrowed my eyes at him only to see him intently looking at me. I would be convinced that his expression cares if I didn’t know that he’s taken.

“What are you doing?” I asked him, annoyed because he shouldn’t be doing this. He has his girlfriend to take care of. Why is he here in front of me now?

His jaw clenched when he looked at me. It’s as if I’m making it hard for him when in reality, he’s doing this to himself.

“Let go of me.” I hissed when I noticed that he wouldn’t do anything now.

He narrowed his eyes at me. “What do you want me to do?” Frustration is so evident in his voice.

“What?” I asked in confusion.

He pursed his lips in a thin line. “I thought you want to be friends with me but why are you staying away?” Now, his voice is rising.

I scoffed at him. “Why am I staying away?” I mocked. “Are you kidding me?” I asked in disbelief.

Who told him I want to be friends with him, anyway?

“You have your girlfriend. Please stay with her and stop meddling with me, Mr. Greene.” I told him before yanking my hand out of his grip.

I was about to walk away when I heard him inhale a huge breath.

“I don’t have a girlfriend, Darren.”

I stopped when I heard say those words calmly. So what is Casey to him? Is she his fuck buddy? What? If she’s not his girlfriend then why is he allowing her to be so touchy and close to him? If I were a boy, I wouldn’t want that from any girl who’s not the woman I like!

I shut my eyes and sighed before looking at him. My heart is beating really loud. I don’t know if I can talk calmly in front of him.

He bit his lip as he walked towards me. “I don’t have a girlfriend.” He repeated as he closed the distance in between us.

I scoffed. “Then who is she?” I asked, pertaining to Casey.

Fuck it, Darren! You shouldn’t care, alright. If he has a girlfriend or not, you don’t have to care because he’s not that important to you, okay?!

He cocked his head to the side. “Are you jealous?”

I scoffed at his brave question. Jealous? Me? Who’s he kidding?!

“No!” I immediately denied.

I can see the side of his lips curving. Is he smiling? Does he think I am lying?

I narrowed my eyes at him. “I don’t really care who you date, Julian. If you’re taken or single…I don’t care. Just…leave me out of it.” I said, trying to sound really strong when my system is shaking terribly.

He smirked before taking another step towards me. “I am single, yes. If you don’t care about it, why are you staying away?” His voice is too husky. It sent shivers to my spine.

I clenched my jaw. “I am your employee. I don’t think it’s morally right to be close to my boss.” I replied.

He raised his voice. “I’m not your employer, Darren. I am your supervisor. And I think it’s morally right for friends to be able to greet each other…”

I gulped when he held my hand, threading his fingers with mine. He’s too close now. I can’t think really well. I am so distracted by his features. Damn it!

“I don’t think friends should hold hands like this.” I was breathless because he’s towering over me. Suddenly, all the strength I’ve been saving up went crashing down the drain. I’m left with myself and my unstable heart.

“Uhuh…” He leaned closer to my ear.

I can feel goosebumps all over my body. I did make love with this person…how did I survive it when I’m too shook when he’s this close?

His hand left mine only to travel to my cheek. He lifted my face so I could see him eye to eye. “I’ve been holding back for too long…” He said in a whisper that sent my system in mayhem.

I gulped as I stared in his deep blue eyes. I’ve always known he’s handsome but his eyes are too expressive that makes me want to stay lost in them if I could.

He shut his eyes and leaned his forehead on mine. “Baby, I’ve been holding back for too much…” he sounded so frustrated as he uttered those words to me.

I bit my lip, unable to speak or even retaliate.

I felt so comfortable in his arms. Even when my system is shaking by our close proximity, my heart is calm now that he’s this close to me.

“Julian…” I called him in a whisper.

“Hmmm?” he asked softly without moving in his position.

I bit my lip. “I have to go back to work…” I said dejectedly.

“Five minutes.” He said as he wrapped his arms around me, hugging me so close, so tight.

He buried my head on his chest where I could hear his heart beating equally loud as mine. “Let’s stay like this for five minutes.” His chest vibrated as he talked.

I bit my lip and hugged him back.

No matter what I’m trying not feel, I’m already feeling them. The emotions I have been trying to mask are here to stay. I am so attracted to him. I can’t hide the affinity now.

We stayed like that for more than five minutes. I didn’t want to let go but he broke the hug. He touched my face and made me look at him.

“What time will you finish?” He asked.

I bit my lip. “Eight tonight.” I replied.

He nodded. “Do you have plans after?” I shook my head.

“Then can we have dinner together?” He asked in a very sweet tone.

I pouted because I think I’m going to melt with the sweetness of his voice. “What’s wrong?” He asked me when I didn’t reply.

I shook my head. “You’re just too…sweet.”

He smiled. “I told you I’ve been holding back too much for too long.” He said before planting a soft kiss on my forehead.

I smiled. I must be going insane. Literally.