When they had gone, Sal and Rafa agreed to lounge on the small strip of beach in front of their villa.Rafa quickly changed into his blue board shorts and prepared the beach towels on the beach chairs.He brought some sparkling juice and set it aside in the cooler.The owners thoughtfully placed a large parasol with loungers for their guests.
“Rafa?”Sal called from the veranda.
Rafa’s gaze turned toward her curvy frame, clad in a black bikini and flip-flops.She strolled toward him.His insides burned at the sight of her.As if the sun burning his skin wasn’t enough.
“You’re getting burned.You need sunblock,” she said, pulling out a tube from a canvas tote bag.
Under the shade of the parasol, they helped each other put on sunscreen.Her hands were cool and gentle as she massaged the lotion on his shoulders and down his back.The tingling sensation of her hands on his lower back brought him into a stupor; he could no longer control himself if she continued.He held one of her wrists softly and turned to face her.“Thanks, I can do the rest myself.Now your turn,” he whispered.
Sal obliged, sitting on the edge of the lounger.Rafa massaged a generous amount onto his palms before touching her ivory skin.He placed a hand on her nape, massaging slowly down to her shoulders.He grounded himself as his fingers lightly lifted the straps of her bikini so he wouldn’t get lotion on them.Then he massaged the sunblock down to the small of her back.His body felt tense at the feel of her skin against his hands.Moving his hands to her thighs, he then slid them up her torso, pausing briefly before withdrawing, as if seeking her consent.He waited for a groan, a sigh, any hint of consent.He could feel his pulse travel through his body as his hands worked their way to her décolletage.Her head collapsed back and rested on his shoulder.She let out a soft sigh into his ear as she opened up like a summer blossom being carried away by a strong wind.
On cue, Rafa’s hands moved to her core and lingered there, his fingers controlling the ebb and flow of her arched and open body.He heard her gasp and exhale, but he wouldn’t stop unless she told him to.As his fingers rhythmically traced the most delicate parts of her, her breathing hitched, and her body shook from the pulses of pleasure.He continued following her body’s rhythm until she collapsed into his arms, and a warmth enveloped his palm.This was what total surrender felt like.Her bikini straps had slipped off, luxuriously exposing her shoulders, gleaming with sweat.
He turned to kiss her neck and brought his lips to her ear.“We’re not done yet,” he nearly growled.A shiver ran through her, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.Good, that wasn’t the only thing he could do to her skin.He hoisted her into his arms and carried her through the short distance to their room.He placed her on the bed and watched her, breathless and willing, and decided that this time he wouldn’t be so gentle.
Time seemed to slip by.Before they knew it, both of them were panting steadily beside each other on the king-sized bed.They were a tumble of sweat, sunblock, and sand between the sheets.Rafa could feel his heart slowly floating back into its normal rhythm when Sal placed a soft hand on his chest.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she breathed.
“Me too,” he said, his eyes slowly drifting shut.Damn, the jet lag was getting to him.
Sal kissed him on the cheek.“You should rest.We have an early flight tomorrow,” she said.“I’ll take a shower.”
Rafa was close to sleeping when a thought from earlier surfaced.“Hey, what was it you wanted to tell me?”he mumbled, nearly half-asleep.
Sal looked over her shoulder.“I’ll tell you later.Get some sleep,” she said, disappearing into the bathroom.
Before long, Rafa was lost in a deep slumber, the world fading away.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Over The Skies
SAL
Theyhadarrivedatthe Mactan-Cebu International Airport with just an hour to spare, which gave them just enough time to have a light breakfast before they got on the plane.Rafa and Sal helped themselves to sandwiches and coffee, while Theola and Willow had some ensaymada and other pastries with their coffee.
“I swear I will make ensaymadas when I get back home.These babies will definitely sell,” Willow said, munching on one.
They all laughed and listened to Willow as she explained how much she loved ensaymada and what she’d add to make them her own.Then she stopped and looked over Sal’s shoulder.“W-Wait…” she said, looking surprised.
Sal followed the direction of Willow’s gaze.Baron and Harmon were walking together rather briskly, wearing dark coats while pulling their black luggage.For a moment, Sal felt like she had entered a K-Drama.
Sal faced forward and attempted to cover her face.But it was too late; by the time she turned away, Harmon and Baron had seen them.
“Hey, Willow.”Baron smiled warmly at the redhead.“It looks like we’re on the same flight back to Manila.”
Willow just nodded and took a sip of her coffee.
“But weren’t you guys going to Davao next?”Theola asked.
Sal saw Harmon look at her momentarily and then at Rafa.He let out an exasperated sigh after eyeing his watch, then walked away, awkwardly leaving them with Baron.
“Well, Mr.Moon changed plans suddenly.He canceled Davao after I told him you guys weren’t going,” Baron said rather hurriedly, looking back at Harmon, “E-excuse me.”He ran after his boss with their luggage, leaving them all in an awkward silence.
Sal jutted her lip to the side in annoyance and looked at Willow, who gave an apologetic look in return.
There was a momentary silence after Baron followed Harmon.
