Chapter 2: Kiss Me

   

Tiffie woke up from a deep sleep. The summer scent filled the air inside the limousine that fetched her yesterday. Then, she picked up her phone saw the picture of her and Jake together in Boracay. It was their third anniversary before he left to Spain for the Utopia’s world tour. She opened the U-tube account. Jake’s smile flashed into her phone screen. This time, it was not her who’s the reason to make him smile. Now, she realizes that there’s someone who can replace her position as his girlfriend. Tiffie touched her chest as her tears flowed from her eyes. She felt that heart was scarred deeper. That scar from her heart will be remained forever.

   Quickly, she wiped her tears with her fingers. Then, she swiped off her phone to call her twin whose face was already enjoying the beach side.

“Tiffie, where are you now?” Atalia asked with a worry face. “Did you cry?”

“Uhm…” She sniffled. “It’s only tears of joy, because I will see you later.”

“Of course, you will. By the way, Eriana had already discussed the plan here in Las Casas. Maybe, it’s time to reflect and to move on here in Las Casas de Amore.”

“You’re right, Atalia. Las Casas de Amore is a beautiful paradise for us. We’re lucky to be part of it because not all women like us can visit the paradise.” Atalia nodded. “Well, I could already see the sign board of Las Casas de Amore. It’s only 20 kms away.”

“Take care, Tiffie.” Atalia blew her a flying kiss before she hung up.

---~~~---

   The limousine stopped at the entrance of the huge Swiss-like chalet. Tiffie raised her eyebrow and thought for a minute. The chauffeur took her to a wrong resort. She’s about to scold him when same faces rushed to greet her. There’s Pollyie wearing a purple crocheted bikini and purple sarong tied at her tiny waist. Miriam almost pushed Pollyie near the limousine because of losing her balance. Her champagne almost spilled at Pollyie’s purple top. Elaine gave her a wave while holding a plate of brownies. Atalia was the last who came and gently pulled off her sunglasses.

  Just like a celebrity, Tiffie carefully stepped down from the limousine. She gave them a hand-wave that beauty queens usually do. The ladies gathered around her. Elaine stuffed the brownie into her mouth before she could say something.

“Welcome to Casa Amore!” All of them shouted with excitement.

“I…tuth…its” Tiffie struggled in munching the remaining brownie from her mouth.

 “Sorry, Tiffie.” Elaine looked down. Her happiness mood changed into gloomy. “I’ve been excited for you to taste my new recipe.”

“Not bad, Elaine.” Tiffie gently patted Elaine’s head. “Maybe, you can put your brownies in your secret menu of your café.”

“Well, have you been to Amore Café in Pasay branch?” Elaine’s eyes glistened. “I never have a chance to go back to Manila after Eriana held a meeting here.” Tiffie shook her head. “Oh…I hope that I can find though after the summer event that Eriana told us last night.”

“By the way, where’s our lady-boss?” Tiffie asked out of curiosity.

  All of them heard the sound of the galloping horse towards their direction. A grey Arabian horse appeared together with its owner wearing a white equestrian uniform. Slowly, Eriana unfastened the belt and jumped off the saddle. All of the girls glanced at her way. Then, she gave them a hand-wave as she walked towards their direction.

“Sorry, if I’m late to meet you, Tiffie.” Eriana hugged her tight. “I hope that you can stay with us for a month or two.” She took a bunch of keys from her pocket then she gave the silver heart-shaped key to Tiffie. “Each of you will have a house guest for two months. If you don’t like him or he will violate our house rules then you can report it via our secret inter-com. And, I hope that you will treat him with tender care because this will be part of our marketing.”

Tiffie didn’t utter any word. ‘There’ll be a house guest?’ She wondered.

“Good.” Then, she gently patted the horse’s head. “Hero, we’ll fetch you here girls to take you in your respective houses.”

“Are you coming with us?” Atalia asked.

“Too bad, it’s a no. I need to meet other guests in the other side of Las Casas.” She hopped again to her gray Arabian Horse. “I shall meet you again at dinner time. I have already ordered my servants to prepare your houses. Enjoy, Girls!” Then, she waved them a goodbye before she had driven her horse in the opposite direction.

       After ten minutes, the young man wearing all white uniform arrived and parked the golf cart near the girls. He took off his shades and glanced at Atalia and Tiffie. Then, he gave Tiffie a cute grin. Tiffie could smell his strong musky scent. It made her a little irritable. Instead of giving back a smile to him, Tiffie rolled her eyes and looked at her new polished nails. Miriam pulled Tiffie’s arms towards the golf cart. She sat beside Tiffie while Atalia sat near the young man.

     The bumpy ride lasted for ten minutes. The only consolation for Tiffie was to glimpse at the beautiful scenery. There’s a mini golf course, beautiful gardens along the roads full of fresh flowers and fruit-bearing trees.

In another life, I would be your girl… You were the one who got away.’

 Tiffie reached her phone from her purse. Dang! It took her three minutes to get it. She blamed herself for mixing her phone with her makeup products. Her eyebrow raised after she read the text message popped from the screen. Miriam took it from her.

“It’s said that it will be your lucky day.” Miriam gently tapped her shoulders.

 The golf cart turned right as they watched at the huge fountain at the center of the road. It served as the rotunda. After two minutes, the driver signaled them to go down. He even presented himself to be their photographer. The girls agreed. They compressed their sexy bodies to fit in one picture. The driver snapped three pictures before he went back to the golf cart to take care of their belongings.  Pollyie took the camera from him and her selfie stick from her purple hand bag. Then, she snapped their dozens of smiles to remember. After that, Hero gave the remaining luggage to Tiffie before he went back to the golf cart.  Tiffie’s eyes glanced in the different modern houses surrounded the rotunda. The house with bamboo fence caught her eye. She’s about to walk near it when Miriam held her arm.

“Sorry, it’s not yours.” She spotted the modern house painted with violet and pink. “That’s yours.”

  Tiffie remembered that she told Eriana about her favorite colors were pink and violet. Plus, she suggested a “Hello Kitty” design at the front door. Well, Eriana did the right thing because her front door had a big “Hello Kitty” design. There were pink and red roses bloomed at the side of the path walk. The only problem, her key did not fit in the silver padlock. Then, something caught her eye. She rolled her luggage at the back side of her house. Carefully, she climbed one of the branches of the mango tree. She could smell the ripe mangoes at near her. It made her hungry so she picked one. Her eyes widened when she saw someone’s skinny-dipping at her infinity pool. Curiosity went through her veins to investigate the intruder. His skin was in the middle of tan and medium brown. His broad muscles and 6-pack abs made her sweat. After few minutes, he stood up that revealed his perfect-shaped buttock. Tiffie tried to cover her eyes in order not to see. However, something crawled between her feet. Tiny red ants crawled into her white legs and started to bit her. The mango from her hands fell first. After that, her tiny body fell to the pool.

~~~

     Bobby was about to grab his towel when he heard a huge splash coming from the pool. He turned around and heard someone’s screaming for help. Without further ado, he swam to the middle part in order to rescue the person. He lifted the lady with his broad arms out of the pool.  He could hear her coughing.  Their eyes met and stared for a while. One of her legs touched his face that made him wobbled a bit. Good thing, he maintained his balance. Her innocent eyes looked familiar. Her soft hands clung to his neck. And, she laid her head at his shoulder as if she felt a little bit secured. Carefully, he carried her away from the pool. Gently, he put her down like a fragile glass doll.

    “Uhmm…” She glanced at him from head to toe. Then, she covered her both eyes.

   Bobby realized that she could see his big thing. Quickly, he grabbed the two bath towels. One for covering his lower part, the pink towel was for letting her dry. There’s silence between them as they went inside the house. Tiffie went inside her bedroom while Bobby used the bathroom in the kitchen.

Slowly, she entered her bedroom. The bedroom walls were painted with violet and pink which were her favorite colors. Her nose can sniff something odd. She could smell the masculine scent in every corner of her bedroom. She’s about to open her cabinet when she realized that her luggage was still outside. Quickly, she wrapped herself with the pink towel and rushed outside barefooted.

  Atalia’s eyes widened after she saw her twin’s appearance.

“What happened to you?” Atalia asked curiously.

“It’s a long story.”

“Did you meet your housemate? Is he handsome?”

“None of your business.” She shoved her away from the gate. One of her caught with the basket of ripe mangoes. “Thank you for this. This will be perfect for grahams.”

 Quickly, she took the basket and placed at the front door before she waved her twin a goodbye. Then, she ran to the same spot to look for her luggage. Luckily, it was still there. She sighed while opening her luggage to get her favorite crop top. Then, she hanged it at the side of her arms.

   Tiffie was about to enter the front door when she saw a tall figure standing at the front door. Something flashed at her mind. She thought it was Jake Cooper waiting for her. She missed his hugs. His kisses that made her world being colored with bright colors. Even his perfume, she could still remember his presence whenever she could smell it. This tall man, he had the same scent with Jake. The only difference was his skin-color and body-built. Jake was a leaner than him. He even had a clean-shaved face unlike Jake loved to grow his manly moustache.

  Plus, he’s wearing only an apron and minty green board shorts. It made him sexier. Tiffie couldn’t help herself but to bit her lower lips. Then, he folded his arms and looked at her side. However, his scent was a little bit spicier than Jake’s. The scent made her nose tickled. It made her sneezed twice. Too bad, there’s nothing to wipe for her wet hands. Tiffie felt no choice but to wipe it with his apron. But one of his hands caught hers. Tiffie felt the same electricity whenever she touched his. It made her heart beat faster than before. Then, he sprayed her both hands with some alcohol. Tiffie took her hands off him and looked away.

 “Dinner time is ready.” He cleared his throat and let her go. “You better wash your hands.” Then, he glanced at the mangoes and took it with him. “I will wash these.”

  ---~~~---

Tiffie remained at her bedroom after having dinner with him. For her, it’s a little bit awkward to be with a stranger at her house after breaking up with Jake. Then, she laid herself at her bed. She missed this kind of bed. It’s comfier than with her apartment. She took rolled herself twice before she laid herself at the middle side. Then, she took her phone to stalk Jake at his account in Pantra. Just like F******k, Pantra was a reliable social media network developed by their older brother Levi. The only problem was she couldn’t see his personal profile. Only realizing that, he had already blocked her. Then, she read many harsh comments at her profile. Most of Jake’s fans were angry with her because they mistakenly accused her for being the third-party. Instead of getting miserable, Tiffie turned off her phone. She took her favorite pillow and hugged it tightly. Her tears dropped after she closed her eyes. Then, she whispered “Alexa” to turned off the light for her.

   The loud sound of music made her woke up. Tiffie rolled herself and buried her face with her favorite pillow. She’s about to get back with her daydream when she heard a loud knock. She got up from her bed and opened the door. Bobby glanced at her, then he turned his back. Tiffie realized that she forgot to put her bra. It made her closed the door and opened her cabinet. Surprisingly, she saw several men clothes, boxers and briefs. Those clothes didn’t belong to Jake’s. Then, she heard another knock coming from the outside. Quickly, she changed her pajamas to her Dolce Gabbana crystal mesh top and white embroidered linen shorts. Then, she gently rubbed the dry shampoo at her hair before going out of her room.

‘Good morning, ladies and gents in Las Casas de Amore. Please assemble to the Amore Resto for your challenge.’ Eriana announced through the intercom.

Tiffie didn’t have a choice but to miss eating breakfast. Both of them waited for the golf cart to take them to the Amore Resto. The golf cart arrived within three minutes. Her stomach kept on grumbling because of hunger.

Bobby took a zip loc plastic bag from his sling bag. “Here, you can eat this to ease your hunger.” He offered a grilled cheese sandwich. “That’s my specialty, I hope that you will like it.”

Tiffie nodded. “Thanks”. Carefully, she opened zipped out the plastic bag and took a huge bite. Bobby gave her a sweet smile. Tiffie could see the dimple showed onto his left cheek. It made him looked sexier than Jake. It made her blushed. Later, she felt that something blocked at her chest. Luckily, Bobby gave her a bottle of cold water. Tiffie drank the almost half of it.

“By the way…” Tiffie gulped the last drop of the water. “May I know your name?”

“Bobby.” Bobby said with his manly voice.

The golf cart stopped at the Amore Resto. There, they met the other house guests and members of the Las Casas Amore. Atalia hugged her twin tightly while Elaine hugged Bobby. Tiffie glanced at Elaine’s direction.

“Are they related, Atalia?” She asked.

“He’s her big brother, Bobby. He’s managing the Amore Café in Pasay Branch. You are lucky that you are with a sexy chef. Unlike mine.” She glanced at the chubby guy who’s wearing a green hibiscus-printed Hawaiian shirt talking with the tall white man. “He even burnt one of the hot dogs a while ago.”

“Guys, Eriana is already waiting for us inside.” Miriam said.

All of them went inside. They saw Eriana standing at the middle of the resto. There, she placed a fish bowl full of rolled papers inside. Then, she checked if each pair was present before she took the microphone.

“Thank you for being here in Las Casas. I know that we need to enjoy our 2 months’ vacation without stress. Some of my girls experienced heartaches and heartbreaks.” She glanced at Tiffie’s direction. “That’s why, we’re here to heal that emotional pain. I organized some fabulous events for you to enjoy. Plus, you had met your house guests as part of your partners. However, if you don’t like their personality within a week. You have the power to evict them just push the red button located in your bed. Of course, Saskia and I will investigate the reason why you want to evict them. Don’t worry, Saskia and I had already carefully checked their personal background. Some of them may related with our girls. Plus, there will be more fun surprises next week. Boys, I’m sorry to say that Saskia is only available because I’m the game master and I’m too busy for love.” She chuckled out and sipped the red wine at her wine glass. “Today’s challenge will be entitled as Kiss and Tell.”

Eriana read the rules of the game. The girls and their house guests were divided to two groups. Each group will find out who had the personality or the secret which Eriana will read written in each rolled paper. Each of the group has the chance to choose whom they will decide to kiss or not.

 “Girls and boys, you may plan out your strategy. I will be the one who will tell you if your correct or not. The group who will have the highest score, will be declared as the winner. Plus, the winning group will have a surprise lunch.”

Tiffie can’t wait to win the game in order to ease her hunger. The sandwich that she ate a while ago was not enough for her.

Eriana gave them 5 minutes to plan who will be the first to choose. After the five minutes, she rang the golden ball to start the game. Then, she clicked her remote control that flashed the choices. Bobby’s name was included in the three choices. “For the first question, girls who do you think is allergic to shrimp? Of course, you can choose among Bobby, Lowell, and Carter.”

Pollyie pushed Miriam at the center. “We choose Miriam to be the one to predict.” Miriam gave her a fierce glare that made her laugh.

Miriam thought for a minute before going to Bobby’s direction. She glanced at Tiffie and the others. “We choose that Bobby is allergic to shrimp.” Her long fingers climbed from his lower body up to his chest. Then, she gave him a passionate kiss. Tiffie gazed at them while folding her arms together.

Eriana went to Bobby’s direction and put the microphone near him. “Bobby, how’s the kiss?” She asked nonchalantly.

Bobby glanced at Tiffie’s direction. “I felt nothing.” He felt that Tiffie was looking a little bit weird.

“Really? You felt nothing?” Miriam raised her eyebrow. “You are the first one who told me that.”

“Hush now, Mirry. It’s only a game, remember.” Eriana gently tapped Miriam’s shoulders. So, is it true that you are allergic to shrimp?” Bobby shook his head.

“I love eating seafood especially ‘fleur de la mer’.” It made the boys laughed.

“Too bad, the first point will be for the boys. It will be either Carter or Lowell. You may step forward if you are that I’m describing about.” The blonde hair tall man stepped his feet forward. He flexed his biceps. “Carter, we never know that it’s you?”

Carter snatched the microphone from Eriana. “Yeah, and eating shrimps will let me rush to the hospital.”

Then, Lowell chose Elaine about who was the girl who got a full makeover just for a movie date with her girl mates. Unluckily, he kissed the wrong girl because it was Pollyie. Pollyie managed to laugh when Eriana announced the result. Finally, it was Tiffie’s turn to choose who’s the one who had a fully-body waxed once a month. She walked towards Atalia’s partner, then she saw Bobby’s eyebrow raised. She passed through him. Grabbed his waist. Her lips aimed to his cheek. Bobby’s lips were getting closer and her heart started to skip a beat. His alluring scent was kind of addictive when his lips gently brushed hers. This time, he wrapped both arms around Tiffie’s waist when he claimed hers. It was hungry and intense. It was not the same feeling that she felt with Jake.

“Ahem!” Eriana tapped the microphone. “Excuse me, romantic lovers.” Bobby and Tiffie glanced at her as their lips parted. Both of them can see the pink blush within their cheeks. “Our game was not yet ended. You may continue what you’re doing later after we announced the winners.” Eriana sipped the wine before uttering the word. “Bobby, did your girl get the correct answer?”

Bobby shrugged his shoulders and glanced at Tiffie’s side. “I’m sorry honey that I’m not the one.” His lips went near at her right ear. “We can continue our kiss later.”

   Tiffie distanced herself from him after Eriana announced the result. The boys were declared as winners and they enjoyed their sumptuous feast at the other side of the resto. They were served with unlimited kind of steaks and red wine. The girls took their barbeque rations and 2 liters bottles of soda from the counter. Eriana joined them at the backside to have their barbeque feast. Tiffie presented herself as the cook since she’s the reason why they lost in the game. At first, she’s happy in doing her task. Suddenly, the black smoke coming from the griller grew heavier. Slowly, it penetrated through her eyes. It made harder for her to determine where to handle the barbeque sticks. The smell was kind of strong that made her cough. Out of panic, her hand touched the griller that made her scream with pain. Luckily, Bobby ran to her and checked her hand. It was badly burnt. Her cheeks were covered with charcoal. Without further ado, he took a glass of cold water and poured it. Tiffie cried out of pain. Then, he asked Miriam to get the first-aid kit. He even asked Elaine to take Tiffie’s position. Elaine reluctantly agreed.

     Bobby let Tiffie sat away from the barbeque grillers. Instead of scolding her because of her clumsiness, her innocent appearance made him change his mood. Gently, he wiped away the charcoal on her cheeks with his hanky. After five minutes, Miriam handed the first-aid kit to Bobby. Then, he carefully applied the burn ointment to her hand. Tiffie watched him wrapping it with the clean bandage.

“You may go back inside, Bobby.” Tiffie said.

“No.” He had a small talk with Eriana and Atalia. Then, he grabbed her by her arm. “You will come with me.”

“But…” She had no choice but to come with him.

---~~~---

Bobby became in-charge in the kitchen. He took the stone pan and a ladle from the cabinet. Few minutes passed, he put all the ingredients at the side of the table. First, he chopped the garlic and onions. Then, he heated the olive oil in the stone pan over medium-high heat. Carefully, he put the pieces of chicken inside it. Then, they waited for 3 minutes before he transferred in the clean plate. He added the onion and garlic inside of the pan. The delicious aroma made Tiffie hungrier as she watched him to perform his cooking magic. After six minutes, he poured the right amount of soy sauce and vinegar. Tiffie crunched the 5 pieces of black peppercorns before mixing it with the pan. Bobby grinned as he returned the chickened inside of the pan.

They sat together at the table near the kitchen counter. Tiffie placed her right hand at her right cheek, as she stared at his face. They exchanged a conversation about their work outside and their favorite food. He’s not that handsome as Jake. She realized that Bobby was good in the kitchen. Maybe, his food can be the powerful potion to let her forget Jake. Plus, they had the same type of food. They loved pasta and desserts.

“Do you want carbonara or spaghetti with meatballs tonight?” Bobby asked.

“I shall check my refrigerator first if I have the needed ingredients.” She opened the refrigerator. Some of her small milk cartons fell at her feet. “Ouch!” She screamed.

Bobby removed the small milk cartons from her feet. He put them back inside the refrigerator. “You better be careful next time.” He gently patted her head. Then, he carefully put the chicken adobo in the big white ceramic bowl.

Tiffie carefully placed the 2 sets of plates, utensils, and tall glasses at the opposite sides of the table. Then, they silently whispered their prayers before they started to eat their first lunch together.

“How’s my adobo dish?” Bobby asked nonchalantly as he crossed his fingers.

“I love the savory taste of the chicken.” Tiffie explained. “I could feel the spices mixed together in my palate as if that I could finish the whole plate within 3 seconds.”

It made Bobby laughed. “Since you loved my dish, I hope that you will learn to love someone like me.” Tiffie blinked her eyes twice. Bobby chuckled. “I’m just joking, Tiffie.”

Tiffie gently touched his hand. “How about the kiss we shared a while ago?”

“It’s just the part of the game.” He cleared his throat. “We just met yesterday, right?”

Tiffie nodded. “Yeah, I guess that we’re in the getting-know each phase.” I hope that we could repeat that sweet kiss soon. Tiffie whispered those words within herself while staring at him.

Bobby stood up and took a plastic container from the refrigerator. “I almost forgot to let you taste this one.” He carefully opened the lid of the container. It was a mango crème graham mousse. Tiffie tried to put her fork inside of it, but Bobby stopped her. “You need to finish your lunch first, before you can get a slice of it.” Tiffie glazed at him with puppy eyes. “Like what I’ve said, finish your lunch first.” He covered the container to prevent contamination.

“Bobby, can we do a collaboration vlog?” It made Bobby raised his brow. “I mean that you and I will cook dinner tonight, then I will record it. Plus, I need it for my channel in Pantra.” She grabbed her chair and sat near him. “Please, Bobby…” She baffled her eyelashes as she tried to charm him. Hoping, that he could be charmed.

Although she’s charming, Bobby tried to resist her plea. “Too bad, I am not a telegenic. You may ask other house guests to become your partner.” He gently rubbed his cheeks. “Carter will be perfect for that. His body can swoon several women with different ages.”

“No!” She stomped her feet angrily. “You ruined my day!” She stormed off to her bedroom.

  Bobby didn’t have a choice but to watch her. He picked up every plate, utensils, and bowls out of the table. After putting back the mango crème graham, he washed the dirty dishes all by himself. Then, he took a huge slice of mango crème graham. Gently, he slid it in the vintage delft blue small plate. He could hear something weird coming from Tiffie’s bedroom. Without further ado, he rushed to her bedroom. He knocked twice. Tiffie didn’t respond. Bobby thought of something unique. He took a small bell from his pocket and rang it twice. He gave her a half-smile when she opened the door for him. She’s a bit disgusted.

“What do you want?” She rolled her eyes and checked at her newly-painted nails.

“I just wanted to let you taste this.” He presented the mango crème graham. Tiffie didn’t buy his idea and folded her slender arms. “I’m sorry on what I’ve behaved a while ago…” He sighed. “Maybe, we can remake this dessert with me tomorrow morning.”

Bobby could see the sudden change of her mood. The disgust turned onto happiness. Her eyes sparkled with delight. She grabbed the small plate and the fork from him. Then, she closed her eyes while savoring the delicateness and sweetness of the dessert. She could feel as if her feet were swept off by the fresh wind. The sourness of mangoes were perfectly mixed with the not too sweet whipped cream. That kind of dish made her to finish it in just one snap. When she opened her eyes, she could see Bobby looking at her with astonishment.

“Is there something weird with my face?” She asked.

“Yes.” He took his clean hanky and gently wiped it at the right side of her lips. “Your lips are like an angel.” Then, his soft fingers rubbed her cheeks gently.

 That kind of touch made Tiffie felt something weird. Their eyes kept on staring each other as the world stopped from moving.  Unnoticing the fork slipped through her fingers; it fell to the carpet. His lips went nearer as she could smell the sweet minty breath. It’s kind of tempting. She thought. It almost brushed hers when someone rang the doorbell. Their sweet moment was kind of ruined when they heard Elaine’s voice kept on shouting Bobby’s name. Maybe, they can have it next time.

---~~~---

Bobby accompanied his little sister outside. They had a small talk. Tiffie could hear them from the windowsill from the living room. Their talk lasted for five minutes. Then, he entered the house with a mad expression. Tiffie watched him packing his clothes from her bedroom.

“Where are you going?” Tiffie asked while holding the remote control.

“I need to attend a business trip for three days.”

“Three days!” She shrieked.

“Yes, I need to check one of the branches of Café Amore in Makati.” He stopped his packing when he felt Tiffie wrapped her arms at his back. Her scent was kind of irresistible. “I’ll be back, Tiffie.”

“But, three days is too long…” Bobby gently grabbed her arms and their eyes met once again. “What about our vlog together? When are going to shoot it?”

“As soon as I will go back here, we will do that.” He brushed some of her coffee-brown hair strands and slid it at the side of her left ear. Then, he planted a small kiss at her forehead. “A bientôt, Ma Cherie.” He waved his blue French beret hat before he closed the door.

Tiffie shrugged her shoulders. She didn’t have a choice but to watch him go and to wait for him for three days.