Chapter 10: Chapter 10

CLARA put a hand just above her eyes as she tried to spot the end of the farm. It was vast. She could only imagine how many houses the land could hold.

“Do you want to see the end of the farm?” Fuego suggested. He was watching her with amusement, his arms folded across his chest.

“Next time,” she replied at once. “I know that would take us time.” She smiled sheepishly.

“Sir Fuego!”

They both turned to the middle-aged man who came rushing to them.

“Nanding.”

“I did not expect you would come this early. What can I do for you?” The man Fuego called ‘Nanding’ flashed a bright smile.

“You shouldn’t have bothered. I was just giving Clara a tour and make sure everyone comes by at the mansion later.”

“Oh, I see.” Nanding shifted his gaze on Clara. “Good morning, Ma’am.”

“Clara, this is Nanding. He is the caretaker of the farm. Nanding, this is Clara.”

“Good morning,” Clara nodded politely.

“I see that I have interrupted your date, Sir. I apologize.”

Fuego chuckled.

“No big deal.”

“I’ll see you later then, Sir. Happy Birthday.”

“Thank you.”

Nanding smiled at Clara before turning his back.

“So, where do you make your delicious pineapple and egg pie?”

“Good question.”

THEY WALKED their way outside the farm to a white and neat center, their hands laced together. There were a balcony and a small garden surrounded with tall trees, lovely orchids, and colorful plants.

Fuego tried to turn the doorknob, but it was locked.

“They must be busy,” he said and knocked.

The door opened, and a small petite woman wearing a hairnet appeared.

“Hey, handsome, good morning!” she greeted with a sweet smile. She was tan, and her age was hard to tell because she looked so youthful. “Oh.” Her eyes widened the moment they laid on Clara. “This is…” she squealed. “Hi!”

“H-hello,” Clara said awkwardly.

“Lanie, this is Clara. Clara, this is Lanie, one of our workers here. Lanie, Clara wants to see how we make our pineapple and egg pies.”

“Sure, but some other time maybe, Fuego?”

Fuego and Clara glanced at each other.

“Why not?” Fuego asked.

“We are busy making your birthday cake. But we really love to have a chat with Miss Clara. We wanted to know how she caught your elusive heart.” Lanie beamed.

Clara bit her lip to suppress a smile.

“You couldn’t ask for more, could you, Fuego?” Lanie teased.

“What are you talking about, Lanie?”

“Don’t tell me she isn’t the one.”

“You know what? We’re leaving.” Fuego tugged Clara’s hand.

“See you later, birthday boy!” Lanie waved, giggling. “You’re pretty, Clara.”

“Thank you,” she said shyly.

Clara waved at Lanie before turning her back.

“SO, WHERE are we going next?” Clara asked as they rode Cocoa once again.

She thought they were going back to the mansion, but the horse took another path. Clara could see the estate and the tree where she watched the sunrise with Fuego this morning. They were headed to the woods.

“This is the way to the poultry and animal farm, but I’m going to show it to you next time. I did not want to tire you. Right now, I just want to take you to Cocoa’s favorite place.”

Clara glanced up and Fuego with a childish grin.

“I’d love that!”

Fuego chuckled in amusement.

Clara held her breath as they entered the woods. To her, the place was enchanting as she could not remember the last time she was this close to nature. And she could hear the sound of water not very far.

Her eyes widened as a shallow stream behind the rocks came into view.

Fuego got down safely and offered his hand at once. Clara took it and jumped in contained excitement. Cocoa sauntered to the stream quietly and began to drink.

“This place is just…” Clara sighed, “perfect.” She rushed to the stream and bent her legs. The slight touch of the cold water on her hand made her jump and giggle. “Wow!” She looked over her shoulder and found Fuego staring at her in amusement, his hands folded across his chest. “I’m jealous.”

He chuckled.

Clara squealed at the cold water once again but washed her face anyway until it was bearable. That was very refreshing, and she could not help herself.

“We can have a picnic here,” she said. “I’m sure I would enjoy reading my book. We can have a barbecue party, too. Or camping. I’ve been to camps a couple of times back in high school. Maybe it’s more fun this time.”

“Sure. We can do all that here. Name anything you want, and it is done.”

“Thank you.” Clara smiled shyly as she stood up and faced him. “Today is supposedly your birthday, but it was I who have been receiving nice things from you.” She sprinkled water from her wet hand to his face.

Fuego frowned when it hit his face. Clara could not help giggling once again.

“I’m never going to forget this for the rest of my life.”

“I know a way that would make it more memorable,” he said and sauntered toward her. Fuego bent his waist a little and unceremoniously splashed her with water.

Clara gasped in surprised as the water hit her face.

“Whoa,” she uttered in disbelief as she wiped her face. “Now that’s truly unforgettable.” She used her two hands and spattered back as revenge.

Fuego desperately retreated as he laughed heartily. When he saw that his shirt got wet, a grim expression crossed his face. Clara took a step back as her heart pounded. It looked like she won’t like his revenge. She turned away with a grin and screamed as Fuego’s strong arms caught her small frame.

She tried hard to break free, but it was no use. She found herself pinned against the rock and Fuego’s arms on her either side.

Clara swallowed as she met his gaze. Fuego was breathing hard as he stared at her intently.

The playful atmosphere suddenly dissipated and was replaced by a tension that Clara did not feel toward any man before. His eyes fell on her slightly parted lips.

“Would you mind?” he asked in a low and husky voice.

Clara shook her head lightly.

Fuego held her chin and dipped his head, brushing his lips gently against hers. The hair at the back of her neck stood up at the sensation. It was new yet very familiar. It was warm yet making her shiver.

Clara caught Fuego’s shirt and pulled him, urging him to kiss her deeper.