Chapter 9: Chapter 9

CHAPTER FIVE

“I HAVE never tasted such delicious and expensive coffee in my whole life!” Marietta exclaimed as she finished her cup.

The seven of them squeezed themselves in the kitchen counter as they watched her make brewed coffee.

Clara laughed in amusement.

“That’s not really expensive, Marietta. But I’m glad you liked it.”

“Do you still have one for me?”

Jeremy entered the kitchen in his black shirt and pajama. His hair was ruffled, and he did not bother washing his face first.

“Good morning, Doc!” they greeted warmly.

“Good morning, guys!”

“Of course—”

“No. Go make your coffee yourself,” Fuego interrupted with a blank expression.

Jeremy chuckled as he went to Fuego and wrapped his arms around him.

“Happy Birthday, Boss. You should get married. You’re getting old.” Jeremy put his head on Fuego’s shoulder and chuckled.

Clara could not help cackling as she poured the last cup of coffee.

“I really saved it for you, Doc Jeremy.”

“Thanks, Clara. You’re so sweet.” Jeremy took the cup with a wide smile. “If I were you, I’d marry her,” he told Fuego and winked.

Teasings filled the kitchen as Clara and Fuego were put on the spot.

“WHY DID you let them think that we are dating?” Clara asked as she put the cups on the sink.

Emerisa and the rest had left. They preferred cooking outside since the kitchen would be too small for them. Clara volunteered to wash the dishes.

“I think that was easier than explaining that we are just friends every single time. And you don’t have to that. You’re my guest.” He glanced at the sink.

“Your helpers are busy, remember? Besides, I have very limited manpower back in my coffee shop. Multi-tasking is no stranger to me.” She smiled as she opened the faucet.

Fuego drew a breath as he leaned beside her.

“So, what’s your birthday wish?” she asked as she began to clean the cups with a sponge.

“I don’t really make birthday wishes.” Fuego rubbed his jaw thoughtfully.

Clara snorted. “Why not?”

He shrugged.

“I don’t really know what I want. It’s enough for me that I got what I need.”

“Have you talked to your parents yet?”

“My mom called me at midnight to send her greetings,” he replied with a boyish grin. “She always does that. And she understood whether I celebrate my birthday with them or not. Do you want to meet her?”

“Can I?” Clara asked in surprise as she stared at him. “But what if she gets the wrong idea about us?”

“She won’t. I can’t lie to her, anyway.”

Clara nodded and laughed.

“Have you washed dishes before?” she asked. “Care to help?”

“I can’t remember the last time I did. But if you’d teach me…” Fuego stood behind her and grabbed her hands.

Clara could only freeze as the hair in her body stood up. Thank goodness, the sweater she wore hid it from Fuego. She wondered if she’d ever get used to being this near to him.

“So, what do I do first?” he asked.

She cleared her throat and pursed her lips for a moment.

“Wow, I like that new style of flirting.”

Clara jumped as Jeremy appeared in the kitchen again, carrying his empty cup.

“This isn’t new. You’re just outdated,” Fuego retorted.

Clara forced herself not to laugh.

“Really?” Jeremy drawled, raising an eyebrow.

“I’ll wash it for you,” Clara said.

“We don’t deserve you, Clara. Thank you. You’re an angel.”

But Fuego snatched the cup from him.

“You can disappear now.”

Jeremy shrugged as he walked out of the kitchen.

CLARA went to the backyard while waiting for Fuego. He said he was getting something before they start their tour around his property.

She could not help a smile as she watched them laughed while cooking enthusiastically. She thought of her life back in the province. They did not have much then, but she was contented.

Her eyes grew wide as Narsing put a pile of huge banana leaves on the long table.

“Is this what I think it is?” she asked in utter amusement.

“Every year, Sir Fuego would hold a boodle fight for his birthday instead of throwing a grand party,” he said. “All of the workers on the farm are invited. Have you tried this before, Clara?”

“I have! Well, when I was a little younger. I used to live in the province with my parents. I never thought I would experience this again. This is very exciting!”

“Indeed,” Narsing chuckled.

“Clara.”

Clara turned around. Fuego was already standing behind her.

“Let’s go?”

She nodded and ran to him.

“Will you, guys, be all right?” he asked his people.

“Of course, Sir! Go ahead with your date,” Marietta teased.

Clara caught Emerisa giggling. She could only let out a nervous giggle.

“You guys are the best.” Fuego winked as he took her hand.

“OH.” Clara’s eyes fixated on the beautiful chocolate-colored horse standing in front of the house. “Is that yours?” she asked, her eyes twinkling.

“Yes. This is Cocoa, a mare.” Fuego stroked Cocoa’s jaw.

“She’s beautiful!”

“Have you ridden a horse before?”

She shook her head, giggling.

“But I’ve ridden a carabao before.”

“Well, there’s a first time for everything.”

“W-wait.” She grabbed Fuego’s arm. “I’m scared.”

“Don’t be. Cocoa won’t disappoint us. Come, I’ll help you climb.”

Fuego mounted Cocoa flawlessly. Clara could only watch him in awe. Then, he smiled as he extended his hand to her.

“Take my hand as you put your foot on the stirrup.”

Clara swallowed as she did what she was told. She drew a breath as Fuego pulled her up. For the next moment, she was already sitting in front of him with her legs together, her body leaning against him.

“Good girl,” he said, smiling proudly at her. Fuego wrapped his arms around her waist as he held the rend tightly.

Clara’s heart throbbed as she found their faces a few inches away from each other.

“Look in front, Miss.”

Clara withdrew her gaze in embarrassment and gaped at the magnificent view in front of her. She could see more now that she was on top of Cocoa.

“W-wow.”

“Let’s go, Cocoa.”

The horse went down the hill and took a straight, rocky road. Clara loved the gentle caress of the wind on her face. It made her want to appreciate life more.

“I manage my parent’s pineapple and poultry farm,” he began. “Well, this isn’t really my father’s empire. He bought this property because my mother wanted a house on a hill as a retirement place. I was never interested in inheriting his business. My older brother and my nephew will be taking over, anyway. But my Mom pleaded that I look after this place while she takes care of my father.”

“You have a nephew?” Clara uttered in awe.

“Yes. He’s just your age, actually. Then, I decided to put up an animal farm with Jeremy’s help. Well, Jeremy manages the farm when he’s not busy in his clinic.”

“You’re so lucky,” she remarked.

“Yes, ‘lucky.’ That’s the word,” Fuego said, chuckling. “I’m nothing without my father’s fortune.”

“That’s not true. Let’s just say you know how to propagate your father’s fortune. Other people would just take it for granted. Fuego, I’m a fan.”

The sound of Fuego’s gorgeous, hearty laugh rang in Clara’s ears.

“I did not expect you’d say that.”

Clara poked his cheek jokingly.

“That’s because I’m bad at lying.”