Chapter 56: Chapter 56

What an exuberant girl, Ana thought, when Mia went back inside, leaving her with Eric alone.

She started to panic. Damn, where was her courage earlier?

Eric turned to her. Ana couldn't quite comprehend his expression. "Let's go to private lounge."

He led her, his hand curled against the small of her back, making her breath hitched. Ana noticed awed stares from the guests and a few disapproving frowns when they gazed at her. Oh, well.

"Eric, I—"

"Later, Miss Thompson," he cut, his mouth formed a thin line. "We'll talk when there's no spectators around."

True to his word, once they sat on the dark red chesterfield lounge, he didn't waste any time to scrutinize her.

"Why didn't you accept my call?"

Ana didn't know where to start.

"At first it wasn't intentional. We had different schedules and, truthfully, I didn't know what to say. My head was a mess. Still a mess now, but…," she studied his facial expression. A frown had formed between his brows.

"Why was your head a mess?"

Ana wrung her hands together. "You see, I've never been good with emotions… You sure you want to know? It's kinda long story."

For a fleeting second, his eyes soften, like her old Eric.

Although he wasn't hers.

"I have time, Miss Thompson."

She nodded gratefully. "I'm not good with emotion. What I felt, I bottled it up inside me. But one day, I exploded.

"When I was fourteen, my Mom and Dad decided to divorce. They'd fight like there was no tomorrow, and I didn't know what to do when he raised his voice or she started throwing things, even when I was present. She'd met this, this man—" she gulped. It still stung however long it had happened. "I hate him so much."

He was the reason her mom ran away, but really, her mom was never a good mother from the start.

She felt his hand covered hers on her lap. No pressure, no expectation. It just felt so nice to know there was someone by her side. His eyes were full of compassion.

"Ana, you don't have to tell me."

She shook her head. "But I want to. Do you want to hear the rest?"

He nodded.

"Okay, so… I told my Mom and Dad how they made me feel. I said—screamed—some hurtful things. I let it all out. And I felt free. The burden I kept inside was out in the open for anyone to see. But... but they didn't smile. My burden became theirs. My Dad, bless him, he contemplated all those things I said about him. And he apologized in the end. But Mom... I guess I hurt her deeply.

"She never looked at me the same again. She said she was sorry, but then she told me hurtful things about me. She always said hurtful things. She... she said I wasn't cut out for a relationship. That I destroyed our family, and I would never deserve to have a relationship, that I'm bound to mess it up. That in the end, I would explode and screw my relationship like I did with theirs. That I didn't deserve it because I'm fucked up. And I believe it's true. Until I met you."

She squeezed his hand, trying to convey her gratitude.

"Ana…"

"You're so genuine, so kind to me."

"Because you bring out the best in me, baby."

She couldn't resist a smile that bloomed on her lips.

"You… you asked what was I doing here."

He nodded.

"Well, I wanted to tell you that I've started writing a story."

His face suddenly beamed. "Really? That's fantastic news, Miss Thompson."

"Yeah. I thought… I wanted you to be the first to know. That's partly the reason why I hadn't been able to reply your call, I'm sorry. It's nowhere near ready but… I'll keep you informed. That is if you still want to know."

"I do," he smiled warmly at her. "And don't be sorry. Although it did disappoint me not being able to hear your voice after the wrap, I know this is a big step towards your dreams."

He understands. She didn't believe it, but he did. He always took her breath away.

"Thank you, Eric. And, um, I wanted to thank you for your advice. I wouldn't do it if it's not for your kind and encouraging words."

"Glad I could be of service," he bowed playfully, making Ana giggle. "So, what is it about?"

She hesitantly answered, "Trust… and love. And second chances."

"Hm, wonder why it sounds familiar," he winked.

"Yep, it's about my own feeling I've recently discovered."

"Oh?" his brows knitted.

"Yeah. I thought that I can't trust so I can't love. But your words made me realize that I was wrong all this time."

"My words?"

"The one in the interview."

"You watched it?"

"I did. I promise to support your career, remember?" she grinned. "And congratulations, I always knew you'd be succeeded."

"Thank you."

"No, thank you. It's you who made me believe I wanted to take a risk if a person worth the effort. And he is."

"He? Have you found a love interest by chance?" he asked with ill-veiled bitterness.

She felt giddy and nervous at the same time. Such things this man made her feel. Like she was about to take a leap of faith.

"Yes. It took time to get it through my thick skull and thicker heart, but I've found him."

His jaw clenched. "I don't know if I want to hear it, but who's he?"

There was a hint of hurt in his quiet voice. She couldn't bear to hear it.

"It's you," she swallowed hard. "That is if you're willing to try? And if I'm not too late? I'm too late, aren't I? I thought you'd already moved on until I knew Mia is your sister. But if you have, it's okay. We can still be friends—"

"Stop," he cut her off, gripping onto her fingers as if she was his lifeline. He raised his thumb, pressing the pad on her stunned lips. "Say that again?"

Oh, God. He was too close, he must feel the heat from her blushing face.

"I'll try with you."

His eyes widened. "You agree to go on a date, a real date with me?"

"Yes."

"You're open to discuss a relationship with me? Be my girlfriend?"

"In time, yes."

"You'll take the risk for me?"

"I already am."

He looked at her with glazed eyes, radiating adoration with every second he smiled. She felt wanted, needed. Eric held her face tenderly. She could feel her fingers trembled a little.

"Would you let me kiss you?"

"Yes."

And then, she didn't know perfection existed until his lips fell upon hers, just a feather-light, and he pulled his head back. Seeing each other eyes, Ana was aware of the jubilation she felt which mirrored his expression. And as if a switch was turned on, he pulled her back in, securing her lithe body in the warmth of his arms.

"I'll hold back, Ana, just tell me the word and I'll stop."

"I," she breathed, "I don't want you to stop."

A groan escaped his lips a second before he devoured her mouth.

When his hand snaked its way to her neck and the other pressed hard against her hip, Ana felt the urge to circle him in the same manner. Slowly, slowly she touched his cheek, and lowered her hand down to his neck where she drew gentle circles on his bare skin with her fingertip. In an instant, he broke their kiss with a gasp, before resting his forehead against hers.

Their breath mingled and Ana couldn't look away from his heated stare.

"Baby, can we talk in somewhere private?"

"Where?" she asked, breathless.

"We can go to my hotel. I booked a suite in the Sunset Tower."

She blinked, processing his words. She could tell the blush started to light her face. "But, Eric, I—"

"We'll just talk, baby. I wouldn't do something that could make me lose you. I promise."

And she believed him.

She couldn't believe that this was her life now.

Here, in the back seat of the car Mr. Taylor drove, she and Eric sat side by side talking about their lives, dreams, and everything in between. Their thighs pressed together while he played with her fingers. She couldn't believe that it took her months full of despair to know and acknowledge her feeling toward him.

"I was mad earlier. Well, half mad."

Eric raised his brows. "About what?"

"The photos."

"Fuck," he swore under his breath. Agitated, he ran his fingers through his thick hair—a gesture Ana longed to do. "I'm sorry. It was an impulse thing. I saw you, and you were so beautiful I couldn't help but seized it."

"You only took three photos?"

"Yes, baby, I printed them out and gave them to you. All of them. I even destroyed the negatives," he said in a contrite tone. "I was almost got caught when you came to see me that day. Remember? When I said I want to tidy up a little?"

Ana spluttered. "Holy cow, that's why there were thumbnails inside your trailer!"

Eric actually had a gall to look guilty, and a good one at that. "Yeah, not my finest moment. I promise from now on that I'll only photograph you when you say yes."

"Yes."

"Yes?"

Ana giggled. "Yes, it's okay. Couples do it all the time, but," she wriggled her finger. "No funny photos."

He grinned like a child. "So, we're a couple?"

"I guess so," God, she felt so shy!

"Ana, we don't need to be like other couples. However, I'm glad you give me a go ahead. Thank you, baby," he kissed her knuckles.

She'd like to return the gesture if not for Taylor's discreet cough telling them that they'd reached the hotel.

Ever the gentleman, Eric opened her door and lead her to the elevator, never once breaking their contact.

As soon as the door closed, there was a sizzling in the air. Ana would feel scared if it wasn't for Eric's reassuring squeeze around her hand.

"I feel it, too, baby."

Oh, my… Ana was about to jump him right there and then when her eyes caught a poster on the elevator door. It was an advertisement for Eric's movie. And in that photo, he seemed cozy—too cozy for her like—with Miss Wright.

Lucky for her, they reached his suite before she could burst into rage.

"This is my room, Miss Thompson. Taylor's next door, and Mia's across the kitchen," he winked at her. "Let's sit in the living room."

Ana wrung her hands. "Where's Mr. Taylor?"

"Fetching Mia," he said distractedly as he guided her to a two-seater couch. "What is it, Ana? you're not comfortable here? I could take you home."

"No, it isn't that."

"Then what?"

Ana frown. She knew they had just started and she didn't want to be labeled as noisy friend—girlfriend? Ugh, she didn't know what to do.

"Why are you upset, baby?"

"Um," she avoided his eyes, "I saw the poster."

"Poster? In the elevator door?" Ana nodded. "I did, too."

"You look cozy with Miss Wright," that came out as a grumble and mentally Ana chastised herself.

If she didn't know better, she would swear there was a hint of amusement in his voice, "Yeah. With the director's guidance, actually."

"I don't like you kissing her."

"Oh," he blinked, a little sheepish. "You saw?"

"Yes, and I didn't like it one bit," she mumbled. "Still do."

He smiled apologetically with an amused gleam in his eyes. "I'm sorry, baby. But that's what my work demand. I can tell you, though, I don't enjoy it like I am now with you."

"I know. The rational part of me know that, but… I can't help it. You're you, Eric, and I'm just… well, me. I never thought I could keep someone like you let alone make you happy."

He shook his head in earnest. "That's just not true, Ana."

"We don't know, yet, Mr. Miller. Everything can happen in the future, but," she bit her lip. "But I'm done fighting with my own feelings for you. So here I am, wanting the one thing I'm afraid of."

By then Eric turned his body, facing her entirely. Ana loved the way he cupped her jaws with his hands, as if she was the most precious thing to him.

"I know, baby. But I promise you, you're the one for me. Remember that it's you who make me this happy. Don't let some movie scenes take what we both want."

"I'll try. But don't think I'm happy about it, watching you and some woman—Oh my God," she groaned. "Imagine what I'd be if you have sex scene!"

Eric laughed. Oh, laugh all you want now, wait till I put a stop to it, starting by flicking your ear. "There's no real sex involved, baby."

"I know that, and it better remains that way!" she buried her face in his chest, earning his delightful chuckle.

"Okay, Miss Thompson. I promise I only ever do that strictly professional. No feelings involved," he wrapped her tightly, nuzzling her hair. "You know, you make me unbelievably happy with how proprietary you are with me."

She punched his side. "Still happy?"

"Of course, baby. Always," he pulled her and peered at her eyes. "So happy, it makes me want to kiss you again."

She bit her lip. "Why don't you, then?"

He didn't need further prompting.

As to prove his point, he captured her stunned lips against his ardent mouth, caressing her in a way that made her soul soar. She couldn't tell where her heart was from his own, because, in that blessed moment, they seemed to be merged entirely.

"I knew it," he murmured, breathless, as he leaned his forehead on hers.

"Knew what?"

"That you owned me from the first time I saw you."

The End.