The result was instantaneous. One moment they were staring at one another and the next thing they knew is that they're at each other's arms, their lips locked in a hot and passionate kiss.
Sendoh never felt this good when he kissed her. He didn't realize how deprived he was of one good lip smacking. Too many years of experience took that simple joy away. Most of the time, he goes straight to the merchandise and by then the Big Bang. Then it's over.
With her, there's no need to rush and he has no intention of doing so. He is going to take his time with her even if they're cooped up inside an elevator cabin and he had been restraining himself for quite sometime. He's going to give her the best. His mouth was now probing, teasing, beseeching her to open up to him.
Sendoh felt her falter for just a fraction of a second, then responded to him gladly letting her senses take over her. His hand rested at the small of her back, near her buttocks and pushed her even closer to him wanting her to feel how much he wanted her.
A thousand and one sensations coursed through Regina's body upon feeling his mouth on hers and her entire body was like an energized power line, acutely aware of the hard frame pressed against her soft one. She ran her hands through his hair, enjoying the contrast of smooth and rough texture. She sighed contentedly through his lips. Who would've thought that being kissed by this man could set you on fire?
Regina already felt the evidence of his desire cutting through her and on instinct, she moved against him wanting to feel his hardness, delighted when he let out a muffled groan.
If she continues doing that, Sendoh will forget the resolve to take it slow, slam her against the wall and give what they both wanted from the start. It took him superhuman effort to control that urge and instead decided to use another tactic: he touched the tip of his tongue on her lip.
She gasped, another assault of heat invaded her body, opening her mouth slight just enough for his tongue to penetrate inside. She could feel him coaxing and teasing, inflaming her all the while. She began to respond by tentatively touching her tongue to his then gradually increased in intensity, taking pleasure in their intimate swordplay and the taste of him and he of her.
Still caressing her back, Sendoh began to kiss her much deeper, not enticing or cajoling. But instead, he began to thrust his tongue inside, slowly at first then gradually increasing speed. His body was moving slightly giving the illusion that he was actually moving inside her.
Regina moaned, her fingers tightening painfully around his hair. She felt her knees buckling underneath her and almost fell down to the floor if he did not steady her. He guided her towards the wall and gently leaned her against it without even relinquishing his lips from hers.
She made a sound of protest when he did. He looked into her smoky brown eyes and smiled in such away that she nearly melted. Then he kissed her again, this time much more intensely with his hands skimming her sides. He didn't know why but he can't get enough of her lips. He felt like a thirsty man finally able to drink so much water after so long.
With one hand, Sendoh unbuttoned her blouse and pushed it open. What he saw made his blood pressure skyrocket. It revealed a strapless black bra that pushes her full breasts to almost overflowing and the color only enhanced her skin so white and creamy he can't wait to touch it.
He now began to trail kisses along her throat, the sound of her whimper vibrated against his lips. She arched her head, moaning as her hands were now moving on his back, untucking his poloshirt.
Regina was glorying the feel of the hard and smooth surface of his body all angles, planes and bulges. She tugged the poloshirt wanting to feel more of his skin on hers and she let out a throaty chuckle when he almost tore it out of his body.
" Amusing huh?" He said roughly. To her shock and pleasure, he pulled off her blouse and threw it aside. He then uhooked her bra and threw them aside as he now began to kiss her bare shoulder. It wasn't fair that he's bare-chested and she isn't. Besides, he wanted to stroke those breasts and to feel them crushed against his chest.
Almost greedily, he cupped one breast and encircled his thumb around the nipple until it hardened. Her breath came out in short, ragged pants as he continued his caresses. A feeling between pain and warmth churned in the deep recesses of her femininity and rubbed herself against him as if to ease the pain.
" Honey…don't do…that…" Sendoh rasped his self-control was beginning to wear thin.
A moan was his answer.
Regina thought she could never feel this aroused, but she let out a strangled cry when she felt his mouth closing on her breast, his tongue moving slowly around the nipple in a circular motion, sucking on it like one would on a lemon. She arched her back to give him more access to her breasts, clinging to him fiercely as if her life depended on it.
" Oh yes…" She whispered.
She was so responsive it's driving him crazy. He wanted her now, but kept on resisting that urge. Slowly, slowly…he reminded himself. Slowly…slo—!
His hold on his desires nearly slipped when her hands tugged on his belt loops of his pants. It looks like he was not the only who's in a hurry. Lifting his head, he caught her hands and shook his head. " Matte." He said softly and captured her mouth with his.
Regina had no idea what he had just said, but understood it because of his hands restraining her. She didn't have the time to protest because he just kissed her, melting all her objections away. She moved sensuously against him real slowly, telling him how much she wanted to be with him. Also it was her way of getting even at him letting him know how agonizing it was to wait any longer.
And he knew it. Oh how he knew it. Just barely releasing her mouth he said hoarsely: " You're making this hard for me."
She just grinned at him, meeting his smoldering blue eyes and straining her body to get closer to his.
Sendoh kissed her again, hard and forceful then gentled it. With one hand, he unsnapped her jeans, slipped it under her black bikini high panties and caressed her intimately. It elicited a smothered moan from her.
She was hot and velvety as he was hard and slick. By then, they had already stopped kissing and were both breathing roughly especially Regina. Her fingernails were now digging painfully on the broad expanse of his back, whimpering as he continued exploring her fiery core.
He plunged two fingers inside her, gently at first making circular motions as he went deeper. Her eyes flew open an onslaught of heat and frenzy flowed through her body, letting out a loud cry
Sendoh probed even deeper and was astonished that no other man had ever touched her this closely. At that he felt proud and strangely possessive about it. Their eyes met, both filled with need and desire. For the nth time he kissed her lips.
Every part of Regina's body is alive, tingling as she willingly responded to his kiss. She thrust her hips against his hand and while proved to be this pleasurable, she was not satisfied with it. She wanted more. She wanted him.
" Now…" She whispered huskily after their kiss. " Now...please…." She repeated more urgent this time.
Yes now. He can't wait any longer and so does she. He now began to unbuckle his belt clumsily because he was so much in a hurry. She stopped him and did it herself, brushing lightly on the bulge at the front of his pants.
He let out a hiss as if in pain. " Honey…"
She got the message and unzipped his pants with one flick of her wrist.
Then the elevator swayed to one side and then it began to rise.
It broke the heated moment between them, jumping away like two guilty teenagers caught by their homeroom teacher making out inside the classroom. They stared at each other, disoriented. Regina blinked, her mind spinning while Sendoh put a hand on his forehead, bewildered.
Good grief, she almost gave herself to a total stranger! And the way she behaved: uninhibited, wanton, abandoned, it was totally unlike her. In fact, she had no idea she had those feelings in the first place.
She snapped her slacks back on, still shocked at the events that had occurred and avoided the man's eyes. She was too rattled to meet them. Oh no, where's my bra? She asked herself panicking all of a sudden.
Sendoh watched her in a blank daze. What had just happened? What happened to the man who has his desire firmly controlled like a dog on a leash? He became a man consumed by need and driven to possess. In his entire experience with women that never happened nor he thought it would never happen.
Well, except that it did and with a woman who he thought nothing more than someone who shares the same elevator with him and maybe, just maybe, a potential conquest. But that changed when he kissed her. She was more than a sport to be won, she was…what?
If only he knew. They could've gone further, but it ended so soon, so fast. Irrationally, he blamed the elevator.
He shook his head feeling like someone dealt a blow on him and is currently having a hard time recovering from it. He picked up his discarded polo along with the woman's bra, knowing that she might be looking for it right now. His hunch was right when he saw her moving around frantically and muttering in both Filipino and English and with her hands both covering her bare breasts. He hurriedly put his polo back on and called out in a thick voice that shocked him.
" Miss."
Regina nearly fainted at the sound of his voice. She turned to him, despite her earlier resolve not to meet his still burning blue eyes. It took her a lot of effort to keep from feeling so drawn to him. She raised an eyebrow in question.
So I'm not the only who felt rattled by the experience. Sendoh observed seeing right through her nonchalant façade. He held up her bra, but made no move to hand it to her. He wanted for her to come for it and for him as well.
She closed her eyes and sighed. She walked towards him in two long strides and nearly snatched the garment from him, pointedly ignoring his smile and the open poloshirt. " Thank you." She said stiffly as she hastily put on her bra.
" Dammit!" She cursed as the bra slipped from her grasp for the nth time. She was too aware of his presence for her to move smoothly.
" Here let me." He said and before she could protest, he took the undergarment from the floor and helped her place it on her, but she felt that he lingered a little too long with her breasts. She gritted her teeth, tampering her desires that's beginning to resurface.
He noticed. " Yeah me too." He said.
She glared at him, but he just smiled. The thought of gracing his handsome face with a left hook sounded so good all of a sudden. He has no right to see right through her! No right at all! They hardly know each other for crying out loud!
Ding-ding! 6th floor the Administrative Office, it said on the screen above the elevator buttons. Regina, now looking neat and composed as if nothing happened, was relieved. She can get out of this elevator and forget the man who had made such an impact in her life and body.
So why was she being nervous about leaving?
Must be an after effect. She thought as she stepped out of the open doors of the lift. But suddenly the man grabbed her and the elevator doors closed, resuming its ascent again. She gave the man a startled look. " Just what do you think you're doing?!" She shouted
" Come with me." He said half-pleadingly, half-seductively.
She saw the promise and possibilities of coming with him from his eyes. She really wanted to, how she wanted to. All she had to do is just say yes. Or stay with him.
" Well, you have several floors more before you can decide." He said sensing her hesitation.
Regina wanted to come with him so much it hurts. But what is holding her back? " I'm not sure…" She began.
" Maybe this would convince you." He smiled playfully and bent down to kiss her once again.
Regina felt her knees buckle at the intensity of the kiss. Flames of desire began to lick her insides once again and slowly she was giving in to him.
But she placed a hand on his chest, pushing him away from her. " I-I can't. Sorry." She stammered. " Work y'know." She added hastily, turning away from him.
Sendoh knew this was not the real reason why she refused to come with him. It was something else, something much deeper than just being late for work. It's too soon she seems to be saying. He cursed himself for taking things too far.
The strange thing is he understood even if it hurts like hell. He nodded slowly, but didn't release her from his arms.
24th Floor, Penthouse at last he had arrived. But he didn't want to leave this woman in his arms. Yet she said no and he can't force her to change her mind.
Then unexpectedly he kissed her madly. She threw his arms around him and kissed him back with much fervor as he did dropping her bag on the floor for the second time.
The elevator doors opened and they can already hear voices and laughter outside the cabin. Sendoh was sorely tempted to keep the doors closed and continue where they left off, Koshino and the others can wait until their eyes turn white. The woman in his arms was all that mattered to him.
But before he could put that to action, the woman gently, but firmly pulled away from him. She shook her head then laughingly wiped off the lipstick on his mouth with a soft tissue paper. " Your friends are waiting." She said softly.
Sendoh looked like a sullen three-year-old boy who was denied of his favorite toy. The woman laughed and kissed him on the cheek. He sighed and stepped out of the elevator.
" Ok what took you so long hotshot?" Koshino asked when he and Maki Shinichi met him at the 24th floor.
Instead of answering, he sped past them and got inside the Cisco office where Mitsui and Fujima greeted him happily. " Hey, nice to see you again Sendoh!" Fujima said, clapping him on the back.
" So you decided to take a break, Fujima." Sendoh said easily. " Got tired of sitting around in your office and doing nothing?"
The former Shoyo pointguard laughed.
" C'mon, we're all here. We might as well go before we miss out on everything." Mitsui said impatiently.
Koshino grunted. " Don't worry, Mitsui." He said dryly. " You won't. Especially once women find out that the Calvin Klein stud is at the Basement."
Maki decided to cut in before the two decided to kill each other. " Right, let's go." He then turned to Sendoh who had now an absent-minded look on his face. He frowned. What's with this guy?
" May sweldo na?" (Do we have salary already?) Cecille asked a tall and skinny guy who pulled out his ATM card from the machine.
" Nope." The man answered.
" Sure Tony?"
Tony nodded.
" Tang inang Benjay, yun. Sabi niya may sweldo na ngayong oras na ito tapos wala pala." (That son of a bitch Benjay. He said that there's already money at this time then we find out there isn't.) Cecille said angrily.
Regina laughed, startling her two friends. " Kasi naniniwala na may sweldo ng alas-3 ng madaling araw eh alam naman naitng lahat na mamayang 6 pa pwedeng kunin." (That's what you get for believing that we have our salary by 3 am when all of us know that it'll be later at 6 am that our salaries can be activated.)
Tony laughed along with her. " Wala ka ng pera ano?" (You're broke right?)
Cecille glared at him. Regina and Tony laughed even harder. The three of them went back to the building talking about their transactions with their clients ranging from funny to annoying. Tony already warned Cecille that if she picks one more fight with a client, she's going to be issued a written warning for demeanor.
" Pakialam ko." (I don't care.) Cecille said. " Pwedeng iba na lang ang pagusapan natin ha?" (Can we change the subject?) She then turned to Regina. " Sori ha at di ko nasabi kay Aaron, absent siya eh." (Sorry I wasn't able to talk to Aaron because he's absent.)
Regina sighed, thinking about the missing team leader. She didn't want to remember what Juni, the evening shift supervisor, had just told her about Aaron's absences. " Alam ko. Kinausap na nga ako ni Juni kanina tungkol dun eh." (I know. Juni had already spoken to me earlier.)
Tony stared at both women. " Why, what happened?"
Before she could answer, Cecille opened her mouth. " Na-stuck ba naman sa elevator! Ilang oras ka nandun? Hindi ka ba nahuli?" (She got stuck in the elevator! How many hours were you inside? You weren't late?)
" No, I wasn't late." Regina opted to answer the second question. Because in truth she wasn't sure how long she was stuck inside the elevator. How would she notice the time when all she can think of is that sexy man kissing her as if she's some delectable dessert?
" Regina?"
And the feel of his hard frame on hers…! Utterly, utterly delightful! Who would have thought feeling a man's body would be that good? Not to mention his lips as he kissed every exposed part of her body, it felt absolutely heavenly!
" Regina?"
The way his hand stroked her inner core, she nearly came because of it. How much more if he actually entered her? Ooh!
" REGINA!"
Regina blinked. Both Cecille and Tony were looking at her oddly. " What?"
" Ok ka lang ha?" (Are you ok?) Cecille asked and there was a slight frown on her face.
" Ah yeah, ok lang ako. Bakit?" (I'm fine. Why?)
" You're spacing out friend." Tony said a sly grin was already in his features.
Cecille's face brightened. " Aha! Sabi ko na nga ba at may nakasama kang guwapo sa elevator! Nag-quickie kayo ano?" (I knew it you're with a handsome man in the elevator! You two had a quickie right?)
Regina made a face. " Of course not. That's too extreme."
" Sex in the elevator is pretty common, my dear Regina."
" Hmm, di ko alam na may pagka-kinky ka my friend." Tony laughed. (I didn't know that you can be kinky my friend.)
" Does everything have to be about sex?" Regina asked, pressing her lips on a grim line.
Cecille winked at her. " Girl, in this day and age it's always about sex."
" Sorry I asked." Regina muttered through gritted teeth.
If that was how her two close friends reacted, it was worse with her teammates.
" Reg,blooming ka ngayon ha!" Therese teased. " Sino siya ha?" (Reg, you're blooming today! Who's he?)
" I'm sure gwapo yun!" Noelle, a gay guy who could be mistaken as a woman, said happily. (I'm sure he's handsome!)
" Magaling ba?" (Is he good?) Al, another gay guy with a build and features of any other man, asked nudging Regina at the sides.
" Masarap ba siya?" (Is he delicious?) Ara, a third gay guy with a built of a tank, asked.
" Saan?" (Where?) Regina asked uneasily. When Ara speaks, she feels uncomfortable. Of all the three gays on the team, he's the most vulgar and most racy. She'd had her share of racy jokes and teasing, but not as bad as Ara's.
" Grabe naman 'to, di ka naman tanga ano! Siyempre sa kama!" (You're not that stupid right! Of course in bed!) Noelle nearly snapped.
Without knowing, Regina grinned absently, which led for her colleagues to cheer.
" Ay, happy siya o! Hoy, Reg, kuwento ka naman diyan!" (She's happy! Hey Reg, tell us already!) Eliza, her fellow senior CCA and the happily married one in the group, teased.
" Verizon and Pitney Bowes team leaders!" Juni called out. " Meeting!"
Regina was relieved when she heard his voice. She instantly went to the small group that was gathered in the middle of the floor before she got to be smothered by her teammates.
Maki eyed Sendoh uneasily through the rim of his glass. He had been watching him for almost an hour now and noticed that not only did he looked troubled, he hardly touched his vodka. He turned to Koshino who met his eyes and gave him a helpless gesture.
I'm as clueless as you are, Maki-san. Koshino thought looking at his best friend of ten years worriedly. He had never seen Sendoh in this kind of mood: brooding and contemplative. It was out of character. Most of the time he is engaging and easygoing, even playful, never failing to be the life of the party.
But now he's almost a wallflower. Did something happen?
" Hey seriously, what took you so long?" Koshino had asked when they were inside the Jaguar on their way to Basement.
" I got stuck somewhere." Sendoh said quietly.
" Somewhere or someone?" Maki couldn't help but joke knowing all too well his reputation as a heartbreaker.
" Wish I knew." He mumbled as he focused on the road.
" Huh?!" Both Maki and Koshino exclaimed.
Fujima who had been quietly listening the whole time, gave a look of disbelief in the former Ryonan ace's direction, which was ignored.
" Maybe you could be specific about it?" Mitsui almost shouted at the back seat.
Sendoh just ignored Mitsui's question and looked straight on the road.
At the club, Sendoh's mood wasn't improving. He hardly heard the music or saw the dancers on the dance floor and even ignored the women who were eyeing him with interest. Unconsciously, he began to compare then to the woman at the elevator.
Too blatant. He thought, upon seeing a woman in a sexy red dress that was looking at him as if she's going to eat him whole. He gave her a brief smile, but turned away. The woman from NGTC (as he now began to call her) won't be that obvious when it comes to men, she would be just as friendly but not as kittenish as the others.
Another woman who is tall and statuesque and has the face of an angel and a body of a sex goddess approached Sendoh. " Hi there." She said, smiling sexily at him. " How about a dance?" She moved herself closer to him.
Sendoh smiled mildly. Too aggressive, she won't be this pushy. " Maybe later...?"
" Jenna." The woman said. She left, but not before giving Sendoh one more steamy glance and when he didn't make a move to follow her, she walked away looking miffed.
Two more women approached him, which they turned out to be twin sisters wearing the same sexy black dress that made Mitsui and Koshino leer at them. Maki was eyeing the twins with detached interest. They introduced themselves as Lara and Lana. The twins were flocking around Sendoh, but much to the shock of the other four he gently, but firmly said no, he's not interested.
The twins now turned their charms on Mitsui who is more than willing to accommodate them.
Koshino's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Now something is definitely wrong with him. Sendoh never turned down offers from beautiful girls before. For him, the more they come the better. What in the world happened before he arrived at the 24th floor?! In the first place, was this the real Sendoh? He felt that he's seeing a different man instead of the usual fun-loving and self-indulgent guy that he usually is.
But before Koshino could corner his friend and grill him about his new behavior, a dark-skinned and lovely woman approached their group or rather Fujima.
" Hello Kenji." She said in a sultry voice as she stopped beside the stunned Fujima.
For a moment, Sendoh was distracted at the appearance of the woman and stared at her. She is a petite but very attractive woman who was wearing a white halter-top and a pair of pants that hugged the lower part of her body in a very provocative manner. Her hair was in soft curly waves and her brown eyes were much darker than the woman from NGTC. Her eyes were much lighter and her hair is much straighter and it felt soft to his touch.
Remembering the woman from NGTC made him remember what had almost happened between them. They're practically strangers yet their bodies responded to each other like soul mates. Was that even possible? He wondered.
" What's wrong, cat got your tongue?" The woman said, eyeing Fujima through smoky and sensual eyes.
" S-Sarah." Fujima said.
That brought Sendoh back to reality. Since when did the calm and arrogant publisher stutter? Usually it was the other way around, where his intense nature was both feared and admired by his colleagues, friends and in some cases, his ex-girlfriends.
Now the former Shoyo coach was as pale as a sheet. Maybe if they were in a much different situation, Sendoh would have congratulated Sarah for managing to give Fujima a dose of his own medicine.
Sarah, as they recognized later, is synonymous to Sarah del Mundo the writer of the fantasy mini-series, Acadia, where Amano was the one who drew it. It is a story of an elf pursuing a dragon princess and fell in-love with her in the process. It was the usual fantasy manga where elves, dragons, humans and shape shifters are pretty much the characters in the stories, but despite of that it was a big hit in Japan and from other countries as well especially in Europe. Basically, this woman is Fujima's latest success in his publishing company. Does that also apply in his bed as well?
" Are you always this articulate?" Sarah said smiling seductively at him.
Fujima blinked. " It's just, uh, a shock to see you here." He said, running a hand on his brown hair.
Sarah laughed. " Well, writers do need to party." She said as she trailed her fingers along the front of his shirt.
Fujima nodded, laughing weakly his eyes watching her hand trailing on his body. His blue eyes widened when Sarah unbuttoned the first button of his shirt. He put a hand to stop her, but she grabbed it and placed it on her hips. Fujima was now trembling visibly.
" Man, this guy is totally lost." Koshino muttered under his breath.
" You could say that again." Mitsui said watching the usually cool and collected suave publisher melting right in front of their eyes because of a woman writer.
Maki's lips twisted in a wry smile. He was surprised and amused to see Fujima losing his composure towards the petite woman. Most men lose their self-control towards a woman they like so much. He knows that because he has experienced it before and that was such a significant change in his life.
Sendoh watched the scene impassively, taking a sip from his vodka. It was obvious how badly Fujima wanted this woman, but he was trying to control himself. It was the same thing he's trying to do before things went out of hand inside the elevator with the woman from NGTC.
Both of them, along with Mitsui and Maki, have reputations as a ladies' man, having no problem getting a woman or being approached by a woman even Koshino who despite of his ordinary looks attract so many admirers. But there are some women that can totally change them: Sarah for Fujima, the woman from NGTC for Sendoh. He glanced at Maki, Mitsui and Koshino. Did these three ever meet a woman that changed their lives or that made them lose complete control of themselves?
Sarah's hand moved lower until she reached his waist where she hooked her fingers in the belt loops of his trousers. " Wanna dance, Kenji?" She asked purring out his name. " I feel like moving my body." She said as she pulled him close to her.
Fujima swallowed hard. He was blushing furiously. " That sounds good, Sarah." He said, trying to move away from her but can't or won't (as Sendoh and company noticed).
The pair went to the dance floor just as the Black Eyed Peas' song Dirty Dancing began to play. The four watched in amazement on how Sarah danced. She is a graceful and able dancer moving herself against Fujima so sensuously that he looked thoroughly seduced.
" You gotta admit, if this goes on they'll be all over each other before the night's over." Mitsui said as he put an arm around Lara while her twin, Lana, inched herself closer to him.
Maki shrugged. " That's fine with me." He said carelessly.
So they were not exactly surprised when Fujima and Sarah didn't return to their group. Koshino watched the pair leaving the club in a hurry with Fujima practically dragging Sarah with him. " Jeez, those two sure are in a hurry to get laid." He said dryly.
" Like the rest of the people here in this planet." Mitsui said dryly and eyed the twins with a smile on his face. He already got the rest of the night planned out with these two on the top of the agenda. It would take him more energy than usual, but he knew that it would be worth it. He's going to be one happy man by the time morning comes.
Then everyone practically jumped when they heard the sound of a chair being scraped on the floor amidst the noise of the music and the chatters. They all looked startled to see Sendoh getting up from his seat.
" Where're you off to so early?" Mitsui asked.
" Back at the condo." Sendoh said curtly. " I'm tired."
" Sure you are." Koshino said dryly. Though he sounded sarcastic, he was as stunned as his three other friends. For one, Sendoh never leaves early especially when the five of them get together. It's only 2 in the morning, very much early to leave a party that was beginning to go into full swing. And he knew, along with everyone else how hard Sendoh parties, but now he's leaving because he's tired? It sounded downright weird. Sendoh never gets tired of having a great time.
Sendoh must have noticed his friends' expressions because he smiled sheepishly at them, scratching his head. " Sumimasen. I didn't mean to be a wet blanket."
" No prob." Koshino said, saluting him with a beer bottle. " We can take it from here. Get some rest, this must be a real hectic day for you."
Maki stood up as well. " I'll go with you." He said. " I'm beat with all this clubbing as well."
" You must be getting old." Mitsui kidded and got an icy look from him that rivaled Rukawa's. " Jeez, just kidding Maki! Will you loosen up?" He scowled at the former Kainan MVP.
" See you." Sendoh said and left the group. Maki followed after him after giving Mitsui and Koshino a brief nod. I'll find out. He said silently to them.
Maki and Sendoh arrived at one of the posh condominiums located at the business section of Ayala Avenue. The drive back to the condo was silent and that was fine with both of them since they're occupied with their own thoughts. Maki was enumerating the strange things his friend had done tonight, wondering why he was acting so odd. He wasn't himself, obviously.
Too much stress? Maki thought. Though that was unlikely. Sendoh is very much laidback when it comes to his work. People misunderstood it as being irresponsible, but to him it is an example of quiet confidence. He knows he can do the job without being too stressed out about it.
He has to stop speculating or it will give him a headache. He promised the other two men back at the club that he will get to the bottom of this. Backing out now would mean hell.
Luckily for him, Sendoh invited him for a drink at the hotel's bar. Even when it means exceeding his alcohol intake for the night, he accepted.
Now the two of them were at the bar, drinking. Or rather, Maki was the only one drinking, feeling that he's oversaturated with alcohol already. Sendoh was looking at his own drink like the piece of glass would provide him all the answers.
" Doushtano?" Maki asked. Being honest is the best approach than any other method of questioning.
Sendoh stared at him then at the glass then at him again, sighing heavily. " I'm confused, Maki-san." He began.
Now this is a surprise. The usual straight-minded operations manager is confused. " About what?"
" About women."
Now Maki had to laugh at that. That was the last thing Sendoh had to be so mystified of. " They always makes us confused, Sendoh." He said slowly. " You, of all people, should know that by now."
Sendoh didn't like being laughed at, especially when he's in a crisis. He glared at Maki. " I do. But when you meet someone…I don't know…"
Aha, so he met someone! Maki thought, as he finally was able to get some answers from his friend. But he usually meets someone, what is so different about this one? " You don't know what?" He prodded.
" If I just made the biggest mistake in my life." Sendoh said.
There are few regrets in Sendoh's life and Maki knew that pretty well. Very few in fact, he wanted to tell him that he should consider himself lucky. After one mishap, he gets up and moves on with his life as if it never happened at all. His positive outlook kept him strong amongst life's challenges and tribulations.
" Like what?" Maki knew he sounded like a complete idiot but he didn't care. Not when he's getting this close into finding out what's been bothering Sendoh.
" Letting something good, iya, great slip right through in your fingertips." He said quietly.
Oh. That. Maki thought, not liking the direction this conversation is going. There are some things in life that can leave one helpless and that is what he hated most. And right now the distressed expression on Sendoh's face reflected what he used to (and still) feel. He looked like he had just lost someone he cared about so much and that brings back all the painful memories Maki has been suppressing for so long.
Not now, Shinichi. He reprimanded himself. This was not the time to dwell on his life right now. He has other concerns. " Then why did you?" He asked. It was the same thing he asked himself over and over again without finding any answers.
The younger man looked at him guiltily. " It scared the hell out of me."
Sendoh scared? That was new.
" So what are you going to do about it?" Maki asked, his drink completely forgotten.
The other man shrugged feebly. " I'm at a loss here." He said. " It isn't supposed to happen this way. Was it too soon?"
Somehow, Sendoh's situation is not too different with Maki's except with the ex-Ryonan ace, he can do something about it. " What do you think?" He asked, raising his left brow in query.
Sendoh stared at him blankly. " Huh?"
NGTC, 6:15 a.m.
Regina and her friends were now at the BPI Express Teller beside Orient Square building, falling in line to get their salary. It was a long line and good thing Tony and Vince, another friend of hers, were gallant enough to let them be ahead of the line (or at least she and Cecille were pushy enough to asked them if they could be the first in line).
" Ayan, may suweldo na tayo!" (At last, we have our salary!) Cecille said cheerfully as she took her card and money from the ATM.
Vince was instantly at her side. " Uy, 'di ibig sabhin manlilibre ka ng breakfast niyan?" (Then that means you're going to treat us for breakfast?)
Cecille glared at him. " Hoy, ikaw nga ang dapat manlibre since P26, 000 ang komisyon mo mula sa Verizon!" (Hey, you should be the one to treat is since you have a commission of P26, 000 from Verizon!)
Vince scowled. " Kulang pa nga yun eh." (That wasn't even enough.)
" Ano?! Ang laki na nga ng kinita mo tapos nagrereklamo ka na kulang?! Galing mo, pare." (What?! Your salary is so high and you have the nerve to complain that it isn't enough?! You're unbelievable buddy.) Regina said sarcastically, swatting his arm.
" Siyempre, mamaya di mo alam niloloko ka na pala ng kumpanya." (Of course. You may never know the company's ripping you off already.) Vince said smugly.
Jet, another officemate and friend, arrived. " Breakfast at Parking Lot." He said, referring to a carinderia located at one of the parking lots in the Ortigas area.
Regina nodded. She was in the mood for their binagoongang baboy today and lots of rice. " Andyan na ba silang lahat?" (Are they all here?)
" Sina Therese na lang." (Just Therese's group.) Jet answered.
" Let me guess, nasa 5th floor pa rin sila?" (They're still at the 5th floor?) Reigna asked with a wry smile on her face.
" Matatagalan pa tayo nito eh." (This will take us longer to leave.) Vince said derisively.
Cecille sighed impatiently. " 'Wag ka ng magreklamo at bumalik na tayo sa opis." (Quit complaining and let's just get back to the office.)
They were back once again at NGTC, finally finding Therese's group amongst the crowded agents, team leaders and quality assurance agents. Jet informed them in a loud voice that they are going to have breakfast at the Parking Lot.
" Ay, kailangan bang sigawan kami?!" (Do you have to shout at us?!) Al snapped at the tall and thin man.
Jet ignored him.
The large group of 9 was now waiting for the elevator to open, talking about on what to do on a weekend. Tony invited them for a night of clubbing at Absinthe to which most of them accepted except for Regina and Vince. Vince plans to spend the entire weekend with his girlfriend while Regina wanted to rest. Noelle was practically pushing Regina to come, but she stood her ground.
" Are you sure you wanted to rest or you're on a hot date?" Noelle said, giving her a sly smile.
Regina made a face. " I'm tired bossing you guys for the whole night. I don't have time for hot dates." She said wearily. " I just wish Aaron would return."
" Good luck, Reg, matatagalan pa siya." Ara said. (That would take a long time.)
She groaned. " Nag-resign na 'ata 'yun eh." (I think he just resigned.)
Ara shook his head. " Marami lang inaasikaso." (He just has to take care of a few things.)
" O nga pala, close kayo." (Oh yeah you two are very close.)
The elevator doors slid open and they were relieved to see it empty except from a lone occupant that made Regina's knees weak upon seeing him.
Right in front of her was the man she thought she would never see again. He was dressed casually in a maroon poloshirt, which was untucked and the first three buttons were open exposing his chest, he was wearing a pair of black faded jeans that fit him real snugly and a pair of Converse sneakers. His hair was wet and tousled he obviously had a shower as she got a whiff of his clean male scent.
Regina didn't expect that a casual and sexy combination in a man can be possible and its effects are devastating to her senses.
" Good morning." He said cheerfully.
" Good morning." She greeted back a smile was now beginning to form on her lips, her eyes never leaving his.
Sendoh wanted to collapse from relief. It was a big risk that he took gladly. After the conversation he had with Maki, he went to his room and spent the whole night (or what's left of it) thinking. When the sun is almost rising, he has already decided that whatever it takes, he will find her. So he took a shower and dressed, calling Cisco Systems where he spoke to a half-asleep evening shift supervisor to tell the morning crew especially the branch manager not to expect him in the office for the whole of today. He also called NGTC, asking what time do the employees leave and he was answered at 6 a.m.
Luckily for him, it was a Saturday and the color-coding traffic scheme is suspended. He can use the Jaguar without being stopped by an MMDA police officer and have his license suspended or worse, being asked for an outrageous amount of money to pay for a violation he wasn't sure if it existed.
By 5:15, he had arrived at Emerald Avenue. It was earlier than he expected so he decided to drop by at El Pueblo and had a cup of coffee at Café All Day where he spent most of the time looking out of the tall and imposing skyscrapers of Ortigas Center, waiting for the sun to rise and considered having breakfast in this place with her. It was already past 6 in the morning when he left the café, hoping that he wasn't too late.
Sendoh stopped in front of Orient Square building, got out of the car and entered the building. He jumped in the elevator and closed it before anyone else would follow him. Oh he knew he's going to be hated by those people, but what did he care?
It was there he saw her, standing beside a thin man in a blue shirt and overly baggy jeans. When she saw him, she looked like she had seen a ghost. It made him anxious, which was a surprise since it's a long-forgotten feeling for him. The last time he was this nervous was when the first time he had sex with one of his classmates during his third year in junior high school. He was afraid that she would never recognize him or tell him to get lost.
But when he saw her shining brown eyes and her infectious smile his nervousness was gone. The risk was worth it. Now he is about to make another one. Slowly, he extended his hand to her, asking for the second time to come with him.
Regina extended her hand but withdrew it again, placing it on her chest. She knew what he was asking and this time she was certain of her answer. Yet she was hesitating. It's too soon, too fast isn't it? She asked silently.
Does it matter? His blue eyes seem to be asking.
Does it really matter? She asked herself. Who was she fooling? It never did matter to her if they just met several hours ago. What she really is scared of was the unknown. She felt that from this moment on, that whatever happens she knew that they're going to face it together. Together. How ominous, yet sweet.
" Uh, Reg, who's he?" Cecille's voice broke made them realize that they're not alone. Ara, Al, Therese and Noelle were hovering over Cecille's shoulder, very much eager to know who this delicious-looking man was. Even Jet, Tony and Vince looked very curious.
Regina turned to her friends, smiling brightly. " What?" She asked.
" Reg, who's that delectable-looking man?" Ara asked loudly.
" Arnold!" Cecille said, casting the curly-haired homosexual a withering look.
Ara shrugged. " Well, it's true he is scrumptious-looking." He protested eyeing the man seductively.
The man laughed at the compliment. " Thank you very much." He said, smiling.
Therese, Al, Cecille and Noelle looked like they wanted to swoon. Even Ara who's not that easily impressed with a man, looked like he wanted to faint as well. " Ay, ang guwapo ng boses!" (His voice is so beautiful!) Noelle almost shrieked.
" Sino siya ha?" (Who's he huh?) Cecille asked.
" Makakilala ba kayo?" (You two know each other?) Al asked eyeing the man with interest.
" Jowa mo no?" (He's your boyfriend right?) Therese teased.
" 'Bye!" Regina waved at them and let the man pull her inside the elevator.
" Hoy, teka lang Reg…!" (Hey wait a minute, Regina…!) Whatever Noelle was going to say was cut off as the elevator doors began to close.
As they watched the doors close, they saw the man taking Regina into his arms and give her a long and heated kiss. Vince, Tony and Jet exchanged amused glances while Cecille, Therese, Noelle, Al and Ara gaped at the closed elevator.
" Putang ina, ang suwerte naman niya!" (Son of a bitch, she's so lucky!) Ara howled in outrage.
Al and Noelle joined in with the cries of indignation at the now gone senior CCA. Cecille and Therese looked at each other dumbfounded, still too stunned with what they had just seen. Jet, Vince and Tony were now discussing about automobiles.
" O, bakit ganyan ang mga hitsura niyo?" (Why do you all look that?) Eliza asked as she stopped beside Jet.
Jet laughed. " Paano, nakita yung jowa ni Reg, ang guwapo. Nainggit." (They're jealous because they saw that Regina's boyfriend is very handsome.)
Eliza's eyes widened. " Ows?!" She then grabbed Ara's shoulder. " Sino siya?! Kuwento, dali!" (Who is he?! Tell me now!)
Ara stared at his friend, not capable of responding for once.
Regina slightly pulled away from him, touching his cheek.
" You were mean to your friends awhile back." Sendoh reprimanded although he didn't sound too reproachful. " Leaving them behind." He added, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
She laughed. " Believe me, you wouldn't have a moment's peace with them around."
He gave her a roguish grin. " At least I have you all to myself."
" Hn, territorial." She said then was about to let her kiss her when put a hand on his chest, stopping him from doing so. She remembered something.
" What?" He asked, sensing her uneasiness.
The woman or Reg, as he heard from her officemates, lowered her head in embarrassment, her face hot and flushed. " I, uh, I mean…er…we didn't exactly introduce ourselves." She muttered.
Sendoh lifted her face with his thumb and forefinger. " I thought you'd never notice." He joked then kissed the scowl on her face. " Though I did remember one of your friends calling you Reg."
" That's short for Regina." She answered. " Regina Santos."
Beautiful name, just like the bearer." He smiled when she blushed prettily.
" Your turn."
" Sendoh Akira."
A strong name for a strong man and obviously Japanese, she knew their unusual naming system though it baffled her sometimes. " How should I call you, Sendoh or Akira?" She asked, confused.
He leaned his face closer to hers. " You can call me whatever you like honey." He drawled.
She gave him a withering look. " Gee, that is so—!" Her retort was smothered by his kiss.
Moments later, they were breathing rapidly both of them catching up some air. Regina rested a hand on his bare chest. " So, are we going to stay here for the whole day?" She asked playfully.
" That is an appealing thought, but I have plans that has nothing to do with being trapped inside an elevator." Sendoh grinned. " Let's begin by breakfast." He added as he ran a finger along the curve of her face. " You get to choose where."
She smiled up at him. " That sounds great."
-END-
Author's note: The names of Regina's officemates are real people. They are my former officemates at SVI Connect under the leadership of Aaron Nallana. You guys made my stay there very memorable and I will never forget all of you. Aaron's team rule!
To my cousin Vic, I know you won't be able to read this but thanks anyway for being my lucky charm while I was applying at SVI.
To Lady Harlequin, I hope that part with Fujima is much to your liking. Is it much better now?
Slam Dunk is not mine, but by Inoue Takehiko.
And lastly, thanks to my classmate at PWU-CDCEC (namely, Mr. Kazler Roberts) for reading my first version of this fic and I appreciate your comments and the smiles as you read the racy parts.