Under The Sun

THEY FROWNED AT what I said. My lips pursed a bit. I still couldn’t help but warm my two cheeks every time I remembered that day. I felt embarrassed, but at the same time, I’m thankful because I met him at my downfall. He taught me how to stand up again and trust in love again.

“Oh my gosh, you two really aren’t ashamed of Margaux!” Mirasol rebuked them. The two did not answer; instead, they just quietly whispered while trembling.

“It’s okay, the truth is, our first meeting was not really good. He’s so arrogant. We also didn’t like each other at first. But everything has changed when I fall deeply for him,” I revealed.

My face heated more after I said that. I just shook my head when Tanya and Rica tempted me.

We finished the meal quickly. At the same time, the delivery truck arrived with some tents, tables, and chairs that I rented from Saavedra Resort.

“Ma’am, we’ll take care of it!” Some of the employees I hired stopped me “It’s okay, I can do it, and I like what I’m doing,” I said and try to paint a smile. My sweat is dripping with the intensity of the heat of the sun. I also forgot to put on sunblock and wear long sleeves, so I’m sure my skin will be red with heat.

In the end, they did not force me to rest either because, in fact, now I just like to arrange tables and flowers to put on it.

But I stopped what I was doing when I heard a car pulling towards here. My brows knitted, and my eyes squinted as I looked at the wrangler jeep that parked near us.

My sweat became even more sticky on my body as I watched Franco descend, wearing dark brown shades. Yet his dark eyes still shine here. It also did not detract from wearing a leather jacket and stretched shirt underneath. His clad-bleach jeans and his dark chocolate boots fitted in him perfectly.

I did not realize that he was close to me. If I had not heard his baritone voice, I would not blink.

“Good morning, my lady.” He smiled broadly at me and slowly pulled out his sunglasses to expose his dark eyes.

My heart pounded and gave me a warning sign as I watched his face.

“What are you doing here?” I tried to look in the other direction and talked about watching the following continuation of their work.

Instead of answering, he glanced around as if his eyes were looking for something.

“Where’s Lawrence?”

I rubbed my lips. The nervousness immediately went up to my chest. What if he told Lawrence I was coming? Damn! Why is this one here?

“I don’t think Lawrence knew you were here,” he clarified while smiling.

He bent down to see what my answer would be. So I took a deep breath before speaking.

“As you can see, I want to surprise him on his upcoming birthday.” I met his stares even though I almost closed my eyes at the intensity of the sunshine.

“Hmm . . . what can I do to help?” He was serious when he spoke again.

“No, thanks, we can handle this,” I refuse.

But instead of answering, I felt his grip on my wrist. It was too late to fight because he had already pulled me towards the shade of a tree.

“You can get sick if you stay in the sun for a long time.” His voice has authority. I don’t want to think he’s concerned that’s why he did that, but I can’t help but be nervous in the tone of his speech to me.

I remained silent. I feel like my throat is drying up with the intensity of the sun.

He snatched something from his pocket. “Here, wipe your face,” he said while handing the handkerchief to me.

Even though I was confused by his actions, I had no choice but to accept the offer because I was so vicious with sweat.

“Don’t worry. It’s clean. I haven’t used it yet.” He bent down again to catch my gaze.

“Thanks,” I uttered before looking away.

Even before I was able to wipe, I was almost sweating because of what he did next.

He took off his clothes and, without letting go of the sun’s heat to help the crew in setting up the big tent.

My lips slightly parted as I watched his firm shoulders, his bold thighs and calf, and his firm chest and abdomen. Even though his color is definitely always warm in the heat today, he is still beautiful to watch when the sun shines.

A frown replaced my previous amazement. Why is he doing that crazy thing? He was the only one naked there in the middle of the day.

***

“MA’AM MARGAUX, A phone call from Sir Lawrence,” Tanya called me with her hair hanging on her ear before looking at Franco.

I was immediately shocked by what I heard. How did he know I was here?

I hurried inside the mansion to answer the call.

“How are you?” My grip on the device tightened when I heard his violent breathing on the other line.

“What went through your mind, and you were in San Felipe?!” His anger was evident in his tone when he opened up to me.

Sweat accumulated on my forehead again. I do not know what to answer to his question. When I admit the reason why I’m here, it won’t be a surprise anymore.

“I just visited Mirasol. I would also like to start tidying up the master’s bedroom,” I escaped.

I heard his heavy sigh on the phone as my heart pounded. I don’t want to lie, but I don’t want to waste the party I prepared for him.

“Alright, I’ll pick you up later. Wait for me. I’ll just end my meeting with investors.”

“No, I’m going home too. I have my car with me, so don’t worry, I’ll be fine here,” I said softly.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes!” I answered quickly.

There was silence between us because I heard the door open from their office.

“Hello, I brought you something!”

I frowned at hearing a small voice on the phone.

“Hello, Lawrence?!” I was suddenly nervous because he was not answering on the other line.

“Lawrence?”

“Yes, I’ll call you later. Take care, sweetie.”

I didn’t answer and just hung up. Even if I wanted to be suspicious, I just put it aside because I don’t want to ruin my beautiful day.

Lawrence never talked about Elliesse again. I’m also not sure if his relationship with her is really over.

His father wanted him to marry Elliesse. Even though he said he didn’t want to marry her anymore, I still doubt it, just because of his dad.

I gasped. I didn’t want to think it was Eliesse, but the suspicion in my chest rose violently.

I was just aroused when I heard footsteps approaching, and I turned around.

Then, I saw Franco. His body was dripping with sweat. I kept my eyes lowered to his wet body and acted normally in front of him.

“What do you need?” I said in my calm voice.

“Can I go to your kitchen? I’ll make juice for them.”