Chapter 7

• I couldn't look him in the eye so I lowered mine as I bit my bottom lip. I said that but now I'm not sure if it was a mistake. I uttered a sound when he pulled me to him and enveloped me in his arms.
• "No honey. Don't say that," he murmured against the side of my head.
• He was holding me so tightly unlike how he did usually. I stood without moving, my arms on either side of me.
• "I will apologize over and over again until you forgive me. I didn't mean to take you for granted honey. I didn't cheat on you with Zoe."
• His voice was barely audible but somehow I could understand every word. I felt my heart melted when he tightened his arms around me even more and began giving me butterfly kisses on the top of my head. He kept on murmuring the word sorry.
• He didn't cheat on me and I'm not made of stone to not forgive him. I found myself hugging him back. I small smiled formed on my lips when I felt him sigh heavily in relief. We held each other for a few more seconds before he moved. He put a small distance between us. He tilted my chin so our eyes would meet.
• "Thank you honey. I will make it up to you," he murmured before his lips went down to mine.
• I sighed and welcomed his kiss. I must love him that much because now I am relieved that all would be well. He savored our kiss while I let my mind wander. Parker and I would have a stronger relationship after this.
• He removed his lips and cradled my face. I almost forgot how handsome he was. His charm and boy-next-door looks were what drew me to him. I realized I missed looking at his features.
• "I love you," he said almost like a whisper.
• "I love you too."
• I rested my face on his chest. I sniffed his shirt. He was wearing a different scent but I liked it too. After a few moments I raised my head and he lowered his. His dark gray eyes met mine.
• "I'm free tomorrow. Where do you want to go? We can go wherever you want, " he said and I traced his smooth jaw with my finger as I followed its movement.
• Suddenly I thought of a square jaw with stubble. I almost shook my head in annoyance. Parker and I just made up for Pete's sake! - I scolded myself. I blinked a few times and smiled sweetly at him.
• "It's up to you honey but can we go after lunch? You know how busy it gets at the cafe now that Anne is out of the country."
• A creased appeared on his forehead but I tiptoed and gave him a peck on the lips. Before I was able to remove my lips, he framed my face and deepened the what was supposed to be a short kiss. I just moaned and savored it. I missed my Parker. I missed his kisses and sweet moments like this. I would make sure that we won't do more than my limit though. I just wanted to treasure this moment with him. We could hardly do this when we're outside.
• ***
• I woke up with a smile. I opened my eyes and contentedly stretch my body. Today was very different from the previous mornings since a few weeks ago. I didn't have much sleep actually because Parker and I cuddled until the wee hours of the morning. He just left a few hours ago. But still, I feel I have a whole lot of energy to start the day. I couldn't wait for our date later. I hugged my pillow and dreamily murmured his name again and again for a few times before I decided to get out of the bed. As I was about to go to the bathroom, I heard my mobile phone's notification sound. I walked back to the bed and checked the message. I felt giddy as I read the text.
• Good morning honey. I just woke up and I dreamed about you. I can't wait to see you again later. I love you.
• I let out a contented sigh. My old, sweet Parker was really back. I quickly typed a reply. I had just finished sending it when another message came in. This time it was from Ava. She was asking me how I was. I bit my bottom lip and dialed her number. It would be much easier and faster if I tell her on the phone.
• "Good morning," came her sleepy greeting and I couldn't help giggling as I sat on the edge of the bed.
• "Good morning sleepyhead," I greeted her back while suppressing another light laugh.
• "Hmm, you seem giggly this morning my dear. I take it that you and my cousin had kissed and made up?" she teased.
• "We did," I happily replied. I heard her took a deep breath. I knew she was relieved too.
• "Well that calls for a celebration. I'm sure Parker is planning something special. I'm glad that you guys made up. My cousin might be a jerk sometimes but I know he loves and cares for you Camille."
• "I know. It's not easy to have a secret relationship."
• There was a moment of silence. After a while Ava spoke first.
• "Just my two cents, I think it's high time you go public about your relationship. That way you would feel secure and maybe there would be less doubts on your part."
• I nodded and sighed. "I will ponder on that, thanks."
• ***
• My time at the cafe was a breeze. Even the staff probably noticed how different I was compared to yesterday but of course no one said anything. I kept looking at my watch as I waited for the time I would be with Parker again. I guess Ava was right. I would talk to him about revealing our status in public. I have to agree that would prevent us from being in the same situation we we're just in.
• I was at the small office retouching my very light make up when I heard a knock and the door opened.
• "Hi girl!" Paula greeted me happily.
• I immediately got up and walked to her for a hug.
• "Since you surprised me with your call yesterday, I decided to turn the tables on you," she said jokingly and we both laughed.
• "Well I love surprises from you so that's fine," I replied while still beaming.
• "Great! Actually there's more," she winked and turned her head to the door.
• My eyes widened when Abel came into view.