His Punishment

by Pia Marie

  “Yes. I’m sorry I just went home to get some papers. I still have a meeting. Just tell your mom when she arrives okay?” he kissed me at the top of my head and patted my shoulders.

  “Okay dad. Take care.” I kissed him back in his cheeks as I tiptoed when I stood from my seat.

  “Oh, can you call Miguel and tell him he’s coming too?” he turned back.

  “Yeah, I’ll take care of it.”

  “We leave tomorrow at 10 am. Tell him to be at the strip at 9:30. We will meet our new partners there and they will fly with us to Subic.” He elaborated a bit more.

  “Yes dad.”

  He left the house already and I dialed Miguel’s number. Since I was eating alone, I have the freedom to be on the phone while eating.

  “Hey Migs!” I said as I hear Miguel’s deep hello.

  “Dad told me to tell you we’re going to Subic tomorrow. He’s requesting you to be at the strip at 9:30 as we are meeting the new partners. They will be flying with us so dad doesn’t want any delays.”

  “Okay sweetie. I’ll be there on time.” He answered.

  “Sweetie?” I asked him surprised.

  “Oh. Sorry. Did James call you sweetie?” He sounded alarmed.

  I laughed a bit. “No. That’s not what I meant. I mean, why are you calling me sweetie?”

  “I won’t stop pursuing you. And you are a very sweet person, you deserve to be called sweetie. It’s what best describes you,” he professed, “Not unless you prefer sugar? Or cupcake?”

  “Whatever you say hunk!” I joked back.

  “Hunk huh?” I feel him giggling. “That’s how you see me huh?”

  I laughed at him.

  “Hmmm . . . I must bring those tiny bright red trunks I have stashed in my closet,” he teased back.

  His body was perfect. Just as perfect as James’ was. I shrugged my thoughts.

  “It’s the thongs.” He added as he laughed.

  “Too bad . . . I thought you’d go skinny dipping!” I laughed as I kept teasing him.

  “You naughty girl! I knew you had the hots for me!” he continued riding the banter.

  “I thought it was the other way around! Remember the first time we met at the breakfast buffet?” I reminded him of his most embarrassing moment with me.

  “Must you remind me of that?!”

  I laughed harder. It’s so nice to joke around Miguel. He never gets pissed.

  “Oh well, we better get ready for bed. We’ll be up early tomorrow and we still have to pack. Just make it good for 3 days. I’m sure we will head back by Sunday.” I told him.

  “Okay. Good night sweetie.”

  “Good night hunk!”

  I went upstairs and prepared for our weekend trip. I slid some of my one piece swim suits. I didn’t want to be too revealing if ever Miguel and I decided to go for a swim.

  I was excited with the trip. For the first time after my heartaches, I will be going back to the beach.

  I woke up early the following morning as I didn’t want to be late for today. I’m sure my dad will kill me if I caused the delay. I stood up feeling dizzy. I have slept so late from reading some romance novel I found in the internet.

  Of course, I wasn’t able to put down the e-book until I finished it. I was happy because I read a happy-ever-after kind of story. A story so different from mine.

  I don’t know how I got into this mess in the first place. If I didn’t study at my school since I was little, I wouldn’t have known Lyn and I wouldn’t have enrolled in the same college as hers and I wouldn’t have seen James. Gosh! I wish my parents just enrolled me at St. Benedict’s Alabang or somewhere else.

  I slowly got up from the bed still dizzy from lack of sleep. I went straight to the bathroom and showered. After a couple minutes I was refreshed but my dizziness still there. I mentally lectured myself that I shouldn’t have read last night.

  I seriously hope the flight won’t be bad. Dizziness before flying was never a good sign for me. Shocks!

  I got down after I finished fixing myself. I saw my mom at the table sipping her coffee.

  “Hi honey!” she greeted me.

  “Hi Mom.”

  “You look pale. Didn’t you get enough sleep?”

  “Yeah, I stayed up late reading.”

  “Oh no, and you’re flying. You should have slept early.” I got her half scolding tone.

  “Yeah. My bad.” I admitted as I sat in front of her.

  “Don’t eat too much or you might have some motion sickness in the chopper,” she reminded me as she handed my coffee that she poured from the pot.

  “Good morning beautiful ladies,” my dad greeted us cheerfully. “Ready?”

  “Yes dad.” I nodded silently. Then took a sip of my coffee quickly finishing half of it.

  “Let’s go. Let’s just grab the sandwiches your mom prepared and eat on the way. I’m so excited for this day.” I saw my dad kiss my mom. I took another sip of coffee before I stood up.

  “You two take care okay?” she told us.

  “Yes mom.” I kissed her.

  She walked with us to the door and waved as we drove to the strip. I can’t help daydreaming of the book I read and think of my parents. I am so happy I was born of loving ones and I am so envious they are madly in love with each other. I sincerely wish that I would find my perfect match as they have found theirs with each other.

  After thirty minutes, we were at the strip already and I am bit okay. Still dizzy but better now. I told my dad I will go to the washroom first and join him in a bit.

  I called Miguel on the phone to check on where he is when I went out and I was startled when he answered right at my back.

  “Morning sweetie!” he threw his irresistible smile.

  “Morning!”

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “Yeah. I slept late now I’m a little dizzy. But I’ll be fine.”

  We started walking to the waiting area and saw that our bags are being carried to the chopper. I looked around to check if there are other people there. We were expecting our new partners to fly with us.

  We were still alone in the area and my father is not there.

  “Miss Tara.” I heard the assistant in the strip call me.

  “Yes?”

  “Your father and the others are already in the chopper they sent me to get you and Sir Miguel.”

  “Oh I see. Let’s go.” I told Miguel and stood up from the lounge.

  We started walking to the strip where the chopper is waiting. The air coming from it is blowing me away and I was immediately steered by Miguel by the arm. I held onto him tightly so I won’t stumble over.

  Looking at how we are walking, it may be deduced that we are not just co-employees or friends. We were so close it was easy to confuse us as lovers if people who didn’t know us would see.

  As we got to the chopper, I saw my dad sitting at the first row of seats with an old man whom I guessed was our new partner.

  I bowed a bit as sign of respect. “Good morning sir.”

  “Good morning.” I heard him say.

  “This is John Aguilar.” I heard my dad say as we stood outside the chopper’s door.

  “This is my daughter Tara and our new Hotel Manager, Miguel.” He introduced us to Mr. Aguilar before we boarded.

  “You have a lovely daughter Thomas.” I heard him say.

  “Thanks Uncle John,” I blushed lightly at his compliment.

  As soon as we got up and went to the back seat, I saw a pair of furious eyes looking at me and I catch my tongue instantly.

  “And that is James, Mr. Aguilar’s only son and their new Marketing VP.” I heard my father say as he pointed to the same guy intently throwing me a burning stare.

  “James.” Miguel extended his hand to him and James shook it. “Nice to see you again.”

  I didn’t know what to say. James kept staring at me with questioning eyes.

  “Would you like to sit by window sweetie?” I heard Miguel a
sk and didn’t wait for me to answer.

  I saw James’ jaw tightened. He continued staring at me without removing the scorching look in his eyes. I knew he heard the endearment Miguel called me but I was in no mood and he is in no position to demand for an explanation so I just shut up.

  Miguel immediately sat beside James and left me without a choice so I sat beside the window. I knew Miguel is tall and wouldn’t find it comfortable being sandwiched by James and I but I know why he’s doing this. I feel he is starting to protect me with all his power.

  I heard the pilot signal that we are ascending soon.

  “Have a fun and relaxing flight,” he called to us before we headed up to Subic.

  Fun? Relaxing? I felt dizzy once again. I tried to force myself to sleep than to witness the glaring contest of my seatmates.

  ***

  “Sweetie?” she heard Miguel’s voice and she opened her eyes to look at him.

  Tara didn’t feel anything when the chopper landed at Subic Intercontinental, their biggest resort hotel in the country. It is probably the reason why this is the first one to be expanded with the new business venture. Though she was not informed about the details of the new partnership, she has already concluded in her mind that Subic Intercontinental would open a Casino, as it is James’ family’s business.

  She was too dizzy through the whole flight. But she felt she dozed off for a few minutes during the flight as she doesn’t remember anything about it.

  She saw that everybody has disembarked the aircraft and it is only the two of them left inside.

  “Sorry. I really get terrible motion sickness in the air if I didn’t have much sleep,” she apologized.

  “It’s okay. Come on, let’s go. You wouldn’t want to be late for the meeting. They have set it up for lunch at 11:30. Your father told me to tell you. And I will be heading to the admin for some orientation. Subic Intercontinental is far bigger than Boracay Plaza,” he told her.

  “What do you mean? Are you being stationed here?” she asked her as they went down the chopper and walked to the resort’s entrance.

  “Yes. I guess you were asleep when your dad told me about it,” he shrugged.

  “Oh, I’ll miss you.” She sadly held his arm as they continued walking.

  He stopped in the middle of the pavement and stopped her walking too. “No, you won’t,” she saw his famous wide smile that showed all his pearly white teeth as perfect as the toothpaste models.

  “What?” now she felt lost.

  “Your dad said you’ll be staying here for the time being until they have set up the Casino Operations,” his smile suddenly faded after he finished his sentence.

  “Why do I get the feeling that there’s a but coming after that line?” she wondered why his smile left his face so abruptly.

  “James will be staying as well.” He silently gave her the news.

  She was stunned. Miguel and James together with her. But then her eyes lit up again, he’s getting married. Then she felt sad. She knows that reminder was supposed to relieve her but she felt awful.

  “Let’s go. I need to freshen up. I feel better now after my nap, but I think I should stay a few more minutes in bed before the meeting.” She started walking to the entrance.

  “Let me walk you to your room before I go to the admin,” he held her gently.

  “Thanks Migs,” she pressed the elevator to the tenth floor as they entered one of the elevators.

  “Migs? Where did hunk go?” he laughed a little reminding her of the pet name she gave him.

  She laughed louder but even she herself felt it was empty. Then she just slapped his shoulder lightly.

  “Will you be okay that James is here with us?” he seemed worried possibly after sensing her laugh was shallow.

  “Business is business. I am mature enough to handle him. I should start acting professional. This is my chosen career anyway.” She winked at him and he smiled back. She was guided by Miguel out of the elevator.

  “You know I’m just here for you, no matter what.” He played with the strands of her hair. “Keep that in your cute little head.”

  “I am thankful you are here.” She blushed and turned to the door where he stopped.

  “I’m glad to hear that sweetie,” he gave her a light peck in the cheek.

  They both heard someone clearing his throat at their back and they looked around. And they guessed it right.

  “Don’t you have company rules that state no two employees must be in a relationship?” they saw the furious stare of James as he stood at their backs clearly coming out of his room.

  Tara didn’t respond to what he said. She didn’t know how to react to him.

  “Yes, they do. But there wasn’t a rule on an employer-employee relationship.” He threw back a more intense stare at James.

  James was not able to respond but his annoyance was evident when he clenched his fist at his side and his jaw muscle moved. He turned around and opened the door to room 1020 and walked back in.

  Tara was just shocked at what Miguel told James but she didn’t clarify anything. She knew James would think Miguel and she is a couple now, after that remark.

  “This is yours.” Miguel offered her to enter the door to room 1021 after he swished the keycard. It was the door across James’.

  Tara looked at the door. Such luck! Then she entered. “Where’s yours?”

  “1023.” he pointed the door beside her room.

  She knew her father had a favorite room and it was on the higher floor so she didn’t ask anymore.

  “Okay. I’ll see you at lunch.” She smiled at him and closed her room door.

  Tara wasn’t able to take a nap. She just lied still in her bed staring at the ceiling and kept thinking of the guy across her room. She stood up quickly when she noticed the clock beside her bed. It was 11:10. Good thing the meeting was over lunch, she knew she didn’t have to dress up formal.

  She peeked in the mirror, combed her hair and applied powder to her face just enough to cover the shiny parts. She didn’t have enough time to re-apply her make up. She looked for her shoes and found it under her bed and got dizzy again when she stood back up.

  She was still holding her head and walked very slowly to the door. When she opened it, she saw it was the exact time that James went out of his room. They stared at each other for a moment. She decided to turn her head away first and suddenly felt her knees wobbly.

  “Are you okay?” he questioned and she just nodded.

  She tried to start walking but her vision is spinning.

  “Tara . . .” he held her by the arm as he caught her from falling off balance.

  Tara kept still and closed her eyes and leaned her back on the wall. James was just looking at her not letting his hands leave her arms.

  She inhaled deep and smelled James’ after shave and shuddered at the intoxicating smell of her ex-boyfriend. She missed him. She wanted to stop time and freeze it on that spot. But there was nothing she can do about it. She craved him but it was impossible to get him. She cringed at her thoughts.

  James didn’t like it when he saw Tara’s body movement. He cupped her cheeks and caressed it lightly out of worry.

  “Are you sick?” he leaned closer and their bodies are just an inch apart. His eyes were examining her face closely. He loved looking at her even with her lids covering her attractive eyes that spoke her feelings most of the time. How he wished that he could share secret moments with her in the heat of the afternoon but he knew it was impossible.

  Tara opened her eyes and saw James’ tender and concerned gaze at her. She’s seeing his most unbelievably blue eyes that were always so expressive. It mirrored his emotions. She melts at it every time.

  “I’ve been feeling dizzy since I woke up this morning,” she decided to tell him.

  “Dizzy? Are you pregnant Tara?” his look was hard to predict. He was not smiling but his eyes were hopeful.

  “No.” She gently pushed him away when she felt her
wobbly knees get stronger. “I didn’t have much sleep last night plus I get motion sickness if I lack sleep,” she explained further. She was trying to make him let go of her as she can’t stand being this close to him. It’s blowing her mind. James’ heavenly scent was touching every inch of her and she feels the strong walls she is trying to build between them is collapsing.

  “I think it would still be best if we checked.” He insisted still not releasing her as he pinned her gently to the wall. He felt unable to let go of his favorite addiction. He can’t understand himself how she can melt him when he is trying to turn to a lifeless stone.

  “I’m sure James.” She shook her head lightly and started walking.

  James followed her and held her by the elbow, guiding her through the hallway to the elevator.

  “Are you scared to check?” he talked as they continue walking down the hall.

  “No.”

  “Then let’s do it,” he continued urging her.

  They stopped at the closed elevator door and she turned sideways to face him.

  “Okay. Buy the test and I’ll do it if that will shoo your fears away.” She mocked him.

  “Fear? Me? Good Lord! Tara if you were pregnant I would marry you on the spot!” he exclaimed.

  Tara felt immediately teary at his howl. Not because he raised his voice at her, but he just indirectly expressed how much she still meant to him.

  As soon as James saw that tears are almost trickling from her eyes, he wasn’t able to control himself again. He took her to his arms and hugged her tight. She hugged him back.

  They didn’t notice the elevator ring as it opened in their floor.

  “Down.” They both parted from their embrace and looked at the sound of the guy’s voice.

  “I just thought I’d pick you up from your room for the luncheon.” Miguel was talking to Tara but was glaring at James with his eyes.

  “Thanks.” She moved first towards the elevator and James followed.

  Chapter 16

  Tara stood still inside the elevator sandwiched by two towering gorgeous men on her both sides. It was only the three of them in the elevator. She looked at her feet. She thought of the lead character that she read in the novel the night before. She is in a love triangle.