A/N:
Unfortunately, I decided to pull out this story from the ONC Contest. This might continue beyond 40K words as I'm enjoying writing Santi and Carla's story. I don't want to abruptly end it at this point just to hit the 40K mark.
Hope you guys will continue to support the story even though it's no longer in the ONC contest.
Now on to the next chapter....
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Her
Tita Ava joined Tita Lucy in the booth while I sat across from them. We started chatting on how our shopping spree turned out when after a few minutes, I saw Santi enter the coffee shop. This time, I was able to appreciate his whole form while he walked towards our table. He was wearing a light blue button up shirt with the sleeves folded up to his elbows, paired with dark gray trousers. He could pass as the front cover of a men's magazine. Gosh, why on earth did I have a gorgeous cousin like him?! I don't want to sin, but I couldn't help myself from the strong attraction I feel towards him.
I averted my gaze from him, and it landed on Tita Lucy who was sitting from across the table. She saw how I looked at her son. She was staring at me intently as if she knew my secret. She smiled at me as if she wanted to let me know that my secret is safe with her. I suddenly felt nervous.
Santi sat beside me in the booth and my heart started to flutter with his immense closeness. Darn! Why does he need to sit beside me? His thigh accidentally brushed my exposed skin, and it sent shivers to my spine. Why is my body reacting wildly towards him? I want to give my body some spanking. You traitor!
Now, the more I'm convinced that I couldn't stay here longer. As soon as my dad is stronger, I'll go back to NY. I need to avoid this temptation beside me who's torching my soul into flames.
"Hello, beautiful ladies! How was your shopping date?" Santi asked, but he focused his gaze on me. Gosh, can you please just look at your moms in front of you? I almost verbalized loudly. I don't want to melt under his gaze.
"It was great, Sweetheart! Carla looked amazing on her dress. I can't wait for Gavin to see her. I bet you he will drool as soon as he sees Carla." Tita Ava said excitedly. Santi had a serious look on his face. As if he didn't like what his mom said.
"Do you really have to go with Gavin? Why don't you just come with me, so Gavin doesn't have to go out his way to pick you up? He lives near the wedding venue anyway." Santi suggested.
"Sweetheart, it won't be a date if Gavin will not pick her up. Let him spend time with Carla. He looks smitten with your cousin. And I like Gavin for Carla, he is a good catch." Tita Ava winked at me.
"Don't pressure Carla, Ma. You're putting her on the spot." Santi sounded annoyed.
"You know how I like playing cupid. Gavin and Carla look good together." Tita Ava said smiling. Santi continued to frown at his mom. I heard Tita Lucy clear her throat.
"Why don't we order, Hon?" She motioned for the waiter, and he came to get our orders. After that, Mama Ava started the conversation again.
"So, how did the meeting go, Hon?" She asked Tita Lucy sweetly while holding her hand.
"Frustrating. We still need one more model for the swimsuit collection for the next issue. That Primadonna actress backed out on us at the last minute and our photo shoot is already scheduled next week." Tita Lucy replied irritated. Then, her gaze focused on me, and I could see a twinkle in her eyes. It felt like she suddenly came up with a brilliant idea.
"That's it! I think I just found a new model! Why don't you do it, Carla? You will look fantastic in our magazine spread!" Tita Lucy said excitedly.
"Yes! That's a brilliant idea, Hon! Carla's body is to die for, I'm telling you! She will look amazing!" Tita Ava clapped.
I almost choked on the water that I was drinking. Santi automatically caressed my back to which I almost jumped, as it sent electric shocks to my whole body. Gosh, this is torture!
"Are you okay?" He asked in a worried tone. I was about to tell him I will feel better if he stops caressing my back, but I held my tongue. I just nodded at him to let him know I'm okay.
"So, what do you say, Carla? You'll be perfect! I'll make sure to be there during the pictorial. We'll take care of you." Tita Lucy said reassuringly.
"That's flattering, Tita. But I haven't done modeling before. I'm not sure if I can do it." I said shyly.
"You hear her Mommy; she doesn't want to do it." Santi said quickly, backing me up. He seemed happy with my decision. Tita Ava eyed Santi curiously.
"Darling, it seems like you don't want Carla to do modeling. You should be helping your mom to convince her." Tita Ava sounded disappointed at her son.
"Ma, that's a swimsuit edition. I don't want every man fantasizing about Carla when they see her in the magazine." He countered. I looked at Santi surprised. Does he mean I'm worth fantasizing? It sounded like an indirect compliment to me. I felt butterflies in my stomach.
"Here you go again. You're being overprotective of Carla, Darling." Tita Ava commented. He pouted at his mom.
"Please, consider it, Carla. Let me know tomorrow, okay? If you say yes, I promise I'll be with you every step of the way. I'll be there to guide you." Tita Lucy said nicely.
"That's right, Sweetheart. Your Tita Lucy was the most in demand model in France before she decided to lay low. Of course, all because of me. She started chasing me the moment she saw me and left her modeling career." Tita Ava teased her for which Tita Lucy just gave her a smirk. I envy their relationship. They are perfect for each other. I remembered Jill and wished for her to find her "Lucy" soon.
"Okay, Tita. I'll think about it. I couldn't believe that I came here just for a vacation and here I am getting offered a modeling stint!" I grinned.
"You're gorgeous Carla. You deserve to be offered every single modeling job out there. I wonder why you didn't try it in NY. You're in one of the biggest fashion capitals in the world. You should have a portfolio." Tita Lucy said encouragingly.
"She's already a famous architect in NY. She doesn't need a modeling job, Mom." Santi suddenly butted in. He seemed not to be enjoying the conversation about modeling.
"What's wrong with you, Darling? Don't you want to have a famous model cousin?" Tita Ava asked.
"I know we all find Carla beautiful. She doesn't need to flaunt it by being a model. A lot of crazy men will just go after her and I don't want that." Santi said emphatically. I was amused by his reaction and looked at him.
"And why is that? Why don't you want men going after me? Now, I remembered what you did to me before in NY with my date." I shot back at him. I recalled him sabotaging my date with Kyle.
Both Tita Ava and Tita Lucy also eyed Santi curiously. He was suddenly put on the spot. He stared at me blankly. I could sense something behind his expression. Is it sadness, longing? But why?
"There's a lot of crazy superficial men, Carla. It's a jungle out there. I don't want anybody to hurt you. I'm just protecting you, that's all." He said, trying to make his point.
"Oh my! You are worse than your uncle. I remembered Amir being protective of me before, but not up to this extent. I bet he would let me do whatever I wanted and would just keep a close eye on me." Tita Ava replied.
"Look who's talking. Come to think of it, your son got that trait from you, Honey. You protect and baby everybody. You even baby Santi up to now." Tita Lucy teased her.
We all laughed at her remark. By this time, the food arrived, and we worked on our food while continuing a good conversation. They asked me a lot about my life abroad and persuaded me to stay.
We had a great time chatting. As soon as we headed out, Santi let his moms walk ahead of us. He then pulled me aside and whispered in my ear,
"I hope you won't change your mind. Don't get the modeling job that Mommy offered." His breath sent my whole body into flames. I need to get a cold shower when I get home. Gosh Santi! What are you doing to me?
I need to motivate dad to finish his physical therapy soon, or else, I'm going to hell if I continue to see Santi everyday....