The next day, Daniel walked into Santiago’s office building. A straight look on his face.
He had so many things in mind to do, and one of them was going to be achieved as soon as he saw Santiago.
Daniel used the elevator to Santiago at the top of the building. He let out a soft sigh and then adjusted the collar of his shirt.
His mind whirls with strategies he could use to conquer his aim today, and he can only hope Santiago will give a listening ear.
The elevator opened, and he stepped out of it.
His steps to the office at the far end were huge and quick. Like he was in a hurry.
The secretary, Dave, stood as he saw Daniel approach in quick steps.
“Sir, Mr. Fernando isn’t in his seat at the moment.”
Daniel stops in his tracks and then turns to Dave, who adjusts his thick-rimmed glasses on his nose.
“Really?” Dave nods. “That’s strange.” He frowns in thought. He starts moving to the door. “I’ll wait for him inside then.” He rattles the door handle when it refuses to open.
“I don’t think he’s coming in today… or this week,” Dave says.
Daniel moves closer to the desk; his hand lies on the table, and his brows furrow as he takes in the new development.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Mr. Fernando hasn’t been to work for a while now. He calls from time to time whenever he has a meeting or needs to reschedule his work.” He adjusts his glasses again. “But never dropped by for a while now,” he informed.
Daniel frowns in thought. His mind went wild with thinking of possible causes for this action made by his predictable friend.
“You say he’s at home, yes?”
“I believe so, sir.”
Daniel nods, then turns around. He raised his hand and waved, “Thanks for the information.” He stood in front of the elevator and then pressed the button as he waited for it to open.
…
Santiago looks over at Joan sleeping peacefully on the bed. He smiles and walks away from the bed as he adjusts the collar of his t-shirt.
He carried her from the living room when he woke up at three in the morning. She looked so peaceful and beautiful as she slept, and he didn’t want to bother her.
Afterwards, he called Stacy to confirm a meeting place for them early in the morning.
He was hoping to come home early so he could see Joan before she goes to work by ten and so he could do some work and hopefully get to his office.
His phone buzzed on the nightstand, and he walked to check it.
‘I’m five minutes away; don’t keep me waiting, please.’
A little guilt hung over him when he remembered how many times he appeared late to the little dates she’d organize for them when her father pushed her on him. He stood her up more than he sealed business deals.
Silently, he felt bad for his actions and made a mental note to apologize when they meet.
Joan stirred on the bed, and his eyes moved to her half-sleeping form.
He smiled and sat on the edge of the bed.
She lay on the bed, her back facing the ceiling and the sheet covering her bum and half of her legs.
Joan moved her head slowly and rubbed her eyes when Santiago stroked her hair.
She briefly looks up at him and smiles. She closed her eyes and murmured.
“Are you leaving for work this early?” Her voice sounded gruff, like it was strained.
He couldn’t blame her. They did a lot of straining the previous night.
“Not really.” He leaned in and kissed her hair. “I have to run a few errands, then I’ll come back to prepare for work.”
She opened her eyes. Awake and aware of her surroundings.
Joan slowly sat on the bed, using the bedspread to cover her chest whilst blushing.
He touched her warm, tinted cheeks.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to being bare around me.”
Joan couldn’t contain the laughter that left her lips.
“Did you have something to eat already?”
“When I get home, I’ll eat.”
“Would make you something so you’ll be satisfied.”
Santiago leaned in and kissed her lips.
“I guess from last night, we both know where my satisfaction lies,” he said lowly and kissed her again.
Joan pushed him lightly, covering her face with her palm in embarrassment.
Santiago stood from the bed, laughter erupting from his lips.
“You’re such a man,” she murmured when she raised her head to look at him.
Santiago opened his arms wide and twirled around for her to check him out.
“I know I am, like, come on,” he gestures to himself.
Joan rolled her eyes and moved closer to the edge of the bed.
“You’re leaving right now?”
He moved closer to the bed. “Looking for the towels?” He points at the bathroom door. “They’re in the bathroom.”
Joan’s cheeks were flaming hot, but she bit the inside of her mouth to try to contain her emotions.
“Shouldn’t you be on your way? You are dressed already."
He looked at her suggestively. “Would you like to do my top button?”
“And make you look like a father? No, thank you.”
He chuckled. “Daddy seems more appropriate, eh?”
She points to the door, failing miserably to maintain a straight face. “Get out, Santiago,”
Santiago chuckled and leaned in for another kiss.
“I’ll see you later in the day.” He kissed her again and then walked into the walk-in closet. He came out with a brown bathrobe and placed it on the bed. “Don’t miss me much,” he winked and left the room.
Joan sighed, resting her back on the bed’s headboard.
A smile on her lips and a light tint on her cheeks when memories of the previous night lingered in her mind.
“I need to get to work.” She grabbed the bathrobe and covered herself with it, then headed for the bathroom while tying her hair in a messy bun.
Her phone beeped, and she stopped in her tracks; she turned and grabbed it from the dresser table.
Her brows furrowed when she saw it was a message notification. She opens it and smiles when she realizes it’s a repurchase contract of Anderson and Co.