The BookShop 6

We sat in different tables but I know we have the same thoughts. 
I went out again, to the ladies, hoping to see him, somewhere.

I was right, he was there. "We need to talk." He led me to a door, it was a door to the balcony. 

He: You felt the chemistry, right? You are not any other girl. You are the first I have such chemistry with.
Me: But I didn't even know your name, you didn't know mine. You didn't asked for my number. Nothing. It's really complicated. I don't know what to do, or what to expect. I can walk up to your shop again,and you might not know who I am. I am just one of your many many girls. I just don't want to think about it.

He pulled me close and laid his warm lips on mine. He held me so tight, so close to him. I loved that feeling, it felt too good. Our lips separated, he came close to my ears and whispered, "You think too much." He looked into my eyes, "It's not what you think. It's just simple, yes, I might have other women in my life, I do have one night stands, but I assure you, you are different. Don't ask me why, I don't know myself. I just felt that certain chemistry and I knew it was you. I know where you are coming from, you are not comfortable with us being together without knowing each other first. But isn't it time to try something different? It doesn't always have to go by the books. Once in a while, something out of the book is better, as long as it felt right."

The words were so true. 

He continued, "I can get to know you better. We will start from here." He gave me a kiss on my forehead, more like a friendly kiss. I think he would rather kiss me on the lips, but refraining himself cause I wanted him to know me better, I wanted to go by the books...

He: So Miss Kath, can I have your number?

I looked at him, he was looking into my eyes. I walked closer to him, and realised he is so tall. I pulled him close, and kissed him. And there was where our chemistry took over leaving the old fashion book behind. We went back and made love.

The BookShop 5

That night was still fresh in my head. I can actually feel him next to me. I wish I am in his arms again. I wish that night didn't end so soon. As much as I wished, I still thought it was a stupid idea to sleep with someone I met twice, and worse we didn't know each others names. Oh dear. I know this is wrong, but he was right, it really did felt so right. 

Nothing much to expect, he didn't know where to find me, or maybe he didn't even want to see me. The only way to actually communicate lies with me. I know where to find him. I know where he is. But would I? What if he doesn't want to see me anymore? What if I am just another girl that he slept with.What if......These what ifs have been floating in my mind for the last one week. One side of me wants so much to be with him, another side is holding me back, protecting my fragile heart. 

I did not even dare to drive around there, just in case I bump into him. I don't know what to say... 

My phone rang, it was Jill. I picked up and "It's ok, I will drive there myself." She offered to drive me to LiAnne's wedding. I look at my watch, it was 6pm. I quickly took a shower and got dressed. I wore a simply black long dress. I am not very fashionable. I'm just a simple lady. I just put on a light make up, blusher and lipstick, and a little mascara for the occasion. I blow dry my hair and that's it. I'm ready to go. Slipped on my black stilettos and left.

It was a nice wedding. One thing I like about weddings is getting together with friends, some whom I've not met in a long while. But we can still drink and chat together. I always go slow with drinking. I hate the puking. I always drink enough to get me a little tipsy and happy and that's it.

I went to the ladies, and when I got out, I headed back to the hall. Then there was a familiar face standing right in front of me. I stood still, my feet were glued to the ground, I can't move.I can feel my jaws on the floor. There was a sudden rush of blood flowing to every part of my body, I felt hot.
For a moment, I thought it was the alcohol that's making me visualise him standing there. His "hi" assured me it's not. It's really him. I stood there in silence, I didn't know what to do or what to say. He seemed happy seeing me, though.

He: Hi.
Me: Hi
He: Nice to see you
Me: Hmmm, ok

It felt totally awkward. I think I made him awkward, he didn't know what to do either. He said bye, and was about to leave. I am such a fool to put both of us at such, I said "Hey, I'm Kath." He turned to me and smiled, "Hi there, I'm Matt." We smiled, and he asked "Would you like a drink? I'll get you one." I nodded and walked to the nearest table. We just spoke about the wedding, he knows Jack the groom and I told him I'm closer to LiAnne.Not a word was mentioned about that night. Is he trying to avoid? But I am glad he is, I really don't know what to say about that night.

Jill interrupted us, "Hey, it's the toasting. Let's get in." She looked at Matt and smiled. I turned to him and said, "See you later" He smiled back and waved. As I walked in, I thought again, that's it? Why didn't he asked for my number? Why not? I think he felt as awkward as I am. I have to admit, I am a fairly old-fashioned girl. I would not make the first move. 

I didn't know where he sat, I was trying to locate him, but no luck. Is he looking for me as well? Did I look good? This is really the moment of "so near yet so far". The couple was exchanging their vows, sharing their lovely moments.I did not listen or paid attention to what they were talking. My mind only has him, but where is he?
Soon, the couple had their first dance. After that, the host invited the guests to join them on the floor. The band started playing "All My Loving", made me want to see him more. When I turned around, he was right behind me, holding out his hand. "May I?" I took his hand and walked with him to the dance floor. 

He let go off my hand, he placed both his hands around my waist, bringing me closer to him. I felt the adrenaline rush. He looked into my eyes.

He: Were you busy?
Me: No, why?
He: Oh, I thought you were cause you never came back.Was it really that bad?
Me: Bad? What was bad?
He: That night...
I know what he meant.
Me: No, it's not that. That night was great but
He: It was great? Really? 
He pulled me so close to him, I can feel his heart beating, I don't know which of us beat faster, but I can really feel myself blushing.
I don't know what to say, I just smiled.
He: Then why didn't you came back? I wanted so much to see you again.
Me: I didn't know what to do. I am a fairly old fashion person. And this one night stand thingy is making me...
He: It's not a one night stand. It was chemistry. Don't you feel it?

The song ended. The host started to speak, so I walked away from him and went back to my seat. He was looking at me, finding answers he need to know. 

The BookShop 4

I pushed opened the door, he was there looking at his feet. Then he turned to look at me. "I forgot to give you back the book." He walked over to me and swept me off my feet. He brought me to the cushions, laid me down and came so close to my face. He looked deep into my eyes. I could feel his heartbeat. His body was so warm on top of me. I didn't know what to do. 
He used his hand to push my hair from my face. He was looking at every inch of my face, adoring. He kissed lightly on my forehead, my eyes closed. Then he came up and our eyes met again. He kissed me on my lips gently. His lips were so warm, it felt so good... One of his hands was on the back of my head and another was at my back. Soon it found its way to my buttons, and unlocked the first one. Suddenly I look up and held his hand, stopping him. "This is wrong, I can't do this." 
"But it feels so right..." He is god damn right. I have never felt like this, or has it been a long while since I ever had a man in my life. I felt so comfortable, he kissed me again. And this time, I didn't stop him from doing anything else. I'm all his. He touched every part of me, his breathing grew fast, so did mine.

Before I knew it, he was inside me. I felt myself burning, it was great. 

                                                      *   *   *   *   *

When I opened my eyes, I was in his arms. I think he is still sleeping. I sure hope he is still sleeping, the only thing I can think of now is to get out of here without waking him. I moved away from him, got up really quiet, put on my clothes, collecting everything else and made my way to the door. 

When I got into my car, the clock showed 330am. I quickly start the engine, and drove. As I was driving, there were so much going in my head. What happened? What have I done? Why did I do it? Why? I didn't even know his name, neither did he asked for mine. I have never done such thing, is this one of those one night stands people talk about? I don't like the thought of it, but I got to agree it felt great being with him. Everything felt so right. 

The BookShop 3

My everyday routine is going to work, then gym and then home. Well, once in a while I will slot in an hour or two of happy hour. 

Just like every other day, I went to work as usual. Today was a little busier than usual. At around 3pm, I finally had time to rest. I made a cup of coffee. While sipping, I I looked out my window, it was raining. The sky were grey. I opened my drawer hoping there were some biscuit to go together with my coffee. I saw the book, and it brought me back to the guy. I looked at the calendar, it has been almost 2 weeks. I thought I might drop by to return his book after work. It's kind of rude to keep it for too long.

I left work at around 8pm. I should have left earlier, I'm afraid the shop might be closed. Anyway, I have nothing else to do, so I might as well drop by. I made two rounds before I got myself a parking. It was drizzling, I rain to the shops, a little wet. I stopped in front of a shop to check my hair. Then I walked up the stairs, saw lights through the door. He is there, I guess. I knocked on the door, but no one opened the door. I turned the knob, it was not locked. "Hello, anyone there?" He stuck his head out from behind the shelves. "Hi, it's you. Give me a minute."

He: Hi, how are you?

Me: Good, I'm good, how are you?

He: Good, today is better. So, how can I help you?

Me: Oh, I came to return you the book.

He: Do you like it?

Me: It's very nice, I couldn't put it down, finished it in a day.

He: I'm glad you like it. Tea, black? Or do you feel like wine today?

Me: That's a good idea. White, please.

We spend the next hours chatting and drinking. We shared a lot, he is a divorcee too, his daughter stayed with his ex-wife. After the second bottle, we were laughing so much. We danced a little too. He told me he likes "All My Loving" jazz style. We danced to it. It was fun and I find myself really comfortable with him. He smells good. It felt really nice to be in his arms. I don't know what had gotten into me, I suddenly spoke.

Me: So, do you always bring girls up here, and give them a book?

He laughed. "No, only to those I feel I have chemistry with."

Me: Oh wow, and that would be how many?

He: How many, I really don't know, but you are the first.

He hugged me closer to him.

I looked at him, I felt my face burning, my heart beat faster. Don't know whether it's the wine or was I blushing. I didn't know what to say or do. A lot of questions came to my mind, those I have thought before, but no answers. When he laid his lips on my forehead, I was back to reality. I pushed him away gently, and said, "I think I need to go."

He: I'm sorry, you don't need to go. We will just sit and drink ok?

Me: No, it's ok, it's really late and I need to go home. 

I grabbed my bag and left. When I was walking down the stairs, I saw the book in my bag. Oh dear, I went back up to give him back the book. 

The BookShop 2

As I was driving home, I cannot stop thinking about him. He is not extremely handsome, but he's smart. I kind of have a funny feeling about him. He is charming. We talked about a lot of things, and wait. What's his name? Oh dear, I didn't asked his name, he didn't asked mine too. This is really crazy. Will I see him again? Am I going to meet him? Why didn't he asked for my number? Not to mention number, he didn't even bother asking for my name. 

I stopped at the traffic lights, and looked at the passenger seat. There it was, the book that he gave me, titled "At First Sight". I have to return him this book. So I will have to just walk up to his place again, that would be funny.

I finally reached home. Everyone was out. I decided to stay in. I poured myself a glass of Rose, grabbed the book and went to my favorite couch. I couldn't put the book down. It's really nice. Before I knew it, I finished that bottle and the book. I looked at the time, it was already 1:30am. What happened to dinner, but I was too tired to cook. 

The book was so nice. After I finished the book only did I realised something similar. It's about a man meeting the girl when it was raining heavily, and the guy owns a bookstore. Is that a coincident? And finally they fell in love and their story was beautiful. I dozed off...

The next morning I woke up to work. I grabbed the book and put in my bag. I was busy the whole morning. I felt so hungry, I didn't eat last night. No wonder. I went to grab a sandwich. As I was sitting there alone, I thought of him again. Darn, I don't even know his name. Is the book an excuse for him to see me again? This is really too coincidental. Does he do that to every woman that stands in the rain? Does he wait to see if any girl stood there in the rain and give her the book? Am I just one of those girl? Or does he give a book to every other woman with the same story? If I see you in the library, I give you a book about the guy that meets her in the library. Well, he did read a lot, so no story can get out of his hands.

Anyway, why am I thinking so much? It's just a casual invite to tea, and I have to return the book to him. But I thought I shouldn't give him back now. It will seemed like I can't wait to read or even to see him. 

I left the book and the guy off my mind. I didn't think about him for the next few days... 

The BookShop 1

Oh dear, why is it raining? Not that I do not like the rain, but at times like these, I need a clear blue sky. It's been almost 30 minutes since I stood here, waiting to get my car. Usually I would just run in the rain. I rather get wet than standing alone. Anyway, I just stood there, head down, looking at my phone. As I was scrolling down my instagram, someone knocked me. Thank god I didn't drop my phone. I looked up and saw this guy. He is smart. Tall and clean. My first impression was wow. I hope I didn't say it out loud. 

He apologised. I don't know how many times he apologised before I finally said it's ok. 

He smiled and asked "Waiting for the rain to stop?" 
"Yup, and I'm not an umbrella person." I smiled. 
He laughed a little. "Me too." After a few seconds of silence, "Guess the rain won't stop so soon, do you want to come to my place for a while?"
I nearly chocked... I looked at him, "Oh, don't get me wrong, I have a shop here. Well, I thought you might want to grab a coffee while waiting." 
I giggled, "Oh, ok. good idea."

We walked past three shops, and then he led me up the stairs. He pointed at the sign that read "The BookShop". How creative, eyes rolling... I didn't expect a bookshop, thought it was some kind of bar or coffee place. Well, at least I didn't thought a man like him would like to read. 

When he opened the door, that was my second Wow. It looks nothing like those typical bookstores. All the shelves were antique, traditional antique. What I truly love. I wow-ed, he smiled. I went around looking at his furnitures, and books. It was so cozy. At the right corner, there were few big cushions and a short table. It looks so comfy to be there. 

He asked, "so, would you prefer coffee or tea?" Before I answered, "Well, I have wine too."
I gave him a smile and replied, "I think I'll just have tea, black. Thank you." 

While he made the drinks, I walked around again. I couldn't stop myself from looking at all the things. I love the cabinet behind his counter. Even the counter is wooden. The paintings on the wall go so well with the furniture. 

Then I saw him walking over to table with the drinks. I went over to sit with him. He is so charming. 

Me: This place is awesome. What makes you do this?
He: Well, I love to read, I guess I read too much, my house can't fit these. So I opened this place.
Me: Wow, that's a lot of books you read. So are they for sale?
He: Well, most people come to buy, I would sell. But some titles that I love, I will just rent them out. Do you read?
Me: Yes I do. But not this much. (Still looking around like a little girl finding a doll)
I can feel him looking at me. I turn to look at him.
Me: That's why I hate technology.
He: Tech? Why?
Me: Books are meant to be read, flipping the pages. Making your own bookmarks. Not reading from a tablet. Flipping pages is only a swipe. Bookmark is a tap. The shelves in the house gets smaller, or sometimes there isn't even a shelf in the house. 
Whopps, sorry, I bore you.
He: No, you didn't. I totally agree with you.

He: So, what books do you read? 
Me: You must think that I'm crazy.
He: All book readers are crazy. So what's it? 
Me: Hahaha, No girly lovey stories. Crime, triller.
He: It's ok, most books are crime.

Then we went on talking about stuffs that do not matter over our tea. Nothing personal, just what's happening in the world, some general stuff. 

Suddenly I realised, the rain has stopped. 

Me: Hey, I think I better get going. The rain's stopped. Thank you so much for offering a place and that cup of tea.
He: Oh, so soon? Wait.

He went behind the shelves, and came back with a book. He gave it to me.

He: Please read this. But this isn't crime. It's just a story that I would like to share with you. 
Me: Ok, how much is this?
He: This is not for sale. And please return it ok?
Me: Ok.

And I left...

Something Different

I texted him, told him to get ready for tomorrow's jog.

We thought it would be good to do something different, rather than the boring daily routine.

So, early the next morning, I got up and messaged him, he told me he was on the way. He was in his workout clothes, but he still looked sleepy. "Can't you comb your hair before coming out?" He replied, "I could hardly put on my clothes, you want me to comb my hair?" I laughed and we left.

We walked in the park, after 5 rounds, we thought we are done with it. We rested a bit and left for home to change. He brought me back to his house, as it was nearly to the park. I bathed there. After that, he asked, what's next. We went for brunch, coffee and American breakfast. We sat there and chat. 

After that, we parked our car at the LRT station, and took the train to somewhere. We bought tickets and went for a ride. The train is not as bad as I thought. It was kinda nice to experience it at home. We reached back at the origin around evening.

The next on the list is horror movie. He said he is afraid of watching horror, and I find it totally funny. Such a big guy, but afraid of ghost? LOL. As today is to do something different, I bought tickets. We bought popcorn and drinks and went into the cinema. I find Asian horror the scariest. I closed my eyes with my hands, and he did too. Half way into the movie, he asked "can I hold your hand?" Before I answered, he took it. He held one hand, and the other, he used to cover his eye. It felt funny, but he said, since I said to do something different, he held my hand.

I think we spent most of the time laughing and closing our eyes.

Anyway, we left the cinema, it was still a little early for dinner. So we went for a massage. We went for thai massage instead. There were no more rooms, so we had to share a room. So I asked him to wait outside while I changed. He came in a little later with the masseurs. As we lay there, he said, "wow, this is really something different. You realized we are actually sleeping together, right?" Sometimes, I really don't know to laugh or be angry with him. Yup, we spent the next 2 hours "sleeping together".

After that, we went for dinner. We drank, as usual. We always drink over dinner, nothing unusual bout it. The only difference is that we drank a lot more. We drank until the waitress told us it was time to close. He drove me home, and accompanied me up to my house.

I told him to stay, as he was too drunk to drive. He said he can, but he needed to use the toilet. So I went into my room to change. I was too drunk, I forgot I left the door opened. He came out of the toilet, I guess he saw me topless for a while. I turned and he told me he was going to leave. I told him, he can sleep in the other room if he wants. He said he will rest & sober up on the sofa. Ok, I went in to bed.

I dozed off... After a while, I felt someone climbing onto my bed. He hugged me, and whispered, "This is something different too, I will just hug you to sleep. Don't worry, nothing more." I felt too comfortable to stop him. We slept till morning.

When I woke up, I looked at him. He looked so cute sleeping... Sometimes, I wonder, if what we were doing is wrong, but it really felt so right. I left for work, and left him a note asking him to lock my doors.

While I was at work, he messaged me.

HE: Why did you leave me alone?
ME: I got to work
HE: I'm not good enough for you to take time off?
ME: I need to come back to the office, a lot of work to do
HE: Ok, so are we still doing something different?
ME: No, anything more different will be dangerous
HE: ;)

I didn't replied. He is just too cute.

Heart Overrule #2

He drove me to a restaurant, not posh. I know he doesn't like going to those place. It's a small cafe-like restaurant. Small and cozy. I like the deco, very vintage. I thought he brought me here because I like vintage. Told you he knows very much about me. 

We ate and drank, talked and laughed so much. It was really nice being with him. He always makes me feel comfortable, and he allows me to be myself. He doesn't judge me. He has never stopped me from doing anything. In fact, he encourages me... It's not like we are dating or anything, it's just that we like each other's company. 

We do disturb each other sometimes... like the message we had earlier on the hugging thingy. I guess it's just an understanding between us both. It's really funny how things are between us. I don't know why, whenever I think of him, he will message me in some way. 

Before we knew it, it was already half past eleven. The restaurant is closing, and we had finished 3 bottles of wine. When I asked for the bill, he said he already paid. Well, I thought I owe him a dinner. He said, "It's your birthday, I buy."

He sent me home and walked me up. I opened the door and turned to face him, exchanged goodbyes. He said, "Can I redeem your promise now?" I gave him a kiss on his cheek, a long one. As I was about to walk into the house, he pulled me and held me so hard in his arms. I felt so warm and comfortable. He then looked me in the eyes and wanted to kiss me. I moved away. "Although I'm divorced, you are still married. Who am I? I don't want to be a third party."

He said, still holding my hands, "Your head overruled your heart again. It's ok." He kissed me on the forehead and let my hands go. Why is it that he understands me so much?
I hold him back, hugged him and whispered into his ear, "For once, I'm listening to my heart."

Heart Overrule #1

With social networking, suddenly everyone remembers your birthday. Tonnes and tonnes of wishes fill your timeline. Genuine or not, they just see and wish for sake... So I don't know when, I have removed my birthdate from the social network. Only few genuine, good friends send you wishes, some are funny, some are really from their hearts, warm. I always believe, it's quality that matters, not quantity.

Anyway, Zdor remembers. He sent me a message, it reads "Go to Landmark, Level 9 Lot 10.18 @ 1400hours". I replied "Meet you there." He said "I'm not going, you enjoy."

He is always so secretive. Well, I decided not to google for the shop and just go there for a surprise. I reached around 145pm, I went straight to the highest floor of Landmark. The hall was big with many many shops surrounding the empty space. All the shops were mostly spa or anything to do with serenity. I found my way to Lot 10.18. It was a spa, I told them my name, and they brought me in. Wow... just what I needed, he always knows what I want.

I send him a message "just what I needed." and for the next 3 hours or more, all I did was relax, relax and relax. It was so nice being pampered. I have always wanted to do this for my birthday, however, I never made it come true, either I was too busy, or I was too lazy. 

I started off with a nice warm bubble bath, a sauna, then a body scrub, and a facial and ended the 3 hours with a nice massage. Talk about perfection. I changed, and took my phone. 

ME: Hey, thanks a million, I'm feeling perfect.

HE: How're you gonna thank me?

ME: Buy you dinner, k?

HE: OK

ME: This is so good, I sooooo wanna give you a hug

HE: Can also, can add a kiss too?

ME: Well, if you appear in front of me now, I promise I will. As in now...

HE: Stop looking at your phone, look where you're going

I looked up, he was standing right in front of me. And that really is Now.

He held out his arms and said, "So?"

I went and hugged him hard for a while, then left his arms. I looked at him, he pointed to his cheeks. I smiled, and he said, "It's ok, I'll leave that for another day, let's go"

You can never guess what he thinks. I said, "Go? Go where? What about my car?"

He replied, "Go eat, you owe me a dinner remember? Leave your car here."