CHAPTER 15: BEST FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

I was left alone in the pad when Rev left.

I decided to just arrange my clothes in the closet.

When I finished, just watched tv until I got bored. I took Rev’s ipad on top of the side table and looked through his files. He said to feel at home, right? There was nothing interesting in his ipad so I placed it back to where it was before.

I moved around the house doing nothing in particular. The design of his pad is minimalist, you can easily see that the priority is its convenience and functionality. But if you look at it as a whole, you can sense the understated elegance in its design. Rev has always liked simplicity. Even the girls he like are those who are not vain.

That’s the reason that I couldn’t put on cosmetics when I was in college even though I really wanted to try them on. He would tease me to no end whenever he sees me wearing so much as a lipgloss and a blush on. He said he teases me just to annoy me so that I will end up wiping everything from my face. I recalled what Jean said when she came to my apartment.

Could it be true? Is it possible that Rev really loves me?

Truth be told, Rev is kinda possessive of me even then. I admit I was also possessive of him, but that’s because I was in love with him.

Wait-! Could his possessiveness also a result of him being in love with me?

‘Erase! Erase! Erase! Don’t be assuming, Reina!’

But what if it’s true? I hit my head to shake of the thought. I just looked for something else to do so I turned to rearranging Rev’s stuff. I saw a side table that is hollow inside, it can be used as a hidden storage. When I opened it, I saw Rev’s old things. I saw the familiar PSP Slim. Its case is metallic blue and the casing still has the R & R sticker stuck to it. I remember putting it there before to stand for Rev & Rein. Although I told Rev that it means rest & relaxation. I picked it up and tried to use it. It’s still working. The old game was still there but I no longer remember the combo moves, so I decided to try the other game where you kill monsters and harvest materials from its carcass.

I got so engrossed that time felt to have flown so fast. I just stopped playing when I realized that it is already seven in the evening and Rev is not home yet.

I stood up and cleaned myself, then prepped myself to take a nap. I am actually hungry but I am too lazy to cook. Not that I cooked anything to eat. I opened the closet and tried to look for comfortable undershirt and a boxer short. I spotted a boxer short, but all his shirts don’t look comfortable to sleep with.

“Are you looking for this?”I whirled around when I suddenly heard his voice. He was holding a paper bag and took out what looks like an undershirt from it.

“Yay! That’s it!” I ran to him. “Thank you!”

“And here’s your grilled chicken feet and intestine,” he raised another paper bag.

My eyes went round and jumped on him in happiness. “I love you sooooo much! Mwuah!”

He grinned at me. “Really, you love me?” his smile teases me. “Really? So, you gonna admit it? Jean’s no longer in the picture, you can confess now.”

I scrunched my face. “What nonsense. Give me that, it’s good for dinner!” I snatched the bag and went to the dining area. Thankfully, he remembered that I really don’t like cooking so he also bought cooked rice. He also brought home other dishes.

“By the way, have you contacted any of our friends?” he asked when we were seated in the dining.

I glanced at him but looked away again. I must admit that I find it embarrassing to reach out to them after all this time. I am the one who just left and cut our communication. I avoided them even after I came back. I thought I really should just leave things as they are between me and my friends.

“I invited them over tomorrow,” he informed.

I was confused. Why would he invite them over? What for? And then realization dawned on me.

“It’s your birthday tomorrow!” I exclaimed.

“I know right. So, prepare yourself. I’m sure they will kill you.”

“Ugh. I admit I was wrong, so I will take their punishment willingly.”

After we finished eating, he helped me wash the plates. Then he took a quick shower before bedtime. I turned his ipod on and created a playlist of beautiful ballads. It helps me sleep better when I can hear ballads as I drift to sleep.

One of my favorite songs started playing and I can hear Rev singing along inside the bathroom. He was still humming when he came out. Rev reached out for his sleeveless undershirt. I tried to focus my eyes somewhere else.

Rev is wearing shorts, but his upper body is still bare. He seems to be taking his in drying his hair with the towel. Then he started putting on his shirt. What if I just rip that shirt to pieces so that nothing can come between my eyes and those abs. The song continued on. He was still humming with it. But why does he also need to stare at me. I find it hard to concentrate in my breathing. It’s hard to pretend that his abs, I mean, his presence does not affect me when it’s all I can do to keep myself steady.

Does he hear the loud beating of my heart? He slumped beside me and replayed the song because he said it sounds good. Then he stretched his arms at the backrest of the sofa behind. I can feel the heat emanating from his body, his arm brushing slightly against my back.

“I wish we can stay like this,” he said afterwards.

When I looked at him, his head is tilted back and his face directed to the ceiling. His eyes are closed as if savoring the moment. I also took pleasure in looking at him, absorbing every detail of his face. For me, he’s beyond handsome. He’s the most lovable man on earth. It took me so much willpower to stop myself from reaching out to him, from touching his lips, then trailing my fingers down to his adam’s apple, then to his chest. And then I will remove that damned piece of cloth cladding his torso. Hmm.. What shall I do with the boxer short, I wonder.

“Is it naked yet?”

“Huh?!” disoriented, I looked at him.

His face is grinning at me, teasing. My face immediately turned red. Ugh, he caught me fantasizing about him.

“Come here,” he pulled me to his arms. “I missed my best friend.” He dipped his head on my hair and inhaled my scent.

“Did you miss me when you were away?”

“So badly,” I admitted and hugged him back tighter.

We remained like that for few minutes. He stared at my face without letting go of me.

“Don’t get married anymore,” he pushed his finger on my forehead.

“You, too. Don’t get married.”

“Tss. You’re the one who almost got married,” he pointed out and straightened but kept his arms around me.

“Then just marry me so that I will just stay by your side,” I joked and poked him with my elbow.

“Are you giving me marriage proposal?” he smirked.

“Yes of course. Marry me now so that I can have a share of your wealth.”

“You evil girl.”

“Ouch!” I touched my head because he hit me there with his knuckles. He just laughed at me.

“Just don’t get married, period! You will stay here beside me, whether you like it or not!”

“Yes, yes your honor. I will not try to get married again,” I agreed playfully but turned serious after a while.

“Honestly, I was slightly traumatized. I am afraid that if I try getting married again, another girl will show up because my groom got someone pregnant again.” His muscles tensed and his embrace tightened but he did not speak. I bit my lip. How can I be so sensitive when he’s the one who must be more traumatized than me. He was the one who almost died, after all.

“I’m sorry, Rev,” I embraced him tighter. He did not speak for a long time that I thought he fell asleep. So I shrieked when he suddenly hauled me up from the sofa.

“Hey! Put me down!” I hit his shoulder. He dropped me on the bed.

“Let’s sleep,” he declared and climbed up the bed and pushed me to the other side.

“Hmmm,” I turned to the other side and saw the massage oil that he was going to use earlier when he was offering a massage.

“Lie on your stomach,” I told him.

“Why?” he kept his eyes closed so I pushed him.

“Come on.”

“Why?” he repeated his question without looking at me.

“Massage?” He quickly turned around and went to position when he heard the word. This idiot. I reached for the oil.

“You might want to remove your shirt, Sir,” I said when he didn’t. Hmm.. I swear I did not offer the massage just to get rid of the shirt. My heart beat slowed down dramatically when he turned back up and remove his cloth in front of me. He had a teasing grin when he spoke.

“I thought you already removed my shirt earlier.”

“That was just in my mind-!” I abruptly clapped my hands on my lips when my thoughts came tumbling out. My eyes grew wide when he started laughing so hard he gripped his stomach. This mongrel! But wait, why is it so hot? Is the aircon not working well? Maybe I should set it to lowest possible temperature? “That’s already the lowest, you’re just really..” Huh? Is my mind talking?

“Your mind, no. But your lips, yes.” I clapped my hands on my mouth again. I wanted to kick myself. Instead, I hit him in the abs. Ehhhrrrmm..!

“Lie down on you stomach! Hurry! Don’t be such a flirt, monkey!” I pushed him in the chest. I rejoiced at the chance to touch his- What am I saying again??

“Shut up!” I hollered at him when he was about to say something mischievous again. He made a gesture to lock his lips and threw its key. I caught it and put it in between my breast. Let’s give him something to think about. I winked at myself. He looked at me, smirking, challenging me. Why am I so excited? “Didn’t I tell you to turn around?” I raised my eyebrow. He followed me this time. And here I thought he’s going to try and get that key back. I put oil on my palm, rubbed my hands together and touched his back. I stopped on track when I saw the scar of the bullet that hit him. I traced it with my fingers and before I can stop myself, I kissed it. He shuddered slightly. Then I started massaging him.

“Is your wound really healed?” I asked.

“Yeah, it’s been more than a month, it’s not hurting anymore.” I nodded, but still took care to avoid pressing near the scar. I smiled to myself as I massage him. Rev’s muscles are well toned even when he lost weight when he was hospitalized. His body was already well shaped back in college, but it looked more defined now. Attractive and sexy. And I hear him moan as I continue massaging his muscles. I bit my lip. I just want to ravish this guy. The clock ticked in silence.

“You’re drooling,” he teased after some time.

“In your face!” I denied of course.

His laughter filled the room. It sounds good to my ears. I joined him in laughing and rolled beside him when I am done. “I’ll massage you too,” he offered.

“Let me return the favor,” and his eyes twinkled in mischief.

“Let me ogle you back.”

“You’re so shameless! I did not ogle you!” I sat up and hit him with a pillow.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever!” he also sat up and roughly pushed me down.

Ugh what a gentleman! Did I say before earlier that he is the most lovable man on earth? Well, scratch that. He’s rough and.. and.. And I want it rough! Aaaah! Why is my head filled with these thoughts nowadays?

“You’re still wearing your shirt. How can I ogle you, err, I mean, massage you?” An amused smile curved on my lips as I wondered who among us is more perverted. We’re like two reactive chemicals. I think we just might blow up soon. I turned my back on him and took off my top. Then I lied on my stomach and unhooked my bra.

“Hmmm.. my best friend is sexy.” His warm hands sent shock to my skin that I jolted. “Easy..” he laughed.

“Do you want it gentle or do you want it hard?” Hard of course! Wait, what are we talking about, again? I think I might be losing my mind. Rev started gently massaging my back. He kneaded my tired muscles. It was heavenly. Every once in a while, he would add more pressure to it until he’s able to relax my knotted muscles. We were sweating profusely when he finished. Then he dropped himself on top of me.

“Aaaarrggh! You’re heavy-!” I suddenly stopped. What’s that poking against me? Something huge and hard and angry. Wide-eyed, I looked back at him and before I could say anything, he claimed my lips. He claimed them with the ferocity of a famished wolf. And I thought, hunger must be contagious, because soon afterwards, I’m kissing him back with equal hunger. And we’re rolling on the bed, both wanting to wring out everything from each other, thirsty beyond reason. I just found myself enacting the things I was just imagining earlier. Rev dipped his head and slowly nibbled on my cleavage, searching for his imaginary key. I chewed on my lips to suppress my noise but a moan still escaped my lips. His tongue reached for one of my tips and licked it, taking his time. ‘Ah, we’ve both grown wilder.’ His lips went trailing downwards when a shrill ring disrupted us.

“Damn phone!” he muttered and proceeded with kissing every inch of me. But his phone kept on ringing.

“Rev, that might be urgent,” I stopped him.

“Shit!” he cursed. He leveled his face with mine, his breathing still thick with desire.

“I’ll be back very soon,” and he claimed my lips before he stood up. He snatched his phone from the nearby table and answered it angrily.

“Hello,” his voice is gruff and unfriendly.

“Who’s this again?” his face contorted with irritation.

“Hold on a minute,” he put down his phone for a while and looked for his shirt. The put his shirt on and picked up his phone before going out of the pad.

What happened to ‘I’ll be back very soon’? Aaaaahhh! This is annoying! Rev took a long time before coming back. And he looked like he was in bad mood. I pretended to be asleep because I didn’t want him to think that I waited for his return so that we can pick up where we left off.