Chapter 32
Chapter 32
Chapter 32:
Perfect Is Being With You Kate was going through her bag, deciding on what to wear for their late brunch. Yes, they skipped breakfast altogether, since she and Carlos went for their third round, making love in bed. After which, they dozed off, exhausted from their morning exercise. When they awoke, it was already past noon.
Carlos was already downstairs, checking the kitchen when Kate took her long bath. “This one or this one?” She asked herself, choosing between a crop top blouse paired with denim shorts and a casual dress. However, just as she was contemplating, her eyes wandered to Carlos’ closet. A smile formed on her face, saying, “I know what to pair with my shorts.”
***
In the living room, Carlos had his hands folded against his chest, his forehead creased. He huffed, watching the news on TV. Hailey Mckenzie was being interviewed by F9 TV, a French TV network. She was crying as if deprived of something that belonged to her.
“They won’t let me see Carlos, my boyfriend. Where is the justice in that? It had been over a month since we last saw each other. The French police have gone too far!” These were the words coming from Hailey that made Carlos and Oliver, shake their heads. “She is going to get herself into trouble,” Oliver remarked. “Assuming there are still members of the bonnet gang out there.” “Maybe she deserves getting into trouble?” Carlos suggested, turning to his assistant. “Ah, sir. We don’t want to be responsible for her getting kidnapped because of her claimed relationship with you,” Oliver said while quoting with his fingers. Carlos sighed and said, “Then, announce on my social media how I am not in a relationship with Hailey. Send the French media my statement as well. Tell them Hailey and I are nothing more than acquaintances. Make sure you use the VPN router… Coordinate with the police if you have to.”
“Always, sir,” Oliver agreed. “And Miss Wright’s clothes will arrive later today.”
“Good,” Carlos acknowledged with a smile, knowing Kate didn’t have to bring her clothes during her future stay-overs. “And by the way, Sir. Our security team has received notice from police officer Baker that he would like to see you,” Oliver advised. “He said it was important.”
Officer Baker was the police officer who first approached Carlos about becoming an informant for the covert operation. He and officer Bernard of the French police worked together since the gang that manipulated the games were spread throughout some parts of Europe and North America.
“Do they still need me for anything?” Carlos asked. Oliver merely shrugged and said, “He said nothing of that sort, Sir. He implied it was good news and that he needed to give you something.” Carlos nodded and said, “Very well, but I don’t want my home to be compromised. Tell him I
will meet them in New York on Wednesday. Inform Alexander that I’ll be coming to see him as Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.
well.”
Just as he and Oliver ended their discussion, Kate walked down the stairs, her long legs on display and her oversize shirt gave the impression that she had no shorts on. Seeing her, Carlos’ eyes gleamed. A playful grin formed on his athletic face. He caressed his bearded jaw and remarked, “You look beautiful.”
Kate made it to the foot of the staircase. She paced in Carlos’ direction with her arms automatically circling around his’ neck. She answered, “Do I look good?”
“You look best in my shirt,” Carlos declared. Not only was Kate wearing his shirt, but she was wearing one of his sports t-shirts, the kinds that he would wear in a match.
“What’s for brunch?” Kate asked, while looking at Carlos straight in the eye.
Carlos moved closer, pressing his lips against her ear, whispering, “You.” Smacking his arm, Kate laughed. She complained, “I’m already hungry!” A chuckle left Carlos’ lips, and he said under his breath, “Then you’ll be dessert.” The couple spent an hour having their meal. After which, Kate used Carlos’ laptop to check her emails. Carlos, on the other hand, dealt with his sponsorship contracts and reviewed some documents of CSK apparel. Then, he worked out at his personal gym within the mansion. It was already late in the afternoon when the two had the chance to chat again. Inside Carlos’ room, Kate sat on the carpet. She had her diary on her lap and the box of memories in front of her, ready to talk about the years when Carlos left. Sitting in front of her, Carlos gawked at the closed box. He asked, “So, what’s inside?” Kate sucked in a breath and revealed, “These were my gifts for you during your birthdays.” She pouted before clarifying, “At least for the first few years after you left.” Hearing what was inside, Carlos gasped. He felt the pain of regret coming back to him, but at the same time, he was happy that Kate had thought of him in those years. Kate opened her journal, which dated back to the time of Carlos’ nineteenth birthday. She read, “Dear Carlo