"MOVIE"

After attending the church service, Marius invited me to the mall. We decided to have coffee at a nearby coffee shop, where our conversation took a delightful turn.

"Why didn't we have coffee at your coffee shop?" he asked me.

At that moment, I was enjoying the bibingka I had ordered, along with the black coffee in my cup. I shrugged my shoulders and took a sip of coffee before answering Marius's question.

"I just didn't want our employees to think we were on a store visit," I replied. "And besides, I wanted to taste their coffee and bibingka here, to get an idea of how we can compete with them," I added, intentionally lowering my voice so that no one else could hear.

Marius laughed at my statement, and I must say, he became even more attractive in my eyes. Although it wasn't the first time I had heard his laughter, it always sounded like music to my ears.

"You really are a businesswoman," he replied, his eyes sparkling with amusement before he picked up his cup of coffee to take a sip.

"And a chef," I replied, giving him a sly glance.

After saying that, I quickly noticed a change in Marius's emotions. Even his seemingly small lips came alive with a flicker of fire, playing there.

I cannot deny the unusual warmth that swept through my body. I knew it was the effect of the intense gaze of the man in front of me.

"So, after this, where are we heading? Are we going home?" I asked, trying to avoid his gaze by focusing on the food in front of me.

"How about a movie?" he suggested.

At that point, I immediately looked up and locked eyes with him. "Really?" I asked, raising an eyebrow but still smiling.

"Hold on, seems like you're thinking of something else," Marius defensively replied, chuckling softly.

"Am I wrong?" I inquired, not changing my tone, suspicious even though a smile remained on my lips.

"Yes, because I'm not thinking anything like that," he answered.

Of course, I didn't believe what he said. "You know I don't believe you when you say that, right?" I said.

Marius nodded. "So, why did you say it? I mean, you still said it wasn't what you were thinking to convince me, even though you know I don't believe that you're not imagining something sexy and steamy that could happen between us inside the movie theater?" I asked him again.

"Because I want you to believe what I'm saying," Marius replied, and I nodded in response.

"I know you don't believe me, and I need to admit to you that it's indeed what I'm thinking," Marius confessed, and his emotions quickly reflected in his eyes. It affected me deeply.

I swallowed hard, trying to suppress the loud thumping of my heart. Of course, I made sure not to let that show to Marius. I managed to maintain my composure.

"At last, you admitted it," I replied, following my statement with a soft laugh.

"That's normal, Sam. Especially because I want to be your girlfriend. And the first thing I'll do once you say yes is kiss you," Marius responded, straightforward and unapologetic, causing me to gasp.

"But I can't do that to you later. And that's what you should believe because that's the truth," Marius explained.

At Marius's words, I couldn't help but smile. So, in the end, I agreed with what he wanted to happen.

Initially, I couldn't focus on the movie. I subtly observed Marius's movements, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit to myself that I wanted to experience his kiss. He wouldn't be my first kiss, as I've had other boyfriends before. However, the attraction I felt for Marius was on a different level, something I couldn't explain or understand fully. It brought forth a desire I couldn't put into words.

But nothing of that sort happened. We only held hands, and when he sensed that I was feeling cold, he wrapped his arms around me. I didn't refuse his gesture. In truth, I thoroughly enjoyed it, as it brought unique happiness and excitement to my heart. When he gently rested my head on his shoulder, I followed along without hesitation. So, eventually, Marius and I remained in that position until the movie ended.

"Did you enjoy it?" he asked me as we walked hand in hand through the dimly lit theater lobby. We were on our way out.

"Yeah, actually," I answered truthfully.

Actually, during the movie, it was just okay. Because what I truly enjoyed was the cozy arm around me and the hand-holding that happened between Marius and me.

"Do you want to have lunch at my place? I'll cook for you," he offered.

His proposal made me think. Should I accept or decline? Truth be told, despite having had several boyfriends back in London, I still hadn't given away my virginity. If I agree to Marius's invitation, it would be the first time I'd go to a man's house.

"Why? Do you think I will take advantage of you?" he asked with a gentle tone.

I then looked up at Marius. I saw him smiling, and at that moment, our eyes met.

"Isn't that what you're thinking right now?" I asked him.

At this point, I could tell that concern was evident on my face. It's not that I didn't trust Marius, but I couldn't help feeling more apprehensive after he openly admitted to being a playboy.

Marius stopped walking and faced me, not content with just that. He held both of my hands and looked straight into my eyes.

"You can trust me, Sam," he said.

Not only did I read sincerity in his eyes, but I also felt it in my heart. And being the kind of person who listens to her instincts, I nodded with a smile.

"Alright," I replied.

With just that simple affirmation, I witnessed Marius's smile widen. It was evident that he was incredibly happy with my consent. I didn't know what it was about his reaction, but it seemed as if his emotions were injected into me, and I couldn't help but catch his contagious happiness.

We continued walking hand in hand, feeling light on our feet. We were already in a well-lit area when Marius let go of my hand and wrapped his arm around me. It was then that he told me we needed to stop by the supermarket to do some grocery shopping.

"Really? You'll cook for me?" I asked with a smile.

I felt giddy inside, but I didn't let it show to him again.

"Of course," he replied, pulling a shopping cart as we entered the supermarket. "I know you're a chef, but I still want to prove and show you that I can fill you not just with my love but also with the dishes I can prepare for you," he added, playfully winking at me.

I didn't say anything. Truth be told, I was getting even more thrilled by what Marius said and did. My face turned slightly red, and I looked down to hide it from him, although I knew he could see my blushing. In my mind, I acknowledged and admitted that if he continued to be this way, it wouldn't be long before I give my answer to him.