18 Kissing

July 7, 20xx

Paris, France

Inside the elevator, Yan Shi was in deep contemplation. Perhaps her friend was right. That her reluctance on trying new relationship stems out from the thought of getting hurt and ending up like her mother.It is possible that by witnessing her mother struggle with heartbreak at an early age, these fears sprung. Hence, she was now convinced that she'd never really loved her ex.What probably compelled her to agree to go out was her desire to have a family.

But then again, if she's going to give herself a chance to enjoy what life has to offer without worrying of the future, will she find happiness?

If yes, why not give it a shot?

Like the woman had said "Life is too short to be dwelling with uncertainty."

A minute later, she came to a decision.

****

When she entered the apartment, a figure was sitting in the dark. The only light that illuminates the room was coming from the laptop in front of him.His piercing dark brown eyes only landed on her when she spoke, "We need to talk." before switching on the lights.

Momentarily blinded with the sudden brightness of the room, he lifted his arm for cover.

When his eyes got adjusted, he watched her saunter to his direction, making that bumpy front move lightly and the mid thigh length floral dress displayed two shapely legs. Not wanting to be accused of being a pervert again, he directed his sight to her face that's framed with long brownish hair. This time, it was coiffed up with a messy bun and a tendril of hair fell on the sides, giving her that lazy which was in contrast to her rich ruby painted lips, appearing seductive and inviting to be kissed.

He put aside what was on his lap and stood, walking towards her.

For reasons she's uncertain of, she halted and stood rooted to where she was, watching his tall frame approach her. The smile plastered on his face gave out dubious vibe that caused her dauntlessness to waver. Her immediate reaction was to move back in small steps, distancing herself to the narrowing space.Only to realize it was a mistake the moment her back touched the wall.

When there was no longer room for retreat, the upward arc on his face grew wider as he placed his palms on the wall behind, enclosing her.

"Wh--what are you doing?" her voice raised a tad higher but there it was not enough to conceal her nervousness that started seeping in with the intensity of his gaze.

'What's wrong with me?' she asked herself. She was always unfazed in the operating room but this 6 foot man managed to make her always feel anxious and flustered.

Watching the slight blush on her face, he was drawn to remove her black rimmed glasses and lift that few strands of hair hanging on the side before tucking it behind her earlobe. Now, her almond shaped hazel eyes appeared grayish, giving a sparkly yet enticing look.

The compulsion in his brain to touch her now was getting stronger every second, weakening that ounce of self-control left in him.

The slight touch of his finger on her skin made her shiver and leaned back for support.

She heard soft slapping sound of something on the skin which prompted her to direct her beautiful eyes to where it was coming from. Long, thin red marks marred his skin with the repeated whacking of rubber band on his wrist, sent tingling pain in her heart. At the same time, a conjecture formed in her mind.

Unlike to what's being portrayed on tv, the classic rubber band technique is not really a treatment but a method that will help curb away anxiety attacks, unwanted thoughts or any compulsion that needed to be stopped.

Looking at his pained expression, something inside her stirred that threw her cautions in the wind.

Before he realized, her warm lips caressed his as she snaked her arms over his neck.

His initial reaction was to curse but the sweet taste of her lips has drown all the words. In response, his right hand cupped the back of her head and kissed her properly as the woman's was very sloppy.

Twining his fingers in her hair, his mouth demanded more to satiate that parched feeling ripping inside him.

Yan Shi uttered a sound of displeasure when he bit her lip. He took advantage of the distraction and delve his tongue deeper making her dizzy and legs wobbled in weakness. The next second, he placed one arm on her waist to support her weakened state and pushed her to him. The softness of her front brought out his raspy groans mingling with hers.

The gentle kisses became possessive and deep as desires scorched in his body, making him hungrier and wanting more. Her unsteady panting impelled him to release her and they both breathed in and out to catch their breathing.

'Wow. What a kiss.' Yan Shi thought when she was stable enough to stand on her own.

"Want more?" his magnetic voice sounded to her ears.

Realizing what just happened now, she blushed with her impulsiveness.

Masking it with a dissatisfied face, she distanced herself to him.

**

Half a beat later, she was standing by the window, watching the different hues of light that cast light upon Paris.

She was mulling over her decision to give herself the opportunity to find love.

'Is it the right thing to do?'

In the end, the lure of finding happiness won over.

"Let's start from the beginning." she opened.

She is married to a stranger. If she's going to make the best out of these three weeks, then knowing each other is important.

"How do you propose that?" he queried, coming to her side.

She turned to face him and extended her hand "Blythe Ricci, 24. Jobless, Future designer"

An amused expression became evident when he followed her way of introduction.

"Nicholas Li, 28, CEO, father to-be of your children" and held the softness of her delicate hand.

The woman rolled her eyes in reaction to the last phrase.

Ignoring him, she went inside the bedroom to take out the agreement they signed in his office.

Seeing her appear with that piece of paper, the broad smile on his face disappeared.

Groaning to himself, why did he forget to burn her copy like he intended yesterday.

Yan Shi noticed the changing demeanor, from gladness to annoyance, then back when she tore it off.

"We will keep the original intention. I'll go as your wife and meet your family. At the same time, let's use this three weeks to get to know each other and discover if we are really meant to be. If not, we'll go separate ways as originally agreed on."

'Disagree.' that's what crossed his mind.Yet, he nodded in agreement.

Settling to concede, it's the next best thing rather than her outright rejection of him.With this, he needs to exert effort on making her fall hard that she'll never be able to leave.

The wife who's completely unaware took a pen and started drafting a new one.

=============================

AGREEMENT

Definition of Relationship:Husband and wife

Involved Party/ies:

Party A:Nicholas Li

Party B:Blythe Ricci

Validity of contract : July 8 - July 29, 20xx

Both parties agree on:

1. No sex or any other form of physical intimacy without the other party's permission.

***Kissing and Hugging are allowed everyday

2. No sleeping on the same bed.

3. No mentioning of the word love.

4. No cheating

Penalty/ies:

#1— First Offense : Reduction of 1 day on the contract's validity

Second Offense : Failure to heed the warning will result to divorce

#2— Reduction of 1 day on the contract's validity

# 3-4—Immediate dissolution of marriage

The decision to divorce will be discussed at the end of the contract.

=============================

The new contract burst his bubbles.

"No Physical intimacy? Aren't we married?"

"Who says marriage equate to sex?" she questioned with one brow rising.

The man's mouth uttered "Me."

Her glowering eyes looked up on her and spoke in irritation "What should we do? I believe the opposite. If not, let's proceed on divorcing then. You still have a few days to find a new wife."

The words conveyed a repugnant taste to the ears. If it would have been other people speak to him in irritated voice, his temper would have exploded already.

However, the person telling him is his wife.Hence, it never even angered him.

He realized one thing now, in the battle of witticism, he might never be able to win against her. On the surface, she seemed to be silent but if she opens her mouth, it's a different story.

Resigned, he looked down on the paper and inquired seconds later"How about kissing? Hugging? I need to convince my family I am married to thwart my father's plans. How will they believe in my marriage?"

Sighing, she nodded. He has a point.

"Alright. Let's note it down on Clause 1. Kissing and hugging are allowed." she acquiesced while she picked her ringing phone.

He immediately took the pen and drew an asterisk before adding the sentence.

All of a sudden, a glimmer of mischief emerged on his eyes uponcatching a glimpse of her signature at the bottom.

With the evil grin showing up on his face, he added 'everyday' to what he wrote.

It now reads:Kissing and hugging are allowed everyday.

Oblivious of the man's actions, Yan Shi answered her phone.

It was a woman who identified herself as the event organizer for WDN Designing Competition. She was calling to remind her to check her email for the first task from the judges and its deadline.

After a short conversation, she returned to find the man lazily reclining on the sofa.

When he saw her, he pulled his wife on his lap.

And without delay, he captured her lips that caught Yan Shi off guard. But her reflexes dictated her to push him in return and stood a few steps away from him.

She asked "What are you doing?"

Her anger flared the moment he smiled.

Her mouth immediately uttered the words "Violation of Clause 1. Minus one day."

"What penalty? The contract is applicable tomorrow, wife."

******************

Extra scene:

YS: (Looking at TC's sinister smile) What are you cooking up again?

TC: I was thinking of a new idea.

YS: (curious) What idea?

TC: (whisper) To change the ML.

YS: (leaned and did the same) I like that. Don't give me a pervert.

LJ: (bending to the two and spoke like it was a very important secret) I heard that.