Bright Fire

"I HAVE never tasted such delicious and expensive coffee in my whole life!" Marietta exclaimed as she finished her cup. The seven of them squeezed themselves in the kitchen counter as they watched her make brewed coffee.

Clara laughed in amusement.

"That's not really expensive, Marietta. But I'm glad you liked it."

"Do you still have one for me?"

Jeremy entered the kitchen in his black shirt and pajama. His hair was ruffled, and he did not bother washing his face first. "Good morning, Doc!" they greeted warmly.

"Good morning, guys!"

"Of course "

"No. Go make your coffee yourself," Fuego interrupted with a blank expression.

Jeremy chuckled as he went to Fuego and wrapped his arms around him.

"Happy Birthday, Boss. You should get married. You're getting old." Jeremy put his head on Fuego's shoulder and chuckled. Clara could not help cackling as she poured the last cup of coffee.

"I really saved it for you, Doc Jeremy."

"Thanks, Clara. You're so sweet." Jeremy took the cup with a wide smile. "If I were you, I'd marry her," he told Fuego and winked.

Doc Jeremy continued teasing Clara and Fuego.

"WHY DID you let them think that we are dating?" Clara asked as she put the cups on the sink.

Emerisa and the rest had left. They preferred cooking outside since the kitchen would be too small for them. Clara volunteered to wash the dishes.

"I think that was easier than explaining that we are just friends every single time. And you don't have to that. You're my guest." He glanced at the sink.

"Your helpers are busy, remember? Besides, I have very limited manpower back in my coffee shop. Multi-tasking is no stranger to me." She smiled as she opened the faucet.

Fuego drew a breath as he leaned beside her.

"So, what's your birthday wish?" she asked as she began to clean the cups with a sponge.

"I don't really make birthday wishes." Fuego rubbed his jaw thoughtfully.

Clara snorted. "Why not?"

He shrugged.

"I don't really know what I want. It's enough for me that I got what I need."

"Have you talked to your parents yet?"

"My mom called me at midnight to send her greetings," he replied with a boyish grin. "She always does that. And she understood whether I celebrate my birthday with them or not. Do you want to meet her?" "Can I?" Clara asked in surprise as she stared at him. "But what if she gets the wrong idea about us?"

"She won't. I can't lie to her, anyway."

Clara nodded and laughed.

"Have you washed dishes before?" she asked. "Care to help?"

"I can't remember the last time I did. But if you'd teach me..." Fuego stood behind her and grabbed her hands.

Clara could only freeze as the hair in her body stood up. Thank goodness, the sweater she wore hid it from Fuego. She wondered if she'd ever get used to being this near to him. "So, what do I do first?" he asked.

She cleared her throat and pursed her lips for a moment.

"Wow, I like that new style of flirting."

Clara jumped as Jeremy appeared in the kitchen again, carrying his empty cup.

"This isn't new. You're just outdated," Fuego retorted.

Clara forced herself not to laugh.

"Really?" Jeremy drawled, raising an eyebrow.

"I'll wash it for you," Clara said.

"We don't deserve you, Clara. Thank you. You're an angel."

But Fuego snatched the cup from him.

"You can disappear now."

Jeremy shrugged as he walked out of the kitchen.

CLARA went to the backyard while waiting for Fuego. He said he was getting something before they start their tour around his property.

She could not help a smile as she watched them laughed while cooking enthusiastically. She thought of her life back in the province. They did not have much then, but she was contented. Her eyes grew wide as Narsing put a pile of huge banana leaves on the long table.

"Is this what I think it is?" she asked in utter amusement.

"Every year, Sir Fuego would hold a boodle fight for his birthday instead of throwing a grand party," he said. "All of the workers on the farm are invited. Have you tried this before, Clara?"

"I have! Well, when I was a little younger. I used to live in the province with my parents. I never thought I would experience this again. This is very exciting!"

"Indeed," Narsing chuckled.

"Clara."

Clara turned around. Fuego was already standing behind her.

"Let's go?"

She nodded and ran to him.

"Will you, guys, be all right?" he asked his people.

"Of course, Sir! Go ahead with your date," Marietta teased.

Clara caught Emerisa giggling. She could only let out a nervous giggle.

"You guys are the best." Fuego winked as he took her hand.

"OH." Clara's eyes fixated on the beautiful chocolate-colored horse standing in front of the house. "Is that yours?" she asked, her eyes twinkling.

"Yes. This is Cocoa, a mare." Fuego stroked Cocoa's jaw.

"She's beautiful!"

"Have you ridden a horse before?"

She shook her head, giggling.

"But I've ridden a carabao before."

"Well, there's a first time for everything."

"W-wait." She grabbed Fuego's arm. "I'm scared."

"Don't be. Cocoa won't disappoint us. Come, I'll help you climb."

Fuego mounted Cocoa flawlessly. Clara could only watch him in awe. Then, he smiled as he extended his hand to her.

"Take my hand as you put your foot on the stirrup."

Clara swallowed as she did what she was told. She drew a breath as Fuego pulled her up. For the next moment, she was already sitting in front of him with her legs together, her body leaning against him. "Good girl," he said, smiling proudly at her. Fuego wrapped his arms around her waist as he held the rend tightly.

Clara's heart throbbed as she found their faces a few inches away from each other.

"Look in front, Miss."

Clara withdrew her gaze in embarrassment and gaped at the magnificent view in front of her. She could see more now that she was on top of Cocoa. "W-wow."

"Let's go, Cocoa."

The horse went down the hill and took a straight, rocky road. Clara loved the gentle caress of the wind on her face. It made her want to appreciate life more.

"I manage my parent's pineapple and poultry farm," he began. "Well, this isn't really my father's empire. He bought this property because my mother wanted a house on a hill as a retirement place. I was never interested in inheriting his business. My older brother and my nephew will be taking over, anyway. But my Mom pleaded that I look after this place while she takes care of my father." "You have a nephew?" Clara uttered in awe.

"Yes. He's just your age, actually. Then, I decided to put up an animal farm with Jeremy's help. Well, Jeremy manages the farm when he's not busy in his clinic." "You're so lucky," she remarked.

"Yes, 'lucky.' That's the word," Fuego said, chuckling. "I'm nothing without my father's fortune."

"That's not true. Let's just say you know how to propagate your father's fortune. Other people would just take it for granted. Fuego, I'm a fan."

The sound of Fuego's gorgeous, hearty laugh rang in Clara's ears.

"I did not expect you'd say that."

Clara poked his cheek jokingly.

"That's because I'm bad at lying."

CLARA put a hand just above her eyes as she tried to spot the end of the farm. It was vast. She could only imagine how many houses the land could hold.

"Do you want to see the end of the farm?" Fuego suggested. He was watching her with amusement, his arms folded across his chest.

"Next time," she replied at once. "I know that would take us time." She smiled sheepishly.

"Sir Fuego!"

They both turned to the middle-aged man who came rushing to them.

"Nanding."

"I did not expect you would come this early. What can I do for you?" The man Fuego called 'Nanding' flashed a bright smile. "You shouldn't have bothered. I was just giving Clara a tour and make sure everyone comes by at the mansion later."

"Oh, I see." Nanding shifted his gaze on Clara. "Good morning, Ma'am."

"Clara, this is Nanding. He is the caretaker of the farm. Nanding, this is Clara."

"Good morning," Clara nodded politely.

"I see that I have interrupted your date, Sir. I apologize."

Fuego chuckled.

"No big deal."

"I'll see you later then, Sir. Happy Birthday."

"Thank you."

Nanding smiled at Clara before turning his back.

"So, where do you make your delicious pineapple and egg pie?"

"Good question."

THEY WALKED their way outside the farm to a white and neat center, their hands laced together. There were a balcony and a small garden surrounded with tall trees, lovely orchids, and colorful plants. Fuego tried to turn the doorknob, but it was locked.

"They must be busy," he said and knocked.

The door opened, and a small petite woman wearing a hairnet appeared.

"Hey, handsome, good morning!" she greeted with a sweet smile. She was tan, and her age was hard to tell because she looked so youthful. "Oh." Her eyes widened the moment they laid on Clara. "This is..." she squealed. "Hi!" "H-hello," Clara said awkwardly.

"Lanie, this is Clara. Clara, this is Lanie, one of our workers here. Lanie, Clara wants to see how we make our pineapple and egg pies."

"Sure, but some other time maybe, Fuego?"

Fuego and Clara glanced at each other.

"Why not?" Fuego asked.

"We are busy making your birthday cake. But we really love to have a chat with Miss Clara. We wanted to know how she caught your elusive heart." Lanie beamed.

Clara bit her lip to suppress a smile.

"You couldn't ask for more, could you, Fuego?" Lanie teased.

"What are you talking about, Lanie?"

"Don't tell me she isn't the one."

"You know what? We're leaving." Fuego tugged Clara's hand.

"See you later, birthday boy!" Lanie waved, giggling. "You're pretty, Clara."

"Thank you," she said shyly.

Clara waved at Lanie before turning her back.

"SO, WHERE are we going next?" Clara asked as they rode Cocoa once again.

She thought they were going back to the mansion, but the horse took another path. Clara could see the estate and the tree where she watched the sunrise with Fuego this morning. They were headed to the woods.

"This is the way to the poultry and animal farm, but I'm going to show it to you next time. I did not want to tire you. Right now, I just want to take you to Cocoa's favorite place."

Clara glanced up and Fuego with a childish grin.

"I'd love that!"

Fuego chuckled in amusement.

Clara held her breath as they entered the woods. To her, the place was enchanting as she could not remember the last time she was this close to nature. And she could hear the sound of water not very far.

Her eyes widened as a shallow stream behind the rocks came into view.

Fuego got down safely and offered his hand at once. Clara took it and jumped in contained excitement. Cocoa sauntered to the stream quietly and began to drink.

"This place is just..." Clara sighed, "perfect." She rushed to the stream and bent her legs. The slight touch of the cold water on her hand made her jump and giggle. "Wow!" She looked over her shoulder and found Fuego staring at her in amusement, his hands folded across his chest. "I'm jealous."

He chuckled.

Clara squealed at the cold water once again but washed her face anyway until it was bearable. That was very refreshing, and she could not help herself.

"We can have a picnic here," she said. "I'm sure I would enjoy reading my book. We can have a barbecue party, too. Or camping. I've been to camps a couple of times back in high school. Maybe it's more fun this time." "Sure. We can do all that here. Name anything you want, and it is done."

"Thank you." Clara smiled shyly as she stood up and faced him. "Today is supposedly your birthday, but it was I who have been receiving nice things from you." She sprinkled water from her wet hand to his face.

Fuego frowned when it hit his face. Clara could not help giggling once again.

"I know a way that would make it more memorable," he said and sauntered toward her. Fuego bent his waist a little and unceremoniously splashed her with water.

"I'm never going to forget this for the rest of my life."

Clara gasped in surprised as the water hit her face.

"Whoa," she uttered in disbelief as she wiped her face. "Now that's truly unforgettable." She used her two hands and spattered back as revenge.

Fuego desperately retreated as he laughed heartily. When he saw that his shirt got wet, a grim expression crossed his face. Clara took a step back as her heart pounded. It looked like she won't like his revenge. She turned away with a grin and screamed as Fuego's strong arms caught her small frame.

She tried hard to break free, but it was no use. She found herself pinned against the rock and Fuego's arms on her either side.

Clara swallowed as she met his gaze. Fuego was breathing hard as he stared at her intently.

The playful atmosphere suddenly dissipated and was replaced by a tension that Clara did not feel toward any man before. His eyes fell on her slightly parted lips.

"Would you mind?" he asked in a low and husky voice.

Clara shook her head lightly.

Fuego held her chin and dipped his head, brushing his lips gently against hers. The hair at the back of her neck stood up at the sensation. It was new yet very familiar. It was warm yet making her shiver.

Clara caught Fuego's shirt and pulled him, urging him to kiss her deeper.