Chapter 3

I'm on my way to our farm today to bring lunch for my father and older brother. After my conversation with Jagger yesterday, I officially became his model. I'm so excited about this! But how does one even become a model? The internet connection in our village is weak, so we rarely get to browse online. Oh well! The important thing is I’ll be with the handsome outsider and, at the same time, earn a lot of money. He said he’d pay me $100 per hour to work with him. That’s a huge amount for me already, so of course, I accepted.

The problem is, I don’t know how to tell my father and brother because I know they won’t allow it. That’s why I talked to Lyka last night so she could cover for me. I also came up with an excuse for them.

When I arrived at the farm, I saw them sitting on a wooden bench under a large tree. My older sibling came over and helped me with the basket I was carrying. I took out the food and served it. I sat down and ate with them as well.

"Father, I took on a side job. After lunch, I’ll be heading there. The pay is good, and Lyka will be with me," I said.

"And what kind of job is this?" he asked.

"Well, it's kind of like being a tour guide. We’ll be accompanying the outsider and taking him to the beautiful spots in our area. Lyka and I met him by the river, and he seemed nice. It would be a waste to pass up this opportunity," I explained.

"I did hear that there’s an outsider in town. If Lyka is with you, then it’s fine," my brother said, and my kind father nodded in agreement.

"Just don’t stay out too late. Something might happen to you," he reminded us. I nodded and thanked them.

After we finished eating, I quickly went back home to change. I put on my favorite simple dress, applied some powder to my face, and put a little lipstick on my lips. I don’t have makeup, and I don’t even know how to use it. I grabbed my old cellphone and headed to the river.

When I saw Jagger waiting outside his tent, I waved at him. He had a hammock set up, and he was lying there comfortably. The joy on his face was evident when he saw me. He quickly got off the hammock and walked toward me, looking like he couldn’t believe I was really there. As for me, I was thrilled by his reaction. I barely slept last night thinking about him. I was so happy to see him again today.

"Hi! I thought you wouldn’t come back," he said, holding my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I accepted your offer, and besides, this is work, so of course, I’m here. I also got my father and brother’s permission, and they agreed. Let’s start walking already. The weather is nice and not too hot," I said.

"Okay, I’ll just get my camera."

I nodded as he went back inside his tent to grab a backpack. He also took out a bottle of water for us. He held my hand again as we started walking, and I let him. Honestly, I liked it. His hand was warm, a bit rough, and quite large. It made me curious if he was big... down there, too. As that thought crossed my mind, my eyes drifted to the noticeable bulge in his pants, and I bit my lip.

"So, where are we going?" he asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. Gosh! Why am I thinking this way? My mind is going places!

"We’ll follow the river. There’s a small waterfall upstream. Can you climb?" I asked.

"Of course! What’s the point of having muscles if I can't use them?" Jagger replied confidently.

I chuckled and tightened my grip on his hand.

And so, we walked uphill, stepping over large rocks until we heard the sound of rushing water. In the middle of the boulders was the small waterfall I had told him about. The water cascaded into a basin-shaped rock, forming a natural pool.

The water was a beautiful shade of blue, clear enough to see the bottom. The entire area was surrounded by towering, lush green trees. Jagger was in awe of the scenery. He set down his bag and took out his expensive camera, immediately snapping photos. I stood by the side and let him do his work. After a while, he stopped and turned to me.

"Babe, why are you hiding there? You're my model, and I need you here," he said, extending his hand toward me.

"O-okay… Do I look alright?" I stammered, suddenly feeling nervous. Did he just call me ‘babe’?!

"Of course! You're a natural beauty. Just move around normally. Don’t think about me being here. Just do what you’d normally do in this place," he reassured me.

I took a deep breath to calm myself. I glanced at him and imagined that he was my boyfriend and we were on a date. Wow! What a delusion!

I strolled across the rocks, dipped my feet into the cool water, laughed occasionally, smiled at the camera, and sometimes closed my eyes to savor the peaceful surroundings and fresh air.

We stayed there for hours, and by afternoon, I told him we needed to leave before nightfall. My father and brother would be furious if I got home late.

Back at his tent, he showed me the photos he took. I was amazed—it felt like I was looking at a different girl. Am I really this beautiful? My skin seemed to glow, and the sunlight made the pictures even more stunning. The waterfall, the water, the trees. It all looked like a different world!

"You're really good!" I told him in admiration.

He handed me a drink, which I gratefully accepted.

"I just have an amazing model. Aren't you tired, babe?" he asked, making me freeze.

There it was again... He called me babe! Oh my gosh! My hair is practically growing longer with all this flattery!

"Not really. I actually enjoyed spending time with you. I even imagined this was our first date. Sorry, I couldn’t help it," I admitted shyly.

He chuckled a bit before draping his arm around me and pulling me closer.

"Is that what you were thinking while I was taking your pictures?" he teased, and I shyly nodded.

"Well, you can think of it that way, Poppy. I was imagining I was with my girlfriend too," he said with a smirk.

I smacked his arm.

"Jagger, stop it! You're making me blush even more!" I whined.

He laughed heartily, then suddenly turned to face me. I blinked in surprise and instinctively licked my lips. His gaze dropped to my mouth, and he grinned.

"Just think of it this way. Every time we’re together, we’re on a date," he whispered, running his thumb over my lips.

"You have no idea how hard I'm trying to stop myself from kissing you," he added.

"Then don’t hold back… But I’ll warn you, I’m not good at kissing," I confessed. He smiled sweetly before leaning in and pressing his lips against mine.

"Well, I’m good at it, and I can teach you if you want," he murmured.

I bit my lip and gazed at him. I could tell he was serious.

"Jagger, isn’t this too fast? We only met yesterday," I hesitated.

"Babe, I can be your boyfriend first, and we can get to know each other while we're together. That way, we won’t have to pretend to impress each other," he said.

"You’re only here for a week, Jagger…"

He kissed the corner of my lips, making me gasp.

"You have a week to get to know me. And if you really like me, I’ll keep coming back for you. If it were up to me, I’d take you with me to the city," he said, making me smile as I cupped his cheek.

"Jagger, where’s my kiss?" I teased.

He chuckled, lifted my face, and kissed me deeply.

My phone suddenly rang, breaking the moment. It was my brother telling me to come home. I quickly said goodbye to Jagger, and before I left, he stole another kiss.

That night, as I lay on my bamboo bed, I couldn’t help but smile while touching my lips. I could still feel Jagger’s kiss lingering on me. My body burned with excitement, and as I whispered his name softly, I reached my peak. I drifted off to sleep, eagerly anticipating our next meeting.