Erin McAfee

“Good evening.” Zac politely greeted me and smiled.

As always, the butterflies in my stomach were in chaos when he smiled at me.

Goodness, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of seeing that beautiful yet dangerous smile. The smile that makes you giddy and blush, like I am now.

I heard him took a deep breath and when I looked at him, he’s staring at me intensely. I couldn’t read him but it makes my heart thud even more. Oh geez, this kind of stare will make you blush without realizing it.

As I realized that I may be blushing hard and making myself a fool in front of him, I cleared my throat lightly and smiled sweetly.

“Good evening, Zac. I’m sorry if Olivia forced you to accompany me tonight.” I apologized at him sincerely.

He’s a very busy man, so being forced to be my date tonight instead of having a good night sleep is making me feel bad for him.

“It’s okay, Erin. So, let’s go?” he asked.

I nodded, and I closed my door. He walked first while I followed him towards the lift. I took a couple of deep breaths to calm my nerves down.

As we went to the front of my apartment building, I immediately saw Phil, his personal driver and bodyguard standing by the Rolls Royce waiting for us.

Phil then immediately went to open the door for us to get in. When he made sure that we're already settled on the plush seat of the luxury vehicle, he started navigating the road.

Awkward silence quickly filled in the whole car ride. I was playing with my fingers while the devilish handsome man beside me was busy typing on his phone while leaning back on the leather seat.

You can clearly see that he’s exhausted. Which made me feel bad for him even more. That's why I decided to speak.

“Uhmm, Zac, you know, I’m really really sorry for tonight. I told Olivia that I am fine being alone, she shouldn’t have forced you to accompany me when you should be resting tonight. I’m so sorry.” I looked at him and apologized, I made sure that it reflected my eyes.

He looked at me and put his phone in the pocket of his blazer.

“I told you, it’s okay Erin. No need to apologize.” He smiled again.

“I’m actually glad I am your date tonight.” He mumbled.

I looked at him confuse because I didn’t hear what he had said.

“I’m sorry, you said something?” I asked confusedly because I didn’t know if he said something or just a product of my paranoia.

“I didn’t.” he shook his head and continued. “By the way, Olivia said that I needed to be by your side for the whole night. I should not leave you out of my sight, meaning, you should be on my side for the whole night.” He explained.

I raised my brows at him for I couldn’t believed what he just said. Ugh, Olivia, why are you making my night so uncomfortable? I thought to myself and sighed.

“Zac, Livy’s not there, so it’s fine if you don’t follow her instructions. Actually, it’s fine by me if you will mingle around and leave me, I can just sit somewhere else.” I said to him but he just sighed.

He was going to say something, but Phil beat him to it by knocking lightly at the partition then rolled it down slightly, enough for him to notify us that we are entering the venue.

“Ms. McAfee and Mr. North, we are here now.” He said politely yet emotionless. Then we came to a halt, I saw Phil went out of the car then opened the car door for us.

Zac was the first one to step down the car and was welcomed by the camera shutters, I then took a deep breath before stepping down but before I can exhale, a hand appeared in front of me. I did not have to look up to know who it was, so I slowly and hesitantly placed my hand on the edge of his hand, enough to acknowledge his act.

But Zac clasped his hand to mine then assisted me in getting out. Once I got out, he unclasped my hand and it made me a little sad though, because even though I was dying inside because of his gentle touch, it doesn’t mean I didn’t like it. In fact, I more than like it, I dreamt of holding his hand, you know.

As I was busy thinking about that, I jumped a little when I felt an arm snaked around my waist. I looked at the man beside me and he’s looking at me smiling and urging me to pose for the cameras. I gulped discreetly and looked in front then smiled even though I wanted to bury my face from all the people in front of me for I am sure as hell that I am beetroot red because of our very close proximity.

That short amount of time, I couldn’t think of anything other than the heat emitting from his hand as well as the whole right side of his body beside me. This was the second time we had this kind of skin ship, the first one was when I was in third year college.

It was the night of Olivia’s birthday, she held a mini party at her apartment when Zac came suddenly, surprising his sister. Of course, a lot of college girls threw themselves to him when they saw him and knew that he was Olivia’s brother.

He was kinda irritated that night and was not in the mood to flirt with someone because he came there to greet his little sister since she’s so adamant to not celebrate her birthday with him and her dad.

So, he asked for my help to block all the girls that’s flirting with him by pretending that I was his girlfriend. Of course, I didn’t agree at first because I know that I will be craving more once I feed my imaginations.

However, one girl was so into him and desperate to get his attention, she even followed him in Olivia’s bedroom, because apparently, he didn’t want to pee at the powder room because he was grossed out thinking that a lot of people were using it at that time.

So, he asked Olivia for her bedroom keys and she told him that I was the one handling it because among us three, I am the reliable one.

So, I ended up accompanying him to Olivia’s room, as I was unlocking the door, the desperate woman suddenly appeared behind us and asked us what we will be doing at Olivia’s room. Then Zac replied that it’s none of her business because we are dating.

I was so shocked that time that I didn’t hear what the woman said, the only thing that I can remember was Zachary snaked an arm around my waist then pulled me close to him. As if I wasn’t shocked enough, his lips pecked mine, it lingered for awhile until we heard the woman stomped her way out.

My eyes were as wide as the saucers that time and I stayed rooted at my place. He took a glance behind him while he’s still holding my left cheek. When he was sure that the woman was gone, he took two huge steps back from me and apologized for what he had done.

I just nodded at him and told him to lock the door once he was done then quickly scoot, after that, I never saw him that night.

It took me weeks to get over the kiss. It kept repeating in my head whenever I close my eyes or touch my lips. I tried to forget about it, but I couldn’t. I mean, how can I forget that kiss when it was my first kiss and to top it all up, was taken by my crush.

I was taken back in the present when Zac suddenly spoke.

"Are you alright?" He asked me while I couldn't believe that we were already inside the ballroom. Geez, I zoned out again.

"Of course." I answered him and got a little startled when I faced him because his face was so near mine.

I got lost in his deep blue hypnotizing eyes. It's as if he's trying to tell me something but I couldn't decipher what it is. Maybe I was just overanalyzing things and my writer persona was just in the mood to imagine things.

When I realized that, I cleared my throat and quickly got out from his hold.

"I'm fine now, Zac. You may go around and mi---" I was at a lost of words when he pulled me by my waist and held me tight.

"I told you, I won't leave you." He said sternly and whispered something that kinda resonates 'especially when you looked like this.'

I didn't gave it much thought because I know that the great Zachary North won't say those words to me.

"But..."

"No buts. I promised amd gave my word to my sister, remember?" He reminded me and that's when my hopes went down the drain.

What did I think? That he's acting possessive tonight because I looked beautiful? Ugh, I shouldn't have thought of things like that, I know the type of woman he likes, the supermodel type. And I am far from that, but I am not saying that I am ugly or whatsoever. I just meant that I did not meet his standard.

I mean, I am not the flirty and touchy kind of woman. A lot of men tries to flirt with me, actually, but I always turn them down. Basically because I know that they're just doing it because they wanted to get inside my pants and I was not stupid enough to let them because that's how I value myself.

But don't get me wrong, I've had a boyfriend once, his name's Travis, and that's when we were in senior year in college. Our relationship lasted for about eight months until I decided to end it because he wanted more from me, like having sex and wanting me to say back that I love him.

I couldn't do and say those because I actually didn't feel anything about him and I wasn't ready to give him my virginity that time. No, I wasn't planning to lose it in my wedding night like Olivia's plan, but I never see someone worthy to be my first.

Unlike this man beside me who can easily do it with someone he just had eye contact with. Just like his sister, Zac is also pretty well known because he's a North and one of the eligible bachelors in the country, which makes him the target of all women.

A lot women were falling in line just to either have a one night stand with him or to make him fall in love with them. I admit, years ago, I was one of the women who was waiting in line but since the night that he kissed me in Olivia's birthday party and saw the very next day an article published about him and a supermodel entering a hotel.

That's when I decided to remove myself from the line because I know that he will never see me more than his sister's best friend. However, it didn't hinder me to still have feelings with him but the hope that we will end up together has already vanished since I saw that article.

"Erin, I am glad that you came tonight." I heard my sister Ylona's voice from my left.

"Hi, Yna. I told you, I will come, right. Hey, Brad." I greeted the couple and gave them a hug.

"Yeah but we didn't know if you will REALLY attend tonight." She replied and released me from our hug then caressed her big pregnant belly.

"Hello, Zachary. Long time no see, huh." She gave Zac a brief hug and he chuckled lightly when she released him.

"Hello, Yna and Brad, it's been a while." He replied and gave my brother-in-law a man hug.

Being best friends with Olivia, our families became naturally close with each other, well because Anthony North, Olivia and Zac's dad, had a joint venture with my dad, Rance McAfee, way back when we were still in highschool when they learned that both of their daughters were best friends.

"I thought Jowee or Olivia will be your date tonight?" My sister asked, mischief was evident in her eyes. She knew that I had a crush on Zac when I was young.

"Both of them are busy tonight." I said simply to avoid the teasing gleam in my sister's eyes.

"Oh. And you're not busy tonight, Zachary?" She transferred her sight to the man beside me and I rolled my eyes to Brad.

"Yup, I'm free tonight." He replied briefly and smiled at my sister.

"Where's mom and dad?" I diverted her to the safest subject I can think of.

"Somewhere." She said and linked her arm to Brad. I communicated with him through my eyes to control my sister. He then got the message immediately so before my sister can say anything, he butted in by telling her that she needs to sit and tale a rest.

Thankfully, my sister agreed and let her husband take her away from us.

I sighed and looked at Zac apologetically.

"I'm so sorry. You know how Yna is." I apologized. He gave me a boyish grin then snaked his arm around my waist again. I sucked in deep breath when he did that again because tonight was the first time he ever held me, especially this close.

"Let's go see and greet your parents." He suggested and I just nodded.

What can I say? I was too speechless to say anything. My mind was focusing on the heat that he's emitting that's being transferred to me.

My whole night was a mixture of irate and sucking of breath because of him. For the former, I was so annoyed because he never let me go, he made sure that I was by his side the whole night, the only thing that was lacking was a leash around my neck. While for the latter, his touches were like gases that ignites the fire within me.

And that was the reason why I had to get away from him. I need to breathe, clear my mind to get back to my senses. Or else I will lose all my control and just kiss him, which by the way, I did not do because thank God, my mom asked for my assistance in fixing her dress.

Apparently my five year old nephew Dean, Tyra's second child, accidentally spilled a little of his chocolate drink at my mom.

Then, when I came back, the event started. Nothing much happened throughout the whole event though.

As we were on our way to my apartment, I saw Dudley's 24/7 Diner. It was my best friends and I favorite diner, their cheeseburger is my ultimate favorite! It's juicy and delicious, it knocks out the fancy and expensive cheeseburgers out there.

Ugh, I am salivating right now, just by thinking about it.

"You want?" I heard Zac spoke and I faced him.

"Huh?" I was confused as to what he was asking.

"Cheeseburger, do you want some?" He asked and my eyes widened. How did he know?

"You were practically daydreaming about eating it while staring at the diner." He explained and I was a bit embarrassed when he caught me dreaming about it so I just smiled at him.

Oh my God, stop embarrassing yourself, Erin.

"Let's get some, I am craving for a cheeseburger also." He said and rolled down the partition.

"Take a u-turn and pull over to the diner." He ordered Phil then he nodded stiffly.

I looked at Zac in disbelief because I couldn't believe that he's willing to eat cheeseburger with me in the middle of the night.

"What?" He asked when he saw my shocked expression.

"D-do you eat at these kinds of diner? I mean it's not the cleanest and healthiest food out there. Also, there's a lot of low-lives walking in that diner at this time of the night. We can be an easy target for them. I mean if---"

"Who says we're dining in?" He asked, more like stated and I raised my brows not knowing what was on his mind.

"We'll order though drive thru and eat inside the car." He smiled boyishly at me. Oh those smiles, I rarely see him smile like that, and that's when only he's around his family and friends.

As we got our orders, I tried giving him my money for my payment but he just shook his head telling me that he got it already. However, I insisted on paying my orders because I didn't want to trouble him further as he already wasted his evening to accompany me in the gala as well as to eating cheeseburger inside his car.

"So you do not remember." I heard him said those words before he took a bite.

"Hmm?" I mumbled while munching.

He raised his brows at me then shook his head and smirked.

What was he pertaining, of me not remembering anything? Anyway, I'll think about it later after I finished this burger.

"Oh, uhmm, Zac?" I called him after I finishedy birger when I remembered something.

He looked at me and my stomach churned when he gave me his undivided attention. My God, his eyes, those blue orbs can really knock out your breath.

"Can you please tone down the workload of Olivia? I mean, I know you were tasked to train her but can you please not pressure her? I know she's excelling in her work especially now, word went around the business world that she's not dumb like what they perceived her to be. But please give her ample time to breathe. She's not in a good position right now because of her arrangement with Niccolo. So please, kindly give her a little less workload."

I explained to him because these past few months, her sister was in a lot of stress because of work and Niccolo. Jowee and I tried to cheer her up by asking her to go clubbing, have lunch or dinner, or have sleepovers. But because of her workload, she couldn't hang out with us, it's either she's too busy or tired to spend time with us.

"Please support her and be there with her. You know how she is." I added and he chuckled then nodded.

As we arrived at my apartment building, Zac insisted to walk me to my apartment. When we were near my door, I turned around and smiled at him.

"Thank you for tonight." I thanked him and opened my door.

But before I can enter, he pulled me by my arm and hugged me for like 3 Mississippis then released me.

I bet I was so red that time. Why the hell did he hug me? Oh my God.

"Thank you for your concern about Olivia." He said and smiled then walked towards the lift.

Ugh, I jumped into conclusion again, he hugged me because of Olivia, not because of me. Get a grip, Erin, he will never notice you. I scolded myself and entered.

But, why did it feel like deja vu?

Weird, but it felt so good.

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Kimmypatata