Erin McAfee

I was leaning back on my office chair while my eyes were closed when my cellphone rang.

I sighed and took my phone from the table.

Who could this annoying person be disrupting my much needed rest. I asked myself in irritation.

This week was so hectic, especially today. I had back to back meetings and it was driving me crazy. I even snapped at Chloe for scheduling my day like this. Thankfully, my supposedly last meeting for today got canceled and I was going to go home early.

I was only taking my time resting before I could head home but someone chose this time to call me.

Now, who is this...

When I looked at my phone and saw the name, I instantly smiled and the fatigue left my body. It's Zac and he was far from annoying. So, I am taking my words back.

Before answering, I composed myself.

"Hello?" Uh-oh... I sounded dry and tired.

"Erin? Are you okay?" I heard his concerned voice and it immediately made my heart beat faster and put a smile on my face.

"Yah, I'm fine... It's just that I'm tired. What's up, why did call?" I asked coolly.

"Oh. I'm actually outside your building. I would like to ask you if you want to have dinner with me?" I could actually imagine him flashing his boyish smile right now.

"Are you asking me out, Zachary?" I asked seriously but I knew very well what he's doing.

"Yes, my lady." He faked a british accent.

I chuckled and nodded.

"Alright. I'll see you in a minute." And with that, I hung up.

I quickly touched up my make up and fixed my stuff then put it all in my purse. After that, I went out of my office and told Chloe that I will be going home now so that if anyone asked or looked for me, she has something to tell them.

As I got inside the lift, I couldn't stopped smiling. It's actually been two weeks since we were 'going out' with each other. Sometimes, Zac would fetch me in the morning and we'll have breakfast together, or have lunch, and/or just like today, have dinner.

He and I agreed to take everything slowly. However, it didn't hinder us to lip lock, if it's anything, it actually intensified. Almost every minute we were making out. Be it in his car, on my sofa, in the lift, or just anywhere we felt the rush inside our bodies, as long as it's in private.

Reason being was that we avoid paparazzis. Being one of the most eligible bachelors in the country and a North, paps were always there to take pictures of him. To protect me and to avoid the news or rumors that could reach Olivia, we decided to keep this whatever's going on between us in private. We also want to tell to Olivia our relationship personally.

However, Zac was still not ready to tell his sister about us. Me, I was kinda okay now to tell her that Zac and I has feelings with each other but I guess two weeks is a bit early to reveal something this serious to anyone. So, why don't we just savor the moment.

As I exited the building, there I saw the man I've dreamt of having a relationship with, leaning his back onto his BMW M8 looking so devilishly hot. His necktie as well as his blazer was already taken off leaving him only in his white dress shirt that the first three buttons was unbuttoned and his sleeves was folded up to his elbow.

I mean, he looked so immaculately handsome even if he's leaning on his car waiting for me. Now tell me, how can your fatigue not be vanished in this kind of sight. Whew.

When he saw me exiting the building, he smiled widely at me and met me halfway. As usual, he snaked his arm around my waist ang gave me a quick forehead kiss to which I blushed hard.

I gave him my sweet smile then he intertwined his fingers with mine.

He opened the car door for me and I sat on the plush leather seat of his BMW. When he got in, he started the engine and revved our way to the road.

We were both sitting in comfortable silence, it's as if we've been doing this for a long long time now. Whatever's going on between us, even though we still didn't know where this leads us, I kinda liked it. I feel so complete, free, beautiful, and adored whenever I am with him. I just hope that we're like this til the end.

I was so caught up enjoying the moment when I felt his hand held my left hand. I looked at our entangled hands and raised both of my brows at him.

He smiled at me and brought our entwined hands on his lips and kissed the back of my hand and rested it on his lap.

"Rough day?" He asked after he noticed my confused look.

I took a deep breath and nodded.

"Back to back meetings. Thank God the last one got canceled or else I would've cut my head off." I whined a little and he chuckled.

"Please don't do that... You can call me whenever you're stressed out or what not. I can be your stress ball." He kissed my hand again and for the hundredth time this past two weeks, my heart pounded like it wants to get out of my body.

Oh dear Zac... Why do you have this effect on me?

"Thank you, Zac." I tightened my hold on to his hand, a gesture of gratefulness.

"So, where are we headed?" I asked noticing the sceneries changed, that means where heading outside the city.

"You'll see." He winked at me and proceeded to drive in one hand, the other still didn't let go of my hand.

After driving for a couple of hours, we arrived at a cabin sized restaurant that looks like it has already stood the test of time. It's cozy and you'll know that when you eat here, you'll be eating food that the recipe was past down through generations.

That was the look outside and it has given me this vibe already. I can't wait to see the inside and taste the food.

"This is a very old restaurant but I guarantee you that the food is quality grade." Zac immediately said while he's unbuckling his seatbelt.

I smiled at his in assurance and patted his arm.

"This looks good, and like it, I swear." He gave me wide boyish smile when I said that and he quickly gave me a peck on the lips.

"Let's go?" I asked him and he nodded.

We were hand in hand as we entered the restaurant. As expected, this is a family owned restaurant, you could see the family pictures hung on the wall when you enter. There were black and white photos, polaroid pictures, kodak developed pictures, and the last part was taken quite recently. It's like the whole family, from the first family who built this up until now, welcomes you to their house.

I was busy looking at those black and white photos when a middle aged woman appeared in front of us and greeted Zac happily.

"Zachary! What a surprise!" She hugged him and Zac kissed the crown of her head.

He knows her? How?

"I'm sorry, Edna for not giving you an apprise that I am coming here. It's kind of a spur in the moment." Zac replied and the woman chuckled.

"Son, no problem!!! With or without notice, you're welcome to come here." She caressed his arm in a motherly gesture and when she noticed me, she immediately lighted up.

"Oh, you came with a girl! Delightful!" She went to me immediately and hugged me excitedly. I awkwardly hugged Edna then I looked at Zac, he was smiling, his eyes were sparkling and displayed his free and carefree side.

"Oh where are my manners? I'm Edna Collins, I am the owner of this shabby little restaurant." She introduced herself.

I shook my head.

"If it's anything, this is a very cozy and relaxing restaurant. I'm Erin, by the way." Upon mentioning my name, her already sparkling eyes sparkled even more. It's as if she knew me.

"Oh." She looked at Zac, both of them were like having a silent conversation.

"Uhmm..." I mumbled suddenly and she returned her gaze at me again.

"Erin, my darling, you look so beautiful. Now, you two, I'm taking so much of your time... Come in, come in. Your table's already set." She gave my hand to Zac and he intertwined it with his immediately.

"I'm sorry if we're a little overdressed. We just got out from work." I apologized to her as we walked towards our table because right when I entered, all of the customers were in a casual clothes only us two were wearing office clothes.

"Oh, don't you worry, dear. They're already used to it because of Olivia, his sister. Whenever she comes here, she always looks like she'll be sitting on the front row of a fashion show." She chuckled and I smiled, classic Olivia.

"With that, everyone got used to it. So, don't worry Erin, you won't receive any weird stares in your direction." She looked behind me and gave me a warm smile.

We halted in front of a door and when Edna opened it, it lead us to the back of the restaurant where the you can view the ocean and the mountains. It looks so calming and relaxing.

It immediately put a smile on my face and I squeezed Zac's hand.

"It's beautiful." I commented in awe and Edna smiled proudly.

"That's why this is reserved only to the Norths. Anyway, I'll leave you two now, enjoy." She said and head inside.

Zac then pulled out the chair for me and I sat on it.

"I can't believe there's this place just outside the city. Oh my God. This is beautiful, Zac." I told him while still in awe.

"Still, nothing beats the beauty in front of me." I looked at him and he was staring at me. When I realized he's pertaining to me, I blushed hard.

"Shut up..." I said playfully and continued, "By the way, Edna seems to know the North family well."

"Oh. Yup. She's Lorna's sister." Zac informed me.

"What? Lorna as in Lorna in the manor? Is she?" I asked flabbergasted.

"Yup. One and only."

"Oh. So that means this is their family restaurant?" I asked

"Yes, babe. Mom and Lorna were friends in high school, when they both saw each other again after so many years, Lorna was still mourning because her dad had died leaving her and Edna Famiglia. Famiglia was in a brink of bankruptcy that time because of the loans their dad had acquired when he's rebuilding this because a typhoon wrecked it."

"Oh." I mumbled sadly and he continued.

"When mom knew about they're struggles, she offered to pay the debt and the renovation of this. At first both sisters refused but mom was adamant to pay for everything because according to her, Lorna's family helped her with her tuition in her senior year in highschool when grandpa have used all of their savings to pay for their debts to the loan sharks. You see, those scumbags wanted mom to be their payment but then of course grandpa didn't want that so he decided right away to pay them using the money that they had."

"Anyway, Lorna only agreed for mom to pay everything if mom will agree for Lorna to be of service in our family. Of course mom didn't agree but Lorna said it was the only way she can repay mom. And since then, Lorna made it a point to take care all of us, especially when mom died." He said sadly when he mentioned his mom passing away.

I held his hand to give him moral support and he gripped on it.

"So, since then, we became a regular here. In here, we can do whatever we want without anyone gawking at us because we're the Norths. Except of course when Livy would come here, she will still be dressed up. At first she received weird stares but then people here get accustomed at her so they don't make it a big deal anymore." He chuckled.

"You know your sister. She doesn't give a damn what other people think of her, as long as she's doing whatever she likes." I joined in to his laughter.

"Yeah, that's why it's a surprise that Niccolo can maintain her. He can manage her quite well and she listens to him." Zac commented and I nodded.

"They're perfect for each other." And then, a woman came to take our orders and I let Zac order everything.

All throughout the dinner we were chatting about our day and what not. As we were down to the dessert, the sun started setting. The mellow and beauteous yellow hue filled the brilliantly red and orange cloudless sky. It gives off tranquility and it adds to the gorgeousness of the scenic view in front of us.

It's funny how some people see this as depressing and sombre mood but for me, it's calming and radiant. It makes you feel grateful for the day that went by and hoping for a better day to come.

I sighed in contentment, then I felt Zac's arm around me. I looked st my side and he was now seated beside me enjoying also the wickedly glorious view in front of us. Then, before I could think of it, I leaned my head onto his shoulders and snuggled with it.

"This really is beautiful, Zac. Thank you for bringing me here." I told him and inhaled his vetiver scent that can calm me even without this view in front of us.

He caressed my hair and kissed thw crown of my head.

"You're worth bringing here, Erin." He said and I remembered something so I sat up and looked at him.

"You said to Edna awhile ago that it was a spur of the moment thing that you came here today. What did you mean by that?" I asked carefully.

"Oh that." He said and tucked a stray hair on my ear. "I actually booked us a dinner at Sala but seeing you so exhausted, I thought why not bring you here. Whenever I'm beat, exhausted, or just wanted to escape my responsibilities as a North, I come here to relax, to unwind, and to be free. That is what this view provide me, I hope this made you feel that way." He smiled and I couldn't help it anymore so I cupped his cheek and kissed him slowly.

At first he was surprised because never had I initiated the kiss, it was him always but now, I had the courage to kiss him. Blame it on the view, it makes everything so special.

"Thank you, Zac. Thank you." I smiled at him.

He snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me closer to him.

"Your welcome, baby." He kissed my cheek.

We were like that, enjoying the limited natural lit the red hues providing us before the darkness took over for the night.

I must say, this is the best sunset I've watched so far.

Merry Christmas!!!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
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xo,
kimmypatata