Erin McAfee

Today will be a very good day.

I said to myself cheerfully after I'd gotten ready to for the day. Actually, for the past six months and a half, that's what I always tell to myself to condition my brain and mood. I believe starting the day in a positive way will make your day bearable and happier.

True enough though, I rarely had gotten a bad day here in The Netherlands.

When I called my sister Tyra six and a half months ago to tell her about my situation and wanting to get away from there, she offered me to stay in their house in Amsterdam. of course I agreed because firstly, I needed to get away from New York ASAP and secondly, I love The Netherlands, it's a beautiful and vibrant country --- a perfect place to clear your mind and soul.

But I moved here in Scheveningen a month ago because my friend Dean, one of the three friends I made in Amsterdam, told me to experience it's wide sandy beach, the refreshing sea air, unique sights, fun attractions and beautiful museums. With that, I did not hesitate and agreed, also he was kind enough to let me use his family old vintage house for as long as I wanted. At first I refused but he said that no one uses it since he moved in the city and his parents were already dead.

I'm glad I agreed though because his family house was located near the pier where it displays a very beautiful scenery anytime of the day, especially the golden hour. That's why I made it a habit to come home everyday to go to the pier or just look outside my window to witness the spectacular close of the day.

I don't know why but sunsets make me calm, it gives me serenity and inner peace. Unfortunately, back home, I rarely witness sundowns as I was busy with my work. However, one of my fondest memory of experiencing this magical sunset was when Zac brought me to Famiglia, where Edna, Lorna's sister, runs the place.

That was the day I was so exhausted and beat from all my workload so, Zac canceled his reservation at some restaurant and brought me to Famiglia instead. He said that whenever he wanted to escape all his responsibilities, he will go there to unwind and be one with the locals.

Which was true though, just by looking at the exterior of the place gives you tranquility. Also, add the fact that you are with the person you love the most. It's a complete--- wait a minute, why was I thinking about it?

Damn it! I'm breaking the most important rule I set for myself when I decided to get away from home, to not think about Zac or any memories related to him. Ugh! Seriously though?

I shook my head ferociously to clear my mind and when I opened my eyes, my bike was about to collide with the bench but I immediately steered right and hit something or someone with my bike.

I suppressed the collision to the person and forced my bike to hit the bush so that he won't receive the full impact and just grazed the bike handles to him, however, by doing that, I fell hard for my bike's sadle because of the impact.

I quickly stood up but the pain in my right foot forced me to kneel on the sand and picked up the books I just borrowed from the library while apologising to the man. I swear I was kinda scared to face him because I know he'll start to shout at me because of what I had done. So, Imagine when I heard him say that it was okay and even helped me pick up one of of my books.

I looked at him and I froze.

Never had I thought nor imagined that I will be seeing the familiar blue eyes that could make my insides melt and make me nervous in anticipation.

Just like right now, when he hugged me. Oh dear Lord, please tell me I was only dreaming, please wake me up from this dream, I don't want to feel these things again. Pleaseeee...

But when he said that he missed me and felt the pain in my right foot, that made me realized that this wasn't a dream but the reality! That Zachary North is here hugging me. Which made me realized that he didn't honor his promise to not let me be followed but he told me that he was here for a meeting.

Yeah right, hold a meeting at a vacation spot not in a city.

I tried getting away from him but my right foot gave out and he immediately knew that I sprained it. And what did you know, he used this as his opportunity to talk to me and even forced me to tell him where I live so he could "treat" me.

What an annoying jerk!

Now here I am, sitting on Dean's couch while the annoying jerk scours for the bandage that I too didn't know where.

"Seriously, you need to get out now. Don't make me repeat it again." I said in exasperation.

"I told you, I won't leave unless I made sure that you're already okay and treated." he said in muffled voice as he was still looking at each cupboard in the kitchen.

"I'm fucking fine now. GET the FUCK OUT!" I screamed not too loudly, enough for him to know that I am livid. I leaned my head on the couch and sighed.

"Don't you have first aid kit here in your house?" he appeared beside me while his hands were both on his hips. For a brief time, he had managed to roll up the sleeves of his dress shirt and even had the nerve to unbutton the top two buttons. UGH!!!! Damn it! He looks like a drea--- NO!!! HE DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT!

STOP IT, ERIN! STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT!

"That's because I don't have one! Now get the fuck out!" I glared at him.

He didn't even move nor flinch, he just took out his phone, dialled Phil's number, and ordered him to buy two first aid kits.

Seriously? Who the fuck did he think he is?

It irritated me to the core that's why I mustered up my strength to stand up and push him with all my might, to which he didn't expect that's why when he stumbled and fell down, he took me with him and landed on the carpeted wood floor of the house.

I closed my eyes for the impact but all I felt was his hard body underneath me and the sexy smell of his manly vetiver scent I've been missi... I mean detesting since he hugged me awhile ago. I looked at him when he groaned, his eyes were close and you can clearly see the discomfort in his face.

For a brief second, I panicked but when he opened his eyes full of concern, that's when I supported myself up away from him but my right foot prevented me to stand up and move further away from him, that's why I crawled away from him and sat on the floor.

He too sat on the floor and looked at me sadly.

"Are you alright?" he asked concerned.

"NO! I AM NOT! I would be if you just get the fuck out of my place!" I said angrily and banged my fist on the carpeted floor.

"Baby, I told you that I won't leave you until I made sure you're---"

"I will be okay if you leave me alone! Seriously, why are you here? I thought I made it clear to you that I don't want you to follow me. SO, WHY ARE YOU HERE?!" I shouted at him because I am so angry as I was again feeling all the feelings I thought I've left at home. BUT NO! Ever since I saw him, my heart was beating abnormally again. The familiar rush inside me awoken and that feeling of excitement was back again when he touched me or just call me with those endearments.

That's why I snapped at him in the car awhile ago when he called me Love and Baby.

My God! What the fuck did I learn all these months?!

I sighed and pinched his nose.

"I told you, I am here for a meeting. Olivia couldn't come for she will be shopping for her wedding dress that's why she asked me to fill in for her. I swear, Erin, I did not ask Markus or any man to have you followed. Please believe me, love." he explained but I still don't believe him. For a guy who controls everything, pass, I won't believe it. And what did he call me? LOVE? For goodness sake, I told him to not call me that!

"I told you to stop with the endearments, for God's sake, we're---"

"For me we're not yet over, Erin. If you want me to stop with those, fine, but I will never ever cease to love you." He looked me in the eye and I noticed that the emotions in them are now open and light, very different from the time I left which was standoffish and close.

Nevertheless, what he said made my raging heart beat in havoc. Seriously though, why the hell am I acting this way? I seriously need to think everything through, my God!

"You were the one who ended everything between us, Zac. So, don't give me that bullshit!" I waited for his reply but he just looked at the floor sadly and with regret. When I made sure that he won't say anything, I tried to stand up but when I saw that he was going to assist me, I warned him and hissed, "If you touch me one more time, I swear to God I will hit you with this vase!"

Thankfully, he heeded. I went straight to my door while limping and opened it widely.

"Leave." I said with conviction while glaring at him. I hope he will leave this time because this annoying feeling inside me and the sharp pain on my right foot is making me livid.

He took a deep breath and walked towards me. He stopped right in front of me leaving an inch between us. I tried to lean away but he placed his arm around my shoulder and pulled me gently to him so he can kiss my forehead.

I gasped silently and my eyes were as big as a saucer. But that doesn't stop there, he caressed my face with his palm and whispered, "I will never, ever leave you again, Erin." and with that, he exited the house not before placing a large paper bag, from Phil, on the console table beside the door.

As he left, I quickly shut the door, took my phone, and dialed Olivia's number. If Zac was not lying then she's the one behind this. However, despite my numerous attempts to call her, she never answered, that's why I left a voice message for her to listen!

UGH! I can't believe she will do this to me. She said she won't tell my whereabouts to Zac but she made him come here. I know she's dress shopping but she may assign someone to be her proxy, not Zac himself! Now, he's here and he's telling me things that I didn't want to hear.

I guess I should leave Scheveningen tonight.

YES!

I should. That way I won't see him again.

I need to pack...

I stood up from my couch but the pain in my foot made me sat down.

Shit! I almost forgot, I sprained my right ankle. I looked at it and got horrified because of the swelling. It's like a mango was placed inside my foot. I sighed.

Now, how will I leave this place tonight when I'm injured? I shook my head and looked at the huge paper bag, I limply went to it and placed it on the coffee table.

In there, there's a complete food takeout --- soup, meal, fruit, and dessert, then there's two cans of Cold Spray for my sprained ankle, and two first aid kits. I furrowed my brows when I saw those because he really doesn't change at all! He still does whatever he wants even if he was told not to! I hate him! I hate him!

I will not eat nor use these things. I have ice in my fridge, I can use those to ease the swelling on my foot.

But I don't think I can stand anymore because the last energy I had was when I got this annoying paper bag. Also, I am famished, I only had kale salad for lunch awhile ago. Should I eat and use these?

NO!!! I have pride, I will never touch tho--- my stomach growled loudly rebutting my inner pep talk. With that, with a heavy heart, I sighed and succumbed to my human instinct for survival.

I swear, this will be the last time I'll be weak. Tomorrow, if I ever see him again, he will meet the new Erin -- the one that is stronger and more mature.

Just you see, Zachary.

Hello, loves!

So sorry for not updating last weekend. I was just busy running some errands. Anyway, what are your thoughts? Please don't forget to vote, comment, and share.

As always, thank you for reading my book.

xo,

kimmypatata