** Zach's POV **
"Someone's happy." It's James, giving me his usual conceited remarks.
I can't take away this simper out of my face. I'm grinning from ear to ear. I've kissed lots of girls but none of them came close to what I shared with Tori. It was blissful. It's almost painful tearing away from her.
Tori.
She's simply breathtaking. Everything about her is incredible. For a second there, I really thought that it would be over between us. I was acting like a big fat jerk back then. I can't even believe I did that to her. But, for the first time, I set aside my pride and followed my guts. Boy, does it feel so right.
"Ok dude, stop it! Somehow, you're freaking me out." Yes, James is still here. I kept on ignoring him. It's as if I'm in my own world thinking about...Tori, again.
But then I can't ignore him forever, right? So I decided to pay him
* ZACH'S POV *It's been two weeks since my 'little talk' with Tori and I can say that everything is falling into place. To my surprise, we've had no misunderstandings. A few arguments, yes. Well, my day will never be complete without a single bickering, because every time I teased her, in the end I'm always rewarded by a kiss.She's never the type of public display and she's still feeling embarrassed about it. I really don't know how she can resist these fine lips of mine, should I ask what's her secret? Coz I'm having a hard time holding back now that I tasted her lips!I never would've thought this could happen to me.'Zachary Anderson, begging for a kiss!'If the old me could see me like this, he'd surely bury me six-feet under.Every time I recall the type of person I was back then, I feel like I'm breathing more clearly now. Like a breath of fresh air. Yes, it was fun and I was free, but it's nothing compared
** TORI's POV **'Wow...' I can't believe that Zach is capable of doing something like this. I never thought that he feels this way about me. All this time I thought that this is just a one-way train but after this? I guess he likes me as well.What happened to his feelings for Chloe? Did it really disappear? Is he really over her? The way he is now, I can see that his feelings are genuine. And I can't help but smile each time I think about it.I don't regret inviting Chloe and Nathan to this vacation, I'm actually thrilled, but the moment Zach told me that he just planned it out for the both of us, It made me wish I didn't extend the invite. What was I thinking?The moment Zach stepped into my doorstep and up until now, I still can't shake the feeling that this is all a dream. Who would've thought he'd go out of his comfort zone to plan ahead so that he could spend at least a day with me. This Zach will just melt your heart out. Who would have though
** ZACH'S POV **I never expected them to be here, are they thick? Can't they see the bigger picture that I want this trip to be just for me and Tori? Can't they spare at least a day?James has a lot of explaining to do bringing them here and ruin my perfect vacation.The original plan may not be the way I imagined it to be. But this isn't so bad at all.I was able to have fun with Tori and to top it off; I was able to give her that necklace. I've been thinking a lot lately, what would I give Tori as a token of my appreciation for all the things she's done for me. I know that jewelry is not her thing considering that she can also afford that kind of stuff. I guess the effort will do the trick.I had it personally designed for her. That key symbolizes the door to my happiness, this may sound awfully romantic but I can't help it. For now, all I can do is enjoy this vacation with her.'The hell with the rest. As if I
** TORI's POV **"And then the chick at the bar literally jumped me!" River boasted tipsily."I think that's enough for tonight..." Nathan reprimanded River from drinking another glass of alcohol."Man, I miss the days when you were still part of our little group." River laughed out and making James stands."Okay, I think it's really bedtime for you kiddo." James and River walked out. River is still ranting about their past and how they're happy back then until they're out of our earshot.I realized that it's only Nathan and me alone at the bonfire. It's silent and...awkward. I'm looking away, trying to avoid his stare. I can feel his eyes just staring at me. Then I saw from my peripheral vision that he's walking towards my direction. He sat next to me and that's when he broke the ice."Planning on ignoring me the whole trip?""I'm not ignoring you, Nate." I tried to laugh but it turned out strained.
** TORI's POV **"What happened?" James rushed to me the moment I set foot at the Villa.An hour has passed since I left the shore looking for Zach together with Chloe and Nathan.I wanted to settle things with Zach, to chase after him. If I have to do it over and over again, I would as long as he hears me out. Chloe and Nathan of course, didn't want me to go. They claim they know Zach a lot that it would be best if I left him alone.Whatever I do, there's this force always pulling me next to him. Every time I close my eyes, all I can see is his face. His eyes were telling me that I'm a terrible person."Where's Zach?" I finally queried while scanning the room looking for hints of him. I kept on walking from door to door. James kept on saying something that I barely understood.James grabbed my hand. "Hey! Hey... Calm down. What happened? Why did he leave?""What?""He came back hour ago, furious.
** ZACH's POV **She stood up and said something to Nathan. What are they talking about? I saw a glint of tears in her eyes. She looked at me, mustered a weak smile and then she left.That expression made this heavy feeling in my heart like it's being crushed. Did I go overboard? No, I have to remind myself that she lied, broke, manipulated and toyed me!"Show's over Samantha. Let go of me now." I shrugged Samantha's arms away from me. What the heck am I thinking? Bringing her here? If I haven't run across her through the hall, I'd be walking inside the cafeteria alone.I looked at their table and I noticed that Nathan's not there anymore. That idiot's taking advantage of the situation. I scanned the room and James disappeared.I'm a total mess. Who would have thought that there would be a time that I'd be the one being played. Never in my life have I've been hurt like this. I'm angry, furious and mad at everything! Why doe
**TORI's POV**"It still doesn't change the way I feel about you, Tori. Because despite everything, I still do."Zach's words kept on replaying inside my head. I don't know what to think anymore. I'm so confused. I don't know what to feel. What the heck am I supposed to do now? I told him that I don't love him anymore even if I still do.Why do I keep on lying to myself? Why did I even say that to him? Is it because of the fact that I'm in front of Nathan and James? I'm afraid that if I ever admit to him that I still love him, he might not believe me or worst, reject it. Why am I so stupid for falling for someone like him!"Tori." I was out of my reverie when Nathan called me out. "Are you alright?" Nathan worried.I looked at him and gave him a reassuring smile. It's been a week since the revelation and I really appreciate Nathan for not leaving my side. He's always been here for me.It's also been a week since I last saw Z
** ZACH's POV **"Sneaky as always, huh, Hemmington." After I heard a very interesting story, I immediately went out and go hunt down Nathan.I'm at his apartment. I told Boris to use another number and pretend that Harry's in town and viola the bait is set."Anderson. I don't have time for this. I have to be somewhere." Nathan just continued to walk and ignored me. I'm still standing by the fireplace, busy examining my nails. I have to stay calm as possible. There were still a lot of questions that needed to be answered."If you're looking for Harry, he's not here. You just fell for my trap."Nathan stopped and looked at me disgracefully. "Seriously? We're not kids, dude. What do you want, Zach?""Well, I should ask you the same question, what game are you playing at?" I let that one out venomously. I guess I really can't suppress the anger I'm feeling right now. This guy is un-fuckin-believable.He just laughed sa
Yes,It's true that I have to end the story Must Date The Playboy. I already planned out everything. It just doesn't feel right to end it the way others want it to be, a happy one.What happened to Chloe? Does Nathan come back? Is River really an underdog? Does James and Tori end up together after what happened? And where the hell is Zach?Do you believe in, Love is sweeter the second time around? Do you believe in second chances? Or do you stand to believe in the saying past is past and learn to let go?
** TORI's POV **I woke up with a smile plastered on my face. I stretched my arms to the other side of the bed, expecting Zach to be lying beside me, much to my disappointment no one was there. As I opened my eyes I'm in a bed, alone. I rubbed my eyes and sat up glancing at the surroundings thinking that he's sitting somewhere.I stood up taking a tour around the suite to find him."Zach?"I called out trying to ride along with his surprise.Where are you? Breakfast in bed perhaps? Pondering at the thought of me and Zach together again made me wonder how we're going to face everyone. I assumed when he said those three words last night we had an understanding.He wants me as much as I want him.As I checked the dining area of the suite, I saw silver platters carefully prepared as if a grand feast will take place. One thing I noticed though was a big cup of probably hot choco as if it was just prepared secon
** TORI'S POV **He's here. I heard the bell rang.I barely slept last night. Aside from the fact that I was busy packing for my supposedly vacation, I can't help but think why I even said yes to his offer.Checked the clock and it's four o' clock.Right on time.I can really say that going with Zach to Mexico is really a bad idea. It made me think twice if it's what I really wanted, and somehow I know I can be happy if I spend the next forty-eight hours with him. I had to be selfish. I know it's not going to be as easy as what we thought, saying goodbye and forgetting everything? What if we can't fulfill the promise we agreed upon? What if in the end, I'll keep Zach for myself?I dismissed the thoughts in my head. Today's the day that we'll have to forget everything and act as if nothing happened. We know that we need this. We will forget the lies, the drama and leave everything in New York. It's just going to be
** TORI's POV **"Please. Leave." Zach's words were pleading and I can feel the pain in his voice. His eyes were still closed and it's clear that he doesn't want me near him. I'm somehow thankful that his eyes were shut, because the tears in my eyes were flowing freely. I'm trying my best to suppress my sobs.I watched him for about a few more seconds and then I took my retreat. I can't bear it anymore. I don't want to see him like that. I ran as fast as I can, away from him, away from this premise. I ran outside the school and hailed a cab to my house. There I started to burst in tears.I kept picturing Zach. At that moment, I want to come to him. To take back all the things I said a while ago. That it's not true that I don't love him anymore because in reality, I still do. I love him so much that it hurts.But I can't back out now. I have to do this for Chloe. I once promised that there is nothing coming in between our friendship.
** ZACH's POV **In his own odd way, I guess, my dad, don't know how to be normal after all. He's being a father in his own unique way.Now that everything's settled, all I have to do is clean up my mess. I won't let Tori go this time around. I won't let her slide off the palm of my hands unless she hears me out.I'm ready to tell her everything she wants to know.I went to the third floor balcony, expecting James to be there. But to my disappointment, he's not. I've been calling him to ask if Tori said something to him but he's unreachable.Where in the world could he be?I've been to the studio, the library, and every possible place I could find both of them. I'm very certain that Tori's not with Nathan because he left the next day I learnt about his doings.Honestly, I didn't want him to leave right away but he insisted that he needed this break so that I could have the opportunity to explain everything to Tori.
** ZACH's POV ** 'What's keeping him so long?'I'm at one of our hotels in California where he's staying. It took me not long enough to know his location all thanks to good old Boris.With the perks of being an Anderson, I can do whatever I want. I can ride a private plane anywhere. It saves me a lot of time and time is what I need in this situation. I have to settle this once and for all. It's time to face my father.I've been thinking a lot. How I hate myself right now. Why didn't I hear Tori's explanation before? Why did I leave Mexico all of a sudden? Why didn't I ask for any explanation? And why is it that I waited a week to seek her out?I hate myself for being such a narrow-minded person. The moment I learnt that Tori used me, it never occurred to me that I used her as well. I came clean and only thought of myself. I blamed her for everything well in fact we just did the same. We used each other.If it weren't for Na
** JAMES' POV **I've been avoiding everyone since that very special day. Yeah, sarcasm. All my effort down the drain, what a waste. I wanted to tell Zach that Tori's intention might've been bad at first but she developed feelings along the way. If it weren't for that eavesdropper, blonde, everything was going so well.At that moment, it pains me seeing Tori like that. I don't want to see her in that situation. I've had enough of her misery. The last thing I want right now is to see Tori hurt, again. It's been more than a week already since my planned absence in school. I need to see where things are now. I immediately looked for Tori the moment I set foot in school. Surprisingly she's nowhere to be found. So I just decided to go to the school's third floor balcony hoping that I could find Zach, but to my disappointment, he's not there.I decided to stay there for a while, looking at the courtyard thinking what to do next. I contacted Zach.
** ZACH's POV **"Sneaky as always, huh, Hemmington." After I heard a very interesting story, I immediately went out and go hunt down Nathan.I'm at his apartment. I told Boris to use another number and pretend that Harry's in town and viola the bait is set."Anderson. I don't have time for this. I have to be somewhere." Nathan just continued to walk and ignored me. I'm still standing by the fireplace, busy examining my nails. I have to stay calm as possible. There were still a lot of questions that needed to be answered."If you're looking for Harry, he's not here. You just fell for my trap."Nathan stopped and looked at me disgracefully. "Seriously? We're not kids, dude. What do you want, Zach?""Well, I should ask you the same question, what game are you playing at?" I let that one out venomously. I guess I really can't suppress the anger I'm feeling right now. This guy is un-fuckin-believable.He just laughed sa
**TORI's POV**"It still doesn't change the way I feel about you, Tori. Because despite everything, I still do."Zach's words kept on replaying inside my head. I don't know what to think anymore. I'm so confused. I don't know what to feel. What the heck am I supposed to do now? I told him that I don't love him anymore even if I still do.Why do I keep on lying to myself? Why did I even say that to him? Is it because of the fact that I'm in front of Nathan and James? I'm afraid that if I ever admit to him that I still love him, he might not believe me or worst, reject it. Why am I so stupid for falling for someone like him!"Tori." I was out of my reverie when Nathan called me out. "Are you alright?" Nathan worried.I looked at him and gave him a reassuring smile. It's been a week since the revelation and I really appreciate Nathan for not leaving my side. He's always been here for me.It's also been a week since I last saw Z