Chapter 1
“DAD! What are you doing here?!” I said as I threw my arms around him. “I can’t believe you’re here!”
“I decided that I’ve missed too many important events in your life, I wasn’t going to miss any more.” He said as he fully embraced me.
I heard a slightly obvious cough come from my left. I let go of my dad and saw 5 boys. I looked at them in confusion then looked back at my father.
“Um dad, I’m going to assume that this is One Direction? Right?” I asked with one eyebrow raised.
Before my dad could reply one of the boys said “Yes, we are One Direction. It’s very nice to meet you, too.”
I turned around to see a tall, tan, black-haired boy with gorgeous brown eyes facing me. I’ll admit, I had trouble finding words.
“Um yeah, I’m Riley.” I said, extending my hand out for a formal introduction.
“I’m Zayn. And you silly, you’re Rob’s daughter! We don’t do handshakes!” He said pulling me into his arms for a hug.
In less than two seconds I was in a full group hug with the other boys who smelled incredible. I could feel my face burning up. After about 5 seconds of hugging and having a “formal introduction” they finally let go.
“Oh Riley, we have to get going now, I made a reservation at Mastro’s Steakhouse. If we don’t leave soon, we’ll be late!” My dad told said as I fixed my dress.
“Right then. I’ll just go say bye to Mills and I’ll meet you there!” I said as I made my way down the hall.
I had been walking for about 10 seconds before I felt a hand on my shoulder.
“Oh my, God. Please, don’t do that. I get startled so easily. I was about ready to slap you in the face!” I said as I turned around to see who it was.
Startled was I indeed. It was Zayn.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Riley. I just wanted to keep you company. Your father told me that the restaurant is a little bit of a drive away.” He said.
Wow, this guy is really nice. And really hot.
“Well, thanks. I appreciate that. I just have to go find my friend real quick, I’ll meet you out front though.” I said smoothly as I walked on forward.
“Um, ok. I’ll just stand out here by myself while looking like a total loser.” He said in a sad, yet jokeful tone.
I laughed, turned around and grabbed him by the hand and dragged him along with me.
“MILLS. There you are! I’ve been looking for you! We’ve only been out of high school for 10 minutes and you’re already going out and about on your own.” I joked with her.
“Hey Riles, I’m just about to go actually. My mom is here and we’re in a hurry.” She told me. Though, I did notice that she caught sight of Zayn in the corner of her eye. Shit. I’d forgotten that I was still holding onto Zayn’s hand. I swiftly let go. “But do text me!” She winked as she walked away. I could feel my cheeks burning. I sighed.
I instinctively turned around and started walking toward my car. Zayn soon followed me. It was silent until we reached my vehicle.
I was about to open my door when suddenly Zayn opened it for me.
“Thanks, but it’d be cuter if you were the one driving.” I joked. I got in my car and unlocked the other door so that Zayn could get in as well.
When we were all ready and buckled up, I started the car and we were on our way. To ease the tension, I turned on the radio. It probably didn’t help that the CD that I just so happened to be listening to the night before was Ed Sheeran’s + and the song that just so happened to be playing was “Kiss Me.” I rapidly tried to change the song when Zayn said, “No, please, don’t. I love this song. It’s one of my favorites of Sheeran’s.”
I looked at him, his face, his eyes, and the smile that he was wearing, and I sighed, “Ok fine. I’ll leave it.”
“Thanks, Rile.” He said. RILE? RILE? Oh my gosh, the way he said “rile” made my heart skip about 5 beats. I could’ve died right there and would have been content with my life.
Kiss me like you wanna be loved, you wanna be loved, you wanna be loved…
He started singing before I interrupted him, on accident. “Oh my God.”
“What?” he asked with a puzzled look on his face.
“Um, nothing, your voice is just, it’s really beautiful.” I answered calmly, surprisingly.
“Really? Wow, thanks Rile. I can tell by your voice that you really mean that.” He leaned in and kissed my cheek. “And that’s very important to me.”
I just about died. There was no denying that I had an immense attraction to Zayn. I could have easily stopped the car, grabbed his face and kissed him right then and there, but I didn’t.
I saw him slightly smile from the corner of my eye and my cheeks were now blazing hot.
The rest of the ride was spent in silence with the exception of Ed Sheeran’s calm voice coming from my speakers, but it wasn’t awkward at all. It was simply nice. Comforting even. It was a shame that the moment had to end.
“It’s about time you guys arrived! I’m ..er we’re starving!” Niall exclaimed from across the room.
“That’s Niall for you.” Zayn told me as we walked toward our tables.
“I don’t blame him though, when’s the last time you all ate? On the plane 7 hours ago?” I joked with him.
He laughed at my comment as we made it to our seats. Of course, the only two seat left were right next to each other as all the other boys claimed seats next to one another. So Zayn and I had to sit next to each other. Being the gentleman that he was, he pulled my seat out for me so I could sit down.
“Yeah, Zayn! You and Riley would make a lovely couple now, wouldn’t you?” Harry joked from across us. Again, my cheeks were on fire!
“Ahem. Zayn, Riley is my daughter. If anyone of you do decide to pursue her, you must have my approval. I can’t have my daughter getting hurt on the account of a horny teengager.”
“Oh my gosh, Dad. Please, just be quiet and order some food. Please.” I pleaded. My cheeks burning, this time with paternal embarrassment.
Just then I felt a hand lightly squeeze my thigh. Not sexually, but comfortably.
Zayn whispered quietly enough so that no one else but me could hear, “Don’t worry Rile, when I do pursue you, it won’t be for physical means. You’re a beautiful girl with a big heart. I can see it.”
I couldn’t help but smile. The words that came from Zayn’s mouth sent shivers down my spine and filled my stomach with butterflies.
This was going to be one hell of a summer.
