Appointed by a Billionaire to be his Heir's Girlfriend

Chapter 11

-Nate Van Warner POV-

I took a very quick shower and changed into something more comfortable before going out to face Alex and Bliss, who were being lovey-dovey until they saw me.

“Hey Nate! I’m sure your thousand admirers would die to see this.” Alex called, holding his DSLR. Bliss was looking like she was trying to hold her laughter.

I walked over to see what he was talking about. He tilted the DSLR and I saw pictures of me and Athena, in catsup, icing and lasagna. We looked like kids who forgot to act like adults. Funny.

From the time Athena held my wrist to put icing on my face to the time I smashed the cake back to her. So that means even the “little intimate” scene of when she tripped and I immediately rushed over was there.

“Man, you’re both so sneaky!” I chirped as I gave Alex a brotherly high-five.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Alex said, laughing.

“I won’t. It’s your fault for being so engrossed that you did not notice us come in.” Bliss protested.

“You’ve been there the whole time and you didn’t say a word?!” I grumbled in disbelief.

I hadn’t really notice them, to be honest and I was asking myself why.

Alex and Bliss are looking amused. This couple is really something!

“You looked like you were really enjoying some alone time with her so we didn’t disturb.” Alex replied.

“It wasn’t “alone” time if you were there.” I shot back, feeling a bit embarrassed by with what they saw. Nathaniel Van Warner in a food fight with Athena Vanderbilt? Not likely possible.

“Oh. Should we leave now?” Bliss teased, nudging me with her elbow.

I rolled my eyes.

“So what am I going to do with these precious pictures?” Alex asked, browsing.

“Let’s print them or just give me the memory card.” I suggested, a wonderful plan forming in my head, as Alex handed me the camera.

“Just by looking at your face right now, I know you’re up to something, Nathaniel.” Alex said, shaking his head.

Bliss sat down on the sofa and said, “He is always up to something, Alex. Get used to it.”

Alex and I laughed.

“You both really know me.” I said, actually realizing it with a jolt. They’re my bestfriends ever since.

“So what’s your plan, Nate?” Bliss asked.

“You’ll know it someday.” I said smugly as I took them a picture.

-Athena Vanderbilt POV-

His clothes smell like him. That handsome manly smell. Ugh. I’m hating this. I don’t need anything that would make me feel attracted to him. But since I don’t really have a choice, I should try holding my breath sometimes.

I went out of the room and walked to wherever the other three are standing, laughing. They were taking pictures together.

I hesitated. I suddenly felt like I’m invading a place I shouldn’t be in, in the first place. They’ve known each other for years and here I am, barely two weeks.

“Oh! There you are, Athena! Come join us here!” Alex called as he motioned for me to come forward.

“I’ll pass.” I said politely as I sat on the sofa.

“There’s no “I’ll pass” in here.” Nate said as he grabbed my hand in full force and pulled me up.

I kept hearing the camera’s clicks as Nate hugged me and made some wacky poses. Here I am, the pokerfaced girl beside him.

“Hey, Athena. You should smile more. You look so rigid.” Bliss, commented, smiling at me encouragingly.

“What’s there to smile for?” I muttered, and after saying it, I wish I could take it back because I noticed surprise in Bliss’s expression.

“Sorry.” I said.

Nate saved me by saying, “Nah. You’re my girlfriend. You should try saying, ‘What’s there to frown for?’”

Alex and Bliss laughed and thanks to this dumbass beside that the awkward moment was over.

I laughed too, a half-hearted laugh for I don’t know if I should make myself comfortable around these people. Chloe got mad at me because she thought I ditched her because of these three.

“We’re just having fun. It won’t hurt to smile. Besides, this will be the first official photo of you and Nate since you officially dated each other.” Alex encouraged, preparing the camera.

I sighed, “Sure. It’s not that I want to be a killjoy. I just had a smelly morning because of a particular someone beside me.”

I was trying to lift the atmosphere and it worked. The three laughed again and Nate said, “Guilty.”

“Okay. Give it a go.” I stated as I faced Nate and put both of my hands on his shoulders, emphasizing distance.

I gave my biggest smile as Nate casually put his other arm around, pulling me into an affectionate close embrace, my hands still holding his shoulders. I was too surprised to react at our closeness.

Then the world felt like it stopped as I wait for Alex to click the camera.

-Nate Van Warner POV-

She didn’t protest as I put my arm around her. Which was weird. It’s my first time to hug her yet it felt like it’s the first time I hugged a girl even though I’d had a hundred girlfriends before.

Why does she always make me realize that everything I do with her is always the best among all?

The warmth coming off her felt nice. I could smell her strawberry shampooed hair and I could almost feel her heartbeat. So close…

CLICK!

“That is one good shot! And to say you’re like wearing couple shirts.” Alex chirped. Bliss got the camera and looked at it.

Oh right. I gave her a gray t-shirt and I chose to wear a gray hoodie at home.

Athena was clearing her throat and I looked at her.

“Don’t you have an intention of letting go?” she asked me, gesturing to my arms around her.

I smiled wickedly, “I don’t have.”

She blew the hair out of her face as she struggled to get out of my tight hold.

“You’re really weak, warden.” I teased her as I tightened my grip.

“Weak your face!” she muttered as she struggled harder, starting to kick my legs.

I barely noticed Alex and Bliss observing us in silent fascination.

“Kicking is not fair play.” I said, chuckling.

“It is.” She said.

“Not.”

“Rich boy, cut this crap and let me---Aaah!”

While she was struggling hard and trying to kick me at the same time, we both lost our balance.

It happened in a matter of a second as my back hit the cold marble floor, Athena on top of me, her voice shrilling across the room. The next thing I knew was that I was seeing Athena’s widened brown eyes. She was so close to me. Eye to eye. Nose to nose. We might have kissed accidentally but I’ve got a feeling she was quick enough to do something about that. Her dainty soft hand was the only thing between our lips.

I could even feel her heart beating fast. Very fast. And I could see clearly that her face is brushing scarlet. And I could feel her heavy breathing on my face.

I’m betting I’m looking just as the same as her.

-Athena Vanderbilt POV-

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! What just happened?!

His lovely piercing blue eyes are boring into mine and I could feel blood rushing up to my face as we both stared at each other, feeling like hours are ticking away.

I took notice of my hand blocking the way from our first kiss. I didn’t intentionally put it on my lips. It was my reflex reaction that I was covering my mouth to shut up my screaming as I was falling with him. I am very grateful it was there but I won’t deny that a tiny part of me was dismayed at myself for putting that hand there.

“Here, Athena. I’ll help you up.” Bliss said as she reached out her hand and I took it while Alex helped his bestfriend up.

“Are you both fine?” Bliss asked, putting a hand on my shoulder.

Nate nodded, running a hand through his hair.

“I’m fine. Thanks.” I said politely, still feeling a bit dazed with what happened and what could had happened.

“That was a very good commercial.” Alex laughed, breaking the awkward tension.

We laughed. I could still feel my heart beating faster than usual and I forced myself to calm down. Calm down, Athena. He can’t have this effect on you. You can’t have your heart beat faster for him. You can’t ever fall for him.

“Oh come on, guys. You’re dating. This shouldn’t be so awkward for both of you. “Bliss encouraged, breaking the tension between me and Nate for a little.

“Right. Come on, warden. No harm done. Your first kiss is still non-existent.” Nate chuckled, walking over beside me.

He patted my head gently and I can’t help but smile. Sometimes when he’s like this, I’m wondering if he is really a player.

“Alright! How about a frappe? I’m starving and it’s already 11!” Alex exclaimed.

“Why not? I’m craving for a cheesecake too.” Nate answered.

“How about Athena? You can’t let her out wearing these clothes.” Bliss protested, holding her hand up.

“It’s okay.” I said, trying not to play important.

Bliss ignored my comment and grabbed Nate’s arm, “Hey Nathaniel! How dare you give those hideous clothes of yours to your girlfriend! I’m sure Nelly is kind enough to lend her clothes.”

Bliss dragged Nate towards one of the rooms, lecturing Nate about generosity.

“Who’s Nelly?” I asked Alex who was standing beside me.

“Cornelia Van Warner, Nate’s older sister. Most people know her by the name Nelly.” Alex explained, sitting on the sofa.

“Oh. Clearly, I really don’t know much about Nate.” I admitted silently, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“You’re probably right but don’t let my and Bliss’ closeness with Nate intimidate you. You’ll get to know more of him in time.” Alex said.

He’s probably right. But I remembered that this girlfriend-boyfriend thing is just an agreement. Once he became a good boy, we’ll part ways. That is the plan. What is the point of attaching yourself to a person you’ll leave one day?

“I hope I will. He’s just so stubborn sometimes.” I told him, sitting on the sofas across him. I don’t want to do anything that will make Nate react again like last night at the mixer.

“Well that’s Nate. What do you expect?” Alex said in an as-a-matter-of-fact tone.

Awkward silence was in for a minute or two. Really awkward. Like how am I supposed to act around a guy who is the bestfriend of my ‘boyfriend’ and at the same time, the first guy I ever liked. Where the hell is Nate anyway?!

Alex seemed to feel the same way because he fidgeting and everything,

Then, he cleared his throat and spoke, “Athena, how’s, um, things with Chloe?”

It took a second for me to process that he was talking to me.

“Oh. I still haven’t talk to her. But I’m going to see her later.” I replied, feeling a bit moved that he still cared.

“Oh. This afternoon?”

“Hmm.”

Then thankfully, Bliss and Nate came striding into the room, clothes at hand.

“Athena, I hope you don’t mind to wear dresses.” Bliss said, handing me a white dress with purple stripes and several tiny bows.

“She minds. My clothes are so much better than that.” Nate protested.

“Oh shut it.” Bliss muttered, turning to me.

She led me to the bathroom and encouraged me to try on the dress she handed to me.

Alone, I felt a bit relieved. At least for a few minutes, I was away from them. To be honest, I felt myself a bit uptight whenever I’m around them. Like I’m so small and uncoordinated and they’re so high and mighty. It’s just weird, I know. Back then, I used to hate socialite crowd of our school and their sophistication mania. If I still hadn’t mentioned, Bliss is the head of the Charity committee. So basically, she’s like the unspoken queen bee of Sta. Catalina prep school. Nate and Alex were always branded to be the ‘Casanovas’. Chloe and I have always loathed that social standing system. And here I am, mingling with the people I used to dislike. It felt wrong. No wonder Chloe got mad. I sighed.

I’m afraid that I’ll become one of them soon.

Bliss knocked suddenly on the door, “Did it fit well?”

“Um, yes. Thanks.” I lied.

I quickly peeled off Nate’s clothes and wore the dress. Thank God what I’ve said wasn’t quite a lie. It did fit well. But the dress reeks of designer perfume. Sickly sweet.

I stepped out and Bliss gasped.

“Wow! You look gorgeous, Athena! I didn’t know you look good in those dresses.” Bliss commented, giving me a congratulatory smile.

I smiled back, feeling like weird because the dress falls three inches above the knee.

She gave me stilettos to match the dress and we’re out to see the boys.

The two displayed the same expression of surprise but they did not say anything. And we’re off to have frappes.

-Nate Van Warner POV-

It was sunny outside so my entire mood throughout the day with Athena, Alex and Bliss was good. Better than good, actually. We had frappes and yogurt at the steps of the Met, went inside the Met and checked out the items, and had a trip to Lincoln center before all that. It was great over-all. Even Athena seemed to have great fun. But I noticed she seemed to be avoiding me which I assumed to be normal for a girl like her due to the little incident back home.

We were walking pass a coffee shop when Athena suddenly said she needs to go.

I didn’t miss the meaningful glance she threw at Alex who nodded vaguely. What’s going on?

“Yeah, sure. Be safe on your way.” Bliss said, waving goodbye.

“Thanks. I really had fun today.” She said, flashing a smile.

I don’t know if I should ask her where she is going or is it my duty to go with her or whatnot. Right now, all I know is I’m annoyed because Alex know something about Athena that I don’t and I know I can’t push her into telling me unless she want to tell it to me so I settled for the just-be-quiet decision.

Athena immediately caught a cab and was all ready to go in.

She looked directly at me, as if she was expecting me to say something. But I really don’t know what kind of stupidity entered me that I didn’t even smile or say something, not even a wave.

And the she went inside and drove away.

Then I felt someone pummeled my back.

“You should have said something! What you did was incredibly rude!” Bliss muttered, folding her arms.

She was shaking her head, like she just saw something unbelievable.

“I’m not really like Alex.” I defended and Alex seemed to get the humor in it because he laughed.

Bliss rolled her eyes, “Okay fine. I need to go too anyway. Shopping day so I’ll leave you here and have some good bromance, okay?”

Alex and her fell into a little sweet “Take care” and “Call me” stuff with hugs and little kisses.

Bliss got into a cab so I’m all alone with Alex. I don’t know if I should ask him with the little glance and nod between Athena and him, or not. But would that make me look clueless? I sighed. Yes, of course. And being clueless is not a good sign. So I played the quiet part.

“You’re being quiet, Nate. That’s unusual.” Alex said.

So he noticed. But it’s a guy’s hangout and I want adrenaline rush. And I’ve been wanting to see the Bethesda fountain. It’s got a lot of childhood memories of my mother and I started to feel the pain coming again but I shut it out.

I turned to look at him, “Not really. Come on! I’ve been wanting to do this for some time. Race to the Terrace? Like old times?”

The mischievous smile he used to do before he started to date Bliss flashed across his face and I knew I have my bestfriend back.

“Game on!” He stated and we ran off.