Mine Alone

Chapter 6

I spent most of my free time in the Student Council Office. Every time I would open the door, my heart skips a beat in the anticipation of seeing Zander. I remember the kiss and the way he bit my lip on that day. Damn.

I walked to my desk as my eyes roamed around the office. I took a deep sigh when I did not see Zander. After that kiss, I kept wishing not to see Zander around just until I get over. That may mean nothing to him, but I felt thousands of volts long after that kiss.

As soon as I sat, my phone vibrated. I saw Dave's name on the screen. I haven't told him what happened 4 days ago, and I don't think I will be able to tell him any time soon.

"Hello?"

"Where are you?" He asked in a lively tone.

I rest my head in the swivel chair, but I sit straight again when I saw who's about to enter in the glass door. The handsome devil is about to make his way.

"I'm in the SC Office. Don't you have a class now?" I asked trying to focus my eyes in the paper on my desk. I stayed calm as much as I could. I pretended not to be astounded with Zander's presence.

"Can I go there?" That didn't sink in to me at first because I am watching from my peripheral view Zander who walked to his desk.

"What again, b-babe?" I bit my lower lip when I said that endearment again. But I have to act now that Zander is just around. He snorted as be passed. A little smile showed in my face.

"I bet Zander is near you. Somehow, I am jealous. Do you want me to come over?" I can imagine his smirking face. I am talking with him, but all my attention is with Zander.

I smelled his perfume after he walked away, and my heart can't just relax.

"No need, babe. Just go to your friends. I don't want to evade your private time." I answered.

"Alright. Looks like you don't want me to evade your private life. I'll call you later." He ended the call.

I turned on my laptop when I saw Zander approaching.

"I need you to finish this before you leave. Hand me as soon as you finish; I will have that sign by the chairperson of the student activities." Zander came like a thunder while holding a flashdrive and the printed list of students who signed up for the leadership seminar.

He looked at the papers on my table. He placed the flashdrive and the 3-page list above it.

"What do you want me to do with that?" I asked with a smile. I shouldn't make it look like I am affected by his emotions.

"The flash drive contains the copy of the certificate of participation for those who enlisted in the leadership training. Print a copy for each student, and hand it to me after." My jaw dropped. I have to type all of these names?

"Don't you have a soft copy of names of those who enlisted?" I asked before he could walk away.

"No." He said in a cold tone.

"Zander..." I tried to be emotionless as I said his name. His jaw moved as if he's angry. I'm literally doing nothing for him to be angry. I keep telling myself not to be intimidated.

"Y-you... don't just kiss me, Zander. Y-you don't have the right to steal my..." I want to kick myself out of that office after shuddering for saying that little. I can feel the butterfly in my stomach.

"Your first kiss, Francesca. But I already kissed you. You can complain as much as you want; I can never return time and I won't do so even I can." He showed a frisky smile.

I thought he would leave after saying that, but to my surprise, he leaned on the table with his right arm and get his face closer to mine.

"But if you ever want to get even, I don't mind, Francesca. I will gladly take your revenge."

"Stop playing with me.." Those feebly came out from me.

"You're playing your games on me too. Let's see what's in the end."

"You know what the problem, Zander, is?"

"Hm?"

"You keep pushing and pulling me all this time! You confuse me with your actions! You rejected me, but you also kissed me after that! Why can't you be a man, and tell me honestly if I stand a chance?!" I blurted in his face.

"I want the certificates done before you leave this office." His eyes went down to my lips before he turned his back. He walked to the secretary's table as if nothing happened. Am I just a joke to you, Zander?

He quietly returned to his table after a short conversation with her. I took a deep sigh. Does he plan to confuse me all his life? Damn!

I started with my work. With a complaining heart, I started typing the names. I am sure, Zander has the soft copy of these names, but he didn't give it because he wanted to keep me busy. He hates me that much.

It took me almost 2 hours to finish the typing and printing. He left the office an hour ago to attend his class. I went to his table to place the certificates. 177 certificates need his signature. He left his hoodie and phone. I was tempted to open his phone, but my conscience won't allow me to touch it. I also placed a note beside it.

When I check the time, it's already 5 minutes since my last class for that day started. Shaye kept texting me to hurry because we had a quiz, but I can't leave without finishing the certificates.

The next day, Saturday, I met Shaye. She couldn't believe what I told her. At first, she thought I was making up stories because Zander kissing me was an almost impossible dream. It's our ultimate secret because when the news reach my brothers' ears, they would make a fuss especially Dylan who has always been against us.

We went shopping in the afternoon to buy our dress for tonight's party. The party has two purposes. First, it's my big brother's birthday and second, the new product of our company will be released. Most of the guests are media, investors, share holders and relatives. I know I'll see a lot of new faces there, but I don't mind. As long as Shaye and Zander will be there, I will enjoy it.

I went home after dropping Shaye to her place. We planned to meet in the house at 6 PM. Aside from the preparation for the party that's going on, the house feel empty. I haven't seen Dylan and Karlo since this morning. Even mom and dad have been very busy to make sure that the new product will make noise as soon as it is released later.

"Excuse me. Did Karlo go out?" I asked the maid who passed my way. She's carrying a bunch of lanterns. I stood to help her, but someone hit the doorbell.

"He went out early in the morning." She was about to answer the door when I gesture her that I would do it.

"I'll do it. Thank you." She smiled as she walked to where the party will be held.

That may be one of Karlo's colleagues. I opened the door, but my jaw dropped when I saw Zander waiting outside with his forehead furrowed. He's wearing sunglasses that made him look more stunning as he was. When took steps, I had no choice, but to make a way for him. His big frame made the door look small.

His curves can be seen through his white polo that fits his body perfectly. He's wearing a cocky pants and running shoes. What is he doing in the house at this early? I thought he said he would go to Karlo's party later.

"I will call Dylan. Have a seat." I told him lazily. I saw him sat in the sofa where I was slumping a while ago.

He didn't speak as he opened his laptop in the center table. I almost forgot, I am invisible to him. I hurriedly went up to Dylan's room. I knocked twice, but he did not answer. I knocked again and again, but he stayed silent. What's wrong with him again?

When I saw another maid carrying lanterns, I asked her about Dylan.

"Did you perhaps notice Dylan?" I asked.

"He went out right after Sir Karlo in the morning, ma'am." I thanked her.

So he left the house and didn't inform his bestfriend. I composed what I will tell him before going down. His eyes met mine while I'm walking down the stairs.

I walked to where he is, and he has to look up to meet my eyes. This is quite a good angle to stare at him.

"Dylan isn't here. You can call him to know where he is." I kept my lazy tone.

He didn't seem to be affected of what I told him. I noticed the glass of water that has been served to him while I came to get Dylan.

"You start showing me the grumpy image that you only show to Troy. Should I be happy and nag you too?" He smiled, but his tone is sarcastic.

"Can you even be that annoying, Zander? That's a charm suited only for Troy. You only know how to be cold." I murmured.

"So are you charmed by how annoying he is? You find so many guys charming even after you get yourself a boyfriend."

"What? I didn't say I was charmed by... Anyway, I don't have to explain a thing to you because you never cared. Just call Dylan."

"I'm here for you, Francesca. You wasted your effort going back and forth. Asking first will save your energy." I don't care about the wasted energy. I was caught off guard again by this man when he said he came for me. This is the first time. Is he going to finally confess that he likes me too?

"W-what do you need?" I asked flustered.

I heard him took a sigh as if he's so frustrated. Wait. Is he going to dump me for good? That though terrified the hell out of me.

"Damn it." Even he's cursing, he looks undisturbed. I want to reach that level of peace.

But what in the world did I do to deserve that? My eyebrows lined, but I am yet confident to meet his eyes.

"What?" I asked in disbelief.

"Stop looking away when I talk, Francesca. That's offensive... and sexy."

My jaw dropped. Pardon? Come again?

"I think I heard you wrong. Did you just say sexy?" I saw him blushing. It's the first time, Zander. Out of the moments I when I found him amazing, I think it's the best picture right in front of me now.

His forehead furrowed again as he clutched the back of his head out of frustration. Damn! That's what you call hot, Zander.

"Don't make me repeat, Francesca. It's not my problem that you didn't hear clearly." He stood and proudly walked to the door.

"You came here for what? You haven't told me." I mumbled.

"I'll see you later in Karlo's party." His dark eyes made my heart dance in anticipation. "Dress up appropriately." And after he said that, he scanned me from head to toe. That was enough to make my face flushed.

He left after leaving his confusing words again.