2

As I said, I need a breather. Like I'm literally out of breath. I didn't know he'll have this much effect on me.

I just notice the flight of stairs in front of me but it's already too late, I lose my balance.

I squint my eyes, preparing myself for the worse but I felt two sturdy hands hug me from behind. His long muscular arms embrace my body.

He turns me around and our eyes meet. Tony Green. My heart is pounding like crazy. His blue eyes appear dark and angry.

"Ash, are you blind? How stupid can you get?! What if you fell, get a head injury and died?!" He looks furious. His face is as red as a tomato when he's angry, it's funny.

I laugh out loud. He's unbelievable. Tony stared at me in disbelief. I can feel his breath on my face. We're so close to each other. My heart beats faster than before.

This is so awkward. Feeling a lump in my throat, I turn away from his embrace and straighten my clothes, "Don't overreact, thank you for your help. Especially during the show."

He shakes his head and is that a glint of a smile? Not sure though.

"You're such a troublemaker." He says in a serious tone.

"You're so cute together." Greg teases. He's behind us? I didn't notice that.

Tony immediately grabs my left hand and we walk down the stairs together. Greg let out an amused laugh.

...

We reach the front of the building and he's still holding my hand in his. A gentle winter breeze touches my cheek but I don't feel cold at all. Tony's hand feels soft and strong at the same time. He intertwines his fingers into mine and I'm extremely nervous which I think is kind of weird. I should not be affected by all of this.

My hand is now clammy and it's so embarrassing that I can't control it. Wanting to let go of his hand and ending this awkward situation, I clear my throat which I also regret doing. He gets the message but he grasps my hand tighter.

Oh my goodness! I feel butterflies in my stomach.

Cameras are now flickering, making me find out why he held my hand. I feel a surge of pain inside but I try to shake it off. He wants people to see that he's a gentleman and we're sweet and all that and I realize that it's also beneficial for me. I let him embrace my waist as we pose for pictures. My cheeks are now a bit tad red.

Shiny, black limousine parks in front of us and I see Greg driving. He smiles at me and I smile back. Tony opens the door for me and gave me his charming smile. Oh dear! He's so perfect!

After riding his car, it dawns on me that this is all for show. I face him when he sits beside me and closes the door, "You don't have to do that."

"What?" He glances at me and then raises his eyebrows.

"You need to ask permission first before you touch me, Mr. Green." I answer immediately, making sure that my voice is firm.

He utters a laugh, looking amused.

"Hey! What are you laughing about?"

"You're so full of it." He smirks.

"Huh!? I don't understand." I exclaim.

"I'm not dating you. I just pity you because I overheard what Kim said in the dressing room." His stare is as cold as ice and it chills me inside.

I'm speechless. My mouth dropped open. I got myself into this chaos but I don't want anyone's sympathy especially someone like Tony Green. Do I have any choice though? It's good for me but why do I feel hurt?

It was very quiet inside the car. I can feel the tension between us and it made me too anxious, I fidget.

My stomach is now churning, too fast then slow then fast again. Oh no! This is not the right time! Alright, Ash, relax. I can do it!

Five minutes passed, I'm already perspiring... A lot! I shift my position and my hand touches my tummy. I don't think I can take it anymore! I have to tell Tony.

"Uhmm. Mr. Green, I need to-"

Pffffffffffffffft!

Loud and clear.

Okay, please kill me now!

I scream my lungs out, "Stop!"

The car halts to a stop. Good thing, it's beside a restaurant. I run as fast as I could, enter it and bypass the crew who asks me if I have any reservations.

The hell, this is so embarrassing!

I march towards the comfort room. After ten minutes, it's a success. Haha! After washing my hands, I go outside but I'm shocked to see Tony standing beside the restroom door.

He's smiling from ear to ear, "You should have told me earlier that you want to..."

"I'm sorry." I cut him off, distressed and embarrassed. I don't want to hear him say it with his own mouth.

"..That you want to eat. I'm hungry, too. Come on, let's grab a bite." He rests his arms around my shoulder, leading me to a table at the farthest side of the restaurant.

He's teasing me but in fairness, this player is quite a gentleman.

"Ah yes. Thanks, let's eat, then." I smile shyly.

We sit on a wooden chair. I look around and the place is very cozy. Lights are dim and there's classical music on the background. There are also no people around us. The waiter attends to us, "May I take your order?" He's cute with a boy-next-door appeal. He winks at me.

Tony clears his throat, "I'll have Grilled beef and mushroom with mashed potato. How about you, Babe?" He places emphasis on the word Babe. He takes my hand, grinning impishly.

I gasp, feeling nervous and I'm running out of breath. Why does he drive me so crazy like this?