Page 45 of Take My Hand

“My dad will be pleased,” I breathed out.

“Where is he, by the way?” he asked, clicking my seatbelt into place. “I expected him to be out here warning me about being safe and getting you home on time.”

“He’s out. He went to meet a supplier.” And he had no idea that I was out with Zak. Otherwise, I was sure he’d have made sure to get home as soon as he could.

“That explains it.” I got another flash of teeth, and then he disappeared before closing the door.

I watched him run around the front of the car and then open the driver’s door, folding himself into the seat. It was all done with confidence, and I wondered if I could handle him. His long fingers wrapped around the steering wheel, and he bounced in his seat.

“Right, let’s go.” He grinned at me again, and as soon as we were on our way, I opened my WhatsApp and messaged Ana.

MADDY

Zak just picked me up to go to McDonalds!!!!

ANA

WHAT!!! Like a date?!!

MADDY

I don’t know. I think so. He asked me at school. I’m scared!!

ANA

Why! Has he done something to scare you?

MADDY

NO! He’s just so…beautiful.

ANA

Do you look good?

MADDY

What do you think?

ANA

Of course you do! What was I thinking!! Just enjoy it and make sure you message me later. I want all the gossip on how he kisses and whether he uses the right amount of tongue.

Smiling, I put my phone back in my pocket and glanced over at Zak, who was concentrating on the road. If he did kiss me, I’d probably pass out before I had time to figure out what his tongue action was like.

“Put the radio on if you like,” Zak said, nodding at the dashboard. “Or you can go through my playlists. My phone’s hooked up.”

With his eyes still on the road, he reached into the console, and, taking hold of his phone, handed it to me.

“Passcode is one, two, three, four.”

I burst out laughing. “That’s not very safety-conscious.”

Zak shrugged and chuckled. “I wouldn’t remember anything else.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind me knowing it?” I asked, looking down at the screen, trying to decide whether to open it or not.

“No. Why would I? I don’t have any secrets. Everything else is Hoyland123.”

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