Page 87 of Take My Hand

I turned to see Dad hovering in the doorway, his hand on the door and one eyebrow raised.

“Hey Mr Newm—sorry, Will.”

“Hey, Zak.” He cleared his throat. “It’s getting late, and you two have school in the morning.”

“Dad,” I whined.

“Maddy, it’s gone half eleven. I’m going to bed; you’ve got you five minutes.”

I could have killed him, embarrassing me like that. “Okay, Dad,” I said full of frustration.

“Good night,” he replied with a heavy sigh.

“I should go.” Zak winced and looked over my shoulder. “I don’t want him coming back out.”

“You’re such a chicken.” I gave him one last kiss and then took a step back. “Okay, I’ll speak to you in about fifteen minutes.”

His smile was beautiful and lit up the night sky. “You certainly will.”

He leaned in for another kiss but pulled back when we heard, “Say goodnight, Zak.”

He was down the path faster than if he was being chased by a wild animal, with me gazing after him like a lovesick idiot.

Zak’s WhatsApp Messages

LIAM

Did you have fun after we left?

ZAK

A fucking gentleman never tells!!

LIAM

Shit you did it didn’t you! I hope her dad doesn’t find out ??

ZAK

Don’t even joke about it. He scares the shit out of me. He’s already had a dig at me tonight for kissing her at the front door. Basically, told me to fuck off!

LIAM

You dick! Fancy necking on under his nose! Honestly he’s okay really. He’s just protective of her. Seriously though don’t break her heart mate because I might have to have a word too.

ZAK

I know I’m an idiot. I have no intention. I really like her. More than I’ve liked anyone. It’s just shit that we’re going to uni soon.

LIAM

It is shit about uni but you never know…

ZAK

Yeah, I think we just need to enjoy it until we go and then hopefully she’ll think about going to uni in Edinburgh or close by (winky emoji). Talking of girls, what’s happening with you and Em?

LIAM

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