His Best Friend

~~~NATE'S POV~~~

This will be the first time that I'll be seeing my best friend, Eric ever since I came back. We decided to meet in a restaurant that we usually hang out at before I went overseas.

"You're coming with me," I stopped in front of Catherine's desk. It was just right that I take her with me since Eric is a business partner and though we planned this lunch to catch up, we will also be discussing matters concerning business.

And besides, I want her to come with me. I don't know why but I do. I want her to always be around me, to be within my sight. If I cannot get a glimpse of her, I am starting to get antsy and irritated.

I know I was attracted to her the first time I saw her during my video call to my father but when I met her, my attraction to her became more than that to the point that I even wanted her to be close to my daughter. I even asked her to take my daughters and pick them up at school until I found a permanent nanny but the truth is I am not in a hurry to find one. I wanted to keep her.

I know this is wrong because she could be married, for all I know but I noticed that she isn't wearing any ring on her fingers making me have a little hope. But then, she is still receiving those flowers weekly and as much as I wanted to inquire about that, I don't want to sound nosy. And not to mention that clingy and touchy man I saw buying heels for her.

She raised her head and our eyes met, I swear her face flushed for a while before she averted her eyes and looked behind me instead.

"Uhm..."

I saw the hesitation in her eyes, doesn't she want to come with me? I raise my brows at her indicating that I won't accept a no for an answer. Anyways, she must've realized that I always wanted her to be with me whenever I am going out on a meeting except for when I told her not to. But that's only when I notice the tiredness in her eyes.

"Okay, Mr. Vann," she replied, making the corner of my lips curve a little upward.

I heard some shuffling under her table before she stood up and grabbed that satchel that she has been carrying around ever since I saw her. Doesn't she have any other bag? Because I noticed that she only has that one and that pair of heels. I never saw her with a different one.

I started to walk away and I felt her following me.

We arrived at this steakhouse located in a five-star hotel, one of the most luxurious and upscale hotels in the country. It is a well-frequented fancy restaurant with a luxurious atmosphere. What I love the most about this restaurant aside from its premium steaks is the dimly-lit interior with red hues and its comfortable velvet plush seats.

"Good day Mr. Vann, this way please." A finely dressed girl approached us and led us to the table that I presume Catherine reserved ahead of time.

I followed the girl while making sure that Catherine was closely following me. Ever since we left the office, she has been quiet and anxious. And I can sense her hesitation to come. Now, I wonder why.

She was never hesitant to come with me to every meeting, in fact, despite her annoyance at me she is still performing an excellent job.

I am glad that I am having that kind of effect on her, though most of the time she is irritated at me because I am intentionally pissing her off. I could see her looking at me then once our eyes met, she would blush.

When we reached our table, I found that Eric had already arrived, making me frown. This is unusual. Highly unusual. Because he rarely came on time. I could tell he changed ever since the last time I saw him.

"Did you finally buy a watch?" I said in a mocking tone. But instead of answering me, he immediately stood up and greeted Catherine.

"Catherine, it's been a while," He said with a smile. Calling her by her first name surprised me but that's not all, he walked around and pulled a chair for her.

"What the fuck Eric? The last time I checked I was the one whom you didn't see for a while, how come it is my assistant you greeted first?" I said in an irritated tone because I don't like what I am seeing.

I watch as Eric treats Catherine like they were on a date and it makes me feel like I'm a third wheel.

Eric laughed and finally noticed my presence. "Nate!" Then he walked toward me and hugged me while patting my back. I just stood there and looked at Catherine who was just looking at the other side of the restaurant avoiding my gaze.

Is Eric the reason why she is hesitant to come with me to this meeting? Are they dating? The thought of her with him irritates me and makes me want to leave the place with her.

Nothing is wrong with Eric. He is the most loyal person I've ever known. He can fall in love with one woman and remain in love with her for a long time.

What's wrong is me, I don't like the thought of him falling in love with Catherine.

"I'm hungry, let's order," Eric said ardently and called the server. But before the server reached us, Catherine excused herself and said that she would just be in the powder room. I let her because I could feel that she is uncomfortable.

I shouldn't have taken her with me.

I ordered a complete meal for me and Catherine before Eric.

"No, brother. I am telling you, she will not eat that," Eric said, shaking his head. "Looks like you do not know your assistant well." He added, making me frown.

"The lady will have broccoli salad and garlic butter salmon," Eric said then closed the menu. He tends to act arrogant and I don't mind. I am not affected. But this time, I am.

Out of irritation, I asked, "Are you dating my assistant?" I know I sounded like a jealous boss but I don't care.

Eric chuckled and replied, "How I wish I am. I never had lunch or dinner with only me and her even if I wanted to. She always rejects my invitation." He said, making me rejoice internally. Great! But that doesn't mean I am one less of a rival.

She still has that man who bought her those heels and that man who sends her flowers weekly.

"We had a lot of lunch together but always with your father. He was the one to introduce us and he knows that I am interested in her. I am immediately captivated by her. I have never dated anyone since I saw her. She is impossibly beautiful inside and out." He kept on talking about her and I was like 'Damn'.

"She's on a ketogenic diet by the way. Looks like you didn't know. That's why she wouldn't eat anything. Your father knows about that and has always been considerate in choosing food for her. He lets her choose her food most of the time. I wonder why you didn't know."

Damn it! Why didn't I know about that? I should've known. That's why she is so picky when it comes to food. And most of the time, she wouldn't touch the food I ordered for her. I was annoyed at her but it turns out she has a reason. I guess I should start inquiring about her with my parents. I don't care what they would think, all I care about is I should step up my game and stop hesitating if I want my assistant to be mine.

Mine.

Yes, I want her to be mine.

I saw Catherine walking out of the powder room and I watched her until she reached our table. At the corner of my eyes, I found Eric watching her as well. I really shouldn't have taken her with me!

As if she noticed us drooling over her, Catherine averted her gaze and didn't look at any of us until she reached our table. She refused to look and fixed her eyes on anything but us.

"I hope you don't mind. I already ordered your food." Eric started a conversation with her.

She shook her head and glanced at him for a while. "No, I don't thank you."

We started chatting and catching up but most of the time, Eric would glance at Catherine and ask her some questions. Catherine remained casual and just answered his questions until our food arrived.

"By the way, I hope you are not throwing the flowers in the trash can. Please, at least wait until it wilts." Eric said, making me snap my head at him. Is he talking about those flowers that Catherine is receiving every week?

I looked at Catherine and saw that she was looking at me and then at Eric before she looked away. "No, thank you. But I think..." I want to believe that she wanted to stop him from sending her flowers but the asshole stopped her.

"No, I told you, I will not stop sending you flowers weekly until you agree to date me. And I am sure Nate wouldn't mind me dating his assistant or sending flowers to your office. Right, Nate?"

This time, I am already glaring daggers at him because damn I really do mind!