Chapter Sixteen

Philip POV:

Zoe and I returned to LA two days after. She had to resume work first before me so we wouldn't raise suspicion. I spent the day indoors replying to my emails and texts and catching up with the movie series I had missed.

There was a knock on the door, and I went to get it. I opened the door to see my father standing there with a sad smile.

"Hey, Dad," I stepped aside so he could come in.

Dad came in and pulled me into a hug and patted my back. "I'm so happy to see you, son."

"Me too," I said.

We pulled apart and went to take a seat.

"How have you been?" Dad asked.

"Fine, I guess," I replied. "How about you?"

Dad shrugged, "I'm fine too, I guess."

There was an awkward silence for a while before Dad began, "Dad, about what happened…"

"It's okay, Dad. Everything is clearer to me. I can't change what happened and my anger isn't going to change the situation either."

"You didn't let me finish. I want to apologize for being too hard on you, I haven't been the best father and I made you do things you didn't want…"

"But that made me become a strong man and a good businessman."

Dad smiled. "Well, I guess I did a great job. You have achieved a lot of successes in just a few years of taking over. I'm so proud of you, son."

Although Dad had said those words only a few times, they sounded more sincere now.

"Thank you, Dad." I smiled broadly.

Dad looked relieved and relaxed in the couch. "How's Zoe by the way?" He asked.

"She's good. I rehired her," I replied.

"Are you two dating?" Dad asked with a knowing smile.

I frowned. "Is it that obvious?"

"Of course, you talk about way too often for a secretary. You think I wouldn't notice how you stare at her."

"Oh my God, Dad!" I whined. "We aren't dating yet, but we will soon enough."

"I like her. She's a keeper. Don't mess things up, Philip," Dad warned in his usual serious tone.

"I won't," I assured him. I didn't want to lose Zoe. As Dad said, she was a keeper and I planned to keep her with me for a very long time.

At this point, I was so sure what I felt for Zoe wasn't lust.

This was so nice. I had waited for this moment when Dad and I would have a conversation comfortably and it wasn't about business. Now, I felt more like my father's son.

***

I stepped out of my black SUV as Mark held the door open for me.

"Thank you," I said.

"You're welcome, boss," he replied in his usual work tone, and I almost rolled my eyes.

I put one hand in my pocket and held my briefcase with the other as I stared at the tall MacArthur Industries building. It felt good to be back.

"Welcome back, boss," the doorman greeted as he held the door out for me.

"Thank you, Ryan," I smiled at him and went in.

I took my elevator upstairs and I got out to meet a bunch of my staff, including Zoe, Kevin, Will and Dani, holding a 'welcome back' banner.

"Welcome back, boss!" They screamed I laughed. "You all didn't have to do this." I looked over at Zoe. "Was this your idea?"

"It was a joint idea," she replied.

"Thank you very much," I smiled at them, and they soon began to disperse.

"Welcome back, boss," Zoe said and I pulled her into a short hug before anyone would catch us.

"You look beautiful today," I said as I ran my fingers through her jet-black hair.

She reddened. "Thank you."

I held her hand and led her into my office. My cup of coffee was already on my desk as usual. I took a sip and basked in the feeling. "Ah," I breathed. "I needed this. What would I do without your coffee?"

I placed the coffee on the table. "Come here," I said, and she obliged. I kissed her forehead and pulled her into a hug. Zoe was making me feel things I never thought I would feel, and I was falling harder with every second. "Your hair smells nice."

"Who knew Philip MacArthur could be this sweet?" She raised her head and looked up at me. "Who else has seen this sweet side of you?" She asked with a pout.

"Are you jealous that someone else has seen this side of me?" I smirked.

"Yes," she pouted.

"Well, you don't have to be jealous. Only my mum, Mark, Clinton and my cousin, Marie have seen this side of me. The rest of them get the ruthless billionaire part."

"What a relief." Zoe laid her head back on my chest. "Your cologne smells amazing."

"I was thinking of changing it but since you like it, I'll stick to it. By the way, have I ever told you red lipstick looks good on you?"

"It does?" She asked.

"Yeah," I replied.

I dipped my head and captured her lips. I could never get tired of this. She wrapped her hands around my neck, and I held her waist with one hand and her face with the other as I explored her mouth. I arched her neck and deepened the kiss. I heard a moan and realized it was hers.

Our tongues moved in sync with one another. Kissing had never been this good.

I broke the kiss and held her face. "I could kiss you all day."

"Why did you stop then?" Zoe asked with a pout.

"Because we both need to get back to work. I have a lot to do, I'll see you later, okay?"

"Alright." Zoe tiptoed and kissed my cheek and seductively kissed the corner of my lips. She laid both hands on my chest and began to caress it. She continued to tease the corner of my lips while tugging on my hair. That alone could send me straight to heaven.

"Are you sure you want to get back to work?" She asked as she whispered into my ears. "You could work on me." She bit my ear, and I almost had her bent over the table. The thought of having her bent over the table or sprawled on it like a buffet crept into my mind. It was so tempting but I had a lot of work to do.

"Zoe," I groaned, and she burst into laughter before she began to walk away. I watched her hips sway with every step and noticed how the tight skirt hugged her derriere.

"Zoe?" I called as she held the door.

"Yes?"

"Your ass looks nice in that skirt." I grinned. She rolled her eyes and walked out.

***

Zoe POV:

Philip and I began to go on multiple dates in a secluded area of restaurants. He wanted to keep this private and away from the public eye. He didn't want our relationship to get leaked to the media and have paparazzi following me around the entire place.

Amy was helping me get ready for yet another date with Philip.

"I can't believe you're going out with Philip MacArthur. The Philip Macarthur," Amy said as she styled my hair.

"What can I say? He couldn't resist my charms," I said proudly.

"You two are going to have cute babies."

"Why the hell are you thinking about us having babies?" I asked unbelievably.

She shrugged. "Just saying. There," she said as she made the final touches to my hair. "He won't be able to take his eyes off you the entire night."

I stared at myself in the mirror and was amazed. "You have gifted hands, Amy. Thank you."

"You can call me Ben Carson," she said proudly. "Now, I know I said you guys are going to have cute babies but whatever happens tonight, please use a condom, Zoe. Trust me, you're not ready to have a celebrity's baby yet."

I laughed. "Okay, mum."

"Does Aunt Emilia know about you and Philip?" Amy asked.

"Yeah, she does," I replied.

"What did she say?"

"Oh my God, she was so shocked when I first told her then she advised me to be careful and do whatever makes me happy."

"Aww, I love her," Amy cooed.

"Me too."

I stood up and put on my red dress and wore my red bottom heels. "How do I look?" I asked her.

"Oh my God! I see why Philip is whipped," Amy teased as she wiggled her brows.

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever."

The doorbell rang and my heart began to beat fast. "Oh my God, he's here."

"He sure is," Amy stood up from the bed. "Let me go entertain your man while you make a grand entrance."

"You're so dramatic," I told her.

"A little drama doesn't hurt," she said before she left. I checked myself in the mirror one last time. I looked like a supermodel. My makeup was exquisite, so was my dress.

"Zoe! You can make your grand entrance now!" Amy hollered from the living room.

"Don't keep your man waiting!" Aunt Emilia hollered too.

I came out of my room and took a deep breath. I went down the stairs and saw Philip and Aunt Emilia having a conversation like they had known each for a long time. They paused and looked up at me as I walked down the stairs.

Philip's jaw fell to the floor as he stared at me, completely in love.

"I think I just fell all over again," he said as he stood up and walked to me. "You look so beautiful," he said sincerely.

"Thank you," I smiled shyly.

"Shall we?" He held out his arm and I held his bicep.

"Yes, we shall," I replied.

"Have fun guys," Aunt Emilia said as she held the door when we got out of the house. The porch light was turned off so Philip wouldn't be recognized. "Use protection."

"Aunt Emilia!" I groaned and Philip burst into laughter. He opened the door for me, and I went into the car. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He walked around the car and came in a few seconds later.

"So, where are we going?" I asked.

"It's a surprise. Be patient," he replied as he started the car.

"Alright." I relaxed into the seat as Philip hit the road.

We arrived at a seashore and Philip parked the car. "What are we doing here?" I asked as I looked through the windows.

"Trust me, will you? Stay right here," he ordered and got out of the car. He opened my door for me a few seconds later and held my hand as I got out. He led me to a white yacht with MacArthur's body written on it.

He held my hands as I walked the steps.

"Are we having our date here?" I asked in awe.

"Yeah," he replied.

"Wow," I breathed as we went into the inner cabinet. The interiors were breathtaking with white and gold as its theme colour. "This is beautiful. Are we going on a ride?" I asked excitedly.

"Not today. Maybe during the weekend, okay?"

"Okay." I nodded.

We took our seats and Philip opened all the covered food. "My favorites!" I said excitedly like a child.

"I made them," Philip said proudly.

"Really?" I asked and he nodded. "You're so sweet. Thank you."

"Anything for you, baby."

We dove right into the food and ate till we were satisfied. "Are you full?" Philip asked.

"Yeah," I replied.

"Does your stomach have space for desserts?"

"Of course, it does."

Philip cut out a small piece of the carrot cake. I took a bite and it tasted so familiar. "Where did you get this?" I asked.

"Does it taste familiar?" Philip asked.

"It tastes so much like Aunt Emilia's carrot cake."

"Well, it's Aunt Emilia's carrot cake," he said.

"How did you get it?" I asked, surprised.

"I stopped by at her pastry shop and told her to make us one for tonight," he replied.

"That's so sweet of you," I cooed. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

After desserts, we went outside and watched the night's sky.

"The stars are so beautiful," Philip said. "They remind me of your eyes, and they are as bright as your smile."

"Why are you so good with words?" I asked as I laid my head on his shoulders.

"Are you ready to make this official?" Philip asked and I raised my head. Oh my God, it was finally happening. "Be my girlfriend, Zoe."

I smiled broadly and tiptoed to kiss his lips lightly. "Gladly," I told him.

Philip held my waist and pulled me close. He ran his hands through my hair and lifted my jaw. He dipped his head, and I closed my eyes and parted my lips, ready for his kiss. Soon, his lips met mine and he kissed me long and hard.

"I love you, Zoe," Philip said as he held my face.

I smiled again. Finally!

"I love you too, Philip," I said, and he captured my lips once again.

This had to be one of the best nights of my life!