The Lady's Everyman

-CH 10-

Zach turned around to bring Amanda out to see his work when he found his face only inches from her own. She had managed to sneak up on him while he was distracted by his creation and was already peering over his shoulder with a hungered gaze.

"O-oh, I was just about to go find you!" Zach stuttered as he stumbled backward in a panic.

Amanda didn't seem phased in the slightest as she moved closer, taking another sniff of the food while staring at him in admiration. The woman's eyes lingered over the beautifully cooked halibut. It was all so delicious that it made her stomach rumble in hunger.

"Did you really make this all yourself? You are such an amazing chef." Amanda exclaimed in surprise before quickly covering her mouth with both hands in shock when she realized that she might have been too loud.

Zach smiled widely, his cheeks blushing slightly under Amanda's scrutiny before looking away shyly. "Well, why don't you give it a taste? I bet you’re dying to eat something nutritious after such a long day." He motioned for her to take a seat at the kitchen island and start digging into the meal he had prepared. He held his breath while waiting to hear what she thought of it.

"Wow! This is fantastic." She began eating greedily from the plate and complimenting each bite. Her words filled Zach with joy knowing that she had liked his efforts. "It smells like summer and tastes even better than it looks. Who taught you to cook like this?"

"I didn't have a teacher. I just kind of figured things out on my own." He answered proudly as he sat down across from her while she ate. "You know, If you don't mind, I could keep cooking for us. I-I mean just until this scandal business blows over." His face flushed red as he offered his proposal which was met with silence. Zach felt more anxious about the fact that Amanda wasn't replying to him than if the situation were reversed. "What's wrong?" He asked curiously when she remained quiet.

"Nothing," Amanda responded after taking a moment to think about how to answer him. "It's just... Isn't this a lot of work for you to be doing? You keep promising more and more, and yet. I haven't given you anything in return. It makes e feel like I am just using you."

Zach winced at her choice of words. "Oh, no, it's not like that at all!" He assured quickly. "I'm happy that I can help like this! And besides, anything I do for you would also be for my own benefit, right?" He added quickly as to preempt any objections.

But despite his words, Amanda's feelings were telling her otherwise. She wouldn't be able to stand herself if she just continued to take advantage of Zach's generosity. And Zach could see it in her face. He could tell that she was having second thoughts and he began worrying whether he had made the right decision after all.

It was as if she wasn't aware of how much she was already doing for Zach. All he wanted was to make sure that he could properly pay her back, yet she still believed that she was unable to pay him back. Knowing that overcoming this misunderstanding would prove too difficult, Zach chose to change the subject.

He knew it would be a dirty move to manipulate the poor girl like this, but it would be the only way to make her understand. He decided that now was as good a time as ever. "There's no need to think so hard about this. As you know, we need to become a believable couple if we are going to survive." He said carefully. "In order to grow more accustomed to life as a couple, it's important to pretend as if we were truly in a romantic relationship. This is just a part of the process."

"Oh really?" Amanda asked with a hint of worry. "Are you sure that this is necessary? I didn't know that couple did things like this?" Amanda had placed her finger on her cheek as she thought about what Zach had said. It sounded believable enough. And If this was necessary to keep up their charade, then it wouldn't hurt to let him keep cooking for the two of them. Especially since Amanda had no complaints about eating his cooking.

"I guess you're right. If you don't mind, I'd love for you to continue cooking for me, Mr. Parker." She offered after thinking over his words.

Zach breathed a sigh of relief at hearing those words before smiling warmly at the beautiful woman sitting across from him who returned his expression with an even warmer smile of her own. Her words and actions told Zach everything he needed to hear. They were starting off on the right foot again.

"Actually, I was thinking," Amanda spoke up suddenly changing the subject. "Would you... Like to come to work with me. Just as my secretary. It won't be too much work, I promise. And I'll show you around my company!" She added nervously. "I know this is a bit much to ask you after everything, but I could really use the help. You will even get paid for your work." Amanda continued to explain as she fidgeted in her chair.

Zach took a moment to consider the offer. He would be working directly alongside Amanda in a professional capacity which would definitely help in cementing their relationship as a couple. And to top it off, she would be paying him handsomely. It wasn't like he had any reason not to accept the deal. His only concern now was what made her need to ask for his help. "Okay, I'd like that." He agreed enthusiastically. After all, this meant that they would have more time together.

Amanda couldn't hide her delight at Zach's acceptance as her face lit up with joy. "Really! Thank you so much!" She exclaimed before jumping out of her seat to give him a hug of gratitude. "You better not regret this!" She warned with a laugh before letting go of him.

Zach looked a little flustered by the display of affection. The girl hadn't been very reserved when it came to touching other people and he still felt nervous about getting so close to her. Although he didn't mind being embraced by such a beautiful woman, he did worry that he would end up doing something to ruin their relationship. Fortunately, Amanda seemed oblivious to Zach's discomfort as she went back to her spot across from him, giving his arm another friendly pat as she sat down on her chair.

"Let's do our best."