Chapter 1

Mac's POV

"You want to get a drink together?" Stella asked.

"Not tonight. Sorry. The band is playing." I answer.

"That's okay." Stella replies, a little bit disappointed.

"But you can come, and watch me play if you like."

"I would love that."

When I entered the bar with Stella, I could see the looks on my band mates faces.

"Your girlfriend?" one of them asks when Stella found an empty seat and I walked towards the stage.

"Coworker." Was all I said.

"Wow. She's hot."

"And taken."

I don't know why I said that. I guess I don't want someone dating her. I think I'm jealous. But I can't be. I'm her boss. I can't think of her that way. It would be wrong. But what if she feels the same way. What is she loves me too. Wait! I love her? Who am I kidding? Of course I love her. I can't believe I'm actually thinking this.

When we finally finish our last song, I walk over to Stella.

"What do you think?"

"I think you were great." Stella answers, and gives me a kiss on my cheek. "Ehm, Mac? I'm not sure, but I thought I saw Peyton."

"What? Here?"

Stella just nodded. But then she shook her head.

"Forget it. I probably saw someone who looked just like her."

We took a seat at the bar and I ordered two drinks. I was also still scanning the room with my eyes, but I didn't see Peyton. I did see a very big guy at the entrance, who was giving me the evil eye, so I quickly looked away. But then I saw her. From the corner of my eye, I saw that she was now talking to the big guy at the entrance, and she was pointing at me. Or Stella.

"You look like you've seen a ghost." Stella laughs, and she puts her hand on my shoulder. "Everything will be fine."

"Let's just get out of here." I say, and I stand up.

I take Stella's hand and guide us out of the bar. At the same time, the big guy starts walking towards us. I start to walk faster, still holding Stella's hand. I was so focused on the big guy coming our way, that I didn't notice a second guy, closing us in from behind. That was until I heard Stella scream.

Bang!