Chapter 6: Three Men, One Day
1097 Words
[DAPHNE]
"Ryker!" a voice called out, just a few steps away, causing Ryker to break our hug, turning to the direction of the source. A young lady rushed towards us from a car that seemed to have been parked in a hurry.
"Ryker," she said again, out of breath, as she approached us. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but the shoot is in five minutes."
I turned to Ryker with a confused look and quickly pulled away, realizing his hands were still wrapped around me.
"Ryker, wh-what are you doing here?" I stuttered, finally finding my voice.
Ryker's smile widened as his gaze locked onto mine. "I came for you, Daphne."
I raised an eyebrow. "Came for me?"
The lady's soft voice intervened, "I think there's been a misunderstanding. We're here for his photoshoot. He made us make an urgent stop when he saw you."
Ryker ran a hand through his hair. "Sandra, can't you just give me a few seconds with the woman who's stolen my heart?"
His words took me aback, leaving me feeling like I was in a situation I didn't fully understand.
Damon cleared his throat, a careful reminder that he was also present, as he took a step closer behind me. I saw their eyes meet, and it felt like there was tension in the air. Both men refused to speak to each other, but just gave themselves a cold glare.
I exhaled softly before intervening.
"Ummm, Damon, Ryker. Ryker, Damon."
This introduction felt awkward, but I couldn't blame myself. I didn't know what title to give these two men in my life.
I paused, observing their reactions. The tension between them was thick. It felt like the heat of the moment melted the snow on my jacket from the snowball fight.
To my surprise, they both extended their hands for a handshake at the same time and said in unison, "Nice meeting you."
They sounded like robots, programmed to say the exact words, but without genuine emotion.
My eyes then drifted to Sandra, hoping Ryker would introduce her, but instead, Sandra spoke up.
"Hi, I'm Sandra. Ryker's assistant."
I nodded. "Okay?"
Though I couldn't quite understand what she wanted me to say.
"I'm Daphne. Ryker's... friend."
Ryker then turned to Sandra. "Give me two minutes. I'll be right back."
Sandra nodded and walked back to her car. Damon excused himself to the car without me asking, leaving just Ryker and me.
"Daphne, I never thought I'd see you again," Ryker said, his voice filled with emotion.
My cheeks burned with embarrassment as memories of our last interaction flooded my mind. "I...I thought the same too," I said softly.
Ryker took my hand in his and placed a soft kiss on the back of it. "Will you give us a chance again?" His eyes were full of hope, and I struggled to find an answer.
"Ryker, I think it's too sudden to talk about this on our first encounter after four years," I said finally.
Ryker nodded eagerly. "Can we have a date? Though my shooting will take up most of my time until Christmas Eve."
"Okay, I'll think about it.”
With that, Ryker gave me one tight hug, as if we might not see each other again, and a soft look as he waved goodbye. I exhaled deeply before heading to the car.
The drive was silent again as we headed to the grocery store. I had no idea what was going through Damon's mind, and I was already too exhausted to think about it. I was relieved that Damon didn't try to break the silence.
Soon, we were driving back home, and still, Damon said nothing to me. He simply took the groceries and headed inside.
Okay, that was awkward.
Getting inside, I was greeted by the sight of Zach and my mum in the kitchen. My mum's face was already bright with a smile as she chopped onions, while Zach casually leaned on the counter, coffee in hand, as their laughter echoed down the hallway.
"Baby, you're back," Zach said in his sweet voice.
I gulped, realizing I had to put on an act again. I smiled and walked over to him, giving him a peck on the cheek, hoping Mom was watching. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she looked at Zach and me.
"Hope you didn't miss me much?" I asked.
"I did, darling. You just left me without my morning kiss."
My mum chuckled as she walked out of the kitchen, teasing, "Love birds."
I finally exhaled, then whispered to Zach, "My room."
With that, we both got inside and I bolted the door before facing Zach.
"Is something wrong? You've been distant for two days now."
He isn't lying. When I planned this arrangement, I never expected Damon to show interest in me, or Ryker to pop up out of nowhere asking for a second chance. I just don't know how I can keep up with this chaotic drama that's unfolding before my eyes.
"I guess you're a better actor than me," I muttered.
Zach walked closer, his eyes locked on mine. "You know, a massage can help ease your tension."
My heart skipped a beat. "Y-you're suggesting you massage me?"
Zach rubbed his hands together, his muscles flexing. "I'm good at this. Besides, I took classes back home. It's very therapeutic."
"I see..."
He stepped closer, and we were now just a foot apart.
"What do you say, Daph? Want these hands?”
Again, I zoned out, imagining those hands going places round my body. What a tempting offer. I pictured Zach's touch on my back and shoulders... oh damn. Just the thought, and I was already wet.
I shook my head vigorously. "No.." I said breathlessly. "Noo... I... I'm okay."
"You sure about that?" Zach asked, tilting his head to the side.
I licked my lips and stepped back, my mind racing. Oh damn, Zach's s*x appeal was overpowering. Anything he did, my dirty mind interpreted it awkwardly.
"Y-yeah... sure. I'll go help Mum in the kitchen."
With that, I bolted down the stairs and accidentally collided with Damon. He held my waist steady, preventing me from falling.
"Daphne.." he said breathlessly.
Oh God, what was going on today? Three men, making my body react strangely, all in one day.
I pulled back, plastered a fake smile on my face, and ran outside to the backyard, my chest heaving rapidly. I tried to calm myself down, but it was difficult.
"Lord, help my soul, because this Christmas might just be my downfall.”
- Writer
