The Billionaire's Enchantress

Chapter 11

 Third Person POV

Ria woke up to the incessant sound of the doorbell. She checked the time from her cellphone. It is still around 2 am. Who would come to her condo at an odd time? There is only one person who ever sets foot inside her condo. Even her Aunt Alice and friends didn’t get to visit her yet.

She was nervous although she already had an idea who might be outside her condo. She looked through the peephole and she saw him. She couldn’t see his face since he is staring down at the floor. However, she knows very well his figure even if it is just a silhouette.

She quickly opened the door for him. She immediately smelled the alcohol from him. JD was smiling at her and hugged her instantly the moment she opened the door. She was caught off guard at what he did. She didn’t say anything as he is so drunk to even think right. Why did he get drunk anyway? What happened?

She helped him towards the sofa so he can sit down. He couldn’t walk straight. He kept swaying. She left him quickly to get a towel with a small bucket of warm water. When she came back, he was already laying down on the sofa, eyes closed.

“JD, please wake up. I just want to wipe you up with a warm cloth so you feel better. Why did you get drunk anyway?” She asked calmly.

“Who is drunk? I am just a lil dizzy and tipsy. That’s all.” And he gave her his sheepish smile. She went on to clean him while JD was looking at her every moves. She felt shy but this is no time to dwell on that emotion.

On the other hand, JD was enjoying the way she’s taking care of him. He remained quiet and closely watched her moves. She looks beautiful with her disheveled hair. She’s wearing a silky robe. He wonders what she’s wearing beneath the robe. His mind is getting naughty right now but still he can control himself.

Ria was doing her thing and she had no idea what’s in JD’s mind. She only saw him smiling the whole time she was wiping some parts of his body. When she finished, she went to the kitchen to make him some soup.

“JD, I made some chicken soup for you. Please have some so you feel much better.” He sat down when she put the bowl of soup on the table.

“Hmmm... this is so good. Thank you for taking care of me.” Ria could only smile at him although deep inside her, her heart is beating fast again.

“Why did you get drunk?” She asked in her calm voice trying not to sound a nosy girlfriend.

“I had some drinks with my friends.” He answered her briefly, trying not discuss further why he did it in the first place.

“Didn’t they drive you to your condo? I mean you really were tipsy earlier.” She asked further with a concerned in her voice.

“You shouldn’t be driving while you are drunk. It is not safe for you.” She actually reprimanded him. She is just worried for him.

JD was listening to her while having his bowl of chicken soup. His friends did drive him back to his condo. He was too drunk earlier to even stand up. He fell asleep for awhile. When he woke up, he decided to go see Ria. He didn’t even checked what time it was. So here he is spending time with her.

Yes, she was the reason why he got drunk. But looking at her right now, all his negative feelings towards her just vanished. This is another side of her that he comes to appreciate… a lot.

“Hmmm… if it is fine with you, can I stay here for the night? Don’t worry I can sleep here on the sofa.” He immediately explained when he saw her reaction.

“Alright, finish your soup please and if you want more, I still have some chicken soup for you.” She left and when she came back, she brought some pillows and blanket.

“These are clean, new pillows and blanket. Please sleep well. If you need anything, just knock at my room. I will take this empty bowl now.” She kept talking but got no response from JD. Maybe he is ready to go sleep.

Ria went to the kitchen and quietly cleaned up. She went back to the living room to check on him. JD is laying down and must be asleep by now. She turned off the light and before she could go further, JD muttered something.

“Thank you Ria. I appreciate you taking care of me. Goodnight. Sleep well.” His voice was like a whisper but Ria could hear him very well. She felt the sincerity in his voice.

“Goodnight to you as well. Sleep tight.” And she retreated to her room. She locked the door as she always does. It took her almost an hour before she went to sleep.

It’s Sunday morning. Ria woke up late. She did her usual stretching but she suddenly jumped off her bed. She ran to the bathroom to freshen up. She almost forgot  that she has a visitor sleeping in her living room.

She quickly washed her face and brushed her teeth. She changed into shorts and white t-shirt. She looked at herself on the mirror. She’s fine except she looks paler today. Must be from the lack of sleep earlier.

She went straight to check on JD. He’s not in the living room. Maybe he already left without even informing her. However, her disappointment was cut short when she smelled food.

It brought her to the kitchen. She saw JD cooking a fried rice. There were already food on the table. She saw some toasted bread, bacon and hotdog. That’s a lot of food for breakfast she thought to herself.

She was smiling while JD is busy cooking. He didn’t notice her that she’s just a few steps behind him. She took her time looking at what he is doing. He is good in the kitchen.

“Good morning” she greeted him that made JD immediately turned towards her. He was surprised but happy to see her. He planned to wake her up as he is almost done cooking.

“Hmmm… it smells delicious.” She commented when she went next to him to smell the fried rice. She was closing her eyes and smiling. She looks so radiantly beautiful just doing that. Ria doesn’t have a clue how much she affects JD with her looks and small gestures.

“Good morning… I raided your kitchen. I am sure that you are hungry by now. By the way, I’m sorry about what happened last night. I didn’t mean to just barge into your place and bother you. I was drunk. It would never happen again.” He is apologizing for his action last night.

“Don’t worry. That’s what friends are for. I hope you had a good sleep.” Ria said while taking a seat at the table. She is waiting for JD to finish cooking the fried rice. She is really hungry right now.

She has been observing him while cooking. He’s very efficient and organized. He was just starting the fried rice earlier when Ria came. Now, he is putting it on the plate and added some garnishing to it. When he set it on the table, Ria’s stomach was grumbling. Just the smell of it would give you an idea that it’s going to be delicious. She couldn’t hide her excitement to eat all the food he made.

When she was about to get plates for them, JD stopped her. Instead, he took plates for them. He put her plate for her. He put the steamy fried rice, hotdog and bacon. He also took a piece of toasted bread and spread butter on it. She thought he is finished so she was ready to eat. But JD went to the fridge and took a jar of orange juice.

“Here is your freshly squeezed orange juice.” And he poured the juice in her glass.

“Wow!” That’s all she could ever say. She felt like she’s in a classy restaurant with a handsome waiter doing her every beck and call. She smiled at the thought.

JD saw her smiling. He is not trying to impress her. This is his way of showing his appreciation for taking care of him last night.

“Go ahead, take the first bite. Tell me what you think?” He was looking intently at her while she took a spoonful of the fried rice. She even closed her eyes while trying to savor its flavor.

“Wow! This is really good! You are really a great cook.” JD was smiling at what she said. It’s odd though since he got a lot of praises from different women but those were empty talks for him. Now, he is happy just hearing her praises. Looking at her, she already finished her fried rice and wants another plate. This is what he likes about her. She doesn’t try to impress him. She is just doing her thing spontaneously.

What is he thinking! Last night, he was so angry at her. Is he starting to get soft towards her? During those days that he’d come to know her, he noticed that she’s nice, kind-hearted, thoughtful, hardworking, smart and so much more. If he hadn’t known that she has a relationship with his dad, it is possible that he would fall for her. He remembered what Jared told him before to be careful on whatever he is doing against Ria.

He is confused right now but he still need to get rid of her from his father’s way. Family is family. If her reason for being with his dad is money, he has a lot of those. He can give her some good amount for her to start anew and lives a decent life. However, he still doesn’t have a plan to tell her the truth why he just suddenly appeared in her life.

After they finished their breakfast, JD went home to shower and change into new clothes. He will come back later to cook for dinner.

While waiting for JD, Ria decided to go quickly to the grocery store. There are some ingredients she needed for the food she is planning to cook. It took her like 20 minutes to finish her groceries. When she came back, she just saw JD outside her door.

“You came back soon. Good thing I went to do my grocery.”

“You went to do your grocery again?”

“Yup… you told me yesterday that you also want me to cook my favorite dish. Remember?”

“Yes, I didn’t forget about that.”

“I have some missing ingredients that I need for the dish I am going to cook. I decided to do a quick grocery while waiting for you.” JD took her grocery bag while she opened the door for them.

“You know what, it is still too early to start cooking for dinner. It is still 1 pm. I also ate a lot during our late breakfast. What do you want to do right now? Or do you want to eat lunch?” He asked her before suggesting what he wants to do.

“No, I am fine. That was a great breakfast you made earlier.”

“Do you want to go malling or go somewhere else?” He asked out of the blue.

“Sure, I mean it will be good to pass time before dinner.” She said casually.

“Okay, I have an idea. You can choose where you would like to go. There’s a pastry shop nearby if you want some cakes, tarts, or other sweet pastries. Or there is an ice cream store just next to it. Where do you want to go?”

When she heard what he said, she couldn’t keep her excitement. She’s like a kid right now.

“Let’s go to the ice cream shop!” She screamed like a kid making JD laughed.

“Come on. Let’s go.” They put the groceries in the kitchen and put stuff that goes in the freezer. They left to the ice cream shop which is just close to the grocery store.

Ria immediately finished three scoops of pistachio ice cream. She is so happy since it’s her favorite flavor. JD is happy to see her enjoying her ice cream.

“So, did you get to have dinner with dad last night?” He simply asked trying to appear that it’s not a big deal.

“Nope…” she replied still busy with her fourth scoop.

“We will have dinner a week after next when he comes back from his business trip.” Ria was wondering if how their relationship is right now. JD barely speaks about his dad if it is not about the business. While Uncle Jaime talked more about his son’s achievements. Both of them never really mentioned about their personal relationship as father and son.

Ria gathered all her courage to ask him about his dad.

“So, what about you and your dad? When are you going to have dinner together?”

It took him awhile to reply and he gave a deep sigh before telling her about his dad.

“Actually, we are not really in good terms right now. I am just helping with the financial aspect as it is my expertise . Personally, we don’t talk about us.” He said with a sad voice.

“I am sorry to hear that. I hope you get to settle your differences. You are wasting so much time together as family. You know that I lost both my parents at a very young age. I always like seeing family who are together.” She said emotionally. She actually got teary-eyed.

JD slightly pinched her nose trying to tease her.

“The ice cream has an odd effect on you. You became too dramatic.” He is trying to change the topic. Ria understood what he is doing. Maybe he is not ready yet to talk and face their issues. She is praying that things will be fixed between them.

It took them more than an hour in the ice cream shop. They were just talking. When they got back to the condo, Ria brought with her a half gallon of ice cream. She is so happy right now.

Ever since she knew him, he has introduced her to different types of food. Not that she’s complaining about gaining weight. She enjoys food since she also loves to cook. Something that she shares with JD.

Since they still have plenty of time, they decided to watch a cooking show on the TV. They are sitting together now while having some chips.

“Hey, I still don’t have any idea what you are going to cook.” She asked him who is busy munching some chips.

“It’s a surprise. I’m sure you would like it. Actually, it’s my mom’s recipe. She used to cook it for me since she knew I love it so much. It is very simple to make.”

“Really? I am sure it’s delicious just like the breakfast you made earlier.”

Ria is excited to eat JD’s favorite food.  However, she’s a bit pressured to cook her favorite meal. She’s hoping he would like it.

The cooking show finished early. They watched a movie this time. It was a comedy movie. She is not into the comedy genre. JD likes it though. He kept laughing the whole time while she stayed quiet most of the time. JD noticed her being quiet.

“Do you want to watch something else?” He asked her but she just shook her head. He realized that she is not into comedy movies. Next time, he will make it up to her.

“What kind of movies do you enjoy watching?”

“I like adventure movies. Don’t get me wrong, I also like comedy movies but not all of them.” She explains which JD understands.

After the movie ended, they went to the kitchen to start cooking. JD was very clean and organized. He finished all his food preparation so fast.

Ria is still preparing her dish. She learned cooking at the orphanage. Her Aunt Alice taught her how to cook.

When she finished cooking, JD also finished setting up their table complete with accessories. He set up the table with candlelight and wine. That made her smile.

When she put her cooked meal, JD helped her to her seat. He also poured some wine for her. He is always the gentleman.

“This is such a grand dinner. Way better than I expected. You really have a talent in the kitchen. Although, I think the food I made is not suited for this grand preparation.” She smiled at him.

“Who says we can’t do whatever we want. Whatever you cooked, I am sure it is as delicious as those in the 5 star restaurants. I smelled what you’re cooking and it smells delicious. I can’t wait to taste it.” He winked at her.

It is so flattering to hear his praises. It encourage her to be better.

JD opened his food first. He made some burritos, a Mexican food.

“I saw you cooked rice earlier. Can I have some of them so I can make your burrito?” She nodded and handed him the platter of rice.

He took a circle flat bread called tortilla bread. He spread a little bit of rice. Then added the cooked ground beef. He also added some sliced avocado, tomatoes, onions, refried beans, cheddar cheese and cream cheese. The last part was he rolled it over like a spring roll.

“It’s done. This is my all-time favorite when I was a kid. I still cook it until now. It always reminds me of my happy childhood days with my mom.”

“Wow! This is really delicious. This is my first time to try this food.” She exclaimed happily.

“I am glad you like it. I never shared nor cooked this food with anyone else except you.” He added which made Ria blushed. She doesn’t know what to say.

“Now, it’s your turn. I can’t wait to eat what you have for me.” She panicked a little. She almost forgot that she cooked her favorite dish for him.

When she opened her dish, JD smelled it. It made him all the more craving to eat it.

“I made a sweet and sour chicken. I am sure you had this many times in your life. This is a special dish for me since my mom used to cook it for me as well. I only learned how to cook it when I was in the orphanage. My aunt taught me. I hope you like it.” And she put some rice on his plate with the sweet and sour chicken to the side.  

“Hmmm…this is so delicious. I prefer your home cooked sweet and sour chicken than the one in the restaurants. I think I need to add more rice with this.” He added more rice on his plate and the sweet and sour chicken. He continued eating heartily.

“If this is how delicious you can cook, I am pretty sure I will gain extra weight soon.” He chuckled softly.

“You cook way better like a pro. By the way, thank you for sharing your favorite dish. It feels great to know more about you.” She smiled sweetly.

“Thank me with a hug!” He said straightforward.

“What?! How did we reach to that?” She was really surprised that her voice went up higher.

“Okay, in that case thank me with a kiss then!” He casually said.

“Are you serious?”

“Do I look like I am kidding right now?” He looks very serious.

“You like my food right? So, I don’t have to hug you.” She smiled nervously.

“I did love your food. That’s why to show our appreciation towards each other, we should do it with a hug or a kiss to end this night more memorable. Right?”

She was speechless. She doesn’t know what to do. They got closer these past few days and they even joked around with each other. But they never got intimate. She looked at him and it seems normal for him. She’s the one who gets bothered more. However, it is not right for her to kiss a friend. Maybe she can hug him. That’s how far she can go.

“I am waiting Ma. Victoria Sanford.” JD said with a serious look.

“You startled me! Here, I am coming to you.” She stood up from her seat and went to hug him.

“‘When she looked at his face, he was smiling widely trying to suppress his laughter. She punched him to his arm when she realized he was just bluffing.

“Really?! You are never going to have my food again.” She looks angry now trying to hide her embarrassment.

“Hey, I didn’t know that you are selfish.” He raised his hands up laughing while Ria continued hitting him.

“I hate you right now!” And she picked up the throw pillow and threw it at him. It hit his face. They started chasing each other until they got tired.

They sat down on the sofa together. They kept laughing at their silliness. Then suddenly, JD just hugged her.

“Thank you. I really had a great time today.” They were both silent. Ria didn’t resist at all. She felt great comfort with his simple hug. A moment passed, Ria pulled JD to clean up.

After two hours of cleaning, talking, teasing, joking around; JD bid her goodbye.

“That was fun today. I hope you also enjoyed it as much as I did.”

“Definitely, I had a great time today. Thanks to you for always making me happy.” Then, silence enveloped them.

“Alright, goodnight Ria. Make sure you lock your door. And don’t leave any unused appliances plug on.” JD is trying to act casual although deep inside him he doesn’t want to leave yet.

“Yes Sir!” Ria was laughing. Before JD left, he kissed her on the forehead. And he finally bid goodbye leaving Ria in turmoil.

She never expected that from him. It is hard to distance herself from him now. Every single day, she is falling in love with him more and more.