The Billionaire's Enchantress

Chapter 9

 Third Person POV

Ria and JD has started warming up towards each other these past few days. JD has been driving Ria to the office and back to her place until she finally moved out. He was very stubborn everytime she refused his offer. He would never take no for an answer.  So, she stopped refusing and just went with the flow. Besides, how can she resist the ever persistent JD?

JD doesn’t really need to report in his dad’s company every single day. He can just come like every end of the month to check the financials. He has many reliable employees he can send to the company anytime. However, ever since Ria started working, he has come to the company regularly. It even started some gossips in the company. Ria couldn’t stop all these wild gossips to spread. 

As long as they see JD with her, Ria can’t get away from all the talks and curious stares from people. She just ignores it since it will die down anyway. As long as she knows the real score between them, then there’s nothing to worry. 

When Friday came, Ria took a half day from work. She still needs to transport all her things after lunchtime. There is nothing much to bring with her but only important things. She already sold her old appliances and furniture. The condo unit she’s moving in is fully-furnished. It was JD who carried most of her things to his pick-up. He brought a new car again.

In the five days that she consistently sees JD, she has known a lot about him. It’s something she least expected. They really get along well. JD is a guy who gets pleasure with small things. He is serious at times but knows how to be fun as well. He can be moody which Ria tries to learn to get used to. 

Who would have thought that she would get this close to the man of her dreams? Their status in life makes it impossible for them to cross path. However, life has an ironic ways of making things possible. And when she gets the chance to cross path with him, still she never expected that she would be a friend to JD. 

When they reached at Ria’s new place, both of them were very tired. The traffic again was at its worst. They were stuck in the traffic for more than two hours. Good thing that Ria decided to move out soon. She won’t have to worry about traffic, getting late for work and JD will stop driving for her back and forth. She really feels a burden to him but JD just brushed it off. He always tell her he is helping a good friend.

She is tired right now but she really wants to cook dinner for JD to show him her appreciation for everything he did for her. However, her fridge is empty. There is actually no food in her new condo. 

She cleared her throat before talking to him. JD’s eyes were close while leaning his head on the sofa. She is not sure if he has fallen asleep. 

“JD, do you want us to order some food? I really want to cook dinner for you but there’s no food in the kitchen yet.” She said in a soft voice.

When he opened his deep-set eyes, she got lost in its depths. He was staring at her and she’s also staring back. It took a few seconds before he spoke, breaking that enchanting spell between them.

“Don’t worry about that. I already ordered dinner for us. In a few minutes, our food will be delivered here.” He said casually.

“Thank you so much JD. You really helped me a lot. It was not easy for us earlier that we had to encounter those heavy traffic. Still, you remained calm and patient. I truly appreciate everything that you do for me.” 

JD chuckled at what she said. “What else is new about our traffic problem? I am glad though that I was there to help you.” He smiled boyishly at her. 

Sometimes, Ria couldn’t help but to feel something different about his gestures. JD is naturally sweet and thoughtful. She needs to calm down. She just can’t expect more from their friendship. 

JD’s order arrived after a few minutes. They decided to eat in the living room. Ria put all the food on the small center table. He ordered a lot of food for them that it can even feed a family of ten. 

“ Don’t worry about that. I ordered more so you can save breakfast for tomorrow.”

Seriously! He thought about that. 

“By the way, if you want to do the grocery tomorrow, I can come with you. I know a grocery store just close to your building. It’s the weekend tomorrow and you won’t be a bother to me.” He smiled widely. He said that since he expected that she would refuse again. 

“Really? It’s up to you as long as you are free tomorrow.” She also smiled at him and continued eating.

JD ordered some Mexican food and Ria has no idea about this food. So, while they were eating, JD was explaining the name of the each food and its ingredients before he put it on Ria’s plate. Ria just learned that aside from him being handsome, rich, famous, kind, nice, thoughtful… he’s also a good cook. Actually, her list could go on about the positive traits of JD. He is such an ideal man. 

After they had dinner, JD helped her to clean up their mess in the living room. But she dismissed him when he tried to help her washed the dishes.

“I can take care of these. Please stay in the living room. I know that you are very tired.” JD still stayed looking at her until she pushed him out of the kitchen. 

“Now, off you go mister. Please try to rest.” Ria said with determination.

“Fine, call me if you need me.” And he went to sit at the sofa. After Ria was done with all the dishes, she saw JD watching TV. He was watching a cooking show. 

When he felt her presence, he instantly looked her way. He was staring at her while trying to take out the cushions beside him. When she saw what he was doing, she took the space he made empty for her. She tried her best not to get too close to him like their skins are touching. She really does exaggerate things sometimes. 

She took a cushion and set it on her lap. JD was quietly staring at her and when she got settled, he turned his eyes to the TV.

“Do you want to check the other channel?” He suddenly asked.

Ria shook her head. “No, I also like what you are watching. I like cooking shows.” She was beaming. 

“So tell me, are you a good cook?” This time, JD put all his attention on her. She was slightly blushing.

“Yes, I know how to cook but I am not sure if I am a good cook as you.” She laughed at her joke. 

“How can you say that?” He got curious.

“Well, it is not hard to guess that you are a good cook. I can cook the regular dish but I don’t think I can cook as good as you.”

“During our first lunch together, I thought you brought me to your favorite restaurant since you knew all their food and its ingredients. However, earlier, you didn’t only mention each food but you also explained its ingredients and how it is cooked. You know a lot of international dishes.” Added Ria who feel proud and happy for knowing more about him.

JD is so elated about what Ria said about him. It’s not the common compliments he got from other women like praising his looks or body. He actually felt flattered hearing her compliments of his cooking. It’s so genuine and sincere.

“Do you know what, I can cook for you next time. Just tell me what food you want to eat, then I’ll take care of it.” He said with confidence.

“Really?! You got make excited. Why don’t you cook your favorite food instead?” Ria suggested while JD was grinning from ear to ear.

“Great to hear that! It’s a date then!” He winked at her.

What date?! She is really exaggerating things. He was simply talking about agreeing to meet at a certain time… not for anything romantic. That made her come back to reality. 

“Sure... you set the time as long as you’re not busy.” 

The cooking show wasn’t finished yet but Ria was already yawning. It was a long day but it ended great!

JD saw what she did. “Hey, I better get going. You’re already yawning.” He messed up with her hair before standing up on his feet. Ria felt butterflies in her stomach at what he did. She tried to hide it by smiling.

“You can stay to finish the show. It is not even finished yet.” She pouted. 

“You are so cute.” And he pinched her cheeks. Ria didn’t expect that he would actually pinch her cheeks.

“I would love to stay but we are both tired. You should go sleep. We still have to do the groceries tomorrow.” 

“Alright, see you tomorrow then.” And she accompanied him to the door.

“Thank you so much JD. I couldn’t thank you enough for everything. You made it easier for me these past few days with my first week of work and moving to a new place. You were very nice and supportive.” She was really happy to say it to him.

“I don’t know what to say except you’re welcome.” He scratched his head for the lack of words to say. This is the first time for him that he couldn’t reply to a woman’s compliment. He feels silly.

“Please drive safely. Goodnight.” Ria saw how JD moved his lips but chose to just smile and nodded his head. 

She locked the door right after JD left. She could feel her strong heartbeat. She is hoping she won’t fall for him.