who writes fan fiction for Choices stories. Masterlists at https://www.tumblr.com/alj4890masterlist Requests always welcome though might take a while ❤
(Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis) in a Choices The Royal Romance Crackship series
A/N Sorry for the delay. My life is still in an uphill battle with everything, LOL. I'm so sorry for being silent. It's, well, it's been a lot. I'm going to do my best to finish this series along with requests and my other series. So, without further ado, here's the next part in this crackship.
Masterlist
Chapter 8
**************
What did I do wrong?
Maxwell stared up at the ceiling as he lay sprawled on his bed. Moonlight cast his room in shadow, allowing his mind to focus on the events of the past few weeks.
He was still in a state of disbelief. Not only did his own burgeoning love life end without warning, he'd had to stand by and watch two of his best friends be denied their own happily ever after.
What happened?
As he'd done for countless hours since the coronation ball, he relived every second of that fateful night. The anticipation of all his dreams coming true was followed by them actually coming true and then ending with his entire universe falling apart. None of it made any sense.
How had things ended so horribly and so quickly?
Why did Olivia disappear before the announcement? Why didn't she at least say goodbye to him? She seemed to enjoy their one moment of passion. Why was she ghosting him?
Where is she? Is she back at Lythikos and telling servants to refuse my calls? Or is she truly not there?
Does she hate me?
He rubbed his face with the palms of his hands and released a frustrated groan. His thoughts were going to be the death of him if he didn't focus on something else. He knew he should concentrate on helping Riley with her return to Cordonian society instead of his own wretched love life. He should also be trying to find out who took those photos of her.
Snorting softly, he began to think that maybe she and Liam were like him, destined for a blink and you miss it, painful romance. Nothing was ever guaranteed that love would last. He'd certainly witnessed his fair share of those disastrous relationships within his own family. Why shouldn't he follow suit?
Flopping onto his stomach, he buried his face into his pillow and did his best to forget all about that fateful night. It obviously didn't mean as much to Olivia as it did to him. So why should he torture himself with questions that would probably never be answered nor any chance of fixing them?
Cursing, he flipped once again onto his back.
Why do I love her so much?
Reaching over to his nightstand, he swiped up a bottle of sleeping pills and popped one into his mouth. Like many of the previous nights, he knew the only way he'd ever get any sleep was with medicinal help. He'd always struggled with turning his mind off late at night. Complicate it with more personal problems and he would become a permanent insomniac.
"Things have to get better." He mumbled while waiting on the pill to take effect.
As he began to drift off to a dreamless sleep, he silently prayed that he'd wake up with everything somehow being miraculously fixed.
**************
Lythikos, a few weeks later...
Olivia could hardly believe what her mind was telling her. The damning evidence was right there and yet her heart, that traitorous organ, was refusing to accept it.
Maxwell couldn't be the one to set us all up, could he?
The photos from New York that'd been sold certainly pointed to him being the photographer that ruined Riley's chances. He'd known what room she'd been assigned. He might have even been the one to lure Tariq there.
But why ruin her shot with Liam?
He seems ridiculously fond of Riley, she thought with a quick burst of jealousy. She still didn't like how close he'd gotten to the American.
"Damn it." She whispered. "How dare he make me care about him."
If he betrayed Riley and Liam with those first set of photographs, and possibly with the new ones...why wouldn't he also betray me?
Could he have sent the letter? Granted, if he did, then it was with the express purpose to insure Riley winning Liam. So, if he sent it, why would he then turn around and have damning pictures of Riley for all the world to see?
Snatching up the paper that had the power to end the world as she'd once known it, Olivia ignored the content and simply studied it. The handwriting didn't match up with the poem he'd once written along with all the other notes throughout the years. That still didn't mean he wasn't capable of creating the story about her parents. Given how over active his imagination was proven just from the things he'd written her in the past, she could easily see him fabricating this mysterious past of her parents.
What was even worse was that he or whoever did write it was right. Her parents weren't the heroes she was raised to believe. They were traitors to not only their country but also to herself.
How dare they leave her all alone in the world? No guidance. No chance to know how to lead a normal life with normal relationships with others. Nothing except a few scraps of memories and lies to keep her warm at night.
"Your grace?" Her butler cleared his throat. "There was another phone call from Lord Beaumont."
"And?" Olivia snapped. "Didn't you tell him I'm not here?"
"I did." He paused. "He asked me to give you this message when I next saw you."
Olivia stiffened as he handed her a folded slip of paper. A part of her wanted to throw it into the fireplace and not even see what it said. Her heart though forced her fingers to unfold it.
I won't call again and bother her. I get it. She doesn't want to be with me. I just want her to know that I miss her. I love her. Always have and always will. I want her to be happy and if it isn't with me, then I understand.
Unwanted tears filled her eyes. How dare he make her feel anything other than hatred? Crumbling the note, she threw it into the flames and watched the edges begin to blacken.
"Your grace, is there anything I can--"
"Leave me." She ordered.
Once alone, the tears began to slowly slip down her cheeks. Cursing Maxwell to the deepest pit of hell, she sat down and began to plan what her next moves should be in order to find her blackmailer.
She knew she needed to prepare herself for Maxwell to be the cause of everything that happened. If it was him, she would unleash a series of torture that only those of her bloodline could imagine. She would make him regret ever playing with her heart.
Wiping her cheeks, she got to her feet to go pack.
There was an engagement tour she needed to join.
***************
Venice.....
Maxwell could hardly believe that not only was Olivia helping Riley, she was also sitting across from him and having dinner like nothing had ever happened.
He did his best to not stare at her. He barely spoke to Francesco much less anyone else. His mind raced with the questions he longed to ask Olivia. He knew that he couldn't since he'd promised he wouldn't bother her again.
Picking at his food, he focused on her voice. She didn't sound like anything was wrong. Her tone held the usual confidence with a dash of sarcasm he'd heard his entire life. Her smile was still a touch smug as if everything was a private joke. Her body seemed relaxed.
The only time anything different occurred was when she glanced his way. Her fingers tightened momentarily on the stem of her wine glass before she refocused upon Francesco. If Maxwell hadn't been staring, he would have missed it. He doubted anyone who wasn't as attuned as he was to Olivia would ever have caught that slight action.
Does she feel anything for me, he wondered. Am I destined to be nothing more than a one night stand with the one person I actually want to spend my life with?
Gulping down his wine, he motioned for the waiter for a refill. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Bertrand frowning over what he knew would be deemed, mannerless overindulgence.
Surely thanking the waiter made it simple overindulgence, he thought with a snort.
Olivia glanced once more at him when he wasn't paying attention. She hated that he drew her focus away from her mission. She could tell not only was he stunned with her appearance but that he also was not going to ask her why she did what she did.
Her heart was softening from the expression on his face. She knew him too well. She knew his smiles, his body language, even the way he looked out of those eyes of his. He wasn't attempting to paste a fake smile or even feign interest in the conversation. He slouched in his chair while drinking yet another glass of wine.
Her eyes dropped down to his plate. He hadn't even bothered to pretend to eat the courses that followed the first.
He's depressed. Maybe he didn't--
"This has been a pleasure." Francesco rose from his chair. "I look forward to speaking with you again Lady Riley."
He bowed to Olivia and Bertrand stating how good it was to see them and hoped they enjoyed their time in Venice.
Once he was gone, Riley's relief was shared by all at the table.
"I think that went well." She said.
"Of course it did." Bertrand bragged. "After all the work we've put in, you are more than ready for dinners with dignitaries."
"You did amazing, Blossom." Maxwell added. "Just like you always do."
Olivia grit her teeth to keep from making a snide remark. She loathed that he had a nickname for the woman beside her.
Bertrand cleared his throat while standing. "If you ladies will excuse us, I need to speak to my brother for a moment."
Maxwell looked up and mentally groaned at the expression on his brother's face. Of all the times Bertrand could give him a lecture, it would be on a night like this. Pushing back from the table, Maxwell staggered to his feet and reluctantly followed him across the room.
Once out of ear shot, Olivia produced an envelope and set it in front of Riley. "I think you should--"
"I thought they'd never leave." Drake interrupted as he took over Maxwell's chair.
Olivia narrowed her eyes at him as he and Riley teased each other over boring nobles.
Drake met her gaze with a suspicious glare of his own. "What's going on? Why are you here?"
"Why? Because I'm the only one doing something to fix the mess that we," she gestured to herself and Riley, "are in."
Drake snorted in derision. "How are you involved in all this? No pictures were released of you caught in some nobleman's arms."
Olivia hesitated. She could very well have been captured multiple times being kissed by a particular noble. Now that she thought of it, it was strange that none had been taken of her and Maxwell given how swiftly it made Riley an ineligible party for the Crown. It would have done the same for Olivia.
Maybe Maxwell didn't--
"She's being blackmailed, Drake." Riley argued. "She and I both were targeted the night of Liam's coronation."
Drake's face revealed his shock. Olivia felt a spurt of satisfaction in seeing it. Nothing brought a smile faster to her face than seeing him knocked down a peg or two.
"You're being blackmailed?" He asked.
"I am." Olivia declared. "I received a letter that, let's just say it has some rather damning evidence that would destroy the Nevrakis name along with my ability to care for the people of my duchy."
Drake slowly nodded as he stared off past her shoulder. His brow furrowed the longer he considered all that happened that night.
"You were both Liam's top choices." He stated. "Everyone knew it would end up being between the two of you."
"Exactly." Olivia responded. "Which is why I believe we were attacked by the same person."
Drake grimaced as he gestured towards the envelope in front of Riley. "What's that?"
"Pictures of Liam's getaway in New York."
Riley gasped. "Drake, I thought you said you and Bastien got those back?"
"We did." He took the envelope from her and looked at the pictures. "How did you get these?"
"Please." Olivia flicked her fingers as if it was nothing. "I'm the Duchess of Lythikos. There's rarely any information I can't get my hands on."
"But I destroyed these pictures!" He exclaimed.
"Those are copies of the originals." She pointed out. "I think whoever took and sold these photographs might be connected to my letter and Riley's scandal."
Olivia mentally winced at her use of might. Why couldn't she condemn Maxwell? If anyone looked at those pictures, they'd know he'd been the photographer. Why was she determined to-- she realized an argument was forming at their table
"It can't be." Riley broke into her thoughts. "This is Maxwell we are talking about!"
Drake shoved the photos back into the envelope. "Look Brooks, I know you're friends with the guy, but he had to have taken these."
"He's your friend too!" She snapped, surprising both Olivia and Drake. "He's done nothing but encourage and help me. I know he's innocent."
"Then why isn't he in any of the pictures?" He shot back. "Why were they sold?"
Olivia quietly watched the two. What surprised her the most was how adamant Riley was in Maxwell's innocence.
"Fine. Let's confront him." Drake slammed the envelope down. "See if he's as perfect of a friend as you claim he is."
The trio walked over to where Bertrand and Maxwell were talking. The Duke's frustration mounted with this particular interruption.
"Maxwell," Riley began, "we need you to explain yourself."
"How could you?" Drake snapped when Maxwell tried to joke about being an enigma. "We trusted you and you betray Liam like this?"
"Betray?" Maxwell stuttered. He glanced at Olivia and wondered if she'd let it slip that they'd attempted to get together before Liam officially chose a suitor. "I don't--"
Drake shoved the envelope into Maxwell's chest. "Did you take these?"
Maxwell opened it up and began to flip through the pictures. He paused at one where Riley and Liam were sitting close together at the bonfire on the beach.
Flipping it towards Riley, he said, "I thought this was the best one."
Olivia felt her heart drop. She knew he took them, but a part of her had ridiculously held out hope that he'd convince her with his denial.
"You sold these!" Drake accused, cutting off Riley's calm questioning. "Then you turned around and set Brooks up with Tariq!"
Maxwell jerked upright at that. The little bit of tipsiness he felt with dinner disappeared.
"I would never do that to her!" He waved the envelope. "These were going to be a gift for Liam and Riley, a wedding gift, of their first night falling in love."
"You're just like all the other nobles." Drake got in his face. "Only concerned with--"
"Stop!" Bertrand pleaded. "It was me."
Olivia gasped.
Hanging his head, Bertrand explained that he'd been the one to sell the photographs. He explained his lack of faith in Riley being able to actually win Liam in the end and how he'd needed the money to help keep his duchy afloat.
Riley reached out and stopped the apologies, saying she forgave him and understood the pressures he'd been under.
Bowing to her, Bertrand left.
Maxwell rubbed his hands over his face. With all that happened, he either needed a very strong drink or dessert. Maybe both.
Brushing off Drake's attempt at an apology, Maxwell walked alone back to their table. He couldn't help but wonder why Olivia was the one to be part of his accusers. She hadn't said anything, just listened and observed.
Was it some kind of test? Or did she really think I'd do something like that?
His empty stomach churned in the midst of ordering both a drink and some tiramisu. He needed something to soothe him if he was to help Riley corner the real photographer. So far, this night was right up there with the worst of his life.
****************
"Liam?" Olivia lowered her voice as she glanced about at the mingling nobles. "Do you have a moment?"
Liam doubted he'd ever have a moment to actually talk to the people he cared about. His gaze lingered on Riley as he debated what he could do to be alone with her. Just as he was about to say no to Olivia, he noticed she was visibly upset.
"Of course." He murmured, gesturing for her to follow him to a dimly lit aclove.
"What's wrong?" He whispered.
She told him everything, leaving nothing out, including her mistaken doubt in Maxwell and her parents actions.
She hated seeing the pitying look he was directing towards her.
Glancing over to where Maxwell was approaching a group of ladies to retrieve Riley, she asked the all important question.
"How do I fix this?"
Liam folded his arms while his brow furrowed. He knew it took a lot for Olivia to share so much, especially when it revealed her mistakes and anything that could cast a shadow on her family name. He also knew that her coming to him with this meant that his answer was one she not only fully trusted but also depended on.
"I think we need to address what it is you are most hoping to repair." He began.
Liam watched as she once again looked over in Maxwell's direction. He wondered if she even realized she'd done so.
"I, surely I should..." She trailed off, eyes widening with the commotion forming.
Photographers were exclaiming and snapping pictures as quickly as their cameras allowed.
Liam's jaw dropped at the sight of Maxwell kneeling on one knee and gazing up at Riley as if he absolutely adored her. His love was also looking down at his friend as if he were her own prince charming.
Neither he nor Olivia could think of how to stop their worst nightmares coming to life.
****************
A few hours later...
Maxwell boarded the train after making sure Riley went to meet Liam. He couldn't help but smile over the delight that had flooded her face when he told her a certain king was waiting for a romantic moment or two at the beach.
He hoped they enjoyed themselves. Other than finding another clue, his own night felt like a bust. He was hungry, tired, and terribly depressed from all that had been revealed.
Groaning softly, he decided to raid the train's bar for some snacks. He bent down, opening up a cabinet, and stuck his head in there while rummaging around the packages of peanuts and chips in the hopes of finding something a bit more substantial.
"How did it go?"
He bumped his head when he heard Olivia. Yanking it out of the cabinet, he clumsily became upright and faced her.
Just like at dinner, she was casually sitting at the bar as if nothing had ever happened between them.
He felt a rare spark of anger. He knew he didn't deserve someone like her, but to be given a glimpse of how it could be between them then just to be denied nothing with no explanation, no care for how he might feel, no anything; it hurt worse than anything anyone had ever done to him.
"What are you talking about?" He asked in a cold tone.
Olivia decided to persevere. She owed him so many explanations. Apologies. She wasn't exactly certain where to start. She only knew one thing.
Seeing Maxwell's fake proposal to Riley made her realize that he was more important to her than clearing her family name. For one brief moment, she'd been struck with what she was losing. The thought of never being with him again, hearing the crazy declarations of his feelings, seeing him look at her in a way no other man had ever done so; it hurt her worse than anything she'd ever felt.
Swallowing, she lowered her eyes.
"Were you able to catch the photographer?"
"You mean the one who actually took the photos of Riley and Tariq? The one who then ruined Riley in the public eye?" He taunted. "That one?".
Olivia nodded. She wondered if he'd even allow her to apologize.
Maxwell scoffed. He reached for a bottle of vodka and poured himself a glass. He didn't bother looking for a mix to make his usual tropical cocktail. He felt he was deserving of a night of strong liquor.
After dropping a few ice cubes in the glass, he took a long sip.
"We caught her." He responded. "It's only led to yet another mystery to uncover."
"Do you want some help?" Olivia hesitantly offered.
He snorted in his glass as he downed the rest. Slamming it down on the bar, he leaned over on his elbows until he was eye level with her.
"I would honestly have loved having your help from the beginning, but you refused to answer or return any of my calls."
She bit down on her lip, her eyes never leaving his. An unnerving silence stretched between them.
"Why?" His voice cracked. "Why did you--"
Penelope, Kiara, and a few other nobles entered, talking about the upcoming plans in Venice.
Olivia caught Maxwell's hand when he attempted to leave from behind the bar.
"Take a walk with me." She pleaded.
His eyes narrowed. Why should he? Why go somewhere else to continue to have his heart stomped on.
"Please." She added.
I'm so weak, he thought to himself. Why can't I ever say no to this woman?
He wanted to say no. His lips parted, yet he couldn't get the damn word out. Those eyes of hers, the softness that he'd only seen one other time on that amazing night of theirs, was there in the green depths. While he couldn't deny her, he also found himself reluctant to say yes. His heart was so battered, so bruised.
Why add more pain?
"I need to talk to you." She lowered her voice when she noticed some of the nobles lingering near the bar.
Taking a deep breath, she gently pulled him towards the exit.
"I need to explain," she hoped he believed her, "and, um, I need to tell you how sorry I am."
His eyebrows lifted.
Olivia saw his hesitancy and gripped his hand. If he was going to refuse to go with her, then she'd keep him here until everyone else left and force him to hear her out. If he decided he wanted nothing more to do with her after that, well, then she'd do whatever it took to change his mind.
If there was one thing she knew about herself, it was that she would never go down without a fight.
(Drake x Olivia) (Prince Emerick Rhys x Juliet Nevrakis-Walker) in a Choices The Royal Romance Drabble
For @twinkleallnight . Thank you for the inspiration with your request. Since this one was nearly done and has been sitting in my folder for way too long, I knew I needed to finish this before beginning another 😂
A/N Taking this from the series with @krsnlove , While We're Young. I know it's been on hiatus forever and barely surviving with these random drabbles 😬 so, anyway...here's another drabble 😂
Masterlist
***************
The Royal Palace...
"You were right." Drake grumbled. "Jules isn't in her room."
He sat down on one of the wingback chairs and focused on his wife.
Olivia didn't react. She knew she was right from the start. In fact, she knew everything that was going on with their daughter.
She'd seen the way that the crown prince looked at Juliet. She'd also noticed the way her daughter looked at him when she thought no one was paying attention. The pair might think they'd pulled off faking a relationship to the press, but she knew they had truly fallen for one another.
She also suspected they were keeping it a secret from their families and friends. She didn't blame them for that. It was difficult enough to admit you had feelings for someone you'd known your entire life. She'd gone through that very thing the moment she realized she felt something more for the man she'd been married to for the past twenty-five years.
Drake, though, was not happy at all with what was developing. This was his daughter, after all. Being overly protective was a given. He couldn't help it. Though Juliet possessed Olivia's fiery temper and innate strength, she'd also inherited his heart. He couldn't allow just any man a chance to trample on that.
Once Drake fell in love, there was no turning back. He knew how significant that was and that his daughter would be a one and done like he was. Seeing the one he suspected she'd lost her heart to did not sit well at all, especially since he suspected she was in love with a young man notorious for his tabloid worthy love life. Emerick might be Liam's son, but he'd yet to show that he had his father's faithful nature. He reminded Drake of Leo: too handsome, too charming, and much too carefree.
If only Juliet had fallen for Emerick's younger brother, Ellis. Now there was a young man who'd proven how steadfast his heart was.
Not that he begrudged Emily Beaumont with winning the spare prince. He simply wished Emerick had his same nature.
"What's eating at you?" Olivia interrupted his thoughts.
"I'm wondering how to tell Liam's son to stay away from Jules without losing my best friend in the process." Drake grumbled.
His wife rolled her eyes as she got up to fix them both a needed drink.
"You're overreacting." She handed him a glass of bourbon.
Drake glared at her.
She glared back, completely unfazed by his irritation.
"How can you say that?" He snapped. "Our daughter is doing God knows what with some--"
"The son of one of our closest friends." Olivia reminded him.
"He's not like Liam." Drake pointed out.
"Yes, he is." She argued.
"No, he's not." He drank a healthy gulp. "He's nothing like Liam."
"He's a lot like him as well as Riley." Olivia argued. "He has their loyalty."
"I guess." Drake reluctantly agreed.
After all, Emerick had stood by their son, Jackson, throughout all of life's ups and downs as well as their other friends' children.
"He's never shirked his duty, like Liam." She continued to list all of Emerick's attributes. "He's helped protect all the girls with Jackson, Ellis, and Alec."
"True." Drake squirmed. "But he has so much of Leo in him!"
"You mean the man who walked away when he realized he wasn't what was best for Cordonia?" She cocked an eyebrow at her husband. "The one who made certain we would have the best king possible instead of wasting Liam in some minor position with little say over anything?"
Olivia finished off her drink.
"I think you're not ready for what comes next."
Drake's head shot up. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about the fact that our daughter might belong to another man, soon."
Olivia refilled both their glasses.
"She's going to become a wife. She'll leave home to start her own family."
She placed her hand upon his shoulder, squeezing in sympathy.
"We won't see her everyday. Won't hear her arguing with Jax. Won't see her dashing off to be with the girls for a night out of fun."
Her eyes misted with tears. "It'll be a huge change."
Drake frowned over her prediction. It wasn't that he wanted his children to remain stuck at home. He wanted them to have fulfilling lives. It was just that...
"I hate change." He admitted.
Olivia's laughter took him by surprise.
"You and me both."
He eyed her when she sat down on the arm of his chair. He slipped his arm around her waist as he thought back through their years together. A hint of a smile appeared on his face when he recalled their own complicated beginning.
"You didn't mind us changing our relationship." He pointed out.
"Yes, I did." She argued. "I fought against thinking of you in any way other than the bane of my existence."
He snorted in amusement. "You certainly pursued me for someone who hated me."
"You weren't exactly fighting against seducing me every chance you got." She added.
"What can I say?" He tugged her onto his lap. "I have a thing for red heads with sharp tongues."
"You better." She threatened. "Or you'll regret ever tying your life to me. Death will come a lot sooner for you, my husband, if you ever even think of looking at another woman."
Drake grinned. "A bit possessive, aren't we?"
Olivia glared at him, silently daring him to take his own life in his hands by turning this into a joke.
"You know I feel the same way." He grumbled, doing his best to soothe the woman on his lap. "Besides, what are we to do about Juliet?"
"You know what we have to do." Olivia snapped. "We support her. Encourage her. Continue to make her see what she truly wants in a relationship by being an example for her."
Drake rubbed a hand over his jaw as he thought of the example he and Olivia had shown their children. Since both lost their parents at a young age, they'd tried their hardest to involve their own children in every aspect of their lives. They went above and beyond having them present when discussing major and minor issues with their duchy and their country.
They even did their best to explain the reasons behind lost tempers and how, though this had been the hardest for them, to be sorry.
Drake and Olivia weren't as demonstrative as their other friends in public displays of affection, yet they also never held back doing so when the moment called for it. Their children had seen the kisses, arm around the other, and such throughout their lives.
"You know?" Olivia placed her head on Drake's shoulder. "Juliet choosing Emerick is a good thing. They challenge each other and seem to enjoy sparring like we do."
"Then maybe my sympathy is with Emerick." Drake chuckled when his wife poked his ribs. "It takes a very, very strong man to deal with a Nevrakis woman."
"Yes, it does." Her lips curled when he tightened his arms around her. "She'll be good for him. She'll keep him grounded, like you do with me."
Drake pressed a kiss to her forehead. "She'll make him see sense like you do for me."
Olivia lifted her head and met his lips for a long kiss.
"Everything will work out." She said once they eased apart. "Just like it's supposed to."
"That's awfully optimistic of you." Drake cocked an eyebrow in surprise.
Olivia's smile he'd come to love over the years blossomed.
"You forget. I know exactly how to hurt a man, just like I taught Jules." She cuddled closer to him. "Plus our duchy is perfect for hiding and disposing of a body."
"What happened to it being our best friends' kid?"
She rolled her eyes. "Our family comes first. Luckily, Emerick might just be the one young man worthy of our daughter."
Drake felt a little better in hearing her usual threats and observations.
Maybe all would work out like she thought. Maybe he was being too hard on the crown prince. Maybe like Drake, he hadn't realized what had been in front of him the whole time.
He'd still watch them closely these next few weeks and hopefully see what he needed to: his daughter having everything she deserved.
"Have you come to peace with this yet?" Olivia asked.
"I guess." He grumbled.
"Good." She eased out of his arms and held her hand out to him. "Come on. Let's take a walk and get some of that frustration out of you."
He stood, took her hand, and pulled her back into his arms.
He placed a tender kiss upon her lips.
"Thank you." He said softly.
It amazed him that after all these years, Olivia was still the only person who knew exactly what he needed in moments like this.
Her lips curved once more in her proud duchess-like way as she tugged him towards the door. He knew that regardless of what happened with Juliet and their other children's love lives, he would have Olivia by his side to help him deal with all the upcoming changes.
And he couldn't be more grateful for that fact.
Together they left in companionable silence, each lost in thought of what the future might bring.
Relationship : King/Prince Liam rys x Dutchess/ Queen Riley Brooks ( or whatever is your mc name)
Prompt: -- "what did I ever do to deserve you my dear?" she said, --
It could be angst or fluff or lit anything just that if you take up this I want Riley to say this.
Alsooo, what's your fav character from trr?
I've always loved requests, since it gets my creativity flowing more so than anything else. In other words, yes, you may request a fic 😊 As for my favorite character from TRR, though I adore every single one of them, the honor of fav will always go to Lord Maxwell Percival Beaumont. He always makes me smile and laugh whenever I do a replay of the story. I love him as both friend and love.
Now let's get to the fic 😉 Taking this from Book 2 of TRR. For some reason this turned very, very angsty 😐 Don't know how that happened, LOL.
Masterlist
Out the Window
Fydelia...
"That was exhausting." Riley grumbled once she and Maxwell returned to her room.
Her first night back amongst Cordonian nobles was tougher than she thought it would be. She'd expected doubt and even being snubbed. What she hadn't expected was for Liam to avoid finding a way to talk to her.
Did he really believe she'd fooled around with Tariq? Had he been lying about being in love the night of his coronation just to get sex out of her? He certainly appeared a little too comfortable with Madeleine hanging off his arm. And allowing her to feed him! Ugh. Just the absolute worst thing a person could possibly see.
"I don't think I've ever been this wiped after a Court dinner." Maxwell rubbed the back of his neck. Knots didn't even come to mind when he felt how tense he was back there. Boulders might be a better description for the hard lumps his muscles were currently in.
"This might have been a bad idea." Riley told him while slumping back against her bed pillows.
The skirt of her blue dress flared up, nearly drowning her in its many layers. She batted it down with a huff all while wondering what in the world she was doing in Cordonia. She could easily be back in New York, no worries, no trying to impress a group of people who somehow had photographic evidence of her being the literal worst, and no more draining what little was left in her savings account on ridiculous dresses such as the one trying to smother her.
While Maxwell attempted to help her tame the wild fabric with a mind of its own, a knock sounded making them freeze.
"Who could that be?" Riley whispered.
"Dunno." Maxwell said with a great deal of apprehension. "Maybe Bertrand?"
Riley's nose wrinkled at that possibility. She loved the man, but she was in no shape or form willing to hear another lecture on propriety.
Audibly swallowing, Maxwell cracked the door open.
His dimples popped up in a grin when he was handed a large bouquet of roses.
Riley sat up with a start when he showed them to her.
"Where'd those come from?" She asked.
He shrugged, still smiling. "Maybe from a secret admirer."
Riley buried her face in the fragrant blooms. She took a deep breath, wishing they were magical and could take her away from this place. Opening her eyes, she noticed a piece of paper wrapped around one of the stems.
She quickly unfurled it while a frown formed upon her face.
"What's it say?" Maxwell attempted to read over her shoulder.
"It's from Liam." She crumbled the paper in her fist. "He wants to meet me in his room."
"I don't think that's doable." Maxwell argued. "His room is all the way on the other side of the castle. You'd never be able to get over there without dozens of people seeing you."
Riley briefly eyed her window.
"Don't even think about it!" Maxwell exclaimed when he realized where her mind was at.
"I'm not stupid!" She snapped.
Then again, she realized she just might be for even thinking she had a chance with Cordonia's king.
Seeing the worry upon her best friend's face, she reached out and hugged him.
"I'm not going out the window." She reassured him.
She glanced down at the wad of paper in her hand and decided to have a note of her own delivered.
"Hey Max?" You can easily see Liam, right?"
"Yeah."
She rushed over to a desk and pulled out some paper and a pen. Sitting down, she tapped the pen on her bottom lip while thinking of what she wanted to say to the man she'd once thought of as Prince Charming.
Her eyes narrowed the longer she considered her circumstances. After all, she chased after Liam for months, while he had a virtual harem at his beck and call. What if the night with Tariq had been her doing? It wasn't like Liam had made her the only woman in his life. Practically every moment they stole away from the court had him mentioning he should pay more attention to the other ladies. Why would she even think he felt what she'd felt?
She'd made every first move, whether it was in initiating conversation or kissing him. All that she'd attempted to do and the results she'd received all pointed to one thing.
Maxwell's eyes widened at the vicious swipes her pen made as it furiously moved across the paper. He was surprised she wasn't ripping through it as she dotted i's and crossed t's.
Once she was satisfied with all she'd written, she folded it and placed it in an envelope.
"Here you go." She mumbled. "I'm pretty sure after Liam reads this that there won't be anymore flowers delivered."
."You sure you want me to give this to him?" Maxwell hesitated at the door. "Maybe you should sleep on it instead."
Riley squared her shoulders. "No, I want you to take it to him. At least then I'll know I said everything I wish I could have in person."
Saying a quick prayer that Bertrand wouldn't kill them both for this, Maxwell made his way through Madeleine's home in search of Liam.
****************
Liam tore into the envelope while Maxwell attempted to soften the blow he knew was in that letter.
The young king's brow furrowed as he read through Riley's feelings and views of not only the actions of the Court but also in his own choices concerning her.
His eyes widened at the end.
Now I know without a doubt that I shouldn't have ever come here. Not for you. Not for adventure. Not for anything. I'm stuck here for the time being in helping restore Bertrand's and Maxwell's reputations. They are the ONLY ones who mean anything to me. I ask that you help me fix things for the Beaumont's (which I believe you owe me after dropping me faster than I could blink after seducing me in your ridiculous hedge maze). Once they are back where they need to be, I will leave for home and you will never have to see me again.
Riley
P.S. No more roses or flowers of any kind. If you knew anything about me, you'd know I hate cliché romance crap like this.
"She can't mean this." Liam crumbled the letter, refusing to accept any part of her dismissal of himself.
"Weeeellllllll." Maxwell hedged. "I think tonight was the last straw."
When Liam merely blinked at him, Maxwell continued.
"You know? The straw that broke the camel's back?"
"I know the idom!" Liam snapped in frustration. "But what happened tonight to make her feel this way?"
"Oh, well, um, you didn't talk to her." Maxwell explained.
"Of course I did!" Liam argued. "I greeted her warmly, or as warmly as I possibly could given the circumstances."
"You haven't spoken to her about being dragged out of the castle." Maxwell pointed out. "Why you chose Madeleine over her, or why you did it after sleeping---"
Maxwell slammed his hand over his own mouth for letting that major detail slip.
Liam winced at his oldest friend knowing how badly he'd behaved with Riley. Granted, he had not intended for that night to end with seeing the one he truly loved treated so horribly. And yet, he'd stood there with no emotion while it all unfolded.
Clearing the regret out of his throat, "Be that as it may," Liam searched for a way to explain. "That was why I wanted to secretly meet with her here. I want to explain to her my reasons for everything that happened that awful night."
"Sorry, but no can do." Maxwell told him about the distance between their rooms.
Liam glanced down at the crumbled paper in his hand. He couldn't allow another second to pass with Riley believing he was nothing short of a cad. He had to speak to her in person and plead his case. He needed to see for himself if there was any chance for her to forgive and believe that his heart was truly hers.
Raking his hands through his hair, he looked about the ornate prison of a room he was stuck in for some inspiration. Surely there was a way to leave this suite without anyone being the wiser.
His eyes lingered on the double doors of his balcony.
Maxwell felt a sense of deja vu. Surely he wasn't friends with two people who were crazy enough to precariously climb their way to one another?
Liam took off his coat, ordered Maxwell to make sure Riley's window was unlocked, and made his way outside his balcony.
Maxwell dashed after him and watched as the new king began the dangerous path to the woman he loved.
****************
"Did you give him my letter?" Riley asked when Maxwell returned.
"I did." He casually eased over to one of her windows and opened it.
"What are you doing?" She paused in turning back the bed covers.
"Seems stuffy in here." He mumbled on his way out the door. "Doesn't it seem stuffy to you?"
"I figured it was all the nobles polluting the air." She teased. "Of course, you're an exception."
He grinned at her as he prayed she wouldn't hate him for what was about to happen next.
"Sweet dreams, blossom." He quietly shut her door.
Riley took a deep breath and made her way over to her open window. She felt a touch better at having vented all her frustrations in her letter. She could actually look about her with interest now that all her bottled up emotions had been set free.
She couldn't deny that Madeleine's home was lovely. The sandstone castle walls gleamed in the moonlight, giving an almost mystical feeling. Soft music and faint rumblings of voices drifted on the wind, reminding her that tonight's celebration of the newly engaged couple was slowly coming to close.
Her heart ached that she was still here. Even though Maxwell and Bertrand deserved her loyalty, she wondered if it wouldn't be better for them and herself to leave Cordonia.
"How am I going to even begin to prove my innocence?" She mumbled.
A dark shadow passed overhead.
A muffled scream squeaked out while she stumbled back in shock.
"Forgive me." Liam panted once he was straddling her windowpane. "I didn't mean to startle you."
"What in the hell are you doing here?" She snapped once she was able to still her racing heart.
"I believe you are aware I wanted to see you." He began. "I--"
"And I believe my note showed how little I wanted to see you." She bit out.
"Please." Liam caught her hand when she turned away from him. "Allow me to explain."
Yanking her hand away, she folded her arms and grumbled something about the nerve of kings and their stupid authority.
Liam nervously swallowed. "I don't even know where to start other than that all I've done, I did for you."
Riley's suspicious glare turned to one of complete anger.
"Whatever did I do to deserve you, my dear?" She said in a fake syrupy sweet voice. "To think you got me to sleep with you just so you could have the strength to propose to another woman."
She pretended to wipe a tear from her eye.
"You're so thoughtful."
Liam rubbed his hands over his face. He could see how his actions looked and that she truly thought the very worst of him, but he had to try.
"I did it to protect you." He tried again. "I--"
"Good job on protecting me." Riley snickered in derision. "Not only is my reputation destroyed, but I was also publicly humiliated by being dragged out by guards as if I'd stolen the Crown jewels."
"I know." He said with a great deal of remorse. "Please, just hear me out before dismissing me from your life."
Riley rolled her eyes. Knowing she'd never get any sleep if she didn't allow him his say, she reluctantly agreed to listen without interruption.
Liam told her about his mother's death along with his fear of the same fate befalling Riley. He did his best to reassure her that he still planned on them finding a way to be together.
Her eyes narrowed when he told her that Madeleine agreed that they could still maintain their relationship in secret.
"Hold on." Riley interrupted his profession of love. "You not only expect me to conduct an investigation, on my own, into whoever set me up, you also want to conduct an affair in the midst of it?"
Her hands balled into fists.
"Are you insane?!"
Liam took a step back.
"Liam, I'm a waitress! An unemployed waitress! How do you expect me to do better than a freaking king with unlimited resources and power at his fingertips?" She demanded.
"I can't use the king's guards." He pointed out. "If it's someone within the Court, then your safety might be--"
"Then hire someone outside your palace!" She snapped.
"But I--" he tried to speak.
"No, you know what? Forget I said anything!" She stormed over to the window he'd climbed through. "I'll do it all since you're too much of a coward."
He stumbled back in disbelief.
"Riley, I love you." He argued. "I'll move heaven and earth for us to have our happy ending."
"If that were true then you'd have not only picked me that night, you'd have already cleared my name." She gestured towards her window. "Now if you'd be so kind, your majesty, I'd like you to leave."
Liam felt his heart drop. Her cold demeanor left little hope that she could find her way to forgive him.
Squaring his shoulders, he walked over to her and dropped down to one knee.
"What are you--"
"I'll fix this." He declared. "Whatever it takes, I swear I'll clear your name."
He carefully took her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.
"Then I'll do all I can to win your heart again." He vowed. "I don't care how long it takes, we will have the life we dreamed of on our date."
Riley blinked back tears. The last thing she wanted to do was to be swayed by his words. Hadn't she gotten hurt the last time she believed him?
"We'll see." She said.
Liam felt like a knight who'd been given a sacred task by his queen. Bowing his head, he tenderly kissed her hand once more. Getting to his feet, he climbed through her window to begin his journey back to his lonely room.
He thought of how he'd solve this problem. Riley was right. It was foolish of him to think she could easily investigate whoever set her up. He also shouldn't have asked her to basically become his mistress.
"I won't lose her." He grunted as he pulled himself over the railing of his balcony. "I will save her and our chance at happiness."
(Liam x MC) in a Choices the Royal Romance drabble using the below quotes from the movie, Barefoot in the Park, in bold. If our fandom had occurred in the 1960's, I could see me pushing for a young Robert Redford to be Liam's FC 😂
Masterlist
Merry Belated Christmas❣️ I felt the need to rewrite the way Liam finds out that he is going to be a father.
*******************
Another dull diplomatic dinner came to an end. The Cordonian royal palace was once more emptying out with various world leaders and European nobles leaving for the night. A few overnight guests were making their way to the rooms the king and queen had been gracious enough to offer.
Little did they know that the newest headlining couple were a tad on the outs.
The once romantic duo were walking with enough space between them to fit at least two other people. Tension rippled between them as feelings of frustration built to a tenacious pitch. Unbeknownst to her husband, the Queen was experiencing a rather strong case of pregnancy hormones.
Nothing about this evening had gone like she'd hoped. She never wanted to host everyone. She wanted comfortable clothes, food that didn't make her gag, and a chance alone with her husband to tell him the happy news.
Liam, the everlasting gentleman, opened the royal apartment door for his wife.
Riley stormed through once she heard him dismiss the servants for the night.
Jerking at his tie, he cleared his throat and shut the door.
"Are you going to tell me what's wrong?" He asked.
"Nothing." She griped. "Nothing you can fix."
He narrowed his eyes at that. "I believe as a king, there are a great many things I have the power to fix."
She rolled her eyes at that, earning a frown from her husband.
"My love," he said carefully, "what--"
"I'm tired." She grumbled. "Tired of this neverending fishbowl of an existence we live."
"What do you--"
"Liam!" She snapped. "I'm tired of trying to be the perfect queen!"
She ran her hands over her face before kicking off the uncomfortable heels she was wearing. Reaching around, she tried to unzip the scratchy sequined dress Bertrand swore would sway the diplomats from Croatia on a trade agreement.
Liam gently brushed her hands aside and unzipped it for her.
Dropping her head back over his unending patience, she groaned before rounding on him.
"Say something!" She snapped.
"I'm sorry. I know I asked a lot of you when I rushed our wedding. I should have made certain you were truly prepared and understood the demands that the Crown falls under--"
"Stop it!" She screeched. "Fight with me!"
Liam blinked, taking a cautious step back.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Fight! Argue!" She exclaimed. "Tell me off for being selfish and whiny."
"But you're not." He said calmly. "You're perfectly justified for feeling this way, especially with the hectic schedule we have."
Riley released a frustrated growl.
"Why?" She cried out. "WHY MUST YOU ALWAYS BE SO PROPER AND DIGNIFIED?!"
"When else was I proper and dignified?" Liam asked, shocked at her yelling at him over something like that.
"All the time." Riley replied. "You're always dressed right. You always look right. You always say the right thing. You're very nearly perfect."
Liam felt as if she'd struck him. He'd tried his whole life to be perfect: The perfect son, perfect brother, perfect prince, perfect king, and most especially the perfect husband.
To say he wasn't quite there after all his hard work, to hear it from the very lips he adored, broke that tightly bound clamp that held his temper in place.
"That's a rotten thing to say." He snapped.
Turning on his heel before he said something he'd regret, he went into another room and slammed the door shut.
Riley softly gasped. Tears filled her eyes to see that she'd actually broken through that proper exterior that was practically armor.
He not only glared at her, he left her!
It was, in a word, marvelous.
"Oh Liam!" She quickly chased after him, then threw herself into his arms, dotting kisses along his neck and face.
Stunned didn't even begin to explain the state Liam found himself.
"Riley?" He gently pushed her away so he could attempt to understand what state of mind she was in.
She beamed at him. "I was so worried I'd be the only one. I mean, how would it look if I'm a mom who easily loses her temper yet our kid's dad never breaks a sweat?"
He stared at her.
"Our kid?" He repeated in disbelief.
"We have a half New York, half Cordonian apple in the basket or whatever it was Madeleine said about pregnancy." She explained.
Liam gripped her waist, swallowing nervously, before asking, "We're having a baby?"
She nodded.
He yanked her her close, kissing her in a searing manner.
Riley broke away, laughing breathlessly. "Kisses like that are what made this happen."
Liam burst out laughing as he swung her up in his arms. Once he remembered that he should be more careful with her, he gently sat down in a chair, keeping his wife in his lap.
"A baby." He said again in wonder. "We're truly having a baby."
"Yes we are." She snuggled closer within his embrace. "And I know you're going to be a perfect father."
Merry Christmas everyone ♥️ Hoping this holiday season is one of pure joy for you and your loved ones. Miss being on here like I used to be and plan on returning once the writer's block eases up. Hugs to you all.
(Thomas Hunt x OC) using the below prompt from Austenland in a one shot
Masterlist
Hollywood...
"And here's the last thing that needs your attention." Holly handed the famed director a neat stack of mail.
Thomas briefly glanced at it as he finished scratching out a few more notes on a copy of a screenplay.
"Thank you." He mumbled.
"If that's all," Holly continued, "then I'll be on my way."
Thomas nodded absentmindedly.
She paused at the door to his home office. "You are going to stop work and visit with your company, right?"
"Umhmm." He hummed.
Holly shook her head in exasperation.
Thomas Hunt was considered one of cinema's masters of bringing to the screen the very depth of romantic emotions. When it came to his personal life though, Holly believed he was somewhat less adept.
She wondered when he'd realize that he should move out of the friend zone with his current houseguest.
Grumbling about not even seeing past the nose on his face, she made her way through the director's mansion while searching out the lady he'd invited for a visit.
The current Duchess of St Orella was spotted out a window. She was lounging by Thomas's pool, lost in a novel she'd brought along.
Holly hesitated and wondered whether or not she should perhaps give a gentle nudge to the lady she believed was perfect for her boss. Knowing Thomas would not appreciate her efforts, she let out a soft groan and left.
Perhaps one day the two will realize they're perfect for each other, she hoped.
************
Shortly after she left, Thomas put his upcoming film notes in his desk, snatched up his mail, and went to search out Amanda.
His lips curved softly when he caught a glimpse of her outside. She'd given up on trying to get a tan and had settled comfortably on a covered lounge chair.
His gaze settled upon her face. Her lips were slightly parted as her wide hazel eyes moved over the pages of the novel she was currently engrossed. Her cheeks were darker than usual due to the slight sunburn she'd suffered.
His eyes drifted down her form, taking in the fact she was still in her bathing suit with a wrap around her waist.
Ignoring the flickers of desire he felt, he stepped outside to join her.
Amanda's attention immediately shot to him the moment he came into view.
With a warm smile, she set her book aside.
"How did work go?" She asked.
"Good." He sat down in the chair next to hers. "How's the book?"
"It's keeping me on the edge of my seat." She turned more on her side to face him. "With the horror aspect, I'll probably only be able to read this during the day if I ever want to sleep again."
Thomas chuckled, while briefly scanning the envelopes in his hand. He paused when he came to a particularly small thick one.
A groan slipped from his lips when he noticed the address of one of his aunts gracing it.
"What's wrong?" Amanda asked.
He held up the offensive envelope.
She was still puzzled.
"If this is what I think it is," he grumbled, "then I'll have a wedding to attend."
Amanda began to laugh over his disgruntled expression.
"I've always been under the impression that weddings are a pleasant event." She teased. "Is it different here?"
He humphed. "Depends on the circumstances."
Ripping through the expensive paper, he pulled out an invitation along with the RSVP.
Another slip of paper with handwriting also fluttered out.
He read it with a frown darkening his handsome features.
It seemed his mother and aunt were determined to have him bring a date as his plus one. They'd even stressed that he could not, as he'd done at other events, come alone or bring someone he worked with.
"They know me too well." He grumbled.
He glanced up and noticed the curiosity upon Amanda's face. With a grunt, he handed her the invitation along with the orders from his family members.
Her lips trembled with humor as she read through the edicts. Doing her best to be supportive, she handed them back and offered some encouragement.
"At least the task is an easy one." She began.
"Easy?" He snorted. "Not in the least."
"Thomas." She argued. "You of all men will have no trouble finding a date."
Another snort was thrown out in response.
Amanda threw up her hands in frustration.
"You know how handsome you are." She pointed out.
He shrugged. "That only goes so far. There's also my personality that a date has to contend with."
"You have a pleasant personality when you decide to show it." She argued. "You're thoughtful, kind, and actually fun to be around."
"Not many would agree with you." He mumbled, noticing how passionate she was becoming in her defense of himself.
"Oh please." She huffed. Gesturing towards him, she said, "Come on, you're every girl's fantasy."
She folded her arms and faced back towards the pool as if that ended any possible argument he could make.
Thomas was shocked. He'd expected given their friendship that she would encourage him...but to actually say something like that...
"So I'm your fantasy?" He blurted out.
Amanda stilled. Color rose up her neck and engulfed her entire face. Briefly closing her eyes, she searched her mind with something to say, anything that wouldn't reveal the truth.
"I, um, I doubt that any woman would deny they have thoughts about, um, being with you." She stuttered.
Thomas's curiosity over what could possibly be going through her mind was now through the roof. He realized that his earlier desire when looking at her might actually be reciprocated if he could only get her to admit it.
"So," he prodded, "you've had such thoughts?"
Amanda doubted her face would ever revert to its normal color again.
"Well..." She hedged. "I mean, there might have been one or two thoughts when we first met."
"Only when we first met?" He leaned a bit closer towards her.
She forced herself to meet his dark, penetrating gaze.
"Maybe a few others after that." She admitted.
Silence stretched between them as they stared at one another. Amanda would have given anything to know what was going through his mind with her accidental admittance. Thomas on the other hand was allowing himself to freely step past viewing her as just a friend.
While she searched for a way to erase all that she'd just said, he cleared his throat.
"Would you be my date for the wedding?"
Her eyes widened. "Well, um, I, if you'd like, I could go."
"Excellent." He stood, gathered his mail, and paused beside her chair. "While I fill this out, perhaps you'd find us a place to have dinner tonight."
She nodded while reaching for her phone. Before she could utter a single word, he leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to her lips.
In all her fantasies about him doing that very thing, it nowhere near matched how it felt to have his lips upon hers. Her senses lit up as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The moment he deepened the kiss, her heart jolted.
Thomas slowly ended the kiss and looked into her eyes. His lips curved over seeing his own wonder reflected in the hazel depths.
His deep voice was slightly gravelly.
"Perhaps we should have dinner somewhere romantic." He gently cupped her cheek. "What do you think?"
(Tobias Carrick x F!MC) in a Choices Open Heart one-shot
A/N Not a part of any AU's but this idea has been knocking around in my head for a while now. Most likely because of my need to escape all my personal chaos recently, LOL. So as a way to ease back into writing here is a short fic that was inspired by this quote from the classic movie, The Big Sleep.
Masterlist
***************
Edenbrook locker room...
Chris glanced over her shoulder while changing out of her scrubs.
"Got any plans for tonight, Dr. Carrick?"
Tobias paused after pulling his shirt off. A smirk that she was becoming all too familiar with appeared as he answered.
"You asking me out, Dr. Valentine?"
She snorted in her laughter.
"I think I'd be a bit smoother if I was."
"And just when I thought things might get interesting." He teased.
After slipping on a pair of jeans, he reached for a shirt.
"I'm actually meeting a friend of mine tonight at O'Keffee's bar." He added. "What about you?"
Chris shrugged while searching in her locker for something to change into.
"Home, I guess. All my friends are working different shifts, so I'm either working or sleeping while the others are doing the opposite."
Tobias sauntered over and propped his shoulder against the locker beside hers.
"Want to come with me?" He asked. "I know my friend, Will, would be thrilled if I brought someone like you along."
"And why is that?" Chris asked, slipping a short brown skirt on.
Tobias cocked an eyebrow at what he thought was obvious. He searched her face to see if she was fishing for compliments and saw that this was nothing more than genuine curiosity.
"I can think of a whole lot of reasons he would be thrilled that I brought you along, starting with you being single."
Chris tugged a blue sweater on. Smoothing her hair down, she didn't bother to hide her amusement over that being part of her allure.
"Are you planning on playing matchmaker tonight?" She teased.
Tobias choked on a laugh. "God no."
Chris eyed him skeptically while slipping some heels on.
He held up his hands. "I swear Chris, I would never set you up with someone. I think if people meet and are attracted to one another, they need no outside help."
"That's true." She mumbled. "So, tell me about this Will."
Tobias motioned for her to lead the way out of the locker room.
"He's a fellow doctor." Tobias explained. "He and I worked together at Mass Kenmore."
After telling her a bit more about their friendship over the years on the way out to the parking garage, Chris asked what she thought was an all important question about his friend.
"Is he as cute as you are?"
Tobias nearly tripped over his own feet. Chris wasn't one to flirt with just anyone. She'd even kept him firmly in the coworker/friend from work zone for the past year. She seemed to keep many of the people who longingly looked her way in that particular zone. So for her to say something like this to him, after all the playful flirting he'd attempted with her throughout his time at Edenbrook, it shook him.
Without pausing or even wondering why he was ready to dismiss Will's handsomeness so easily, he answered her question.
"Nobody is."
Chris's lips curved once they reached his car. "That's a shame."
Feeling a tad guilty for not being a little more charitable towards Will, he added. "I've seen people enjoy looking at him if that helps."
She hummed in thought. "Well, with the way you look combined with his supposed attractiveness;" she paused as if in deep thought, "I might be tongue-tied most of the night."
"Don't worry." Tobias opened the passenger door for her. "I know a way to keep that from happening."
Chris cut her eyes towards him as she sat down. She watched him focus on how her skirt slid up her thighs.
Smiling to herself, she couldn't help but say, "If it's a drink followed by a round or two of physical therapy, then I'm willing to chance it."
She enjoyed seeing her flirty meaning finally click. His eyes shot up to her face. His lips parted yet no words came out. She'd never had as much fun shocking the men in her life like she did Tobias. His confidence and quick wit were formidable. Being able to actually knock him off balance, even briefly, was a pleasure.
His smirk flashed the longer he looked at her. "And just which one of us would you want these rounds of physical therapy?"
Without hesitating, she said, "Naturally, I would need the cutest one."
Tobias shut her door and made the walk over to the driver's side. Once he started the car, he turned towards her.
"Just let me know the minute you realize you need some treatment."
(Drake x MC) (Liam x MC) in a Choices The Royal Romance one shot with the below movie quote prompt from His Kind of Woman
A/N I know it's been a really, really long time. I also know I've lost touch with all of you. I tend to go silent when dealing with stress. Things are beginning to calm down some or else I have finally adjusted to it all. Anyway, I've been wanting to get back into writing again. So here's another short fic to ease my way back in. This takes place after Liam's coronation ball.
Masterlist
*************
"What a night." Drake grumbled.
He shut the door to his suite within the Cordonian Royal Palace and slumped against it. He rubbed his hands over his face. Glancing around his room lit only by the moonlight, he pushed off the door and made his way over to his wet bar.
Sloshing some whiskey in his tumbler, he took a needed gulp then made his way over to his window.
Normally he'd admire the rolling hills of apple trees dotting the pristine grounds. Tonight, he couldn't see anything other than the image of Riley's tear filled eyes. The shock of not only pictures of the night Tariq mistook her room as his own compounded with guards forcing her out of the castle like some kind of common criminal was burned into his mind.
How could Liam let that happen?
It didn't make sense. Even when Liam attempted to explain that he had to let it happen to keep Riley safe, Drake still did not understand his lack of action. The man was king now. He could demand answers. Interrogate every single suitor. Make Tariq tell the truth. Allow Drake to tell the court what really happened that night.
Well, maybe not everything.
Drake downed his glass then refilled it. He shouldn't have let her tend to his bruises that night. He shouldn't have brought up the possibility of them together.
I shouldn't have kissed her.
He closed his eyes over the heat that flooded through his body. Her lips...how could a simple kiss make him feel everything? Then to feel them again at Ramsford.
Then again tonight...
The shrill ring of his suite's phone made Riley's image disappear.
Swallowing down another burning gulp, he answered it, even though he knew it was the last person he wanted to talk to right now. As he braced himself to hear whatever Liam needed to say, he began to loosen his tie.
"Hello?" He grumbled.
"Did I wake you?" Liam asked.
"No," Drake cleared his throat, "I was just getting ready to take my tie off."
He glanced down at the suit he'd worn just for Riley.
"Wondering whether I should hang myself with it." He added.
After what I did with the woman my best friend was about to propose to, hanging might be too good for me.
Liam chuckled, not realizing the torment his friend was currently under.
"I was surprised to see you of all people in a suit." The newly crowned king teased. "I'd thought you would burst into flames before dressing up for a ball."
Drake jerked his tie off. It's a wonder he didn't burst into flames. Of all the times to want to impress a girl, he would choose the night his best friend becomes king and is going to propose marriage to the very girl he himself had fallen for.
She's more my type than Liam's, he thought to himself. She belongs with someone like me. Hell, she's a waitress! She doesn't know or care about ruling or fancy parties, or--
"Drake?" Liam said. "You there?"
He shook himself out of that train of thought.
"Yeah, sorry. I was um, lost in thought." Drake muttered.
"Thinking about Riley?" Liam asked.
Drake stilled. How could Liam possibly know that? Was he that bad at hiding his crush or whatever stronger emotions he had for her? He knew she saw past his gruff, uncaring exterior, but had Liam too?
"Yeah, I am." He admitted.
Liam sighed.
"Me too. I had such plans, Drake. I was going to propose in front of everyone just so she would know how much she means to me. How proud I am of having Riley as my love, my future queen."
Drake began to feel both anger and guilt coalesce into one sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach.
How could he possibly say or do anything about his feelings now that he knew how Liam felt? This man was his best friend. No, he was more than that. He was closer than a brother. He couldn't throw all that away for some girl.
But she isn't just some girl, his heart whispered.
Drake closed his eyes. The ache was real and growing the more he considered their current situation.
What do I do? Do I tell Liam everything? What if Riley fell for us both? What if she realizes that Liam is the one she wants in the end? What if I say something now and lose both of them from my life?
"I'm sorry, Liam." He said in a heartfelt tone, meaning it for everything he didn't dare say.
"So am I." Liam replied.
The two fell into silence once more as they thought about the woman who'd entered their lives and managed to bring such pain and joy along with her brief presence.
"I've got to see her again." Liam burst out in desperation.
"Hopefully Beaumont was able to convince her to stay." Drake poured another drink. "I can't imagine Brooks walking away from the man she's in love with."
I wish I was that man.
"I hope so." Liam noticed the late hour and softly groaned. "I should probably try and sleep. Madeleine and I have a press conference in the morning."
*Good luck." Drake winced over the thought of Liam's upcoming duty.
He couldn't think of anything harder than having to pretend to be thrilled with Madeleine as a fiancee.
"Thank you." Liam replied. "And thank you for listening to me bemoan my loss."
*No problem." Drake gulped down the rest of his drink.
"You're a good friend." Liam added.
Drake seriously doubted that now. He knew that if Riley did stay in Cordonia and gave him the slightest bit of encouragement, that he would be with her no matter how Liam felt. He wouldn't be a fool to let her go twice.
"Night Liam."
"Good night, Drake."
Drake placed the receiver back in it's cradle while sinking down onto the side of his bed. Dropping his head in his hands, he relived every moment he had with Riley, searching for something that might indicate she did not want him like he wanted her.
Clutching at his dark locks of hair, he groaned. He flopped back on the bed, stared up at his ceiling wreathed in shadows while coming to terms with the truth. After all, actions do speak louder than words.
There was no doubt in his mind.
Riley was just as in love with Drake as he was with her.
Prompt Request/ Rachel Green Friends Quotes/Kiss Request
(Thomas Hunt x oc*Amanda) with the quote "Do you have to do that? Today is Saturday!" as requested by @krsnlove And an almost kiss request by Anonymous
(Thomas x Amanda) in a Choices Red Carpet Diaries/The Royal Romance one shot.
A/N This is from a short series I will be posting after And Then I Met You is complete. It will focus on the request I received a long time ago (sorry, Nonny!). It will focus on the question: what if Amanda had never told Thomas about her having to participate in the search for Liam's queen? On a personal note, the songs chosen are in honor of my aunt who passed away in April of 2013. She was not only the one to encourage my writing, but was also the one to widen my music appreciation as a little girl with albums from the 1950′s & 1960′s. I can’t help but think of all the times we would sing as loud as we could to these songs and others while she drove us somewhere.
Songs: Things I Should Have Said, Midnight Confessions and These Arms of Mine
Yearning
Thomas could hear the clicks of Amanda's fast paced typing when he walked past her closed door. They had worked until the early hours of the morning on rewrites the night before. When he woke up around noon, he found that she had awakened early and jumped right back to it.
He grimaced at the perplexing thought that was plaguing him: I don't know why she is in such a hurry. He was not looking forward to her going back to Cordonia. These past three months with her in his home had been...well...he liked having her around.
He tried to distract himself while waiting on her to bring the finished scenes to him. He went into his office and began to go through his LP albums.
"Might as well put these in better order." He mumbled.
Thomas put a record on. His frown deepened as he glanced toward the direction Amanda was working.
This will not do. He rose from his chair, turned the music up, and went to her bedroom.
"Amanda?" He knocked on her closed door. "May I come in?"
"Yes." She called out absent mindedly.
He stepped inside and approached the chair she was in. "Why don't you take a break?"
Her fingers paused while looking up at him. "I suppose I could." She began to stretch, groaning at how long she had sat in one position.
He took her laptop and set it on her nightstand.
He turned around and saw that she was still writing down a few more ideas on a small notepad.
"Do you have to do that?" He asked. "Today is Saturday!" He tried to temper his tone when her head shot up in surprise at his outburst. "We need a break."
Amanda reluctantly set her pen and pad down. "Thomas, I can continue working and let you read over everything later if you need a day off."
"No." He said firmly. "We are having a weekend off." He pulled her out of her chair and nudged her out the door.
"But I must finish--" her usual argument of having to finish everything before she left dropped off her tongue when she heard the music. "The Grass Roots?!"
His eyebrow quirked. "Yes, it is. I'm surprised you recognize them."
Her smile grew as she hurried down the stairs. "My uncle would play their albums." She shook her head and laughed. "No matter what I was doing, he would insist we take a dance break."
"A break from dancing?" He asked.
"No. A break to dance." She corrected. As the current song ended, she grabbed Thomas' hand. "Ready?"
His eyes widened. Dancing? Oh no. "Amanda, I don’t--"
Things I Should Have Said began.
Before Thomas had a chance to escape, she started dancing.
"You know the dances from the 1960's?" He asked in utter disbelief.
She bobbed her head in answer, her smile the brightest he had seen in a while. She started with The Swim, mixed in a few Shimmies, then began to Frug.
He couldn't help but smile when she grabbed his hands and tried to get him to dance with her.
The way she cut her eyes to him made him blink and wonder if the flirty glint he thought he saw had been his imagination.
"Come on Mr. Hunt," she taunted playfully, "show me what you got."
He shook his head, lips curving at her coaxing. He tried to ignore how relatable the lyrics were right now. The timing isn’t right to admit to anything. I can’t take a chance and ruin what we have.
They paused as they waited to see which song was next. With the first note, she really began to move. "Midnight Confessions is my favorite of theirs! Now you have to dance with me."
He chuckled and tried to mirror her movements. When the chorus began, they both sang the words out loud.
In my midnight confessions
When I tell all the world that I love you
In my midnight confessions
When I say all the things I want to
I love you
When the music lowered for a few beats, they moved closer toward one another, hands holding the other's. Then they broke apart and went back to the faster movements, each laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.
They simultaneously collapsed on the couch when the song ended.
"I haven't danced like that in months." Amanda said, trying to catch her breath. "I need to practice more if I'm to keep up with all the balls the nobles will be hosting this season.
Thomas felt his earlier joy dim at the reminder she would be leaving him soon.
She didn't notice his melancholy and grasped his hand. "Come on, once more."
He watched her hurry into his office. When he heard her place the needle carefully back on Midnight Confessions, he folded his arms. "I have other albums in there."
"And we will dance to those too." She promised with a wink. She shimmied over to him. "You know you can't resist the rhythm."
She turned around and had her back to him. She glanced over her shoulder, trying to look playfully suggestive.
"Dance with me." She pleaded.
He was no match against her wiles. When the song ended, he changed albums. He chose Otis Redding and set the needle down on These Arms of Mine. He knew he shouldn't, but he had the overwhelming urge to know what it was like to hold her in his arms.
Thomas didn't know if Amanda's cheeks were flushed from their vigorous dancing or from it now being a slow, yearning kind of love song.
He took her hand and pulled her into his arms. He placed his other hand at the small of her back as he led her in a couple of dirty dancing slow moves.
She laughed when he twisted the two of them down then back up. Their bodies pressed together. Her hand moved from his shoulder to the back of his neck.
He could feel her fingers lightly ruffle his hair at the nape of his neck.
It was as if the moment was made for lips to touch. He could practically see the sparks between them. These same sparks had been getting out of hand between them more and more often.
His eyes focused on her lips. He flickered his gaze to her eyes and noticed they were directed on his own mouth. Their swaying slowed as their faces seemed to move ever closer.
Amanda's lashes fluttered closed. Anticipation built between them at an excruciating pace. Thomas lowered his head. Lips barely felt the electrifying touch of the other's before they jerked apart.
His front door was opening, interrupting what would have been the perfect first kiss.
"Hey!" Addison greeted. She placed her hands on her hips. "I've been knocking forever out there." She went into Thomas' office and turned the music down. "Aren't you two going to get ready?"
She stepped back out and eyed the pair. Her eyebrows drew together when she noticed how guilty they looked. "You are going tonight, right?"
"Tonight?" Amanda mumbled at the same time Thomas asked, "Where?"
"It's Saturday!" She shook her head, exasperated at their ability to forget the rest of the world when working. How was she ever going to get them together when they stubbornly refused to give in to their mutual attraction? "Victoria’s party is tonight." With a roll of her eyes she grabbed Amanda's arm. "Come on, I'll help you pick out something to wear."
She and Holly were still bound and determined to get them together. They hoped tonight’s party would do the trick.
Thomas silently watched them go upstairs. His eyes met Amanda's when she glanced back.
He rubbed his hands over his face in frustration once they were in her bedroom. He returned to his office, lifted the needle, and turned his turntable off. His movements were automatic while his mind concentrated on what if.
Thomas carefully slipped his record back in the album cover, knowing it would be an awfully long time until he could listen to these songs again without a great deal of regret.
I know it's been a while and I've seen the messages and concerns. I can't apologize enough for not responding. I've been going through a lot: health wise (broke a rib, have had some serious test results come back worse than expected and will have more extensive testing the next few weeks), in-law put on hospice, pass away, stress of trying to help pay for everything they need while trying to maintain own household, the stress of moving remaining in-law across the state to be closer to us, more financial burden due to that, unable to travel to be with my husband, boys, and my mom to help with the packing and grief because of broken rib and testing.
Basically everything is snowballing like crazy and I'm struggling. I've been on my own the last couple of weeks, not feeling so good and feeling even more guilty for not being able to help my family. I'm sorry for all the radio silence on my end. I'll be back to myself, hopefully sooner rather than later, and can return here in a better frame of mind.
Hey dear! I know you're not on much - and may have zero interest in writing - but if this valentine's day prompt sparks something for my favorite pairing, I wouldn't object <3
Hope you're doing well!
A bubbly bath together
Gah, I'm sorry I'm so late with everything lately. My health's been kicking my butt again, but hey, when isn't it? I desperately want to get back to losing myself in daydreams about my favorite pairings, so even though this is late (like really, really, really late) in coming, here we go, @jerzwriter 🤗.
Masterlist
Pamper Away
Edenbrook...
"Hmmmm." Ethan hummed while scanning an article from an old journal entry.
Chris bit her tongue to stop from snapping. With very little sleep and even less patience, she did her best to keep her irritation from springing forth and attacking the doctor sitting across from her.
The last few weeks she'd been cramming for the upcoming Boards. Between that stress and the typical daily stress of being on the diagnostics team, she was nearly at her breaking point.
The vibration from her lab coat pocket, made her nose wrinkle in disgust. The last thing she wanted to see was another panicked text from Sienna about another possible study session.
Her expression smoothed out into a sad smile when she saw who had sent her a message.
Tobias: Hey, remember me?
She snorted softly while quickly responding.
Chris: Vaguely. We went out once, right?
Tobias: Ha. Ha. Those better not be part of your vows.
Chris grinned at the thought. She was almost tempted to torture him at their wedding in a month by saying that very thing.
She sighed softly in relief that this was the one thing she didn't have to stress about. Tobias was spending a lot of his saved time off in Connecticut with his mom while face timing her mom to finalize all the wedding plans. His time away gave her a chance to focus completely on studying while also grilling Ethan with her questions.
Chris: Don't worry. I'll be sure to say something about love and all the typical wedding mess.
Tobias: Ouch. Am I really the only romantic in our relationship?
Chris: Right now? I'd say you are.
Her brow furrowed as she thought of how exhausted she was.
Chris: I'm so tired. Lack of sleep and too much studying has killed a lot of the romance in me. I love you so much, but grouchy snark is all I have to give today.
She bit down on her bottom lip. His lack of response made her feel even more guilty.
Chris: I promise that I'll make it up to you once you're home.
"Come on." She muttered while waiting on him to respond to her text.
Ethan peeked over his journal at her, cocking a brow in question when she noticed him staring.
"It's nothing." She grumbled, shoving her phone back into her pocket.
Snorting softly, Ethan went back to reading.
Chris glared at him.
Sighing, he set the journal aside.
"Go ahead." He ordered.
Eyes narrowing, she remained stubbornly silent.
Not even trying to mask his frustrated groan, Ethan let his head drop back before focusing on her.
"Why do you make everything so damn hard?" He muttered under his breath.
"Me?" She snapped. "Have you looked in the mirror lately?"
"I'm trying to be considerate." He snapped back. "Be the friend you said you wanted me to be "
Squirming somewhat at that reminder, she shook her head. "This isn't something that I think I should discuss with you."
"It's Tobias, right?" Ethan prodded.
"Yeah." She slumped down in her chair. "I've been spending all my free time studying."
When she fell quiet, he leaned forward.
"And?" He prodded.
"And I feel guilty." She mumbled.
"You know Tobias understands, right?" He returned to his journal. "God knows we forgot there was a world out there as we crammed for the Boards."
"Yeah, but I should be doing more." Her nose wrinkled. "I mean I'm getting married! Now should be nothing but romance."
He rolled his eyes. "Only you would decide to get married before your Boards."
Chris gasped in outrage. Her eyes narrowed while her temper snapped. "Hey! I nearly died a few months ago, you arse! I am not going to waste another second of my life without--"
Ethan held his hands up in surrender.
"Easy there, Chris. I didn't mean it as an insult. It's just not that surprising given how you tackle everything else in life."
"Oh." She slumped back with a bit of chagrin. "Sorry for calling you an arse."
"Better than a lot of the other names you've called me in the past." He grumbled.
Bursting into laughter, she met his humor filled eyes.
Holding out her hand towards him, she thanked him.
Hesitating, Ethan took her hand and gave it a brief squeeze.
"Anytime."
The two went back to reading.
Ethan pulled his phone out after a few minutes of blessed silence then rolled his eyes over the text he'd received.
Chris looked up when he stood and began to gather his things.
"Come on." He ordered. "It's well past time you and I got out of here."
"I guess you're right." She sighed and stretched.
"I'll give you a ride home." He added.
"Thanks." She slung her book bag over her shoulder and followed him out.
************
"Wait a second." Chris noticed where he was driving.
"What?" Ethan asked.
"I meant to go to my old apartment." She explained. "Since Tobias is out of town, I've been spending the night with the gang and studying."
"I think you've studied enough for one day." He turned on Tobias's street. "You need rest."
She chuckled. "Far be it from me to not follow a doctor's orders."
"Could you repeat that?" He teased. "I'd like to record it for posterity's sake."
She playfully swatted his arm when he pulled up in front of the townhome she shared with Tobias.
"Goodnight Dr. Ramsey." She got out, smiling at him. "And thank you."
"For what?" He asked.
"Listening to me, mostly." She gathered her things. "And for the ride home."
"No problem, Chris." His eyes lingered on her face then he cleared his throat. "See you in a few days."
She nodded, shut the car door, then dashed up the front steps of her home.
Unlocking the door, she turned to give another wave to Ethan knowing he wouldn't leave until she was safely inside.
She then dropped her book bag by the coat rack and made her way to the couch to collapse.
"Rough day?" A deep voice asked.
Chris let out a shriek. Scrambling off the couch, she hurled herself at Tobias.
"I didn't think you'd be home until Friday!" She exclaimed between kisses.
"Maybe I missed you." He teased.
"You better have." She grumbled playfully.
"You know I did." He squeezed her close then took her hand to pull her along behind him.
"You must have really missed me." She teased when he led her into their bedroom.
"I did, but that's not what we're here for." He pushed open the ensuite's door.
Chris paused as her eyes adjusted to the dim candle lit room.
"What are you up to?" She asked, snuggling back into his arms.
"Just being my usual, amazing self." Tobias teased. "Now, let's get you out of those clothes."
"Ah, so it is our typical reunion." She began to discard her scrubs.
"Not at all." Tobias gestured to himself. "As you see, I am still fully dressed."
Chris paused in undressing. "Then what's all this?"
"This," he stepped forward and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead while helping her finish removing her clothes, "is me taking care of my fiancee."
He turned her towards the tub filled with steamy water and bubbles.
"I figured you could use some time to relax." His arms slipped around her waist. "You've been under so much pressure lately that I think it's time you had an evening to completely unwind."
"You are really going all out in winning the best fiance of the year award." She turned in his arms, draping hers along his shoulders.
"Please." Tobias scoffed. "We both know I'm going for the best fiance ever title."
Chris shook with her laughter as she pressed a sweet kiss to his lips.
"I think you won." She glanced back at the large tub. "You know, I've really missed you these last couple of weeks."
She slid her hands his chest to begin unbuttoning his shirt.
"I don't want to relax without you." She said when he asked what she was doing.
Tobias eyed her naked body and then the tub.
"You know what will end up happening if I get in there with you." He reminded her.
Biting back a grin, she nodded.
He groaned softly then urged her on into the tub so he could finish undressing.
"I'll try and behave." He explained with a wink while stepping out of his pants.
Laughing at the notion, Chris moaned softly as she sank down into the hot water.
"Okay, sounds like that is going to make my behavior harder to control." He teased, slipping in behind her.
Chris giggled as she reclined back within his arms.
The two sat there simply enjoying a quiet moment together.
"I'm sorry." She said softly after a few minutes of reflection.
"For what?" He nuzzled her neck, tightening his arms around her.
"For not being more romantic." She lifted a bubble coated hand and gestured around the room. "Look what you did, what you thought of, to make me feel special."
"You deserve it and so much more." He muttered, kissing along her jawline.
"Not lately." She grumbled.
He groaned over her attitude towards herself and squeezed a squeal out of her.
"Hey?" He nudged her face towards himself. "No more, Chris."
Her brow furrowed. "No more what?"
"Talk like that." His hand gently caressed her cheek. "You've been studying for one of the most difficult exams given. You work with a very, very demanding Ethan. You are still recovering from nearly dying." He pressed a heated kiss to her lips. "And you're about to marry a man who absolutely adores you even though you aren't as romantic as he is."
She laughed, shaking her head at his words.
"You are being too hard on yourself." He cuddled her closer, hands drifting along her curves. "Relax and think of nothing but us, here, together, and soon to be out of this tub doing all kinds of naughty things to make up for lost time."
Chris shook with her laughter. She couldn't believe she'd found someone who could not only make her weak in the knees but also possessed the ability to make her laugh until tears came to her eyes.
"I love you." She turned around, sloshing the water dangerously close to the edge of the tub. "So very, very much."
She leaned forward, wrapping her arms around his neck to kiss him.
Tobias met her half way, then stood up, pulling her along with him.
"You lasted longer in there than I thought you would." She teased, kissing him deeper than before. "I'm impressed."
He chuckled, lifting her until her legs locked around his waist.
"You think that's impressive?" His lips curved. "I'm just getting started."
Just a quick update for those asking. Sorry, I've had a lot of sickness. A lot. It's like my body realized it could fall apart once my husband healed from his surgery 🙄Still sick right now. I've seen the requests (so, so sorry I haven't gotten to them), seen the sweet messages, and will eventually be back on here hopefully soon. Take care dear ones and don't stop tagging me. I promise to catch up on your posts when I'm better.
Hey! I saw this and it inspired me and left me yearning for content! :)
If it inspires you, can you create something (fic/edit, etc) for my absolute favorite OTP (You know who! lol)? It could be HC or AU - before they meet or after - just have fun with it! I want crazy parties! :)
Okay, I know I'm late for a prompt like this. It's been a long, long time since I've written anything with all that's been happening with my husband. So naturally, I had to start with one of my fav OTP's to kick off what I hope will be a long and productive writing streak.
So...here we go 😂
Not a part of any AU's of mine, but I wouldn't be opposed to this starting a new one for Tobias and Chris. I'm assuming this is the couple you wanted, @jerzwriter 😉
Masterlist
**************
History Repeats Itself
Mass Kenmore Hospital....
"Woo!" Will slung an arm around Tobias's shoulders. "Now this is a party!"
Tobias downed his fourth glass of heavily spiked holiday punch then nodded in agreement. "That it is."
"The only thing missing," Will slightly slurred, "is someone to heat it up a notch or two."
"Agreed." Tobias clinked his empty glass against Will's. "Tis time for old friends to divide and conquer."
Will clumsily saluted him before shuffling off to look for someone to keep him warm the rest of the night.
Tobias scanned the throng of tipsy doctors and nurses for someone new. He really wasn't interested in revisiting old hunting grounds if he could keep from it. Just when he thought he might have to leave to find more interesting company, he spotted Aurora with a woman he didn't think he knew.
Once his intern walked away, Tobias decided to make his move.
*************
"Hi." Tobias leaned back against the wall.
The red head next to him grinned. "Hello you."
Narrowing his eyes, he tilted his head in wonder at that type of greeting. "Have we met?"
Mischief seemed to dance in the green eyes while she shook her head. "I don't think we officially have."
His eyebrows lifted over that type of evasive statement.
"Are you new here?" He asked.
"This is my first time visiting Mass Kenmore." She replied.
"So you don't work here?" He prodded, feeling more hopeful for some fun without any consequences.
She shook her head, humor still dancing in her eyes.
"I'm Tobias." He held his hand out.
"Nice to meet you." She shook it. "I'm Chris."
"Well Chris," he leaned closer to her. "What brings you here?"
"The party." Her smile grew brighter. "Who doesn't love a good holiday bash?"
"I know I do." He winked at her. "Especially when people like you show up."
Chris laughed, ending with a mock sigh. "That was smooth."
Tobias bowed his head.
"Thank you. Though, I must say that you make the words a lot easier to say."
"Impressive." Chris turned towards him. "Are you always like this or am I just that lucky?"
"Normally, I'd say it's fifty/fifty." He teased, grinning even more at her when she moved closer to his side. "Now I'm thinking it might just be you."
"Me?"
He nodded. "No doubt about it, it's definitely you."
"Hmm." Chris's eyes drifted over him, liking everything she saw. "I always knew I was lucky."
She stepped away from Tobias, snagging his hand in the process.
"Where are we going?" He asked.
The sultry look she shot over her shoulder made a flash of heat go throughout his body.
"To see if you're as lucky as I am."
**************
A year later...Edenbrook...
"You okay?" Sienna nudged Chris when she noticed her becoming unusually quiet.
Grasping her hand, Chris pulled her friend away from the holiday party in full swing and into a supply closet further down the hall.
"Okay." Chris ran her hands through her hair and took a deep breath. "A year ago, I went with Aurora to a Christmas party at Mass Kenmore."
Sienna began to smile. "If I remember it correctly, you didn't come home that night."
Chris closed her eyes at that reminder. "I'd had way too much spiked punch and I might have acted a little more," she searched for the right word, "flirty than usual."
"You slept with someone." Sienna finished for her. "We've all had those one night stands."
"Wait." Chris stopped her reassurance. "My tipsy one night stand was with someone I work with." She searched Sienna's eyes for understanding. "Closely work with."
Sienna's brow furrowed. "Dr. Ramsey was there?"
Chris closed her eyes and shook her head. "No."
Sienna's jaw dropped.
"You and Dr. Carrick!" She screeched.
Chris slapped her hand over her mouth.
"He doesn't remember!" Chris whispered.
Sienna stilled. "What?"
"He was very tipsy too." She explained. "And I left his place before he woke up!"
She dropped her hand and slumped back against the door. "I was confused about Ethan. His hot and cold ways were getting to me and I wanted a night without trying to figure out what was going on. Then Tobias hit on me at the party and I thought...why not enjoy myself?"
Sienna's shock wasn't helping Chris feel any better.
"So he doesn't know..." Sienna mumbled.
"Nope."
"And you won't tell him..." She continued.
"Never!"
"Though you two have been flirting for months now..." Sienna finished.
Chris groaned over that observation.
Sienna sidled over and leaned next to her friend.
"So you two like each other, but he doesn't know you already have a great history?" She teased.
Chris snorted. "That's it in a nutshell."
Sienna giggled before pushing her out of the closet.
Linking arms with Chris, she tugged her back towards the party. "I think it's time for history to repeat itself."
**************
"There's my favorite partner in crime!" Tobias greeted, scooting over to make room for Chris between himself and Ethan.
"Why does that not make me feel any better in teaming you two up on patients?" Ethan grumbled.
Tobias snickered, draping his arm along the back of Chris's chair.
"Please." Tobias winked at the woman between them. "You know you don't regret any of it. Having your two most brilliant doctors together has been nothing but a boon for our diagnostics team.
Ethan rolled his eyes. He couldn't deny it, yet there was no need to overinflate Tobias's ego any more than necessary.
"On that note," he pushed away from the table, "I'm going to get another drink."
He eyed the two remaining seated. "Can I get you anything?"
Chris shook her head while Tobias said he was good.
Once Ethan left, she took a deep breath and prepared to admit to something.
"Hi." Tobias instead said, shifting his chair closer.
"Hello you." Chris almost squeaked, feeling an uncomfortable deja vu.
Tobias's brow furrowed at her tone. "You okay?"
She nodded. "Never better."
"Good." He took her hand. "How about a dance?"
Her eyes widened. "Umm..."
"I'll take that as a yes." He teased, tugging her out of her seat.
A slow song drifted over the crowd as couples took to the makeshift dance floor.
Chris briefly closed her eyes. She hadn't been this close to him in a year and he didn't even know they'd been even closer to begin with!
She began to recall all that had happened after that one night stand: Tobias rushing to save her during the attack without mentioning anything about their past, seeing him around Edenbrook with no recognition, then his working closer with her and absolutely nothing.
Feeling a bit miffed now that she thought about it, she began to think she shouldn't waste her time on someone who found her so unforgettable.
Easing back, she made the mistake of looking up at him.
His lips curved softly as his hand dropped low on her back, pressing her even closer.
"Enjoying yourself?" She asked.
"Very." He murmured. "You?"
"I suppose." She glanced away then cut her eyes towards him. "Who doesn't love a good holiday bash?"
"I know I do." He grinned. "Especially when people like you show up."
Chris gasped in outrage before shoving him away from her.
"UGH!" She flung her hands up in disgust before storming away from him.
Ignoring the startled looks coming from the other doctors and staff, Tobias chased after her.
"Chris!" He called out, picking up speed to catch up with her. "Hold up!"
"Why?" She snapped. "So you can use the same old pickup lines on me again?!"
"No thanks." She huffed, slamming her hand against a side exit door. "I don't need to hear anymore. I don't want to be that lucky again."
She slipped outside and made her way towards the parking lot.
Tobias paused, a slow grin breaking over his face.
"I knew it!" He exclaimed before chasing after her.
Sliding across the ice, he caught up with her, neatly pinning her between him and a random car.
"Tobias, what the--"
His lips captured hers in a heated kiss.
Chris tried to ignore all the feelings creeping up with each brush of his tongue against hers.
Unable to deny herself, she rose up and wrapped her arms around his neck, molding her body to his.
His moan made her toes curl as she fanned the flames between them.
He broke away to smile at her.
"You have no idea how long I've wondered if I just really wanted you to be the one I had that great sex with or if I actually had somehow gotten that lucky?"
Chris burst out laughing. "And here I thought you found me unforgettable."
"I think about that night all the time." He kissed her again. "But since you never hinted that we'd hooked up, I didn't want to ruin a chance with you by asking if we had."
Chris pulled away from him. "Tell me something." Her eyes searched his. "Are you drunk?"
He stepped away from her, kicked some snow away from a parking line and walked it perfectly.
Chris struggled to keep a stern expression upon her face. "Now tell me this."
Tobias cocked an eyebrow in question.
"How lucky do you think you are?" She asked, biting her lip to keep her smile at bay.
Sauntering back over to her, Tobias propped his arm above her head and leaned close.
"That all depends." His eyes darted over her face. "You see, I hope I'm lucky enough for tonight and all the nights that follow."
"Hmm." Chris slightly frowned in thought. "That would make you an extremely lucky man."
"The luckiest." He murmured, brushing his lips against hers. "I'm hoping you can make that happen."
"I suppose I could be talked into it." Chris teased, looping her arms around his neck.
"I have been known to be very persuasive." He said between kisses.
"I guess you'll have to prove it." She eased out of his arms, leaving her hand in his.
"Where are we going?" He asked, grinning at history not only repeating itself but somehow becoming even better than before.
"Somewhere to see if you are the luckiest man in the world." She replied with a wink.
(Maxwell Beaumont x MC) in a Choices The Royal Romance Drabble
January 2025 prompts: New Relationships
Masterlist
A/N I know it's been a really long time since I last posted. My husband's cancer and surgeries have taken center stage these last few months and now that he's been deemed cancer free, I felt inspired to write something. Plus, yesterday was our wedding anniversary, so writing something a little bit sweet and romantic was a must, LOL. Taking this from Book 2 at the homecoming ball.
Also for @twinkleallnight I know it's been a while for any Royal Romance fics from me. Hope you enjoy this one.
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The Cordonian Palace grounds...
Something new was on the horizon. Riley could feel it thrumming along with her nerves that were on edge. She was simply waiting on that one last little something to show her what course to take.
Glancing to her left, she saw the handsome man walking beside her. She took in his lean muscular form dressed in his typical black dress shirt and charcoal gray pants and jacket. Eschewing a tie, he left the first few buttons unbuttoned to give a more fun, relaxed appearance.
Her eyes lifted to his profile. For once his easy going smile was not on display. An unusually somber expression graced his face. Those ocean colored eyes of his were focused ahead of the cobblestoned path they were walking.
Unsure of what to do next, Riley cleared her throat to break the silence.
"So?" She tentatively asked. "Where are we going?"
Maxwell shrugged. "Dunno. Never really have a set path whenever I take a walk around the palace. Just go wherever the whim takes me."
Riley snorted on a laugh.
Maxwell's dimpled grin popped up at that unladylike sound.
"I think going wherever the whim takes you describes you and me pretty well."
He tilted his head while considering that and nodded, smiling even more. "I guess it does."
"I know it does." She declared, beginning to tick off the evidence on her fingers. "One: I go out with you, Liam, and Drake after being your waitress."
"And Tariq," he reminded her.
Her nose wrinkled. "Yeah, but he wasn't as much fun as you three so he doesn't count."
"Understood." Maxwell replied.
Riley then continued. "Two: I agree without any thought to your proposal to come to Cordonia to be the Beaumont's suitor for Liam." She stopped him once they reached a fountain in the side courtyard. "For the record, I only agreed to it because I wanted to get to know you better."
Maxwell's eyes widened. "You did what?"
Riley huffed, tossing back the few strawberry blonde tresses that had escaped her clip out of her face.
"You were the only reason I began this wild journey." She admitted.
Color rose up her neck, engulfing her face in what she not so fondly deemed her, "tomatoe paste complexion".
She knew the time had come to admit everything to Maxwell if this was truly the beginning of them being together.
After refusing Liam's proposal, she'd only had a brief chance to talk about her feelings to Maxwell before they succumbed to temptation and basically just made out on the hotel's rooftop. Not that she was complaining, but she had intended to go into more depth about her feelings for him.
The last thing she wanted to do was to make him think he had not been her first choice from the very beginning.
"It was always you, Max." She told him. "I only agreed to be Liam's suitor to help you and Bertrand. Plus, I knew it'd give me a chance to see if what I felt for you was just a crush or maybe something more."
Clutching the folds of her white skirt, she kept her eyes upon his face watching as shock gave into rueful joy.
Rubbing the back of his neck, his lips parted, then he sighed.
"I uh, I invited you because I felt the same way." He admitted.
"What?!" Riley practically screeched.
Laughing, he shrugged. "I couldn't help but fall for you." He gestured towards her. "You're fun, sweet, and sexy as hell. What's not to love?"
"Oh my gosh." She placed her hands upon her hips. "Are you telling me that we are both this dumb to let all these months go by without ever saying a word?"
"The biggest in the world." She mumbled. "Now what do we do?"
"Whatever we want." He grasped her hand and tugged her closer to the fountain.
"I could live with that." She decided. "As long as you hopefully want what I want."
"What do you want, Riley?"
Straightening her posture, she took both his hands in hers. "I want you, Maxwell Percival Beaumont. I want you to continue to be my best friend. I want you to take that huge step and become my love. I want everything that comes with that new relationship while sprinkling in all we have with our old one. I want to be with you and only you for as long as you want me to."
She was fairly certain her face would remain beet red for the rest of her life. She couldn't remember ever saying this much feelings wise to any other guy she'd been in a relationship with. Granted, none of the others had come remotely close to being a Maxwell Beaumont type.
Silence fell between them making her want to squirm and find some hidden nook to crawl into until her embarrassment killed her.
Maxwell tried to speak. He had a huge speech ready to give her, telling her all that he'd kept carefully hidden all these months just in case she only saw him as a friend. Granted all the signs had been there that she liked him more than that. Always hanging out with him, dancing mostly with him, sneaking into his tent, etc., rose to his mind that his feelings definitely hadn't been one sided.
But now, he couldn't get the words out that he was madly, head over heels, probably always had been, from the moment they met, in love with Ms. Riley Brooks of New York.
He picked her up and swung her around in his arms. Her startled squeal turned into laughter as the world went by in a blur.
Once her toes touched the ground, his lips ensnared hers in a passionate kiss.
He held her close as he savored the taste and sensations only she could give with those lips of hers.
When the kiss ended, he stared into her spring green eyes and grinned.
"I want all that too Riley." A hint of bashfulness appeared in his vulnerable gaze. "I always have. I just hope I don't screw this up."
She cupped his cheek, feeling the weight of the world slide off her shoulders in the very words she had so desperately longed to hear.
"Listen to me." She said softly. "There is no way, in any possible universe where there is another Riley and Maxwell, that you could ever mess up what we have."
She gave him a playful shake. "We're the dynamic duo who win every single time!"
He swopped down and kissed her once more.
"Got it?" She asked a touch breathlessly.
"Got it."
Maxwell cuddled her close and simply held her as they looked at the fountain.
"This is our beginning." He said with nothing but absolute joy.
Rules: without naming them, post a gif from ten of your favorite films and then tag ten people to do the same.
Here are my guilty pleasures. Very hard to choose favorites. As you can tell, I love the classics and a lot of dark humor films. I can't tell you how many I left out, mostly because I couldn't find gifs I liked, LOL. I am such a movie freak. Thanks for the tag @jerzwriter
