Emma Riley

Ryker's Penthouse
Morning of the audition

I rode over to Ryker's penthouse with him so he could get changed and ready for his audition. He was unusually quiet, and I could see in his eyes how nervous he was. He really wanted this audition to go well, but his usual self-confidence had been shaken because of all the publicity he's been getting lately, surrounding his love life.

I know realistically it wasn't my fault, but I still felt bad. I don't want to make his life anymore stressful than it already is, and if he ends up not getting the part because of our relationship..that would really suck.

I was sitting on his couch watching his obnoxiously large 65 inch 4K television set in his living room, while he was in the other room getting dressed.

I knew he was nervous when he didn't make some sort of flirty comment about 'needing my help' getting dressed or something. He actually just went to his room to get dressed without sarcasm. Whaaat?

As I looked around the room, a thought occured to me. I haven't really hung out here much. You know, just like sitting on the couch in his living room. His place was so much fancier than mine.

Everytime I came here, it reminded me of how different our worlds were..and yet, our relationship felt so natural. He was so good to me.

It just goes to show that how much money someone has doesn't necessarily say anything about them as a person. If you prejudge someone based on the petty stuff, you could be missing out on something real.

I was startled out of my own thoughts by a knock on the door. I sat up and looked at the door, suddenly feeling awkward. This could just be my anxiety causing me to overthink things again, but this wasn't my house. I felt strange answering the door like I live here. Maybe I should go get Ryker?

As luck would have it, Ryker picked that moment to walk in the room. He looked at the door and then looked at me, shyly standing in the middle of the room.

"Did I hear someone knocking on the door?" He asked, raising one eyebrow at me...obviously wondering why I didn't answer it. I nodded, though distract by his appearance.

He was dressed in probably one of the nicest suits I've ever seen, I don't even want to know how much it cost. His hair was styled, he was clean shaved, and he even smelled expensive. He honestly looked smooth as hell. He always looked good, but he really paid attention to detail today.

I realized I had been checking him out for far too long and a knowing grin came over his face, making me blush. But before either one of us could say anything else, there was another knock on the door.

Ryker  looked at the door and back to me, confused. "So that was a knock I heard. Why didn't you answer it?" He asked as he walked towards the door.

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and shrugged. "I didn't want to overstep. This is your place, not mine."

He shot me a look like I was insane, before turning around and opening the front door. On the other side was a very impatient looking Dexter, who entered the living room past Ryker as soon as the door was opened.

"I was beginning to think no one was going to answer the door." Dexter sounded annoyed which made Ryker roll his eyes. But when he didn't respond, Dexter continued. "I just wanted to come by and chat with you before your audition today."

As he spoke to Ryker he stole a glance in my direction, and I realized he meant he wanted to chat with him alone. "Shall we take this to the balcony?" He subtly suggested to Ryker as I stood there feeling more awkward than ever.

Ryker  furrowed his eyebrows and the veins in his neck and arms were suddenly defined. Dexter and I both instinctively took a step back from him, knowing him well enough to know he's pissed.

"Emma is more than welcome to stay if she wants. Anything you have to say to me, you can say in front of her." His voice bellowed and seemed to echo off the walls, giving away his rising temper. Dexter blinked as his mouth hung open in shock by Ryker's sudden intensity.

"Ryker, it's okay..." I began to speak, trying to calm him down. But he was fixated on Dexter.

"No, it's not okay. I'm getting really fucking sick of your dismissive attitude towards Emma, Dex. If you care about me, you'll have some fucking respect for the woman I love." Ryker pointed at Dexter accusingly, as Dexter hung his head and looked at the ground.

My heart melted seeing Ryker be so protective of me, a goofy smile glued on my face as he called me the 'woman he loves.'

But I had to admit to feeling kind of bad for Dexter, who looked really embarrassed as Ryker glared at him with his arms folded over his chest. I know Dexter really does care about Ryker's well being, and he's done a lot for him. While he may not be the warmest person, I don't believe he means any harm.

Not only that, but this is a big day for Ryker. It's not a good idea for him to go into that audition in a bad mood. So I felt the need to step in and cool things down.

"Ryker, baby?" I made my voice as seductive as I could, running my fingers through his hair. His focus turned from Dexter to me and as I smiled at him, I could already see his angry outer shell crumbling.

Ryker Fox

Just as my temper was getting the best of me, I felt Emma's fingers run through my hair. Her voice was soft and sexy, giving me chills.

When I looked at her, she was smiling sweetly at me with a playful look in her beautiful green eyes. I could already feel myself giving into her charms.

"Yes?" I embarrassingly squeaked out the word as my throat suddenly felt dry. Dexter pressed his lips together as if trying not to smile. It was painfully obvious this woman has me wrapped around her finger.

"Why don't you take Dexter out to the balcony while I make us a pot of coffee? I can bring the two of you out a cup when it's ready." She lightly ran her fingers up and down my arms and neck as she spoke in a very soft and seductive way.

I knew she was just trying to calm me down so I didn't kill Dexter. I suppose maybe it all could have been an overreaction, but it still rubbed me the wrong way.

"He needs to know it's not okay to keep dismissing you like that, Emma." I said, attempting to stand my ground. Dexter looked at me remorseful as I glared at him, until Emma pulled me into her as she pressed her lips on mine.

Her kiss was soft, but full of passion. In fact, for a moment I forgot Dexter was even there. Just like that, I felt myself let go of my anger. Damn, she's good.

"Have I told you that the fact you're so protective of me really turns me on?" Emma whispered with her lips pressed to my ear. I bit my bottom lip and tightened my grip on her waist, more and more wishing Dexter wasn't here right now. "Play nice with him, and then later..you can play nice with me." She kissed me on the neck and I shut my eyes, trying to keep calm. I was aware that Dexter was still here and probably feeling very awkward right now. My penis however, didn't particularly care.

"I..didn't mean anything by it. I hope you know that, Emma." Dexter said to her with a weary smile when I reluctantly pulled away from Emma.

She smiled at him and spoke in a friendly tone. "It's alright, Dexter. We're both here for the same reason, to support Ryker on his big day." She winked at me when she looked at me to find me staring at her with a goofy smile on my face.

Emma  kissed me on the cheek before excusing herself to the kitchen to make coffee, leaving Dexter and I alone.

"She's..sweet." Dexter observed, rubbing his neck awkwardly. He was still leery, knowing he unintentionally angered me. But there was sort of a quiet smile on his face. "It may not seem like it sometimes, but..I'm glad you found someone who makes you so happy. She actually seems to be a good influence on you." He couldn't hide the surprise in his voice, like it wasn't something he originally suspected. This somewhat offended me, but I decided to let it go.

"Thanks, Dex. Why don't you go ahead and go out to the balcony, I'll be there in just a moment." I gestured towards the sliding doors that lead out there. Dexter looked at me suspiciously, but seemed to decide it best to not argue and walked out to the balcony.

Emma Riley

I was in the kitchen by the coffee pot about to make coffee when I heard Ryker walk up to me quietly, clearing his throat as a way to announce his presence.

I turned around to look at him, something behind his eyes were intense. But before I could say anything he shocked me by grabbing me and dipping me like they do in the movies, pulling me into him for a kiss.

His kiss was wild and passionate, but his touch was tender and affectionate. In his arms I felt completely and totally safe, a feeling that was foreign to me. Just as I had about melted, he broke the kiss and softly brushed my cheek with his hand.

"W-wow. I've never been dip-kissed before." I stuttered, blinking repeatedly like it would somehow help my mind focus. The grin that spread across his face was slightly cocky, obviously knowing that he had just dazzled me.

He stood me upright again and kissed me on the forehead, before deciding to give me a little space while I tried to get my breathing normal again.

He just stood there with a thoughtful smile on his face, looking entirely pleased with himself. My cheeks felt hot, and I knew well enough to know he had me me blush...again.

"So..not that I'm complaining, but what's with the drive by makeout session?" I asked inquisitively once I could concentrate enough to speak.

A hearty laugh escaped from somewhere in his throat as I stared at him like he had blown a fuse. "'Drive by makeout session?'" He repeated like he found it hysterical.

I tried to shrug indifferently..but I quickly started laughing, too. Making Ryker laugh was quickly becoming one of my favorite things in life, even in times when it's at my expense.

When he laughed his whole face lit up, and the room felt somehow brighter. Being his source of happiness felt like a gift that I did not earn, but a gift that had become my source of happiness, too. Not to mention those damn dimples of his are killer.

"I was just thinking.." Ryker started when we both had stopped laughing. "...there was something you said that kind of bothered me." His face fell serious, and the sudden shift in conversation caught me off guard.

I thought back to the morning so far, trying to think of something I said that would have offended him. I could not think of anything. "What did I say?" I finally asked, suddenly feeling nervous.

He sighed, and looked at me as though I was in trouble. "You said you didn't answer the door for Dexter, because this is my place and not yours." He crossed his arms and waited for me to respond, but I just stared at him like he had spoken an unfinished sentence.

"Really? That's it? Me being polite offended you?" I couldn't hide in my voice how much that didn't make sense to me and when I rolled my eyes, Ryker glared at me.

"It offends me that you don't feel comfortable here in my home. You're my girlfriend, you can answer the damn door. You can do whatever you want. Understand?" He shook his index finger at me as if scolding me, but there was a smirk on the corner of his lips.

How freaking cute is he?! It's funny actually, because underneath his heavy sarcasm and at times domineering personality he's really actually very..sweet. Looking back to when I first met him, I wouldn't have guessed that.

I wrapped my arms around him in a hug. He returned my hug and kissed the sensitive spot on my neck, making me giggle. "You really need to stop making me want to jump your bones when you have places to go." I whispered in his ear.

He smiled when we pulled away, but it was quickly replaced with a look of worry as he stared off in the distance. "You're worried about the audition?" I guessed.

He sighed and nodded in a reluctant agreement, obviously embarrassed to admit he was anything but confident. "I'm not going to lie, it would be really awesome to land this part. Despite my career needing a positive comeback, I've never been this attached to a character before." I could hear the stress in his voice, but I couldn't help but smile. It was adorable seeing him so passionate and excited about his craft.

I took his face in my hands, and looked deep in his blue-gray eyes. "You don't how to be anything less than extraordinary. They'll love you, just like I do."

Ryker pulled me in for another kiss, and I could feel a smile on his lips. But I didn't just say it to make him feel better. I meant every word. For the life of me I couldn't imagine why anyone would not choose him.

Ryker Fox

Ryker's Balcony

When I finally made my way out to the balcony after ravishing Emma a few dozen times, I joined Dexter in the empty chair next to him with two cups of coffee that Emma had managed to make. You know, in between me taking her lips between my teeth.

Dexter looked up from his phone just in time to see a goofy smile glued on my face as I set our coffees down on the table between us.

He rolled his eyes while he shoved his phone in his pants pocket. "Get her pregnant yet?" I furrowed my eyebrows at his sarcasm, and a look of over-exaggerated disappointment came on his face. "Awe, better luck next time huh? But don't worry, it's only 10:33 AM. There's still time."

Dick. "Do you think you could save your signature judgmental sarcasm until after the audition? Thanks so much." I sighed before taking a sip of my coffee, Dexter studied me curiously.

"Speaking of which, how are you feeling? You still have a few hours until the audition. Are you ready?" Dexter cautiously examined my face as if looking for evidence I wasn't having a nervous breakdown. "I couldn't help but notice you're..a little more wound up today than usual." He mumbled, obviously referring to my blow up inside.

I sighed, not feeling like arguing anymore. "I am nervous. But, I feel like I've done what I can to prepare. I even dressed the part today." I gestured to the fancy suit I was wearing.

Dexter nodded, looking my outfit over in approval. "I was going to mention that. I can tell you put in an extra effort in your appearance today." He observed as he picked up his coffee from the table.

I shrugged, feeling a bit embarrassed by the compliment. "Well, the character starts out a smart and successful businessman who takes pride in his appearance..before he gets cancer, I mean. So I thought maybe it would help me get into character if I overdressed." He nodded again as if that made sense.

"You're going to do great, Ryker. Positive thoughts." He fist pumped as he set his coffee back down, and I had to laugh. The positive encouragement sounded so foreign coming from him, but at least he tried. I'm pretty sure he was trying to give himself a pep talk just as much as me.

"Thanks, Dex." I smiled, seeming to catch him off guard. He looked at me inquisitively, so I continued. "For everything. You piss me off sometimes but, you do a lot for me. I'm sorry if I make your life more difficult, but thank you for sticking with me."

Dexter smiled shyly, seeming to feel a bit awkward by my sincere words. But they seemed to touch him as he struggled to make eye contact. "You're..you're a good guy, Ryker. I've always known what you were capable of. Now you're finally realizing it, too. I know that's in part because of Emma."

There was a few moments of silence, both of us not used to being so 'mushy' with each other. But as we drank our coffee, I realized I didn't just want to succeed for Emma, and me. I wanted to succeed for Dexter, too. I want to show him, that he wasn't crazy for putting his faith in me. I guess you could say, that...I wanted to make him proud.

"Listen.." Dexter broke the silence, and I immediately rolled my eyes. I knew that tone in his voice. "..after your audition, there's something we need to deal with."

I looked at him wearily, already knowing exactly what he was referring to. "Something, or someone?" I asked as I put the coffee cup to my lips.

The look he shot me, gave away that I was right. "Sheila contacted me. She wants to meet. She says she's ready to have a rational conversation." He said skeptically into his coffee cup.

I laughed humorlessly at the irony of Sheila doing something "rational" while Dexter gave me an eyeroll. The last time I saw her, she was flashing me at my door and demanding to know why I wanted Emma and not her. I had no interest in ever seeing her again.

Unfortunately, I do not have that luxury. Because of her claim that she was pregnant with my child, I have to talk to her eventually. At least until I find out if it's true or not.

In my heart, I feel like she's lying. If she is pregnant, I feel it in my bones that it's not mine. That being said, I have no proof of that. Technically, it could be wishful thinking.

Hypothetically if she is pregnant with my child, I cannot ignore that. Whatever has happened with Sheila is not the baby's fault. I could never turn my back on my child. If it is true, I'll do everything I can to support that child. I believe that Emma would completely understand that.

But I couldn't help but kick myself, at putting us in this position. For being so careless, and irresponsible. What I'd give to go back, and choose to stay the hell away from Sheila. But regrets are a useless thing. It is what it is, I made a huge mistake. Now, I have to deal with the consequences.

"Ryker, you know we don't have a choice but to deal with this. I'm not too excited about it either. Truth be told." Dexter said remorseful, correctly guessing my silence for dread. I sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted. But nodded in agreement. "I told her the only way we'd agree is if I'm present, so she doesn't try anything funny." Dexter added, mistrust in his voice.

That made me feel a little better, knowing I didn't have to be alone with her. I have zero faith that she had any interest in having a 'rational conversation.'

"This is happening today?" I could hear the panic in my voice. As if I wasn't stressed enough already.

He shook his head no as he swallowed the coffee he had just put in his mouth. "No, tomorrow. Today I just want you to focus on nailing this audition. She doesn't get this day. But..we do have to deal with her." He shrugged and looked at me cautiously.

"So, tomorrow then?" I pressed my lips together in worry as Dexter nodded yes. After that, there was not much else to say.

Great. Looking forward to it.

Emma Riley

Later that day
At the audition

"Does it usually take this long? At auditions?" I could hear the nerves in my voice as I sat and waited outside of the audition room with Dexter where Ryker had disappeared to sometime ago.

I suggested Dexter come to the audition with us. He was already there at the house, and he's been with Ryker from the beginning. I felt he should be a part of it, too. I also saw it as a way to hopefully find some common ground with him.

"They can go on forever, yeah. I usually bring some type of reading material to his auditions." Dexter said with a smile, but something in his eyes told me he was nervous, too.

I realized, this was probably the most I've actually gotten to speak with him since we've met. I didn't really know anything about him and besides me, he knew my boyfriend more than anyone. Color me curious.

"How long have you known Ryker?" I wondered outloud. He thought about it for a moment, his mind seemed to go to another place.

"Ah, let's see. He's twenty-five now, he was just eighteen when I met him. So..seven years?" He blinked twice and shook his head, like it was hard for him to believe it had been that long.

"He was just a model, if you can believe that. Cocky little prick, too." Dexter chuckled, and I laughed too, nodding my head in agreement.

"That's actually really easy to believe." I giggled, making Dexter smile. He was certainly handsome enough to be a model, and he was definitely still pretty cocky. "What's hard to believe is that he stayed quiet long enough to get his picture taken." I added, only half-joking. Dexter startled me by laughing loudly, a sound that you don't hear from him too often. I smiled shyly, feeling pleased by this.

"You're actually not too far off." Dexter said, still laughing. He wiped a tear from his eye and took a drink out of his water bottle he was holding in his lap. "Ryker was never okay with being just a handsome face. He was always destined for more. I could tell. He wanted something more substantial." He smiled and stared off into the distance as he spoke, thinking of the memory of a younger Ryker.

"He's really lucky to have someone like you who believes in him so much." I smiled, making him blush out of embarrassment. He sighed, and pressed his lips together like there was something he wanted to say.

"I could say the same thing to you, couldn't I?" Dexter sounded awkward as he shared the sentiment. I smiled, happy he sees it that way. He hasn't always acted like he liked me, though I've come to realize he's just not a very 'touchy feely' kind of person.

He takes a while to warm up but once he does, he'll fight for you harder than anyone else. That's what he's been for Ryker, so I respected him for that.

I stared at the closed door of the audition room, I could hear the muffled sounds Of overlapping voices. The suspense was just about killing me.

"How do you think it's going in there? Honestly?" I gestured towards the door and nervously bit my bottom lip. Dexter fidgeted with the cap of his water bottle, seeming to be deep in thought.

"Well..he has been getting a lot of press lately. That could be good, or bad. On one hand, they could see that as good publicity for the movie. On the other, they could see that as meaning he's drama." Dexter looked at me wearily, and I felt my heart sank. It was pretty much my worst case scenario that he would have this chance taken away because of our relationship. Now, it was bring confirmed as a possibility.

Seeing that he had upset me, Dexter continued..trying to ease my mind. "Listen, he's prepared for this role. He's right for this part, he's got the talent. He's also really charismatic when he wants to be." I nodded quietly, knowing for a fact that was all true. He smiled, his voice full of encouragement. "If anyone can blow their minds, he can. We just need to have faith, and be here for him no matter what comes next."

We smiled at each other, though both of us obviously nervous for him. We sat in silence for a few moments, until we were startled by the sound of the audition door opening.

We both instinctively sat up out of our chairs and watched Ryker step out. I felt sweaty and there was a lump in my throat as Ryker walked up to us in silence. I hadn't realized just how much I wanted this for him, until this moment.

"So?" I prompted, when he didn't speak. His face was unreadable as he looked down at the script in his hands. Dexter looked just as nervous as I felt.

Ryker puckered his lips and furrowed his brows in thought, leaving us both on pins and needles.

"There were several who were up for the role." He started, caution in his voice. My heart began to sink once again, afraid his hesitation meant it didn't go well.

"But how do you think you did?" Dexter asked impatiently, noting the real question had not been answered.

Ryker annoyingly took a while to respond, so much I started to wonder if he didn't hear the question. He was being unusually quiet, which I didn't take as a great sign.

Just as we both were going to go crazy with anticipation, something in Ryker's face changed as a smile spread across his face.

At long last, Ryker spoke. "They loved it."

author's note: If you enjoyed this chapter, please don't forget to vote! :)