#decisso

Unexpected Love

Unexpected Love

This is my second attempt at fan fiction but only the 1st I’ve ever published:  based on TRR by Pixelberry publishing. Author’s Notes: Characters owned by Pixelberry studios, I have no claim to the characters in this story.

Though this story is loosely based on the same characters and my MC (Cindy Jo Beckett) also called (Jo or affectionately Jo Jo) the story comes through a little differently with my MC having had a dark painfully hard upbringing. Her past will unfold as the story is told. Main characters remain in this story and maybe later some new ones. Timeline of Choices: Pixleberry story will vary.

Summary: This Drake -x -MC AU will be focused on a chance meeting where Liam didn’t meet her in New York only Drake by chance…..later after this series is complete , I will rewrite the series where Liam becomes a LI as well. So prepare for a slow burn and some angst: I hope you like it……if the music hyperlink doesn’t open search Hannah Trigwell Stay with Me on youtube. Should really listen from the point it’s introduced in the story.

Chapter One:

Cindy Jo was sitting alone in her two bedroom apartment in Manhattan New York; her phone buzzed on the coffee table next to her. Picking it up she sees a message notification from Daniel her co-worker and best friend from the bar she currently waitressed at in downtown Manhattan and her Uncle Mitch from Texas. She decided to read Daniels first. The two had worked together for almost a full year now and had become quite close. She loved him like a little brother though he was only a year younger than her. Message Daniel-“Jo Jo I need a huge favor?” she replied “what?”  Daniel states “I had agreed to fill in for Michael tonight over at the New Blues Club downtown but I got a last minute date and she’s a total hottie and I don’t want to turn her down because she may not give me another chance!” “Can you PLEAAAASE fill in for me? It was as if she could hear the whine in his voice as if he’d been standing there begging her.” Cindy Jo sat there and thought about it and said why not….it’s not as if I had any plans or a hot date tonight anyway!” She sees the phones blinking dots awaiting his reply……. “I’m sorry JoJo and that’s a little your fault you are so shy and closed off.” Grrr she scoffs out loud without replying to his last comment he types back “I’ll call you when I’m close by …there’s a dress code and I took the liberty of getting you a dress on the off chance you’d say yes.” Fine she replies see you later.

She then opens the message from her Uncle Mitch “Hey sweetie just checking in you ok?” she simply replied “I’m fine Uncle I picked up an extra shift for Daniel tonight at the Blues Bar down the street.” Uncle Mitch immediately replied “another shift….you are 22 sweet pea when are you going to stop working so much and enjoy your youth?” It’s not like you need the money?” Cindy Jo replied “I know I’m just helping Daniel out tonight that’s all….stop worrying so much! I love you and I’ll talk at’cha later.” She nearly jumped off the couch as her phone loudly rang in her hands and Daniels face came across the screen; she swiped right to answer saying “Jesus Daniel you nearly gave me a heart attack!”....Daniel laughing loudly clearly amused stating I just love it when that sultry Texas accent of yours comes through!” I’m parking now I’ll be up in a minute.” She said okay see ya in a sec!

Minutes later he buzzes her apartment and she lets him in the building then also her apartment which was on the 5th floor of the building. Her mood instantly lifts as Daniel comes barreling into her apartment with his infectious smiles and giggles. “Hey baby-girl wait until you see this dress girl it’s to die for… you will definitely clean up in tips tonight!” She smiles stating as long as it draws tips and not unwanted hands on my ass then I’m all in. She opens the garment cover to reveal a beautiful blue sparkling tight fitting full length dress with a slit on the right side all the way up to her mid-thigh. Oh Daniel it’s gorgeous she exclaimed...I’m going to try it on right now. Hurry Daniel exclaimed clapping his hands chop-chop I want to help you get ready before I leave to pick up Charlotte. Cindy Jo asks why ya wanna help me get ready. You do know I’m a grown ass woman who can dress herself…right? I know Daniel states but tonight’s special and I want you to curl your hair and wear it down rather than up in an ugly ass ponytail!” Okay groans Cindy Jo returning to her room glaring at him with her hands on her hips and a bright white smile on her face…“Daniel you know I love you… but has anyone ever told you that for a cute straight guy you tend to have a wonderfully gay flare to your personality?” Daniel states… “Yes you do all the time and you know it’s only because I grew up with three sisters. Cindy Jo laughs and states “you know that I’m only teasing and I’m completely grateful for if it wasn’t for you I’d have no sense of style after moving here from Texas.” “Can you zip me up please?”  He zips her up and she steps away turning to say “There what’cha think?” Daniel lets out loud wolfish whistle as he watches her turn a circle giving him a full view of the gown. Girl you’ve got nice heels to with that right? Yeesss she huffs putting on her silver stilettos she walks to her make-up dresser and starts signing to the radio while she applies her make-up and Daniel starts rolling her hair with her fat curling iron from behind her. Both enjoying the music and her singing in silence until she’s about done applying her make-up; Daniel looks at her reflection through the mirror in front of her and asks “JoJo when are you going to stop being childish about your singing abilities and start preforming for everyone? I know that George has offered a dozen times to let you sing at the bar over weekends!” JoJo chides at him “you know I only sing for myself….and that I’ve always used music as more of a therapeutic outlet to deal with…you know as she trails off that train of thought. I know states Daniel with a sad little smile but truly if I had your God given talent I’d be singing from the rooftops of all New York he stated matter of factly. Well it’s a good thing you’re not me she laughed. Ok are you about done she asked. He sprays her head full of hairspray and says done. She stands and looks in the full view mirror hanging of the back of her bathroom door and says not bad….not bad at all. Daniel whistles loudly and says “Gorgeous simply gorgeous.” “Alright baby-girl let’s get this show on the road.” he says. They leave her building and Daniel gives her a quick peck on the cheek and says “thanks for covering for me doll and try to have a good time tonight.” Okay she says “and you enjoy your hottie Charlotte tonight.”

About a half an hour later she enters the club and speaks to Eddie the club Manger Hi I’m Cindy Jo I’m supposed to fill in for Michael she says. Eddie says “Oh you must be Daniels friend he’s told us a lot about you.” “Thanks for helping us out tonight, we should be really busy being Friday night and all.”  “No problem she states with a bright smile glad to help out.” Eddie thanks her for dressing up saying “Sorry for the short notice but you look great.” He instructs her to begin the shift helping out behind the bar and she can move to the floor as business picks up. She does just that serving all that enter and sat at the bar with a loving smile. Then a tall dark haired stranger catches her eye as he enters the club and walks towards her at the bar. He’s about 6’3 with a slender muscular physic sporting a denim button down with a white under-shirt and dark colored very nice fitting jeans…with little angry like scowl on his face he sits down and she crosses from the other side of the bar to greet him with a million watt smile “H i there I’m Cindy Jo what can I get for you tonight?” He glances up and notices her dress prominently hugging her body in all the right places and says “Whoa do all bartenders dress like that in New York?” He had a sexy accent she couldn’t quite place. She said well I really wouldn’t know this is my first night here I’m filling in for someone. Looking around the bar she notices the other waitresses and says now that ya mentioned it I do seem to be a little more overdressed than the others.” That’s odd she contemplated out loud. The handsome stranger says “that’s a thick accent you’re donning there, where do you hail from?”  “Where do I hail from she chides. I’m from Texas and you? Where do you hail from Mr.? “It’s just Drake he says Drake Walker and I’m from a country close to Greece that I’m sure you have never heard of.” with a slight smile on his face. Smiling shyly she asks “So what brings you to New York just Drake and what will ya have?” “Whiskey and then he mumbles something under his breath she failed to catch then clears his throat  akem I’m scouting accommodations to host my friends Bachelor Party next month.”  Oh she says and what do you think? “This place is a little more uppity for my taste I’m more comfortable in a simple bar with some pool tables, but they prefer the more prestigious or I should say portentous clubs like this.”  He dryly says. I duhnno this place doesn’t seem too bad at least it has live music she says warmly.”

It was at that moment the manager Eddie stepped on to the stage and announced that while the band takes a short break we have been blessed with the presence of the beautiful guests vocalists styling’s of Miss Cindy Jo Beckett as the spot light shone brightly on her behind the bar…..she mumbles I’m gonna kill that Sum Bitch!” loudly enough for Drake to hear her.  As the crowd cheers for her to join the stage Drake lightly laughs and says “well Beckett can you sing?” She gives him a side glance and bashfully smiles at him as she’s walking to Eddie on the stage she says “I’m afraid I’m unprepared I don’t even have my guitar on me so I’m afraid I won’t be singing tonight.” An Awe fell across the crowd, she turned on her heal headed back to behind the bar when Eddie speaks into the microphone no worries Daniel brought yours by earlier today!” She freezes in her tracks as the crowd cheers for her to rise to the intimate stage …She slowly makes her way to Eddie on the stage and she whispers did Daniel put you up to this? He says yes now get up there and kill em.” She smiles widely trying to hide her blush and steel her nerves. Ahkem …she clears her throat well since this was sprung on me at the last moment I will just perform one of my favorite songs by Sam Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGs2f1ncMgA

 -Drake’s POV-

Oh my god she’s an angel…where in the hell does a bartender get that kind of talent? Is she looking at me? I would stay as long as she wanted me too….a blush crossing and burning his cheeks at the thought. He stares hard and listens intently as she continues to sing and though the entire club is still and silent as she sings he could only hear her even if they weren’t. The crowd cheers loudly as she finishes those that weren’t already on the dance floor stand from their seats clapping and cheering exuberantly. Eddie joins her on the stage once again… “Yeah Ladies and Gentlemen give it up once again for the voice styling’s of Miss Cindy Jo Beckett! Thanks babe that was just wonderful!” Eddie hugs her as she leaves the small stage.

She shyly walks back and shimmies behind the bar where she finds a smiling Drake as she approaches he says “damn Beckett that was awesome!” She kindly thanked him and boldly says you look much better with smile on your handsome face than that scowl you walked in with earlier tonight.”  Drake thinks-(Is she flirting with me?) “Well I guess I owe that to you Beckett…thank you truly this is the best I’ve felt all day.” You’re welcome as out of the corner of her eye she sees Daniel with his arm around a beautiful redheads waists presumably Charlotte walking up to the bar… “Daniel you ass-hat she states a little louder than she meant to…..you set this whole thing up didn’t you? “Well I knew I’d never get you up there otherwise he said with a hearty laugh!” JoJo this is Charlotte…Charlotte this is my best friend JoJo.  She leans forwards shaking the redhead’s hand it’s nice to meet you Charlotte. “JoJo Drake asked with his left brow raised?” “Yes she says it’s an affectionate name that only a few are given the privilege to use …though I’m seriously reconsidering your rite to use it Daniel she scowls at him with a meaningful glare.” Who’s your friend JoJo Daniel asked? She smiled and said Daniel this is Drake Walker he’s from somewhere close to Greece and likes whiskey! Nice to meet you he states and the two shake hands. Daniel says “Oh by the way come out from behind that bar you don’t have to fill in for Michael that was just a ploy to get you here, and by the way I recorded your performance!”  Uggh she gasps as she comes out from behind the bar.  Cindy Jo tells Daniel don’t go plastering that all over social media either and I mean it….It’s bad enough you bullied me on to that stage tonight.” Throwing his hands up in a mock defense he says ok I promise with a rueful smile.” “Well now what since I’m all dressed up and nowhere to go?” she asked to no one in particular.  Well Daniel started to say and was abruptly interrupted by Drake stating well you could show me around some proper Bachelor Party venues since you know New York and I don’t he pleaded softly in the form of a question?” She smiled as she thought over his offer…I guess I could, now let’s get outta here before Daniel gets anymore bright ideas for me in his head!” He offers her his arm and Daniels calls out “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do as she takes his arm and waves goodbye to Daniel over her shoulder they walk out of the club into the cool crisp air. Well where to Beckett? Drake asked. She motioned this way pointing down the street to her right. Why do you call me by my last name she asks?

And Drake

Hey guys,sorry for no posts lately.Been a bit busy with work.This is going to be a small story where our Grumpy Drake and Prince Liam see and then meet each other.This a small story from their childhood.

"The teachets are annoying,school is annoying,Ughhh that beloved Prince Liam is in our class and everyone just fawns over him.Teachers give him attention,boys lick his boots and girls keep throwing themselves in his arms.", Drake sighed to himself." I am a lone wolf,nobody is my friend here,all are from noble houses or are rich people.Status based friendships....are never true...that's what my father says." Drake was now heading towards the school canteen for lunch.He took his plate and dumped some bread and butter.Payed for it at the counter.Went to a corner and made himself comfortable.

He was able to look at the entire canteen from this place and no one giving a damn about his cozy corner.He saw Prince Liam at the centre of his group and everyone just going crazy about him."We(Prince and I) have never interacted,but he surely doesn't seem that guy who craves for attention or gives order.He talks politely with the teachers,he does his homework at time and even manages to score good.Ahh,be must be some wizard to pull everything.His brother Prince Leo is a trouble maker and a prankster.He even pranked me by filling my locker with cotton fuzzes."Drake now chewed on his bread and butter.

He got up and kept the plate at disposable counter leaving the canteen as soon as possible.He always felt out of place here.But,he was a good boy who stayed out of trouble,did his homework and scored highest in his class.On every parent teacher meeting, he was praised for performing well in athletics,activities which he participated and academics .His parents meant world for him.He loved to go back home and play woth his little sister Savannah.His mom made sure their homeworks were upto date.

One day at school,during a small break:

Drake went to washroom to answer nature's call.Liam too was there doing the same.Drake looked at him.The prince looked at him too, Liam smiled but Drake didn't reciprocate the same smile to the prince and zipped up his pants,washed his hands and zoomed his way out of washroom.In the lunch break,Liam was glancing back at Drake from time to time.Drake felt he should have atleast said hi.Then a thought occured ,"just because he is a prince, that's why I should say hi?I am not interested in being his friend at all."

The days dragged on.Olivia came to my desk and threatened me,"You better have a conversation with Liam or else I will drag ypu out by your tie infront of entire school and make you talk."I scoffed and muttered,"Now I know Prince is thirsty for attention and has sent you.You know what Olivia, that sort of talki g job is better for you.Do whatever you want,I won't have any conversations with him."Olivia raises her brow ,"You know a commoner like you needs him more than Liam,he just wants to be your friend.But you aren't worth it."Olivia fumes out of class."Such jokers our class has."Drake sighed and moved towards his bus.

At home he git to know that their entire family was called for a gala at the palace.Savannah had her best gown adorned,Drake was dressed quite casually.He knew he was going to get bored at the event.Anyways they accompanied their parents to the palace.Drake wondered,"A person only needs a cozy ned and blanket.Why does royalty have to have everything extravagant?".His dad held his hand and instructed Drake to be out of trouble.

Savannah had a big gang of friends,Drake came out of the palace and wandered near tge maze.A glistening black object caught his eyes.It was a taser like the one his dad had.He took it in his hands felt like a hero.He pretended aim the taser at the imaginary bad guy.Few minutes passed.Drake clicked the taser nothing happened.He thought it may have been a toy of prince.He fiddled more with the taser for alot time.A guard came running and snatched the taser ot of Drake's hands and scolded him,"How did you get that taser.Have you stolen it?Tell me about your parents?I will tell them what you were doing with it."Drake was nearly in pool of tears a d embarassed.He kept mum at that time.

Soemone interrupted their conversation.Drake looked at his saviour and to his utter shock it was Prince Liam.The guard bowed and asked Liam ,how was his day going?Liam answered clamly,"I am enjoying gala with my friends.We were playing the police and the theif.I gave my friend Drake this taser as he was the sheriff this time. "The guard was shocked and replied,"Prince this is a real taser and not toy,I must report about your friend."Liam nodded and said,"No,it was my fault,you should tell my dad about it,not his parents.I gave hime the taser so I must be the one serving consequences."Guard was taken aback as he couldn't report this small thing to king.The guard smiled,"Prince Liam please be careful with these weapons.There will be an appropriate time when you both will learn to use it in a safe regulated environment.Please go and continue your game.Sorry for the inconvenience.The guard left with the taser.

Liam faced Drake now.Drake muttered under his breath,"Thank you"and started to leave.Liam held the corner of Drake's shirt ,"My name is Liam.....ummm...would you like to be my friend?Everyone here is my friend because I am a prince.You were the first person not to treat me any different.Will you be my friend?I wanted to be your friend from a long time......Liam stretched his hand for Drake to shake it.Drake smiled and shook hand with Liam.They both went to the gala where he introduced Drake to each and every child of their class present there.Drake hated the attention but he felt nice to have Liam as a friend.

This is a really small fanfic after Liam befriends Drake when he was being questioned about taser.How they became great friends......

Liam smiled at Drake,"Come let's go inside and you can play with us....."Drake sighed,"Prince,I cann't be in there it's stuffy and stern people in there...."Liam shook his head and whispered,"I maybe a prince but you are my friend and address me as Liam.Yeah these balls are overwhelming but we have a fun gang,we sometimes play in the maze here....I'll introduce them to you...."They both strall inside the palace ball hall where Maxwell comes up jumping around and bellowing his enthusiasm for a new game,"I have have an idea,why not we climb the tree and chase each other on the branches?" Liam laughed and replied,"Maxwell,we may fall off the branch and get hurt,after that we all would be punished,anyways we have a new friend wih us....His name is Drake..."before Liam could complete his sentence,Maxwell chimed,"HIEEEEEE Drake,will you join our group too?I have seen you at school but well now we can play and become best buds....."Drake sighed and said,"Yeah yeah whatever you want...."Bertand was staring at Maxwell with disapproval.Tariq smiled at Drake.

Liam introduces Drake to Olivia.Olivia puts on a pouty face and snarls at Drake,"Finally who showed up....the commoner who was missing in our group.Liam,we will now play homey home,I am YOUR QUEEN ,you will be MY KING,Maxwell be the court jester,Bertand become our press secretary,Tariq you could be our fashion designer and you Drake will be our body guard."Leo stepped in and claimed,"I will be pirate who raids Cordinia." Bertand scowls and objects,"We should play something meaningful Leo and not this stupid game."Leo smiles,"Bertand enjoy this,our childhood would never come back."

Unexpected Love

Chapter 3:

Based loosely on TRR by Pixelberry publishing. Author’s Notes: Characters owned by Pixelberry studios, I have no claim to the characters in this story other than my MC.

Though this story is loosely based on the same characters and my MC (Cindy Jo Beckett) also called (Jo or affectionately Jo Jo) the story comes through a little differently with my MC having had a dark painfully hard upbringing. Her past will unfold as the story is told. Main characters remain in this story and maybe later some new ones. Timeline of Choices: Pixleberry story will vary.

Summary: This Drake -x -MC AU will be focused on a chance meeting where Liam didn’t meet her in New York only Drake by chance…..later after this series is complete , I will rewrite the series where Liam becomes a LI as well. So prepare for a slow burn and some angst: I hope you like it. Face claims Cote De Pablo (Cindy Jo) and Matt Bommer (Drake) Tom Selleck (Uncle Mitch) Catch Previous Chapter Here: message me and I send it to you can’t figure out how to include previous posts.

Chapter Three:

She cleans up after them placing the whiskey back behind the bar and locking up on their way out she says my apartments only a few blocks from here. As they are walking she grabs his arm and says hold on and removes her high heels while bracing herself against him. He laughs and says “why do you wear those things if they are so uncomfortable?” She simply states I don’t think my boots would have matched matter of factly. Ok this is it they enter her building and take the elevator to the 5th floor…she has the corner apartment; She unlocks the door and ushers him in and says welcome to my home earnestly. He walks in admiring the modest apartment she sees an amused look on his face and she says “what?” He walks through the living room area admiring her photos everywhere and says nothing it’s just not what I expected that’s all.” What did you expect? she asks” He said I don’t know the way you were dressed tonight I expected something a little more high end I guess.” She smiles and says nah that’s not me I just need the essentials I like to live simply…he waits a beat and says me too. Looking at her photos he says “are these all friends and family?” Ya she says. He stops at one in particular of an older gentleman and a horse and says “this is a great shot is that your father?”

She smiles warmly with a hint of a sad smile and says no that’s my Uncle Mitch, her voice cracks a little when she says he and my Uncle Tom raised me since I was fourteen….he stammers a little and says “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to upset you.” No its ok it’s not like you could have known, She clears her throat and fights back her tears and says I uh lost my father when I was twelve and then I lost my mother when I was fourteen. Seeing her turn away and wipe a couple of tears he decides to change the subject and says it’s a great photo did you grow up on the ranch in the photo?” I did she says and I took that photo…actually I took all the photos in here except the one of my parents there. He looks at here with a surprised smirk on his face and she smiles laughing a little and says what?” He looks at her with an expression of amazement and says “nothing it’s that just when I think you can’t impress me anymore than you already have you go and surprise me again.” (He nervously sticks his hands in his pockets as she says “so what time is your flight tomorrow?” he says 9am out of JFK.” Cindy Jo looks at her watch and says wow it’s already 2:30 am I better let you get some shut eye!” Come on I’ll show you around; she shows him the restroom and the spare bedroom across the hall. She sates “I probably have some clothes that you can fit if you’d like to shower and sleep comfortably.” He raises his brows and says keep your boyfriends clothes around do ya?” No she chides they are my Uncle’s he keeps clothes here for when he comes to visit from Texas. Shower wouldn’t hurt that would be great thanks he says graciously.  

As he showers she changes into her short pajama shorts and a tank top, leaving her master bedroom she walks into the spare room to lay out his clothes for him. Just as she’s laying them on his bed he walks in wearing only a towels wrapped around his waist carrying his clothes. She stops in her tracks and eyes him in awe from the floor up noticing his prominent abs and the V-muscle disappearing into his towel. (All the while she is checking him out he doesn’t notice because standing there looking at here in her sleep clothes his quietly thinking Jesus she’s gorgeous her clothes a little tight and her hair up in a messy bun with loose strands of hair falling around her perfectly heart shaped face) He gulps letting out a breath he wasn’t aware he was holding and she blushes clearing her throat saying huh here’s some clothes you can sleep in it’s just a pair of joggers and an old t-shirt; well good night Drake a please make yourself at home…he half smiles and says good night Beckett. As she walks past him and into the hallway he says hey Beckett…yeah she says turning on her heel to face him. He says thanks for everything tonight it was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I’m glad she smiles; well I’ll see you in the morning I guess….Cindy Jo returns to her bedroom closing the door behind her and climbs into her bed.

~Cindy Jo’s POV~

         I don’t think I’m going to get a wink of sleep….Drake is hands down the sexiest man I’ve ever seen, and he’s sleeping here in my apartment. Stop it Jo you don’t hook up with complete strangers….Uncle Mitch and Tom would kill me if they knew I let a complete stranger from another Country spend the night with me. She tosses and turns trying to drift off to sleep, lying on her back staring at the projection clock on here ceiling counting the seconds she knows she’s not going to be able to sleep. Uggh she groans throwing the covers off herself she quietly sneaks into the kitchen and starts to warm milk on the stove like her momma used to do for her when she couldn’t sleep. The only good thing that came with no sleep was at least she wouldn’t have to worry about her reoccurring nightmares. She sets quietly at the kitchen island sipping her warm milk.

~Drake’s POV~

I can’t believe she invited me back to sleep in her apartment… she’s too sweet for her own good taking mental note to scold her in the morning for letting a perfect stranger into her home in the middle of the night. God she looked so good in her sleep wear hasn’t she ever heard of loose fitting pajamas? She’s beautiful when she dresses for an occasion or in just PJ’s without a stitch of make-up on; she says she likes to live simply I wonder if she’d like living at the cabin back home. Shut up Drake that will never happen she’s amazing she deserves someone who could give her the world not someone like me. Ughh he sighs I’m thirsty I wonder if I could sneak into the kitchen for something without waking her.

Drake tiptoes into the kitchen when he opens the fridge to find a drink she gives him a start with her quiet voice asking “couldn’t sleep huh?” “Jesus Beckett what are you doing sitting in the kitchen in the dark?” I’m sorry she laughs I truly didn’t mean to scare you…Well you did damn it he half laughs still holding his hand over his chest. Well since neither of us are going to get any sleep how bout’ some breakfast?” Sure Drake says let me just go get changed and then…she interrupts him curiously wondering why would you need to go get changed?” Well if we’re going to go out for breakfast then I need to put my clothes back on don’t ya think?” Cindy Jo laugh egregiously saying I’m not going out to eat somewhere at four in the morning…gazing into his confused stare she says I meant I will make us some breakfast. Drake smiles and dryly says “are you a good cook Beckett?” I grew up in Texas raised by two Uncles what do you think Drake?” How about she asks while opening the fridge bacon, fired eggs oooh and some pancakes? Sounds great want some help?” No I got it she says graciously some OJ?” Sure he says so why don’t you tell me about Texas Beckett what was it like growing up on a farm?” A Ranch she corrects him…it was great after I adjusted to the loss of my parents. I got into horses a lot, I barrel raced some. I played every sport in high school except football. Drake snickers a little and exclaims well I should hope so.” What you don’t think girls can play football? “I actually wanted to play  she states with a toothy grin but between all the sports I did play, FFA and the rodeos my Uncle Mitch felt it would be too much so I didn’t play he got me to do cheer instead she grumbled.” Drake laughs and said is there anything you didn’t do?”  Not much Cindy Jo smiled…I don’t know I guess after my parents I just wanted to stay busy you know kind of out of sight out of mind sort of thing.”

She clears her throat and passes Drake a plate… “You got any syrup Beckett?” he politely asked Oh yeah here ya go its homemade from one of my neighbors back home. He slowly pours the syrup over his pancakes and she watches as he takes a bite. MMMM oh my god Beckett this is…..he says with a mouth full GR-E-A-T!” I’m glad you like it dig in she laughs….you know she grins my Momma used to always say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” I didn’t understand that until I learned to cook well I always kept my Uncles stomachs full after that and they seemed happy. “Uncle Mitch said if I could teach some of the women that used to chase him to cook like that that he would have married one of them.” Drake laughed and said I bet…but I agree with your mom I could definitely fall in love with a woman who can cook as well as you.” She blushes as she starts to clear away the mess and the dishes. Drake comes around the kitchen Island and says “no no, no you cooked the least I can do is the dishes.” Don’t be silly she says you’re my guest…go sit.” He said how about I wash and you dry then deal?” Deal she concedes, so what about you Drake what were you like growing up did you go to college or anything?” Not much to tell really my childhood was kind of boring I lost my dad when I was about 15 so then it was just me, my sister and my mom. “She still alive…your mom?” Yeah she’s back home, and I went to college here in New York for a while actually but then something’s went bad for my best friend so I went home to be there for him and I’ve been there ever since.” “This friend is he the one that’s getting married she asked through a loud yawn...Man I’m sorry I guess filling up on breakfast the night is catching up to me.” Drake saying “Yeah and the dishes are done and thanks for that great spread by the way I haven’t had a home cooked meal in a long time;  why don’t you go catch a nap and I’ll see you before I head out in the morning.”

She agrees and encourages him to do the same, they separate going into their prospective rooms. Cindy Jo’s alarm goes off loudly at 7am. She gets up and changes into her spandex tight fitting running pants, and spandex halter-top. She enters the living room to see Drake already dressed and waiting for her. She asked did he get any sleep and he states a little, and I can’t thank you enough for everything I had a great time with you last night.” Me too she genuinely says. Well he says getting up from the couch I guess I’m going to head on out to the airport and you look like you’re getting ready to go for a run so I’ll get out of your hair.” You’re not in my hair and I had a lovely time as well I really enjoyed your company Drake.” Drake snorted you’d be in the minority these days; hey Beckett I’m going to be back in New York with my friends in about a month….he drags on looking down to the floor do you think it would be ok if we saw each other again when I do?” (Drake holds his breath as he waits for her to answer). I’d love that she said with a smile on her face meeting her eyes showing her dimples. He stands up straight smiling saying great it’s a date then. She walks him out her apartment and then out the building feeling nervous not knowing how to say goodbye even though they had kissed last night. She thought it was just because of the moment and they were drinking. Well she says I guess this is good bye and decides to open her arms to hug him he leans down and hugs her resting his chin on the top of her head kisses her hair, and when they break the hug he leans in and kisses her lips gently and waits to see if she will reciprocate the kiss. She does by parting her lips and allowing him to fully kiss her entangling their tongues as she wrapped her arms around his neck playing with the hair on the nap of his neck pulling him in closer and kissing him deeper after a minute they break for a breath and he leans in giving her a few quick pecks on the lips saying I have to go in between kisses. “He waves as he gets in the cab calling out I’ll see you in a month Beckett.” She waves goodbye and starts her morning run. While on the plane waiting to take off Drake gets a call from his friend Liam…

Liam-Did you make it to the airport and board the plane in time?

Drake- Yeah I did I’m waiting to take off now I’ll be back by dinner tonight.

Liam-That’s great can’t wait to see you and hear all about where you’ll be taking me when we return in a month.

Drake- Liam…Yeah Drake?