As Fate Would Have It | ✓

chapter twenty-two

Song for the chapter: You?, by Two Feet

When Ryker had asked me to stay with him the other day, I really didn't think much of what he was saying when he said it.

Yeah, it sounded like a dream to be able to not have to worry about paying bills and stuff, which wasn't the part that was bothering me. That was beyond sweet and touching. The fact that he was willing to let me stay here as long as I needed to...it made me see him in a completely different light.

What I thought he was joking about was him not touching me the whole time I was gonna be here. He said it with such a smile on his face and laughter in his voice, I thought he was joking. I thought, just maybe, we'd be ready to go the next step while I stayed here. I mean...maybe not all the way, but something, right? Isn't that what couples do when they stay together?

In the three days that I've been here, he's not tried anything once. Nothing. Not a thing. No flirty remarks, no lustful glances, no lingering touches. He won't come within three feet of me.

It's like, seeing me such a mess that night has completely turned him off of whatever he did see in me. After I come home from work, he'd say he's tired and go to the guest room. He didn't even wanna stay in the same room anymore. And earlier today, when I wanted to watch a movie, he literally sat on the opposite end of the couch.

He's resorted to kisses on my knuckles and forehead. It's driving me insane; literally three days ago, he said he wanted to rip my clothes right off my body and now he won't even look at me? I mean, I literally wear his shirts around here so he can give me something and he won't.

Am I being crazy? It's a huge shift from someone who would constantly find a reason to touch me to this. I mean, he didn't even tell me where he was going today. He just said he had to meet someone. And it's Ali's party. I want him to see me dressing up nice so he can see what he's missing.

I had went out yesterday with Karmiah so we could go shopping; she had said we needed to look good for our men, and anyone else who might be looking. While I laughed it off, I secretly wanted to show Ryker that I could, in fact, look better than my everyday jeans and t-shirt.

I had found a dress that sat on the base of my shoulders, quarter-sleeved, and hugged my body just enough, coming down just above my knees. It had a modest v-cut and tiny slits going up the sides. It was sexy, yet graceful. It was a dark, royal blue color, which Karmiah said made my eyes pop.

I had changed into the dress already and pulled my hair into a high ponytail and was now doing my makeup. I did a bold winged liner, dark eyeshadow and pulled out the red lipstick. I accented my cheeks with highlight with just enough time to grab my phone and meet Karmiah outside.

"Hey," I breathe.

"I'm so ready to party," she squeals as she starts heading down the road.

Karmiah had went with a velvet red dress that cling to her every curve, coming to her mid-thighs. Her curly hair was in its natural state and her makeup beautifully done. She was flawless, as always.

"So am I." I smile.

I quickly text Ryker, just in case he decides to show up.

Maddi: We're heading to Ivy's, throwing a surprise party for Ali. If you wanna come after you're done later.

"How's things with Ryker?" Karmiah smirks.

"Fine," I smile involuntarily. "Unexpected, but fine."

"All that boy ever does is talk about you over at Ben's. He's so whipped."

"He does?" I look at her.