Cliffhanger - A Chris Motionless Story

Chapter Three - House Tour

NYX'S POV
Chris pulled into the circle driveway of my house, and put the car into park, then opened the door for me. We walked up to my front door, and I unlocked it.

"So, obviously this is the entry way, and if you come over here," I walked into the living room with red and black walks. Gold frames adorned it, with various pinned insects scattered about mixed in with paintings that I had bought and collected over the years. The black leather L couch stood our against the red wall it was against. "This is the living room. I do most of the writing on my couch."

"So this is where that magic happens?" He asked, smiling again.

"Yeah, for the most part. Or out by the pool, or in my kitchen. Just wherever I land with my laptop." I started towards the kitchen, and he followed right behind me. "This is where I sit in the morning and contemplate all my decisions in life. And mourn over the fact that I could have like, a million more dollars had I not let my heart call the shots."

"It's such a small table, do you not have anyone over? Family? Friends?" I looked down at my black heels. "You don't have anyone?"

"I have Faye." I shrugged my shoulders, then headed to the backyard. "This is my favorite part of this place, and it took me forever to get it this way." I led him out to the backyard, where already the string lights on the awning of the deck had turned on, and the colored pool lights were lit up. "The best part," I said, grabbing my phone from my bag, "is that I have Bluetooth speakers and no one around for miles." I started the music, and looked over at Chris who was staring at all of the twinkling lights overhead. "I usually like to sit out here with a glass of wine and read," I told him.

"So, just you? No one else?" He asked again. I nodded.

"You're starting to sound like a murderer who wants to make sure no one will find my body." Chris chuckled and shook his head.

"I just find it so hard to believe that someone like you is so alone," he said, grabbing my hand in his. I looked down at the ground again.

"Trust me, if you knew the half of it you would probably run off, too." Chris glanced away for a moment, a grin coming to his face.

"What? Is it because you're into everything you wrote in your books?" He asked with his eyebrow raised. I shook my head, letting a small laugh out.

"I'm just a fucked up mess." Chris pulled me closer, to where our faces were centimeters apart.

"I think I'm attracted to fucked up messy people," he whispered. My heart rate picked up, and I felt as though the man was quite literally stealing the air from my lungs. Our lips hovered over each other. I was frozen, waiting for him to make the move, not even considering if it was a good idea. If I even should be doing this. Before I could make a decision his lips were pressed softly against mine. My hand gripped the side of his neck as our lips moved together. He pulled me in closer to his body, his large hands resting on my hips, and moving lower, lower, until they were right where he intended them to be. The kiss felt like it lasted for eternity, and honestly I didn't want it to end. Chris bit my lip and pulled back, then went right back into the kiss, making it deeper and more passionate. When Chris pulled away I looked down, not sure what to say or do next. He looked at his watch, then back up at me.

"It's getting late, I should probably go back to my hotel. I have an early flight to catch so I can make it in time for the next show."

"Yeah, for sure," I said hoarsely, still catching my breath. 

~~~~~~~~~

Faye came over the next morning, hungover, residual mascara on her eyes from the night before. And still in her dress.

"So, who did you wind up with last night?" I asked her as I poured a cup of coffee. She plated her palms in her eyes, then dragged her hands down her face.

"You know that blonde busboy with the muscles?" 

"Can't say I recall, but continue."

"Girl. He bent me like a fucking German Pretzel. I didn't even know I could do the things he made me do last night." She sipped the hot coffee I had placed in front of her. "But enough about me, what about you and Chris?" Faye winked at me, and I shook my head.

"Nothing really happened," I told her. She raised her eyebrow. "We just kissed, that's all."

"You just kissed?" She looked down, eyebrows raised. "I'm surprised you didn't jump on him the moment you got in your house." Faye shook her head. "That's just weird, Nyx."

"It was..." I looked for the words. "Sweet. And nice to not just be an object." Faye pulled her red hair out of her face. "Not everything has to be all about sex and fucking. Genuine human connection is great, too. You should try it some time."

"I have tried it, it's not for me. But good for you!" I rolled my eyes at her, and opened up my phone. Right off the bat, there was a text from Chris.

Chris: I had a really great time last night, Nyx. I can't wait to see you again. As long as it's okay with you, that is.

I smiled at my phone.

"What? Did he text you? What did he say? Is it a picture of his dick?" Faye suddenly sprung to life, and was at my side, reading the text over my shoulder. "Awe, you two are so sweet. It makes me sick." 

"Don't you have any other clients to bug this morning?" I asked her, turning away. 

"You are right! I do! Thank you for reminding me." Faye grabbed her bag, and rushed out my door. Then, my phone dinged with another message. Chris had sent an article that was already posted, a picture of us plastered on it. He was standing in front of me at the car, blocking the camera from getting any inappropriate shots.

Author Nyx Ashborne shows up with her mystery date, the first date she has had since her public breakup.

Chris' name and photo came up on my phone, and I accepted the call.

"Congratulations, you made the cover of just about every news article online. How does it feel?" I joked the moment I picked up the phone. He chuckled, and I could see that same damned grin in my mind.

"Invasive, but I'm used to articles being written about me. Only, usually they know who I am. I'm not just a mystery date." I could hear the bustle of a full airport in the background as I scrolled through countless articles. Then, I found it. The one where they cracked down on Chris' identity.

"Nope, they figured out who you are. You ready for the terrible rumors to begin?"

"Are they really terrible if I'm okay with them?" He asked. I went silent, then in the background I heard them call a boarding group. "I gotta go, but I'll call you when I land."