The Contract; A Billionaire Romance (18+)

TWELVE

Odessa

I quickly change into leggings and a horror movie crewneck, careful not to ruin my hair or makeup in the process. I grab my purse, and my red-bottomed heels and am out the door as soon as Aden texts me his arrival.

            I rush to his sleek car and hop inside, suddenly aware of the scent that fills the car—it's manly, rugged, and him.

            He gives me a once over, his eyes locking on my distressed Jason Voorhees crewneck and leggings.

            "You could wear that and still be the best-looking one out tonight," He says, his lip pulling up at the corner in a small smile.

            "I'm not wearing leggings to the bar on my birthday. I'm trying to get free drinks, you know."

            He gives me a look with glowering eyes, and I crack a smile.

            "I'll buy your drinks. Guys expect something in return when they buy girl's drinks."

            "And you don't?" He pushes his car into drive and speeds off, not sparing me another look.

            "No. I'm a gentleman, not a sex-crazed boy who can't last more than two minutes in bed, which is what you'll get if you let guys buy your drinks."

            "you're ridiculous," I say, my cheeks heating as I stare out the window.

            "Just being honest."

            The rest of the car ride is filled with silence save for the music that plays through his speakers. I space off most of the ride and finally come back to earth when he parks along the street, and I finally notice where we're at.

            This part of the city is far out of my pay grade.

            I see people dressed in designer walking down the street, their laughs sounding rich as they shop for clothing that costs more than my rent.

            "Aden, I can't afford these shops. Let's just got to Target or something—"

            "Good thing you're not buying." He steps out of his car and rounds to the passenger side, opening my door. He helps me out and I finally get a good look at his outfit.

            He's wearing nice pants with a buttoned dark green shirt, the first few are unfastened, and I see a tuff of chest hair as well as the dark ink that licks up above the collar. His hair is done, slicked back with a few rogue hairs hanging in his eyes. His beard is growing more, and I spot a few new spots of gray on the sides that fade up into the clipped edges of his hair.

              "You're getting some more gray," I say with a small smile. His eyes are hard as he looks at me, furrowing his brows.

                "That typically happens to middle-aged men, especially with you as an assistant."

                  "Ha. Ha," I mock, elbowing him. "It looks good. It...Suits you." He grumbles a response, but the hint of a smile ghosts his lips and I see that dimple that I've grown to adore.

            I turn and notice that the people around us are staring, and I suddenly feel insecure about my outfit. I don't belong here.

            "There's a shop just down the street with a nice selection. I've passed it a few times, never been inside of course but I've seen their dresses and...I think they'd look great on you."