Crash (A Billionaire Contract Romance)

The Bossman

“Eddie, can you grab a broom, clean this glass up and find the apartment number for our new tenant please?” I follow his gaze to an older man, with salt and pepper hair, warm chocolate skin, soft inviting eyes, and a well-worn classic black suit. He gives his apparent Bossman here a nod, doing a quick turn on his heels to seek out a broom.

Gorgeous Bossman turns back to me with a slight smirk tugging up the corners of his mouth. He gets what he wants and he knows it.

“So what you own this place?” He just nods his head in response. “Err, this literally cannot get any worse,” I mumble under my breath, wondering how the hell I manage to trip in front of the freaking owner of my building when I’m sure he isn’t even here the majority of the time. What are the chances?

“Fine, I’m in apartment 306, you can leave it by the door I’m going to go get another box since you’re determined to keep that one hostage.” Stomping towards the door I’m careful of my steps and my movements as I work on avoiding another mishap at all costs.

I need to at least keep the scrapes of my dignity that remain.

I get the door halfway opened the warm June heat hitting my face like a brick wall with the cool air still at my back when he places his very annoying hands on my shoulder halting me in place. I feel the impression of his hand through my body, sending vibrations to all my nerve endings, why is this happening to me? This was my new start, no drama, no men, my own apartment, my own money, my own life. I don’t want nor need any vibrations or fantasies about men way out of my league.

“Crash, let’s take this up to your apartment and get some ice on your knees, you’re limping and I don’t intend on getting sued. Let’s worry about the rest after we make sure you’re okay.” He talks quietly in my ear, goosebumps and tiny hairs stand tall across the expanse of my body a response I’m really hoping he doesn’t notice.

“Crash?” Letting go of the door I turn, knocking his hands from my shoulders. Giving me a moment of relief from my crazed hormones and irrational thoughts.

“You didn’t tell me your name and Crash seems to fit well.” He says on a shrug. `

Narrowing my eyes at this man again, I seem to be at a loss for words. He doesn’t give up, and I know, I know that his intentions are good, but someone bossing me around brings back all sorts of memories I don’t want anything to do with. That box was heavy, I was struggling, I have like five more boxes to carry and they should be lighter, but it is hot and my knees don’t feel great. Throwing my head back and sighing I give up the fight and let him lead me to the elevator only stopping for him to pick the box back up where he left it near Eddie, who’s sweeping up all my broken glass.

“Eddie, right? I’m sorry I could get that!” I reach for the broom as he tugs it away, a smile appearing.

“No need, ma’am, I’m almost done and you should let Mason here take a look at your knees, looks like you might have gotten some glass in them.” I look down only to see a light stream of blood coming from my left knee. Shaking my head at myself, I stand tall and offer my hand.

“Thank you, I’m Aria.” He returns the handshake with a nice firm grip and a warm smile I find some comfort in.

“A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

“Thank you, Eddie, but I guarantee I’m more of a hot mess than anything else, literally” forcing a laughing turn so I can catch up to Mason who’s waiting at the elevator.

I push the up button and watch as the lights above the doors count down from nine. My mind refuses to stop replaying the moments before over and over making me relive the embarrassment. I wrap my arms around my stomach and shift from side to side. I just want to get some flour, yeast, and water and make a damn good loaf of bread, knead the s**t out of that dough, let all this energy out, forget this ever happened. I don't know how I always have such bad luck.

Clumsy Aria, like always.

The elevator doors finally open to an empty space. A feeling of dread creeps in when I realize how close I'm going to be to Mason, with no one else there to diffuse the tension and irrational feelings I have in his presence. I step in first pressing my body against the cold metal side reaching forward to press the three. He follows me in not saying anything keeping his eyes on me. I refuse to look up from my feet in my silver flip flops, my toes are painted purple (my favorite color). I don’t want to look up, knowing he’s looking, knowing he’s getting his way, and accepting that he’s already seen me fall flat on my face. My body not knowing what emotion to settle on embarrassment, attraction, anger, self-pity?

I feel like I’m living in an emotional tornado, and I don’t know where I’m going to end up. Embarrassed, filled with unwanted attraction, angry and annoyed, or the most likely stuck in a whole heaping pile of self-pity.

"I don't bite you know." My stomach flips in somersalts at the sound of his low, seductive voice breaking through the silence. Why does he make me feel this way?

I’m here to find my independence. To create a stable life for myself where I’ll find happiness and peace. I won’t let anyone get in the way of that, no matter how attractive.

Ignoring him I get my head on straight. Tonight I need to unpack and organize so tomorrow I can start the job search. I have a little money stored away in savings but it isn’t much. Maybe enough to last a few months but I don’t intend to spend it. I need a job so I can add to my savings, I have a five year plan.

If I stick to it I’ll have everything I’ve ever dreamed off. It’ll require a strict budget and multiple jobs but I’ll get there. I know I will because it’s the only thing I have to live for.

The second the door slides opened I rush out, pulling in a deep breath as I look to the numbers on the doors. I'm in room 306 so I turn left, my loyal companion following close behind from the sound of his footsteps slapping against the tiled hallway and the feel of the warmth that comes off his body.

I pull my keys out from the pocket of my shorts, they mailed them to me after I e-signed the lease agreement. Here it is 306. Slowly I unlock the door hesitating only slightly before pushing it fully opened, surprised to see the few pieces of furniture I found online at a local shop were already delivered. A soft gray couch that seats three and a small iron glass kitchen table with two matching chairs.

The kitchen is decently sized with all the appliances already installed. The living room is smaller than I would like but is big enough for just me. I doubt I'll ever be in there, to begin with. I can see the hall off of the living room that leads to the two bedrooms on both sides and a bathroom at the end.

Restless energy bubbles to the surface, spilling through my growing smile as I take it all in. I thought the pictures online might have been dated but they’re accurate. This place is nice, almost too nice to be true for my price range. I’m lucky as hell I found it online under a new housing program for lower income individuals and families.

I didn’t realize how prepared I was to walk into an aged apartment with peeling paint and rotted molding. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, feeling lighter already.

"Where do you want me to put this?" I jump at the sound if his voice, I got caught up surveying the place and forgot about my "guest". I look over to him fighting the urge to drool. He's looking at me waiting patiently for my answer.

"Anywhere is fine." I shrugged not really caring where he puts it I'll have to move it all anyway. He sets it down on the kitchen table brushing his hands together he turns back to me a question forming on his lips. I beat him to it “Thank you for helping me I really appreciate it.”

"Not a problem, why don’t you have a seat while I go grab a first aid kit from Eddie.” As he walks out the door my eyes travel to his retreating form. Damn that man really fills out a suit.

Too bad I wasn’t interested or in a good place to open myself up to a quick fling. I can tell he’d be a ride I’d never forget. One I might actually enjoy.

Shaking away the inappropriate thoughts I limp after him. “I’m okay really, I’ll wash this off and then grab the rest of my stuff. If it gets worse I’ll call a doctor, but I’m fine. I’ll even promise I won’t sue you.”

He rolls his eyes at me as he approaches. “You’re a stubborn women Crash. Sit. I’ll be back in five minutes to take care of your knees. Then I’ll grab your stuff. No big deal, so stop making it one. Now come on.” He gently peels me away from the threshold of my apartment, his touch contradictory to his hard, bossy voice.

He leads me towards my couch, his touch still affecting my body in odd ways. Resigned I follow him hoping if I just give in to his persistence I’ll end this encounter faster and hopefully never see him again.

Sitting I fall back, sinking into the warm embrace of my new couch. It’s comfortable, inviting. Better then the one back home, better yet this one is all mine. And mine alone. Sighing. I shut my eyes and lean back.

“I’ll be right back.” And with that he’s gone, I’m finally alone. Which means it doesn’t take long for my self-doubt and hatred to kick in.

If I can’t even manage to carry boxes up to my apartment, then I don’t know what I’m doing here in the first place. I have had too many people in my life that have taken advantage of me, or never believed in me, to begin with. Boston is a fresh start, someplace that no one knows me, where I can become who I want me to be. With no expectations, no one to please but myself. It took me a long time to wake up and realize that I had enough of my old life and it was time to do something crazy for once, now here I am, already embarrassed and helpless.

Memories of all the times Brian made me feel helpless spring up, every time he made me feel worthless, and less then. It’s like an echo chamber in my head, his voice on repeat screaming at me, “that’s f*****g ugly Aria change” “What the f**k Aria, that’s the best you can f*****g do? Do it again, you Bitch.” “f*****g worthless, what the f**k did I ever see in you, you piece of shit.” “I swear to god Aria, you embarrass me again in front of my friends and you won’t f*****g wake up in the morning you understand me, you b***h?”

Laying my head in my hands I squeeze as hard as I can trying to quiet his voice, knowing I’m thousands of miles away from him and I am better than the women he made me out to be. But he is the reason I will never give my heart to anyone ever again. Love only leads to heartache and so much hurt it could destroy you.

I lift my head when I hear footsteps approaching, Mason’s eyes meet mine and I see his expression morph back to concern at what he must see in my own.

“It hurts?” He asks looking down, assuming the pain he sees in my face is from my forgotten knees and not the emotional scars I carry every day.

“I’ll be fine, a little sore, but fine.” Setting the first aid kit opened on the cushion next to me, he kneels down in front of me, gently his warm callused hands lift my left leg, bringing it closer to his crystal blue eyes. His breath dances over my tender skin as he moves my leg back and forth through the overhead light, looking for any shards of glass.

Him being so close, his earthy scent surrounds me, like a blanket of fresh dirt and a growing garden, masculine, fresh, mouthwatering. Another reason for my hormones to go crazy, his hands, his smell, his gentle touch. My heart is racing, all thoughts of Brian tossed aside my sole focus on this bossy, kind man.

His thumb runs along the outside of my cuts, create a sense of comfort, reassurance, strength, all from a few simple swipes of his thumb. Throwing my head back, I put my arm across my eyes, trying relentlessly to ignore the reactions this man creates. He is everything I don’t want, yet the chemistry at least on my end is all there. Maybe this will be a good material to pull up and imagine later when I’m lonely and horny but right now with his nose inches from my very wet v****a that hasn’t seen any action in months and the overwhelming butterflies flying through my body, all I can do is try and block it out, block him out.

“You have a few small pieces of glass in here, I’m going to pull them out, let me know if it’s too much.” I feel the cold, metal, tweezers tug a few pieces of glass out and the clink of the pieces hitting whatever he’s putting them in. Nothing I can’t handle, nothing I haven’t been through, usually it’s myself digging the shards out, missing a few I don’t notice until I rub against something a few days later.

“That’s all of it, you okay?” His deep voice spoken low like were two lovers discussing our hopes and dreams, our wishes for tomorrow, not two strangers who haven’t even officially introduced ourselves to one another.

“Just peachy.” After a moment I hear the ripping of the alcohol pad, feel the sting as he swipes across the tiny cuts. Paper tears a few more times followed by his careful placement of some Band-Aids. "WOOOOOWWOOO!" I fly up when something extremely cold settles on my knees. An ice pack from the first aid kit rests against my slightly swollen knee.

After shock my initial shock wears off I moan with satisfaction,“Oh that feels good."

"Keep that on for at least an hour okay?" His genuine concern gives me pause, does he really care. Or is he just worried about being sued? "I’ll go grab the rest of the boxes."

***

Alone once more in MY Home, even with the past fifteen minutes going to Hell, unbridled joy refuses to be contained within my normal dark and depressed state of being. I’m laughing like a creep sitting in my empty apartment, thinking of all the possibilities I have here. I can decorate however I want. I don’t need to ask anyone else, I don’t need to check-in, my stuff, my whacky, and my dirty. No matter what I do or don’t, it’s all mine.

All the laughter reminds me, I haven’t taken a bathroom break in hours. The large coffee, an energy drink and the two iced teas I drank on my way here are finally making their seconds appearance.

Setting the ice pack on the cushion next to me I stand carefully, happy to feel some of the pain already beginning to retreat.

Walking towards the bathroom, I take in the tan rugs, they aren’t worn down in the common walking areas, there’s no stains, no discoloration from the sunlight. The soft tan carpet buds up to Light brown walls, fresh paint, molding that’s not chipped and worn. The two bedrooms have decent sized rooms, big enough for a queen bed, dresser, and nightstand, one day.

Even the bathroom has clean everything, the sink, a white square sink, that has a modern stainless steel faucet. The counters plain but modern, gray cabinets, a matching Linen closet. Shelves that will be perfect for little jars with funny sayings on them. Even the toilet is shiny clean, with blue water.

How is this place so cheap? I literally can’t believe I found this, even if all my bad luck is making my first day in my new life difficult and embarrassing, it isn’t any worse then what I went through up till now. This is by my standards a modern miracle.

I make it back to the living room just in time to see Eddie setting a box down in the corner before spinning on his heels and rushing back out the door. I stop when I get to the box nearest to me.

“Yessss!” Just the box I need. Slowly this day is getting better. The box is full of all my hand me down pots and pans. Most from Grandma’s kitchen, tools I’ve used since before I should have been anywhere near a stove.

“Jesus, why aren’t you sitting?” I jump, my knee not ready for the sudden movement, an achy pain becoming more apparent, like instant karma, for disobeying Mason.

“Un-Packing Mason.” Rolling my eyes I grab some of my pans before heading for the kitchen. “I appreciate you helping me, but your tone needs to change or you can leave.” My voice is firm, my eyes unrelenting as I take him on, not allowing his Alpha behavior to continue. I’ve allowed him to get away with too much, but I will not have any negative memories darkening my home, my space. His eyes twinkle with warmth and amusement, confusing me.

“Sit. Ice. Rest for a half a second before you injure yourself more Crash.” Mason’s voice is gentle but firm. Soft but demanding. Infuriating yet tempting.

“This is my home Mason, I won’t allow you to order me around in my place. You can get out.” I point to the open door behind him, just as Eddie comes in carrying the last box. His face doesn’t give an impression that he’s heard our little argument.

Dropping the pan on the counter I turn back to the box in the living room filled with my well-loved pans. “Look there’s the last box! Bye Mason.” Walking past both men I bend over grabbing more pans before retracing my steps to the kitchen.

“Listen Crash, you were bleeding, shards of glass was embedded in some spots pretty deeply into you skin. And you limped the whole way in here. You’re hurting but refuse to admit it. I don’t care if you want to listen or not, just f*****g sit down for ten more minutes.” Each word brings him a step closer forcing my back against the counter.

The fast pounding of my heart fills my ears, fear only partly to blame, and not the fear I was expecting. No it’s fear of that unfamiliar heat that won’t stop burning for him.

He grabs onto either side of the counter, cadging me in as he towers over me. Surrounding me but not touching. Not physically, his skin is inches away from mine, yet I’m on fire. All my hair on my arms stands tall, reaching towards him. It’s like touching a plasma ball, the colorful lighting shooting for you, straight to your hand. It looks like you’re touching lighting, you can even feel the static but you never actually come into contact through the thin sheet of glass.

I’m breathless and wet, not scared and trembling. Every one of my nerve endings feels alive as I once again fall into a pit of confusion. Placing my hands on his chest I intend on shoving him away, but my hands ball the fabric of his shirt instead.

“You don’t listen very well Crash.” His voice is a whisper barely reaching my ear.

“Funny, coming from you.”

His chuckle is beautiful, just like the rest of him. “Leave this s**t for later. Unless you want to ruin your first days here by making your knees worse?” He swipes a strand of my fallen hair away from my face, tucking it behind my ear in a leisurely and familiar movement. I find myself wanting to lean into his hand as I struggle to force myself to push him away while refusing to pull him closer. His nice smooth suit won’t be so wrinkle free any longer.

“You came down hard and fast, I guarantee they are sore as f**k right now. You want to be stuck in bed tomorrow?” He gently grabs my elbows, pulling my hands away from his chest so he can lead me back to my couch. Gently lifting my legs, he pivots my whole body so my legs are raised up, my back hitting the arm.

“Stay here. Relax. Rest, at least for an hour. Yeah?” Placing the ice packs back on my knees he stands straight, waiting on my answer.

“Sure, Mason. Thanks for all this. You can see yourself out yeah?”

“You want to get rid of me huh?”

“I can only be in the presence of an alpha-hole for so long.”

“Hmm,” He hums his mouth shifting into a wonderfully cocky smile. “We both know you enjoyed my presence more than you’ll admit.”

“Really? You think so? Where did you get that impression? The third time I told you to get out? Or the tenth time I told you I don’t need your help?”

“Lie to yourself all you want Crash. I’ll see you soon.” With that he leaves. I rest for a few minutes while I process all that is Mason, my new landlord.

He was unexpected. I felt attraction again.

That shakes me to my core.

No matter what I need to avoid him at all costs. He is nothing but trouble. I of all people know the last thing I need is any more trouble.

I know the costs that come with playing with fire. I won’t ever be caught in its flames.

Never again I promise myself.