My Billionaire Roommate

Housing Bump

Standing in front of a tall building, a woman looked back down at the paper in her hands as if to confirm this was what she really wanted to do before focusing back on the imposing building. The structure was made of a light tan sandstone lined with narrow windows and a singular tower with a large clock in the center. It looked formal and classy compared to the forming city around it with modernized architecture. 

Re-adjusting the messenger bag that hung off her shoulder, she started up the short set of steps that lead to double glass doors. This year was her final year of university and she couldn’t wait to finally graduate and move far away. While the college was a several hour drive from her hometown, she still wanted to get further out of her family’s influence. 

She needed more distance than a state away.

She welcomed the blast of heat as she entered the building, the fall weather already cool enough for her to need double layers. She actually preferred the cold, but her body took time to adjust to autumn temperatures. Until then, she was perfectly happy wearing oversized hoodies and sweat pants, though she tried to make herself more presentable during school hours by wearing business casual clothing.

Glancing around the lobby, she eyed the bulletin board that was covered with itineraries and ads from other students. Walking over to it, she scanned over the papers, searching for something in particular, but nothing caught her eye.

Letting out a soft sigh, she found a relatively open space to place her own paper up and pinned it on the board with an abandoned tack. The ‘Looking for a Room’ in big bold letters at the very top made her want to tear it right back down, but she kept reminding herself that it would only be for one more year.

As she turned, she squealed when she nearly ran right into a broad chest, "Oh!" She fumbled back as if she had collided with him, "Excuse me."

Her eyes stared at the toned chest covered in a dark red button up shirt before looking up into piercing forest green eyes. He had dark brown hair, almost black, that was styled in a messy quiff with a high faded undercut. He had a strong jaw that was covered in a light five o’clock shadow on his tan skin, yet it was cut along the edges to give him a clean look. 

Her eyes scanned further down his face back to his chest, noticing the bulging biceps that were poorly hidden by the sleeves of his button up shirt that he had rolled up to below the elbow. He had tattoo sleeves on each arm that disappeared into his shirt as well, giving him a bad-boy look.

Still within close proximity of him, she kept getting a piquant smell of vanilla and sandalwood that was mixed with distinctive male musk. It was strong enough to get her attention, yet soft enough that it was pleasant to smell.

A smirk forming on his lips had her attention on his face once again and she mentally scolded herself for staring, “Uh, sorry.”

“It's alright.” The tone of his voice was husky and deep, pleasing to her ears, "I get it all the time."

But the cockiness instantly warded her from him, “Right…”

She started to walk around him only for him to block her path a couple of times, accidently. The chuckle coming from his throat had her flushing in embarrassment and nearly ducking around him to finally get by him.

“Wait,” He called after her and she reluctantly turned to face him, seeing him point to the very paper she posted, “You wouldn’t happen to be looking for housing, would you?”

Warily, she eyed him, this time noticing a light blue paper in his own hand, “I am...”

Said paper was lifted for her to take, “Well, it just happens that I’m looking for a roommate if you’re interested...”

Her orbs lingered on the paper as she stepped forward to gently take it from his grasp so she could look it over, “What kind of rent are you asking for?”

"Actually," He lifted the hand to rub the back of his neck, “I’m not looking for monetary payment---”

She instantly thrusted the paper back in his direction for him to take before he could even finish his sentence, “I’m not interested in sleeping around just for a roof over my head.”

He lifted his hands in defense, an innocent expression coming over his handsome face, “No, no,” He shook his head negatively, “I actually just want someone who can clean and cook dinner.”

Holding suspicion on her face, she looked him over, trying to find signs of a possible lie, “Clean and cook? That’s it?”

“Yeah…” He glanced down at the paper still in her hands, “I work outside of classes and I do not have time to do those kinds of things.”

“Why not just hire a service?” She proposed as if it were obvious.

“Why not just help a fellow student who needs housing?” He shot back in the same tone.

One side of her lips dipped down at his response, but she had to reprimand herself as well. Just because he was wealthy looking didn’t mean he actually had money.

He could just have an incredible fashion sense.

“I feel as if there is a catch to this.” She raised the paper as an emphasis, giving it a few shakes.

“Not really.” He shrugged, “I just want to keep my school life and personal life separate.”

Narrowing her eyes at him, she flickered her gaze to the tattoos on his arms, “You’re not in a gang are you?”

“No, I just have a life that I want to forget about for my last year of University and have fun." He went to take the paper, “But if you’re not interested...”

She brought the paper out of his reach, “I didn’t say I’m not interested.”

“Well?” He countered.

Her previous residence had been with a few other girls who were a little too boy crazy and always throwing parties that always ended with some of her things missing. Too many times had she gotten home after a late shift only to find some stranger in her bed, drunk and passed out.

It had been the final straw when the police was called on them during a party for drug possession.

Currently, she was sleeping in her old car that she had saved up for since she was 16. It was an old pile of rusted junk and with the falling temperatures, it was not going to be ideal to stay in for much longer. 

“Fine.” She conceded with a tilt of her head.

“Don’t act as if it is a death sentence.” He laughed.

Listening to his laugh, she found it contagious enough to crack a small smile herself, “I guess I am being a bit too paranoid.” She lifted a hand to him, “I’m Bryleigh Hart, but everyone calls me Bree.”

“Bree.” She found she was oddly pleased with how her name fell from his lips, “I’m Ashton Knightly.”

When his hand clasped hers, she had to swallow discreetly. His palm was calloused, yet smooth at the same time and his fingers were long, curving around her entire hand. The elegant, yet weaving tattoos extended to his knuckles, she noticed, as she looked at their linked hands.

“I have class here in the next hour, but maybe I can meet you at the coffee shop next to the library so I can take you to my home.” He offered, looking at his wrist watch for a moment, "I'll let you make the final decision after you see it."

“That sounds like a good idea.” She glanced at the digital clock on the wall, "I have two classes, but I'll be free after 2."

“2:30 then?” He inquired.

“2:30.” She affirmed with a sharp nod.

“See you later, Bree.” He called out as he turned and walked off.

She had to pull her eyes away from his narrow waist as he walked away, only to look down at the paper in her hands. Finding a number there, she assumed it was his, and decided it was best to put it in her phone for later.

She was quick to turn and snatch her own request from the board, secretly hoping she wouldn't need to use it after the day was over.

Thinking about the time, she nearly fainted when she realized that her class was going to start soon and she was still clear across campus from it. Zooming off in the direction of her first class, she made sure to keep her eyes open and alert so she didn’t run into another handsome devil.