5. OFFER ACCEPTED

Holy… pregnant cow.

Did I just hear him right or are my ears playing a fool on me? My billionaire handsome one night stand just asked me to marry him. My eyes wander across the four corners of my room, searching for some hidden cameras, because this has to be some kind of prank.

“I'm sorry, what?” I whisper. 

He takes steps closer to me, his expression more serious than I've ever seen them. “Marry me, Arabella Rose Chase.”

I don't know what makes me stagger back — the fact that this isn't a dream or that he knows my full name. “How did you—”

He offers me a small smile. “Unfortunately, I have done a lot of research about you over the past week to the point of it being unhealthy and I know. I know how much you're willing to sacrifice your youth for your mother to get her medical bills. I know how much of a fighter you are. I know how loyal you are to the ones you love, and right now, I am here, in your personal space asking you to marry me in exchange for you to let me fight the battles you're fighting alone. Marry me Arabella Rose and I'll make your dreams come through.”

His words shouldn't get me tear up, but they do. Is it possible that a stranger would know me this much and be willing to help? Then again… a businessman like him, nothing goes for nothing.

“Why?” I sniff. “You're willing to do all these things in exchange for what?”

He frowns confusedly. “I just told you. Marry me in exchange for—”

“No, I meant, why? Why do you want me to marry you? Trying to hide the skeletons in your closet?”

He smiles at me and before I can blink, his warm, vein hand makes its way to my face. I try to back off, but he's already wiping away a tear that spills out with his thumb. Swoon, I think I just fell in love. “Unfortunately, that is information I'd like to retain.”

“Why?” I sheepishly ask again.

“Because I am a man of control and right now something tells me I'm going to give up lots of control when you look at me like that.”

If hearts could explode and rebuild in a matter of seconds, mine just did. How does he go from being cocky to being so… good with words. Is there any such thing as a perfect man? A man good with words just as he's good under the covers…

I shake my head with a shiver at the memory of that night with him. The way he folded my senses and showed me seven ways to heaven.

Jordan chuckles. “You are attracted to me. I can see that. Don't fight this attraction.”

“But… I don't even know you.” I argue.

“I'm Jordan Smith — no middle name because my mother thought it was more iconic. I am the CEO of Smith enterprises and I'm the second child of Antonia Smith. If there's more you need to know, I guess you could always ask.”

Smith enterprises… That name rings a bell but I don't know where. Either way, something tells me he's extremely wealthy and could be the answer to my prayers. With him, I could get my mother the best treatment, with him I don't have to work a day in my life again, never have to worry about where and how the next meal will come. I can focus on one day owning a bookstore and running it. I can—

“So, what do you say?”

My gaze focuses back on him. His offer is tempting but taking it makes me feel like I'm selling my body, but then again, this could be my prayers being answered. Nevertheless, I'm skeptical that this could be real. It sounds too good to be true. There are lots of girls with no financial baggage that would say yes to him without a moment's hesitation, so… why me? 

“Now that is another piece of information I'd like to retain for myself.”

Oh shit. Did I say that out loud? I bite my lips nervously to stop from blurting out more questions.

With a sigh, he stretches to his full height and I'm caught with another surprise at how tall he is. This man is a freaking giant and even though I'm taller than most girls, he towers over me so much.

“I'm thinking you need to process this offer, so I'm going to give you a few days to think about it.” He grabs his jacket and pulls out a card, he hands it to me. “This is my number and my office address. Contact me however you deem fit when you've made a decision.”

Reluctantly, I take it from him. Am I really doing this? Why aren't I cursing him and kicking him from my home? That's because you want to accept, but your stupid virtues and ego won't let you, a voice in my head says and I shut it up. “Okay,” I squeak.

“And Arabella? I hope for both of our sakes, you make the right decision.” The right decision being saying yes. With one final glance at me, he walks out of the room and then finally let out a breath.

********

“Did you say yes?”

“Of course she did. Who'd be stupid enough not to?”

“Knowing Arabella, I'm leaning towards the stupid side.”

“Guys! I'm still on the phone with you guys!” I yell at my friends who are busy arguing on my behalf.

I don't know what I was thinking, skyping them about this, but I felt if I didn't say something I would explode.

Mackenzie rolls her eyes sarcastically. “Oh, thank God, we thought you were experiencing a glitch.” I groan. “But since you're still with us, I'll ask again, did you say yes?”

I'm silent for a few beats as I try to choose my answer wisely. “Well… I didn't give him an answer. Yet.”

I know that was a stupid answer when Angel shoots me a disappointed look. “Why the heck not?”

“Well, because—” I sigh. “You guys don't think it's wrong or suspicious as to why he wants me as his wife?”

“Who gives a fuck?” Mackenzie yells.

“Me! I give a fuck. I believe marriages should be sacred and having one because of financial gain doesn't define it as sacred.”

“Well, in this case, you're not doing it for your financial gain. In fact, I'd say it's a selfless act. You're trying to help your mother and let's be honest, Ara, you can't keep carrying this weight on your shoulder. You need help, and maybe this is how the universe wants to help you out.

“That's the same thing he said,” I say under my breath, but Mackenzie being Mackenzie, she hears it and starts to squeal in excitement. 

“Then there you have it. I'd advise though. I know this is a contract marriage, but if I were you, I'd ensure you met his family and friends and got to know him a little before tying the knot. I know this is for your mother, but there are so many vipers disguising as men these days. You'd want to get careful.”

Tell me about it. 

I smile at Angel. “Thank you, Angie. You sure know how to give the best advice.”

“You're welcome.” She smiles back warmly.

“Hey, what about me?” Mackenzie protests.

“You?” I raise a brow at her. “If I were to take all your advice, I'd be making an unmemorable trip to the police station every four working days.”

“Very funny,” Mackenzie scowls at me. 

Offering them one last smile and after sharing our goodbyes, I hang up.

Angel is right. I have to stop playing the martyrdom and let myself and my Mom be taken care of just this once. It's selfish to me, but I'm sure Jordan is aware of all that.

Picking up the business card that's been on my bedside table for hours, I grab my phone and start to dial his number. I nervously press the phone to ear as it starts to ring and after three rings, he picks up.

“Jordan Smith.” He says, making my heart skip a beat.