Forget Cinderella (True Loves Fairytale Book 1)

by Tracey Champion

  “I need you to sign that contract as soon as now. I have gone over everything with you, and the rent will be raised next month. Since your contract hasn’t been renewed, I can have you evicted the first of next month for not signing a lease.”

  “I told you I cannot afford my rent to go up two hundred…” I stopped when Jordan moved beside me. I almost forgot he was here.

  “Cara is your rent paid up for the month?” Jordan asked me with a rough edge to his voice. The look he was giving me frightened me. For the first time, I was wondering if having Jordan with me was a bad thing.

  “Yes, I have been in a month to month agreement. But he took over for his mother almost a year ago.” I was quiet when I spoke. I didn’t know what else to say or do. Jordan turned to look at Mr. Tomelson.

  “Explain this contract to me?” He stood straight with his arms crossed. I guess this was business Jordan.

  “Simple. The maintenance has lapsed on her apartment and since the cost of living in the area has gone up, so have the taxes. Consequently, I have raised the rent of every apartment. The amount has gone up a fair two hundred dollars and everyone has agreed. The rent hasn’t been raised here in well over a decade. Miss Cara has been avoiding allowing me into the apartment for maintenance and refuses to sign the contract. We have been discussing the contract for months now.” I wanted to yell at him. I let him in to see the apartment, and I need no maintenance. He wants a reason to attempt to get his dirty creepy hands on me.

  “Liar…”

  “Cara, hush.” I was in shock. I was told to be quiet while we were being lied to. No way! I placed my hands on my hips and went to open my mouth. Jordan just glared at me. I got the message this time, hush.

  “Since Cara seems adamant about not signing the contract and you have threatened her with an eviction there’s only one possible solution to this.” I looked at Jordan. I was going to stand my ground.

  “I will not sign the contract. I had an agreement with his mother, and I like my apartment…”

  “Cara, just give me a minute here. I understand you don’t want to sign a new contract,” I was starting to get pissed off and wanted to scream. “There’s no need to file any legal paperwork on an eviction notice Sir. I will make sure that Cara is moved out by the end of the day, this way you can have a new tenant soon and can do any proper maintenance on the apartment.”

  I stomped my foot. No way! Unbelievable, did he just give up my place? My independence? And where the hell am I going to live?

  “What in the world? I refuse to sign his silly contract because I already have one. I cannot lose my apartment and where will I go?” I was seeing red, and Mr. Tomelson looked to be pleased as punch.

  “Simple. You move in with me.” I wanted to die right there. No freaking way. This weekend was a mess. First off the incident with Travis that resulted in the injury to my left arm and fingers. And this stupid colorful eye, and now my freaking apartment issues.

  “I am not moving in with you! Are you kidding me?” I really wanted to scream now and just pretend this disaster wasn’t happening. Before I could say anything else Mr. Tomelson interrupted us.

  “Good saves me some trouble. I will be around the building all day. Just find me when you are done moving out. If you are not out by the time I leave then just lock the handle and leave the keys inside.” He gave me a smile and walked off.

  I had my keys in my hand and walked to open the door. I was going to yell at Jordan if that was the last thing I did. How could he? I unlocked the door and allowed Jordan to walk in first and then I locked the door behind me. I turned to set my purse on the hook beside the door.

  “I am not moving in with you, but now you lost my apartment for me. How could you, and why?” I just stared at my feet all the anger I wanted to yell at him was still there and that fury also made me sad. I turned breathing heavily as the resentment I had boiled and I felt the tears burning my eyes.

  Jordan just stood there watching me with a smug smile on his face. “Don’t just smile at me, you lost my apartment and have turned my life upside down. What the hell Jordan? Do you want to tell me what the fuck you were thinking?” I froze. Oh. My. God! My whole body was on fire and I was cursing. What the hell? I’m not like this.

  Jordan said nothing and just watched me. I wasn’t going to let him be silent. I walked towards my little couch and leaned against the damn thing. Jordan followed, but instead took a seat on the couch. I took a deep breath and walked around to face him.

  “Please talk to me. Tell me something.” I was standing in front of him bouncing on the balls of my feet. Jordan still wasn’t saying anything, and that was pissing me off. Not to mention for some reason I was beginning to become extremely turned on. I moved closer to Jordan and placed my hands on my hips as best as I could and planted my feet. I wanted him to understand I was angry, not turned on.

  “Jordan I am not moving in with you, and we need to fix this issue about my apartment.” I was hoping he would say something. I watched as he adjusted himself on the couch and then he quickly moved forward. I had no choice but to move as he pulled me carefully onto his lap.

  “Are you done talking now?” He asked as I wiggled on his lap. I was still angry, and now I was too close to Jordan’s body.

  “Maybe, maybe not.” I couldn’t help but want to fight with him. I was angry and now I felt like being a brat. “I want to know why you lost my apartment and why the fuck you think I’m moving in with you.” I was pissed the hell off. I was cursing and not being the good girl I know I am. I moved so that I could attempt to get up lifting my butt off of his lap. I was shocked at how he allowed me to move. I wanted off his lap so I could properly talk to him, but instead I was giving him access.

  I wasn’t paying attention that he had slightly shifted with me. It wasn’t until I felt the sting of the smack on my butt. I made a little noise in shock. He spanked me. He freaking spanked me. I went to move off his lap when his other hand held me in place.

  “You fucking spanked me. I have never been spanked in my life. Let me up.” He just smiled and pulled me in closer and then spanked me again.

  “First off stop cussing it doesn’t fit you. Second you need to chill pretty girl. Keep this up and I have no problems continuing to spank you.” He can’t be serious. My butt was already stinging from the first two smacks. There was no way he was going to get away with this.

  “No!” I wiggled trying to get off of him. “You told Mr. Tomelson that I was going to be out by the end of the day. How could you? I am not moving in with you. No fucking way.” I froze I did not mean to say the f-word, but I did. I anticipated the smack that followed. However, I didn’t expect him to pull me closer.

  I was still up on my knees and had to shift my position. I was looking down at Jordan ready to hop off when the opportunity showed itself, he let go of me. I had expected to move not for him to grab my chin and crushed his lips onto mine.

  I held my left arm close to me and used the other hand to run it through his hair. He let go of my chin and slipped his hands to my back, and I lost my battle with him. I let out a moan when I felt his hands run up and down my back. My moan allowed him to deepen the kiss. I don’t know how long we kissed for, but it felt amazing. I relaxed and sat down on his lap again.

  After I completely relaxed, Jordan broke from the kiss. I could still feel him on my lips. I let out a sigh and just stared at Jordan. “You ready to listen to me now?” He said very calmly still running his hands up and down my back. I nodded my head yes.

  “Okay, I want you to move in with me. After that brief moment with your landlord, I could tell his intentions with you are less than honorable. Call it male intuition.” He was telling me as he took note of my reaction. “If you’re absolutely uncomfortable with the idea of moving in with me, then I still think there was an offer for you to live with my sister. Plus, I have nothing on Travis. Nothing. Your safety right now is top priority, and the last thing I need is to not only worry about Travi
s, but your landlord, too.”

  He was right. Amber told me the same thing this morning. There was no information on where Travis was. Most of the guys had turned his home upside down and inside out and still had nothing. I let out a sigh of defeat.

  “I guess you’re right,” but I still wanted to be a brat. “I can accept your sister’s offer.” I had no real intentions of accepting Amber’s offer. Then I saw the pained look flash quickly on Jordan’s face and disappear.

  “Okay, I will call her and let her know. Then I will call Ryan and have him gather the guys to help move you out.” I immediately regretted my choice in being a brat there was sadness in his voice. I slowly propped myself up on my knees.

  “Jordan, I don’t have much to move. Most of the furniture is junk and can be given or thrown away. I don’t think I need most of it since you don’t have the room for more anyways.” I smiled and stopped there, hoping he would get what I said. He raised an eyebrow at me and then smiled.

  “Wait, did I hear you right?” He questioned, and I just smiled.

  “I never had intentions of moving in with your sister, I…I was joking.” I said the last part in a half whisper. Jordan wrapped his arm around me, and I expected what came next. This time, the smack to my butt was more playful and light. I leaned forward and kissed him softly.

  Jordan made a call to Amber. He said she would call Jessica and that they would bring boxes and trash bags. Then he called Ryan. I went into my room and started to gather the items I had originally come for and placed them into a backpack. I examined the little room and wondered what would happen now. I didn’t want to admit my fear, but I was afraid I was going to be a burden to Jordan.

  The apartment was full of people in a short span of time. Amber showed up followed by Ryan and Tyler, next was Jessica and Nate. I just froze looking at all the people in the apartment. My whole world had been turned upside down, and now I had to face things with. These people hadn’t seen me since the incident with Travis, and now they were helping move my things.

  “Cara, what furniture do you want to be taken to Jordan’s place?” Amber had begun to take control over the situation. She had already directed Jessica to pack everything in the kitchen.

  “I just want to keep my dresser and the hope chest. Those belonged to Momma.” That was all I could say. I was getting upset, and this was too much for me. I turned and walked back into the bedroom and sat on the bed. I hated that I was crying. This was stupid.

  I was looking at my hands when I heard the bedroom door shut. It startled me, and I looked up to see Jordan. What do I say?

  “You okay?”

  “Yes and no. I understand what’s going on. I just feel like I’m invading your space, and I don’t even know where we stand yet.” I told the truth without even realizing what I was feeling myself.

  “You and I are whatever we want to be. I like you Cara and have since day one. As for you invading my space, do it. Maybe for once my house won’t feel cold and empty.” He smiled at me, and I stood up from the bed. He was right, and the words he spoke were nice. I sucked up my pride and walked over to him giving him a hug. Well some form of a hug, my left arm would not cooperate with me.

  Jordan hugged me back and then pulled away from me. I thought for a moment something was wrong, but no. He gave me a kiss and then let his eyes scan the room.

  “Here’s what is going to happen. You just pack what you can from this room. Light items and we will put the boxes in my truck. Nate plans to take anything needed to be just gone, and Ryan has room in his truck. Relax for me pretty girl things will all work out, I promise.” Jordan gave me a little wink.

  I took his promise. I followed him out of the room and proceeded to collect a box that was empty. Jessica was packing and getting my kitchen in order and the furniture from the living room was starting to disappear.

  “Hey Cara, do you need to take anything for your pain before I start to pack up the food and beverage items,” Jessica asked as she looked in my refrigerator. I was ashamed to admit that it was practically bare. “I take that back, I don’t think there is much to save here.”

  “Sorry, my budget is tight, can you please hand me the water bottle?” I did need to take something for the pain in my arm. I was overdue. Jessica handed me the bottle, and I could feel Jordan behind me. He wrapped his arms around me and peeked at what Jessica was doing to the refrigerator. She was throwing the little bits of things I had into a black trash bag.

  “Looks to me that you and I might need to go grocery shopping tomorrow.” I leaned into Jordan. Should I tell him that my money was super tight?

  “Jordan…” I wanted to tell him, but he distracted me by kissing my cheek.

  “We got this remember? You have nothing to worry about,” he whispered in my ear and I was learning it was better not to say anything more.

  There were so many people that it didn’t take long to have most of my stuff packed and gone. When the time came to moving my books, I freaked. Luckily we were able to pack them in many different boxes. Amber had to run out and gather some sturdier boxes to hold my books.

  “Jordan, I would like to keep my book shelf.” I kind of asked. Seeing as I didn’t want to watch my books just sit in a box.

  “Nope, can’t keep it. I don’t have the room.” I looked at him in shock. My wonderful book collection was now going to sit in boxes. Well, this sucks. “You can use the built-in bookshelves. You did mention that they looked awful empty.” I stared at him. Was he for real?

  I was already bringing more items into his home than necessary. I mean I thought when a woman started to leave her things at her guys home early on that was bad. Now he wants me to make permanent places in his home. Hell, we weren’t even boyfriend and girlfriend yet.

  “Are you sure about that? I don’t want to take up more space than needed. Plus, it’s your house and having my things everywhere won’t that be an issue? I just thought I would take up a spare bedroom.” I was rambling and nervous. I had no idea if the others knew I had slept in his room. Let alone giving away what we did. I felt the blush creep up into my cheeks just thinking about it.

  “Cara, chill,” Jordan said walking over to me. He took me by my hand and walked me outside the apartment. “I’m okay if your things are in my house. I want them there and for the record, you’re not sleeping in a guest room.” I heard the gasp and looked over to see Amber. I turned my eyes downward to the sidewalk.

  “Hey big brother, can you take these inside for me. I want to talk to Cara.” I kept looking down, and Jordan kissed my forehead and took whatever she had.

  “I’m sorry Amber. This whole thing is happening so fast, and I’m confused.”

  “Do you like him?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good, you make him happy, and that’s all that matters. Now, let’s stop the worrying and finish up. By the way, how do you feel, your injuries I mean.” I looked over at her. She seemed to take everything perfectly, and could move on without skipping a beat.

  “My face no longer hurts, but my wrist and fingers are a little painful, but I should be fine.” Amber stopped walking back to the apartment and turned to look at me. She had both hands on her hips.

  “Scale of one to ten and be honest on your pain. I can tell if you’re lying.” The look on her face told me I was about to be in trouble. I had forgotten to take another pain pill and was trying to avoid it and having everyone feeling sorry for me if I could no longer help.

  “The pain is at a seven,” I told the truth shamefully.

  “At a seven, Cara, really? You’re done helping, and if you have any more medicine with you, take it.” When we got to the apartment she opened the door with determination. “Listen up, I know we’re almost done, but Cara has been hiding the fact that she’s in pain and can no longer help. So, as much as I hate to do this,” She turned to looked at me. “Cara, go and sit over there against the wall and don’t move. We can get the rest of this. You need to relax and let your body heal
. If she moves and anyone sees her move let me know. You will be in trouble, Missy.”

  Well, dang it. I walked over to the wall she had pointed at and sat down. I felt like a child being put in a corner. Jordan came out of the bedroom and brought me my purse and backpack. Then he walked over to where there were some water bottles. He came back and crouched in front of me.

  “You may need to take your pain pills, pretty girl.” I looked at him, and he smiled. I dug out the pill bottle and popped one out. I took the pill with the water. I said thank you and he kissed my forehead again.

  The others finished what was left to pack up quickly, and both Jessica and Amber did some light cleaning to the apartment. Nate helped put my hope chest in the back of Jordan’s truck. Tyler and Ryan left to get rid of the trash and donation items. It was getting late, and I remembered that we were supposed to meet his parents for dinner.

  I got up and walked to the kitchen where Amber was. She turned and glared at me. I thought for a moment I was in trouble for moving but when she smiled at me. I allowed myself to relax.

  “Amber, we were supposed to have dinner with your parents tonight. I don’t want to be rude to them, but we’re not done yet and won’t make it.”

  “Oh, I called them earlier, mom and dad are bringing pizza and wings to Jordan’s place. I just have to call her when we’re done. They get it, Cara. Trust me.” I smiled, noting that everything really was fine.

  “Okay, thanks. Jessica remind me to get Bright Side out of my car.” I forgot I never handed over that book.

  “When I drove your car to Jordan’s place I kind of took the book. I will take care of it and then return it the way you loaned it.” Oh, well that solves one problem.

  We finally finished up, and Jordan took my key to Mr. Tomelson. Everything was unloaded and in the proper rooms by the time Jordan and Amber’s parents arrived with food. They had brought enough pizza and wings for everyone. I enjoyed dinner with his parents and having everyone around. No one asked about my injuries, and I felt comforted by knowing these people were my friends.