The Shy Beauty and the Billionaire Beast (Ana and Jaxon) novel Chapter 16

*Ana's pnt of view*

I did it. I actually did it.

I let out a giddy giggle and squealed behind the wheel in excitement. That was all I could muster at that specific moment.

But my real celebration would have to wait.

I may have escaped the lion's den, but I wasn't out of the woods yet.

With that thought in mind, I found myself speeding down the freeway.

I didn't stop, not to eat, not to sleep. When I felt sleep trying to seduce me, I blasted the radio, and that woke me right up, I jammed till sunrise.

It wasn't until I was sure that I had cross into another state that I stopped to pee and eat. After resting, just sitting in the car for a few hours, I got on the road again. I had no real destination in mind, but I just knew that I had to keep driving.

Eventually I entered a town named Grandfield, Maryland.

As I drove through, I smiled at the quaint town. It seemed quiet, a few miles from the bustling city.

A “for rent” sign is what caused me to stray from the road I was on. I followed the sign to a beautiful one-story white house. With manicured greenery and colorful flowers all over the yard, and against the outside walls of the house. Just as I was pulling in the driveway, an older man with salt and pepper hair and hazel green eyes, and a younger guy, with short brown hair and warm turquoise eyes, erupted from the front door.

"May I help you?" Asked the older man with a slight accent.

"Uh yes, I saw the sign, and I was wondering if I could see the house." I stated, as I closed my car door, and carefully approached the man.

"Oh well of course. I am Peter, and this is my son John." Stated the man, as he greeted me with a firm handshake, followed by John, who also shook my hand with a smile.

I smiled in return as they led me to the house.

A three-step staircase led up to the brown front door, with designs, and a glass window.

When I entered, we were in a corridor that led to one doorway on each side. The right side was the sitting and living area, and the left side was the dining area.

Both had large windows, that illuminate the white interior. The living area led to a guest bathroom, followed by the laundry and storage room, and broom closet. The dining area was connected to the bar and kitchen, and straight down, the main hallways led to two bedrooms. The master and a guest, which both had their own bathrooms. Then the corridor traveled a bit more to a door that led to a beautiful, gated backyard and patio.

I was a bit overwhelmed. This house may be way out of my league. I did save all the money that Jaxon paid me, and I could handle about six months of rent, but afterwards I was going to need a serious job to help me out.

"How much per month?" I asked, my voice cautious.

"Well for first and last the deposit amount is $1700, then every month rent if $850, utility and electricity is on you. There is central air, you have the luxuries of a laundry room, and a Jacuzzi in your bath. You also have garage space, carpeted bedrooms and living room, tile floors for the dining room and kitchen." Explained Peter, as we continued touring the house.

John who has remained silent for a whole finally spoke up and said "There is some patching up that needs to be done for some of the piping in the faucets, but once you've made your decision, I can come by and do the plumbing for you. Free of charge." He added a charming smile, and I found a quick blush growing on my cheeks.

I quickly turned and walked away from the men.

I looked around the house and smiled. I think I wanted to get used to this, so with a sigh, I turned and face the two expectant men asking, "when can I move in?"

By the end of the week, everything was settled, and I was getting accustomed to my new place. John was right about some of the faucet pipes needing work, but I was too afraid to call him. When he gave me his number, I don't know if it was my imagination, but I think he flirted a bit.

Nevertheless, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to get involved with anyone at the moment. Not after what had taken place the past few months. After my second week of growing bored out of my mind, I caved and called John.

Nope. Nope.

I found myself shaking my head.

I wasn't going down that road, I escaped him, and I intended to move on.

So before I could really process what came out of my mouth next, the words flew from my lips, "So would you think I'm too bold if I asked you out to dinner?"

John turned and looked at me with a raised eyebrow as he said "I will think it's too bold if you pick up the check. How about tomorrow night?" He offered.

"Woah, slow down cowboy. I'm running this show." I smiled.

"Okay, this is your show... what time and day will you pick me up?"

"Oh no, you're picking me up, and you're going to take me to a nice restaurant." I stated.

"Right." He said cautiously.

"And after our date, when you drop me off, I won't call you any time soon, so you don't think I'm too interested." I explained, as I moved around the kitchen.

"Okay can I call you?" He was stated as he faced me completely.

"Sure. It doesn't mean I will answer." I giggled, while on the inside I beamed at my confidence.

Moving on is going to be easier than I thought.