CONTRACT LOVE.

My obnoxious roommate knocked on my door to wake me up for work, and that's when I woke up.

He throws a pillow at where I was curled up in my covers, screaming, "El, get the hell up before were late, you little bitch,"

I groggily murmur, "Mm, five more minutes."

The warm covers were snatched from my half-naked body in a split second. When the chilly air touched my flesh, I winced. "Nate," I cried.

My roommate Nate is also my best buddy in the entire world. No, this isn't one of those sappy romance books where the lady secretly loves her best friend and he feels the same way. Nate isn't attracted to women sexually. When we first met, I'll admit that I was a little disappointed to learn that Nate was gay. But hey, I still adore the dork.

After we received our undergraduate degrees, Nate and I moved in together. We have a cute modest flat in Manhattan's streets. We were employed as interns at Olivia Global over a year ago with the expectation of being shortly promoted to full-time employees.

He puts an outfit on the bed for me and says, "Up and at 'em, Ella. We're going to be late if you don't hop in the shower. I'll spit in the deliciously prepared breakfast I made you.

I jumped out of the bed and stormed out of the room, but not before glaring at Nate the entire time. Quickly, the warm water gushing from the shower head soothed my stiff muscles. I washed my hair, which I would shortly blow dry after taking a shower, and scrubbed my body clean.

I quickly dried myself after the shower and put on the lovely outfits my roommate had chosen for the day.

I took my heels out of my room and set them on the bar stool before sitting down next to them. The French toast Nate had made for me sat in front of me, looking better than ever. I wasted no time in diving into the delicious food, despite not having eaten in days.

Nate hummed amusingly, "Hm." I groaned back, and he laughed, "You'd die without me in your life, El." We need to get to the office quickly before the CEO, the hot Daniel Olivia, reprimands us.

I smirk, "Wouldn't mind that at all."

He responds dreamily, "Hmm, me neither. If I say so myself, that dude is a magnificent piece of art. "I wouldn't mind kissing every square inch of that man's body underneath his suits."

I teased him, "Hmm." "Too bad his straight then, aye?"

Nate gave me a sneering look as he snatched his fancy wallet off the kitchen table. Saying, "Shut it Ella. I know he wants to play for my team but his obviously too scared to admit his feelings for me."

As I sipped my juice, I laughed at my friend who was still in denial. Nate couldn't wait any longer, so he dragged me out of our apartment and toward our workplace. I gave him the side-eye as he hurried us into Olivia Global. When we arrived, the elevators dinged to let us know.

As soon as I exited the elevator, I noticed all of my other students hurrying about and appearing to be focused on the specific assignment that Mr. Olivia had assigned.

Nate alerted me about the upcoming board meeting before I could enter my tiny office, and I appreciate him for doing so. I carried the papers into the tiny room I use for my office and grabbed my MacBook Pro so I could make notes. I made sure to stop at the break room and pour myself a vanilla latte before heading over to the board meeting room.

Nate growled at Isabella, "Get moving." I want to sit close to Mr. Olivia's nice ass, please.

Nate's excitement to see our boss, who resembled a goddamn runway model, made me giggle. We sped over to the boardroom and noticed a few individuals standing around talking carelessly. Nate virtually pushed me under the table in the direction of Mr. Olivia's usual seat. As he took a seat next to me, I frowned at him and did the same.

While we waited for Mr. Olivia, I opened Microsoft Word on my Mac and created a blank page so that I could make any necessary notes.

I was sipping my coffee and listening to Nate chat about this handsome guy he met at Starbucks the other day when the goddess herself entered the board room through the large, dark doors. Mr. Olivia was attired in a dark blue tie, a tailored white dress shirt, and a grey suit. His hair was fashioned in a David Beckham-inspired jellied back look, which I simply wanted to run my fingers over.

Every lady in the room, including Nate and I, virtually swooned at the young Chief in editor. His shoulders were drawn back in a confident manner as he walked, his jaw clinched to show off his exquisite jaw structure and his eyes glared ahead of him. I got up and fixed my clothes as he moved to his seat. I then approached him, pulled out his seat, and placed his customary coffee in front of him.

Mr. Olivia's perpetually somber expression brightened as he acknowledged my gifts. I stepped out from behind the chair to sit next to Nate as he grinned and sat down.

He warmly smiled at me and said, "Well, well, well, if isn't my trusty little intern," which caused my ovaries to swell up.

His smile was most likely the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. His teeth were as white and evenly spaced as the people in the Colgate advertisements. He had the most stunning soft brown eyes, and his dimple-also known as my weakness-peaked on the side of his face.

When he called me by my name, I flushed and looked down at my lap.

He grinned and said "adorable" to himself, but I overheard him clearly, and my cheeks grew even redder as a result. I caught a glimpse of Nate smirking to himself as he watched me act timidly out of the corner of my eye.

Nate said, "You innocent soul," and I punched him beneath the table.

With the icy CEO's expression returning to his immaculate face, Mr. Daniel Olivia demands in a stern voice, "Alright, everyone settle into your seats, please." We must calm down and talk over everyone's monthly assignments.

Around the room, there was muttering about their upcoming tasks. He commanded, "Quiet down." Everyone in the room grew silent and returned their focus to Mr. Daniel Olivia. Now go ahead and shoot me some ideas folks, what do you all have for me? "Now everybody shoot out some of your ideas and if I like it I'll assign it to you or give it to somebody else who I think can handle the job better."

A few people rushed to express their thoughts because they were keen for Mr. Olivia's approval. He found some of their ideas to be impressive, others to be repulsive, and some he just didn't like. He gave the majority of them jobs as they screamed out.

Daniel was looking for a compelling story to include in this month's edition because our company Olivia Global also operated as a magazine. So yet, none of them had made an impression on him. Until the biggest b*tch in our Olivia Global crew started talking.

God I loathe the sound of her voice, "Why don't we set up an interview with Mr. Woods, Mr. Olivia?"

The inquiry caught Daniel off aback, but he soon recovered with a scoff and a shake of the head. Why would he choose us since he doesn't do interviews to any publications or anyone else for that matter?

I timidly inquire, "Who's Mr. Woods?"

On the other end of the table, Mr. Olivia's mother was occupying a seat, and I'm not sure how I missed her. She raised her voice and gave me a blunt explanation of who he is. I've always been afraid of ladies. It's fair to say that Mr. Woods wasn't the friendliest guy around, based on what I've heard and learned.

After reading her critical biography of Mr. Woods, I remark, "Oh okay," trembling and gently.

I gave Emily a "what the fuck are you smirking about" look as she grinned at me. She gave me a wink before turning to face Mrs. Olivia, who admired Ashely and her concepts. Pfft, you sucka.

She questioned Mrs. Olivia, "Why don't we get Isabella to try getting an interview with him?"

I raised an eyebrow as I fixed my wide-eyed attention on the whore smirking. My palm began to perspire as I suddenly felt uneasy. I took a breath and shot Emily with daggers before focusing solely on Mrs. Olivia, the witch. Just like she did to everyone, she stared down at me as if she were superior in an effort to frighten me.

She kept her icy, menacing glare on me and asked Emily, "Why should she do the interview?"

She smirked and continued, "Well, I think that since she wants to move from her position as an intern she will do anything to get to where she wants to be in this business. She is one of our hardest workers and I can't see anybody better than her for the job. Therefore, I think she should be the one to interview Mr. Woods.

Daniel yelled at them, "She won't be doing that at all!" That was hot, man.

Mrs. Olivia, hoping to provoke her handsome son, asks him, a phony smile flickering across her Botox face, "And why not, my son?"

Because...Because she is...

The question "She's what, son?"

He answers sharply, "Because she's my intern and I don't think she's ready to take on a challenge just yet like interviewing a mean bastard like Mr. Woods."

She gave him a mocking smile, "Aw, well, aren't you sweet to look out for your little intern."

"Drop it mother, she's not doing it," he growls.

Emily's irritating voice joins in, "Mr. Olivia?" Have you seen a decline in our ratings recently?

He asks with sarcasm seeping from every syllable, "No Emily, of course I don't know how my company's doing, after all, what kind of boss would keep up with such information."

We were all chuckling at Daniel's snarky remark when her jaw suddenly locks, but she forces a phony smile back onto her face. intelligence, good appearance, and humor. Wow, he's so ideal.

She turns and cozies up to Mrs. Olivia knowing that Daniel is simply too intelligent for her and that she can always get her way by brain-fucking Mrs. Olivia. Simply put, "I'm just saying we really need something to get us back our ratings and that will interest our readers."

Mrs. Olivia hums, "Hmm." We really need to attract our readers back and have a story ready for them that will genuinely engage them, so you make a good point.

Ashely sighs in frustration, "That's exactly what I'm saying Mrs. Olivia." She smirks, "And what better way to pique their interest than an interview with one of the hottest, wealthiest, and youngest CEO's there is?"

Daniel rolls his eyes and scoffs. "I certainly wouldn't give a fu**"

Daniel, enough," his mother snaps. We're moving forward, and that's final, Ms.

Everyone is staring at me while I fiddle with my pen. When I sense that everyone in the room is staring at me, I slowly turn to face their menacing glares.

I sigh and turn to face Mrs. Olivia. "M-Me?"

She snaps mockingly, "No the man in a clown suit behind you." "You slow child, yes you. What's your name?"

fucking shithead. Once I toss you against a brick wall, your speech will be slurred.

"I'm Isabella Jones, that's me."

She replies, raising her perfectly plucky eyebrow, "Well Isabella, you're going to try and get an interview with Mr. Woods as your job for this month, understand?"

I took a sip and nodded.

"You, Isabella,"

Mrs. Olivia snarled, "Shut it, Daniel.

She gave him a mocking smirk as he launched deadly daggers in her direction. The room was buzzing with conversation as everyone talked about their upcoming projects for this month.

Daniel's eyes softened instantly as his steely gaze switched to mine. He said, "I'm so sorry," with a sad expression on his face.

I offered him a toothless grin and turned my attention away to Nate, who appeared anxious. "What's wrong?" you ask.

He repeated hysterically, "What's wrong?" "What's wrong is that you're going to get your fat ass fired, that's what's wrong!"

"What, why?" you ask.

He shakes his head and says, "I'll tell you when we get to the office." "Isabella, you shouldn't have agreed."

I lean back in my chair, ignoring everyone around me as questions go through my head. Why is this CEO "Robert Woods" so bad? Why was he such a huge deal? Why is there such a commotion about this? If this is the first I've heard of him, he obviously isn't all that large or great. However, I had a terrible feeling that he wasn't at all good news. When I get to my cubicle, I guess I'll just have to google search him.

When the devil called my name, I zoned out once more.

Are we clear? She asks commandingly, that goddamn eyebrow arched, "Isabella, you will email Mr. Woods and request an interview. If he denies the email, then you try harder to catch his attention.

"Yes."

She hissed, "Yes what?"

The answer is "yes, Mrs. Olivia."

She huffs and pulls her pricey Louis Vuitton bags up with her as she stands up from her seat. She smirks mockingly at me and says, "Good luck. I'd like to be informed with his response."

Along with Ashely, "devil 2" gets to her feet. Actually, I'm still figuring out who of the two of them is the bigger devil. Yes, exactly like the movie, Nate and I refer to Victoria Olivia as The Devil Wears Prada, and for Ashely, it just sounds "devil" to us. Simply put, she is a bitch.

Before Ashely follows Mrs. Olivia out the door, she stops at the door. She chuckles, "I can't wait to see you fail this. "Wow, that was smart of me to suggest such a great idea, huh?"

I struggle to restrain myself from scratching this woman as my hands tighten into fists on the table and my vision begins to tremble. When a big hand encircles my little one, I look down to find that it's Daniel's exquisite hand. When he touches my hand, it starts to tingle, and I get a bit dizzy.

With a huff, Ashely-or should I say the devil-leaves.

He pats the back of my hand with the tip of his gentle thumb and whispers, "Don't worry about them two. He laughs, "My mother is just...well, do I really have to explain. Ashley is simply jealous of you.

His face cracks a broad smile as I laugh. As if to say, "Just when I thought you couldn't get any cuter," he chuckles.

I turn a bright scarlet and glance down at his hand, which is still completely around my fist.

He removes it and mutters, "Oh apologies. I have to stop myself from clutching his hand once more since I am on the verge of whimpering at the break in contact.

"I swear if that Woods acts like a dick-I mean-"

I laughed and interrupted him. I grin and say, "Relax Mr. Olivia." "You can swear in front of me, and I'll keep your secret."

He shakes his head and laughs. I don't want him to scare my young intern and make you feel bad, I'm serious. I know what a jerk that person can be.

I smirk, "I'll have you know I don't scare too easy, Mr. Olivia."

He smiled in return and laughed. You clearly don't know anything about Robert Woods, right?

I stick out my mouth and say, "Nope, but that's what the internet is for."

He plays with my hair and says, "Well you better go do your research kid." I slap his hand away. He kisses the back of my palm, leaving a scorching feeling where his lips were placed, and says, "Aw, don't pout. I'm sorry."

He says firmly, "Come to me if you need any help at all with this, okay?" I am aware of how Woods can be.

I chuckle, "Wow, you're not doing anything to make me feel better about this task your mother gave me."

He laughs, "Oh right. Sorry." Good fortune.

My attractive boss left immediately after that. As he walked, Nate and I leaned in to check out his ass. Nate whispered, "I'd tap that," and I muttered, "damn."

We made fun of each other and left to talk about this "Robert Woods" in our offices.

Nate's picture is on the side.

"Okay. As soon as we sit down at our workstations, Nate says, "First things first. "He's a fucking babe!"

Daniel Olivia? Goddamn, I'm right.

He giggles, "No you idiot- well yes, but we weren't discussing that wonderful specimen at the moment. "I'm referencing Robert Woods. The guy appears to have been gently and flawlessly sculpted by Greek gods.

I chuckle and take a sip of my coffee. "You're obviously over exaggerating," I say.

He turns back and scowls, probably with me in mind as he whispers obscene comments beneath his breath. I squint and take a second drink of coffee. I spit it out all over my black flats before I could even swallow it. Nate jumped back and smiled at how my dignity and my jaw both dropped.

The most beautiful man I had ever seen in my life was there on his television. I wanted to comb my fingers through Robert Woods' golden brown hair for hours on end. He appeared to have a jaw line that could cut through glass because it was clearly defined. His complexion was flawless, free of any imperfections, and flawlessly tanned. His pupilsHis eyes had a rich, chocolate color that completely engrossed me and caused me to lose awareness of my surroundings. They were so alluring, and I was certain that if I ever met this ideal human being, I would lose myself in them right away.

Nate moved his mouse away from the picture of him with only his face visible and toward a full-body shot of him wearing a Dolce & Gabbana suit. He had a slim build, and he had numerous tattoos on his forearms. He had a beautiful body underneath the suit, despite the fact that most of it was covered by it.

I took Nate's mouse out of his grasp when I noticed a picture on the side that said Robert Woods topless and clicked on it. After clicking on it, my mouth absolutely dropped open. I could see myself gagging as I scanned his magnificent figure.

He had a six pack on his stomach, which gently dipped into a V line that was partially hidden by his Calvin Klein boxers. There were tattoos on more than just his forearms. Additionally, it affected his neck, pecks, shoulders, and the center of his chest. Never before did I feel the urge to touch someone's body as much as I did for this man. Trey Songz or Chris Brown may have made the list, but this Woods youngster was undoubtedly included as well.

Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, and many other artists were my weakness since I've always been a sucker for tattoos. I have a couple tattoos of my own, but I can't really show them out at work, therefore they are now hidden by my outfit today.

I'll get back to this youngster. This guy definitely doesn't know how to smile, I realized while Nate and I were prying about. He always has this grim expression on his face in all of his images. He was scowling, scowling, glaring, or simply frowning. That such a beautiful person wouldn't smile was a real tragedy.

I was startled from my thoughts as Nate clicked on a picture. As he grinned. He appeared to be grinning since it covered his entire face, including his eyes. He no longer had the stiff exterior, and if it were possible, he appeared even more attractive than before. No, he appeared to be an angel that I would never tire of admiring. He really did have an amazing smile. He appeared to have braces on because of how white and straight his teeth were. He had a dimple, which I also noticed. my shortcoming.

Nate said, "Wow," and laughed. It appears to be "love at first sight."

I wiped the small amount of drool on the side of my mouth as I gathered myself. I then closed my jaw. I shook my head and cleared my throat.

He's fine, I mumbled.

Nate laughed so hard that he had to struggle to stand up while holding his stomach. I growled at him and swiveled my desk chair around. The girl in the cubicle next to mine thinks my crazy best friend is weird, so I'm grateful there is a wall so nobody can see him. Every day, our strange bond manages to shock and frighten her. If the poor girl asks Daniel, our boss and our hot boss, to switch cubicles, I won't be shocked.

He wiped a tear that had fallen from his eye and fixed his tie and dress shirt after Nate's fruitless laughing onslaught. Wow El, you utter a lot of bullshit, but that's the biggest bullshit I've ever heard come out of your mouth.

He receives a forehead blow from my stress ball as I glare at him and toss it at him. He exhales and places his hand on his forehead. He throws it back while glaring at me, missing me and knocking over a frame holding a picture of me and my other best friends, Logan and Maliah.

He hisses, "That was totally unnecessary, you whore."

I waggle my tongue at him before turning around to take the picture frame.

"You realize I'm correct. Cut the crap and get out with it; your jaw fucking fell at the sight of this sex god. I want the truth, so please tell me what you think.

Nate was grinning as a red mark was developing on his forehead from the stress ball that my hand was currently gripping. I bit my lip and turned around in my chair to face him. I really tightened my grip on the stress ball before gushing about how ideal I thought Mr. Woods was.

He is incredibly attractive; seriously, Nate, have you seen that goddamn figure. God, "I cried. What I do to that man's body and how I treat him! I could investigate him all day and night, sh*t.

I concur with you there, honey. That young man is in excellent condition.

"I'm sure right! Observed he was wearing that suit? Oh, and Nate, did you notice his filthy tattoos? I shrieked.

Nate chuckled while nodding. "Yes, and I knew you'd notice that and freak out over it. They are all over his body."

Hell yeah, I picked them out, and I wouldn't mind kissing the Hebrew tattoo that runs up above his hip and the trace of his cross tattoo on his chest.

"I warned you! The man is the god of sex! He has women physically flocking away from him. Everyone is vying for a piece of him. Everyone desires to interact with him and become his buddy. Nate chuckles, "Hell, he even hangs out with your people.

The question "My people?" My brows crease in confusion.

"Yeah, like Lil Wayne, Drake, Chris Brown, Tyga, and Nicki Minaj-"

"Be quiet! No, he doesn't. I shout while grinning broadly.

"Dead set," Nate chuckles. Everyone is eating out of his hand, according to him. He was even romantically involved with Selena Gomez.

I scream, "No way," like a young schoolgirl. "I'm not sure if he or she is the relationship's luckier party. I mean, the girl hardly ever has imperfections, making her one of the most attractive and exquisite actors I've ever seen. She has ferocious features, but she also has the largest heart I've ever seen. If I had Selena Gomez's body, I would be the greatest bitch. Nate and I both agree as we both laugh.

I shrug and say, "And Woods he's fine, just look at your fucking computer screen." It adequately explains it.

Before he looks into my eyes and grins, Nate glances over Robert's body one last time. Yes, but he's totally the antithesis of Selena Gomez. He's fucking sexy and one of the biggest dicks, while she is wonderfully gorgeous and the sweetest person ever.

I mumble in a stupor as I stare at the computer screen, "I'm sure he has a big dick."

Nate tells me to "snap out of it" as he turns my head away from the computer. "You need to email him and set up the interview, but I'll tell you right now that I'm sure he'll decline since he categorically refuses to conduct interviews. You were given this position specifically so that you would fail, he explains sympathetically.

I sigh and smooth my hair with my palm. "Look, you don't realize that, alright? I'll write him a heartfelt note assuring him that everything will be handled in his favor.

After I've removed his email from the "Woods Enterprises" website, I turn around and open my inbox. As I'm typing the email to him, my hands start to shake. I take great care to utilize the proper language and to write each word precisely. I reassure him that the interview will proceed according to his wishes and explain that Olivia Global only wants to speak with him briefly and ask him if he would be open to participating in a picture shoot for the feature. Before mailing, I add my signature and the name of the company I work for.

I bite on my fingers tensely as my stomach begins to turn, expecting for a prompt response from him.

The question "Did you send it?" Nate enquires as he hands me my stress ball to help me relax.

I hesitantly nodded while biting my lip.

"Move aside while I read it."

When he sits in my lap to read the email that was sent to Mr. Woods, I move out of the way and make a "unf" noise. Every syllable is scrutinized by his eyes, and when he is finished, he nods. "Squirt, you wrote this so well. Please refrain from feeling guilty or upset if he rejects it.

He falls on his arse as a result of my gaze and pushing him off my lap. You know he could say yes?

"However, what sets you apart from other interviewers? He is unfamiliar with you even.

"I don't know, look. Yet there is yet hope, alright? As though we were in a church, I encourage you to have some faith. Nate shakes his head and chuckles. Even if he rejects my request, I won't give up until he agrees to the interview. When my computer dings, I respond, "I don't care if I have to go down to see him- see who it is for me.

Nate nods before checking his latest email. Before noticing Nate grimace, I was going to continue my tirade at Robert. What is wrong, you ask?

He smiles sympathetically at me and tilts my computer screen in your way. I read the most recent email while holding my spectacles up to my nose.

Robert Woods; from. Isabella Jones, please.

Greetings, Ms. Jones.

I appreciate the offer, but I don't believe it will be necessary because I never conduct interviews. If you try to email me again, I'll file a restraining order against you, so stop doing it.

Hello, Ms. Jones.

Woods Robert.

By the end of the letter, my eyes are wide as I gape in disbelief at the computer. like what the fuck, really. Do you truly want to file a restraining order? He turning down my offer made me mad, perplexed, and just a little bit sad.

Guess you'll have to visit his office and speak with him directly now, huh? Nate says, grinning.

I turn around and shake my head as I stare at him. I scream, "He said he'll frecking file a restraining order against me!" And when I ask to speak with him, he doesn't even listen to me.

Nate suddenly gives me a cheek slap. I exhale and grab my cheek as I stare at him in disbelief. He gasps as he wipes his cheek after I slap him back.

"Ow," he whimpers. You little bitch, I was going to give one of those lectures you see in movies."

I whimper, scratching my cheek, "Well sorry but it hurt you prick."

He grunts, "Ugh whatever," and then rises to his feet. He glares at me and says, "As I was going to say before I was rudely slapped, don't give up, at least not this easy."

"What should I do?" you ask. I sobbed.

"After I dress you up, you're going to waltz down to Woods Enterprises looking hot as fuck. Then, Nate grins, "you're going to go up to his office and tell his secretary that you have an appointment with him.

"She'll ask for my name, check it as soon as I say it, and see that my name isn't there. Then she'll tell Robert, who will recognize me right away and likely send security to get me." I moan and squeeze my stress ball even tighter.

You stupid, don't say your name because of it. He averts his gaze. "Just follow my advice and put your faith in me, okay?"

I contemplate if I should be doing this while biting my lip. I'm somewhat afraid of what he'll do and what he'll do to me if he finds out it's me and has security accompany me or whatever. That would be very embarrassing.

Nate coos, "Hey." You'll be okay. I swear. Come on, you're not afraid to take a risk.

I sigh and wipe my face with my palm. I don't fear anything or anyone, he's right. I always battle for what I want, and I will do so if it means getting Robert Woods to speak with Olivia Global. "Okay, what's the strategy?"

When the female in the cubicle next to ours starts acting strangely toward us, Nate squeals like a little schoolgirl and straightens himself out. Oh my goodness, I do feel bad for her. She quickly exits her cubicle after grabbing her suitcase.

Nate chuckles as he settles into his chair. Okay, let's discuss what will happen when you visit Robert's office tomorrow.