Chapter 2: The Billionaire I Crashed Into

Darien’s pov

The Bentley’s engine purred as I drove through the rain-slicked street, and my phone buzzed for the umpteenth time in less than five minutes. I knew it was my mother no doubt, definitely calling to remind me about her ‘wonderful opportunity’ dinner she had arranged next week.

“Don’t think of bailing out on this Darien, you aren’t getting any younger.” Her text appeared on my screen.

I declined her call yet again, I was tired of the constant reminder to get married, I’m just twenty-eight, I still have lots of time to relax and toy with women as much as I wanted, why settle now? Besides, the main reason she wanted me married was to give her grandkids… kids? Those things are evil!

“I hope when you meet her you won’t scare her away like you did the others.” My phone lit up again with my mother’s text.

She had stopped sending me photos or even info of the women she wanted to meet because I always make sure to threaten them to stay away. Rolling my eyes I stared at the light turn yellow and brushed my fingers through my hair. Clicking the accelerator, I was happy I would be getting home soon since I’d had a long day at the company, dealing with a series of meetings for a new construction project I fought hard to get.

I was going to get a bottle of whisky as soon as I got home to relieve my aching body.

Suddenly a Honda Civic went through the red light and slammed into the passenger side of my car.

“Shit!” I cursed.

The impact wasn’t severe, it was more of a rap than a collision but the metal screech on metal made my jaw clench. I pulled over on the curb, adrenaline spiking through my veins as I got out of my car, assessing the damage. The Bentley had custom-made paint and was now ruined, the side mirror hanging at an awkward angle.

Fifty grand in repairs, that should be easy.

Rain soaked my Armani suit as I came out to face who did it… I swear to kill that bastard….

The woman stumbled out of her car looking like she had been through the worst part of war.

She was young, looked like she was in her mid-twenties, maybe. Her dark hair plastered on her face and mascara running down her cheeks. Her clothes were soaked, clinging to her slender figure, it was a simple knee-length dress, her huge brown eyes stared in awe at me devastated as she had just watched her life crumple.

“I’m so sorry, her voice cracked. “I didn't see the light, I wasn’t… I’m so sorry.”

She looked at my car and then hers with a crumpled hood and something in her eyes shifted from devastation to hopelessness.

“I don't have money to pay for this, God I can barely afford insurance… I’m so stupid.” She started to cry, not delicate tears but gut-wrenching sobs that shook her body, she sank against her ruined car until she was sitting on wet pavement.

Even if she sold the scraps of her ruined car, she would never be able to pay for the damages on my car.

I stood there under the cold rain as I watched a beautiful stranger fall apart on the side of the road, something uncomfortable twisted in my chest.

Normally I would be reaching out to call my lawyer or even the police to handle this but I found myself crouching down beside her, the rain pooling in my expensive shoes.

“Hey.” I waved at her.

I had always viewed women as pleasure instruments, once used and dumped when I was done, they were replaceable, never to be loved but something about her seemed … to sway my thoughts.

“Bad day, huh?” I offered her a hand.

We looked at it like it might be a trap. “Probably the worst day in my life and I’ve ruined yours apparently.”

“Well, we can’t sulk up all night.” I helped her up, an idea striking in my head. “Your name?”

“Nilah,” she responded quietly, taking her hand away from mine. “I can contact insurance although I don't know how to…”

Giving her a once-over glance, I spoke. “Doesn't seem like you would be able to pay for fifty grand worth of damage.” I chuckled modestly staring at the defeated look in her eyes.

“I’m really sorry for ruining your day.”

“I’m Darien and apparently you had interrupted a series of text messages from my mother trying to convince me to go on a  blind date with whoever's daughter she has convinced this time.”

That earned a watery smile from her. “Oh dear, she's so sweet.”

“I know right?” I looked between her and my car, the idea gaining more validity. “How about if my insurance covers my car repairs you’ll do something for me?”

Her face fell. “I told you, I don't have…”

“Not money.” I pulled out my phone, rain dotting the screen. “A favor. There's a little event tomorrow with family and business associates, quite boring but I need a date and if I spend the entire evening alone, my mom will no doubt insist on my marrying some rich skate associate's daughter.”

Nilah stared at me like I had grown a second head. “You want me to be your fake date?”

“Just for the night, show up with a smile and pretend you find me rather charming, and in exchange, I take care of the damages and we call it even… no lawyers, no insurance hassle, and no paper trail.”

“Thats…” she stared at me dumbfounded, “you don't even know me, what if I agree and then run off or I’m possibly a serial killer?”

“Are you planning on running off?”

“No, but..”

“Then we are good.” I reached out for her phone, which she had clutched tightly in her hand, typing in my contact. “I’ll send a car to you at seven, wear something nice… not too nice, just something that speaks ‘mysterious new girlfriend’ not ‘gold digger’, which sounds terrible but these people can smell even the slightest desperation.”

“I don't have anything appropriate for…”

“I’ll have something sent to your place?” I suggested, fully committed to a plan with a stranger, damn the consequences, this was once in a lifetime. “Your address?”

She said that she would be staying in a hotel and soon came to realise what she was about to do with an absolute stranger. “This is crazy, you know? Just had an accident and were both talking about fake dating under the rain?” She brushed her fingers over her damp hair. “Have I gotten to this stage of craziness?”

“Maybe we are.” I smiled, something that felt genuine for the first time this week. “Or perhaps we are both having the worst days  and doing something crazy which is exactly what we need and we never have to see each other again.”

She nodded. “Alright, one dinner Mr Darien.” she shook my hand.

“It's been a pleasure being crashed by you.”

She nodded. “I just hope I don't regret this.” She smiled, turned around and got into her car, and drove off in her battered honda, tail lights flickered, and she realized I was grinning like an idiot.

I mean I don't find something this thrilling every day.

At least my mother would be off my toes and I’ll be off the market for one night or maybe longer if she turns out to be more interesting.