Tap, tap, tap The noise of the cane tapping down the hall, drew Belle's attention from the book she was reading. She set it down on her couch, and went to the door where she knew Mr. Gold, her landlord would be standing in a moment. It was the third Thursday of the month. The day that her rent would be much overdue.

She had meant to pay it, honestly she had, but there were so many things that needed attending to first. Like the new books she had purchased in bulk for her bookstore, and the fare she had paid so her neighbors David and Mary could visit their daughter Emma and her husband Neal in Tallahassee. Long story short, her rent was due and someone was here to collect it.

Knock, knock, knock. Belle opened the door and was met by Mr. Gold.

"Miss French, I'm terribly sorry to bother you," He began with an air of sarcasm. "But I'm afraid your rent is overdue."

Belle drew in a deep breath. This man intimidated her...yet attracted her. She shook her head, trying to focus on the task at hand, and not at how he smelled like pine and vanilla.

"I'm so sorry Mr. Gold. I had so many other expenses these past few months. I know you have the no-tolerance policy, but please give me another chance. I'll pay you as soon as I can."

"What's in it for me?" He asked.

Belle wrinkled her brow, not sure she had heard him correctly. "What was that?"

"What will you give me so I forgive your debt?"

"I-I don't understand what you mean. I told you I'll pay you as soon as I get the money."

"I mean besides money, dearie. What do I get as compensation for a late payment?" He paused and leaned on his cane, waiting for her to speak. When she didn't , he spoke. "Since you have no ideas, I'll give you one. I want a kiss."

Belle was too shocked for words. When she gathered her wits all she could manage to say was, "Wh-What was that?"

He leaned very close to her and said in a near whisper, "A kiss dearie. One little kiss and I'll forgive your failure to pay rent. Do you agree to the terms?"

Belle managed a nervous smile. Kissing him wasn't going to be torture, that was for sure she thought as she surveyed him. He was quite handsome, and she'd had a bit of a crush for a while.

"Alright." She agreed, and before she realized that he was claiming his prize now, he leaned towards her and pressed his lips to hers. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the kiss. It was better than she had imagined. It was gentle, soft, sweet, and over much too soon.

"See, kissing the old ogre wasn't too terrible, now was it?" He asked softly, making his accent even more prominent.

"It wasn't terrible." Belle said with a shy smile. "It was actually...enjoyable."

Gold rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't suppose we could settle all disputes like this from now on?"

Belle smiled. "Well, I suppose that's your choice landlord."

Little did she know, in the next coming months he would become much more than a landlord.