Once Upon a Contract (Once Upon #2)

Chapter Four

Daphne

" I fucking knew something happened between you and Ezra when he came to get tattooed, but I didn't want to push you. But after all of that"—Wren waves her hand at me and then towards the door—"you've gotta spill. What's going on with you two?"

"Nothing," I blurt out, but I know Wren's not going to take that for an answer.

"Wench, you're going on a date with the man. D-A-T-E, date. I could count the number of dates you've gone on in all the years I've known you on one hand. And don't even try to act like nobody's asked because I've witnessed it with my own eyes."

"Yes, but this isn't a real date. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement."

"Mm-hmm—" Wren glares me down and crosses her arms, one foot tapping while she waits for more information.

"I'm serious. My mom called at the end of his appointment, to hound me about that fundraiser. He weaseled out of me that I didn't want to go because she was trying to set me up, so he suggested we go together. He was already planning on attending and said I could help keep the vultures away from him. He's obviously handsome, single, and rich, and the women at these events are ruthless. So, we're going together to help each other out."

"Eh, it makes sense, but I don't think that's all that's going on here. Ezra might be the only person, other than you, that is just as guarded when it comes to dating people. I've known him longer than you and am pretty close with him and Celeste, his sister. He dates about as much as you, so why would he be so willing to jump in as your knight in shining armor?"

"I don't know, Wren. Maybe out of pity?" Wren scoffs, but I barrel on before she can go on another rant. "I've met Ezra before. It was seven years ago at a gala just like the one we're going to attend together. We bonded while trying to hide at the event—him from every single woman, and me from my mother. He ended up swapping out his seat so that he was at our table and was basically a buffer between me and my parents all night. I think he remembers what it is like for me at one of these things, so he's swooping in to save me as my knight or however you put it."

"Maybe. It would track that he would step in to help you. He's a great guy and has never handled dealing with the upper elite well. But I still think there's more going on. The way he looked at you when you first stepped into the break room made me hot, which I didn't think was possible unless your name starts with a B and ends with 'rooks'." Wren wiggles her brows up and down, trying to break some of the tension pouring off of me.

"Just hear me out, okay? I think you shouldn't completely write Ezra off and what all you could be just yet. He's a great guy who drove out here to buy you books just because he can. I swear if I weren't in the room with you, his greeting would have been a hell of a lot different."

Flushing at what she's insinuating, I desperately want to believe Wren, but I also can't afford to get my hopes up like that. I need to keep my head about me, because the moment I start leading with my heart is the moment I'm setting it up to break, and I don't know if I'll survive Ezra being the one breaking me.

Sensing my spiral, Wren picks up the top book from the bag and makes an appreciative noise.

"Hey, didn't you have this book on your wish list?" She holds up a book by Jacob Chance.

"Yep. That's the one you told me I had to read. What else is in there?"

Together, Wren and I go through the packed bag of books. With every one we pull out, my heart rate kicks up a beat. Each book Ezra bought me is from my wish list. There has to be a couple of hundred dollars of books in this bag. I can't believe Ezra did this.

"I was teasing Ezra about you being a lucky girl, but now I can confirm that you are, in fact, lucky. There's a ton of awesome books here."

"They're all from my wish list."

"Seriously?"

"Yes. I don't know how he knew what's on my list. How do I say thank you for something so thoughtful? Nobody has ever done anything like that for me."

"I mean, you already did. He did want to know which book you are going to read first, so why not take a picture with it and send it to him, then follow it up by thanking him."

"Okay…" I hate taking my picture, let alone sending it to Ezra, but it's a good idea. Grabbing one of the books from the pile, I pass Wren my phone and hold the book up in front of me.

"Smile," she sing-songs as she takes several pictures before trying to hand the phone back to me.

"You know how much I hate my own picture. Pick one you like and send it to him, please? If you leave it up to me, I'll chicken out."

"You got it, babe. Sent."

"Thanks, Wren."

"What are you up to tonight? Do you have any plans?" Wren helps me put all of my books back in my bag.

"No plans. We have the night off since the shop is closed and book club is every other week, so probably take-out and painting or reading since I have a ton of new books."

"Would you be open to a girls' night out?"

Wren's nervousness takes me aback at first, but I'm so happy she's asking. She's had a really hard time these past few weeks, but she's been putting in a lot of work and doing better than ever. To see her hesitate hurts my heart a little bit, but I know that after some time, my fierce friend will be back to her badass self.

"I would love that. Let's go check with Meadow and River."

I leave my books on the table then follow Wren out to the front of the shop. Meadow is at the front counter asking River questions about whatever gadget she's working on. Meadow giggles as River's exasperation with her mom bleeds into her voice. The fact that these two are so opposite but so close always amazes me and spurs a sense of longing to have that kind of relationship with my own mother.

I hang back a little bit as Wren joins the girls. I've never had friends like Wren and Meadow. All of the girls in my high school class before I got shipped off to the boarding school made fun of me. I was always tall for my age, even towering over most of the boys. Add in my glasses and klutzy nature, and I was a walking target for every mean girl around. It didn't help that my parents acted better than everyone else. I wasn't ever allowed to have people over or go to their parties.

Unfortunately for me, the boarding school was even worse. The girls were meaner and just as wealthy, if not more, so my parents' money held no bearings there.

The boarding school was girls only, but we shared a campus with their partner school, which was the boys' school. A lot of the girls would sneak out to see the boys, or go off campus to let loose, but I never did.

There was one boy who showed interest, and I thought it was too good to be true. I found out that it was when I overheard the most popular girl talking about how the boy had bet his friends that he could go all the way with me and get a compromising picture. Everyone knew my father was in politics, so something like that would be a huge scandal that I couldn't deal with. I quit talking to him and kept every other boy at arm's length after that.

College was at least a little better. I made a few friends who were like-minded, had influential parents, and loved art. We didn't really party much because none of us wanted the wrath of our parents if we were to get in trouble. There were a few guys in college and a handful of awkward dates, but nothing ever panned out. It got even worse after I met Ezra and compared every guy who asked me out to him. They all epically failed in comparison.

That's how I ended up being a twenty-six-year-old virgin. I couldn't trust anyone to give that much of myself to them, and the ones I did consider, the attraction wasn't there. A couple of years ago, I went out on several dates from hookup apps with the intent to lose my virginity, but I just couldn't follow through. I don't think I'm a hookup kind of girl, so my virginity is still intact.

"Come on, Daphne. I need your help. These two are speaking an unknown language." Meadow pulls me into their conversation.

This is exactly why I love these ladies. Even though they know I prefer to be on the periphery, they're always pulling me into the middle. I'm so thankful to have met them and to be living my dream of finally feeling like I've found my place in this world.

"What do you mean, Mom? We're speaking perfect English. It's not our fault you know nothing about this." River gestures towards the mess of electronics on the counter.

"Eh, sorry, Riv, but I'm with your mom. Your knowledge amazes me every day, but when you start talking about all of this, explaining this stuff to me,"—I wave my hand to the front counter—"I'm lost in about five seconds."

"At least Wren can keep up with me a little."

"Damn straight. So, Daphne and I were talking, and we wanted to know if you ladies would like to have a girls' night out tonight?"

"Oh, yes. It's been ages since we went out. Do you want to come, River, or would you like me to run you home?"

"No offense to you all because you know I love you, but I think I'd rather go home. You don't need to drive me. I can walk."

"Are you sure, honey? I don't mind driving you."

"It's not that far, Mom."

"Alright. What time did you all want to leave?" Meadow turns towards Wren and me.

"I'm ready whenever. The shop is technically open for another half an hour, but we don't have anyone coming in and wouldn't have time for anything. I'll start shutting everything down." Wren moves to the front door and flips the open sign to closed.

"I'm going to run up to my apartment to grab my purse, and I'll meet you back down here."

Fifteen minutes later Meadow, Wren, and I are walking down the street towards The Tavern to get some drinks and dinner.

It's a gorgeous day. Maverick has the huge front windows open, so it feels like you're eating outside without actually being outside. We're early so the place isn't very busy. We get a table and our drinks quickly and settle in to have a great night together.

"So, did you decide which book you're going to read first?" Wren takes a sip of her beer.

"What book?" Meadow turns in my direction.

"Oh, that's right. You missed Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome bringing Daphne a couple of hundred dollars in books earlier."

"Um, who is bringing our girlie books, and how did I not know there was someone in the picture, Daph?" Meadow pouts at me.

"Wren is building this up into something it's not. Ezra, the guy I tattooed the other week for Wren, brought me some books today. I actually met him several years ago. We caught up with each other during his session. When my mother wouldn't stop calling, he asked why I wasn't answering. I told him about her trying to set me up on an ambush date for the fundraiser she wants me to go to. Ezra has to attend the same one, so he offered to be my date to thwart my mother's attempt at match making. He said having me on his arm would help keep the 'vultures' away. So, it's simply a mutually beneficial arrangement between two people who are friendly and kind enough to help the other out."

Meadow stares back at me, unblinking, as she takes in everything I told her. She tilts her head to the side as she tries to puzzle out something in her head while I wait anxiously to see what she says.

"I get the whole date thing, but I'm trying to figure out his motive to bring you a bag-full of books."

"She didn't even tell you the best part. The books he bought her were all on her wish list. And when I say a bagful, I mean a bagful. There were at least fifteen books in the bag."

"Ooh, that makes me think there's more going on here then you're telling me." Meadow gives me her best mom glare, making me squirm in my chair.

"You should've seen the way he looked at her when she walked into the breakroom. I swear if I hadn't been standing there, Ezra would've been devouring our girl."

My face flushes, and I can't tell if it's from embarrassment at being the center of attention or if it's from my longing that Ezra devoured me. The chaste kiss he placed on the corner of my mouth shocked the hell out of me. It took everything in me not to reach up while standing there and touch my lips to where his were.

"Um, yeah. This definitely seems like something more than a date of convenience. The man came to see you unannounced and brought you books—"

"He also agreed to a double date with Brooks and me on their behalf," Wren interjects.

"He was just being nice. It's not like that with Ezra and me. Besides, he's way out of my league."'

"How do you figure?" Wren's brows furrow, and she crosses her arms.

"He just is. Ezra is a very successful business owner and CEO, with his own foundation that's doing some really great things. He's eight years older than me and hot as hell and could have any woman he wants. Why would he pick a shy, awkward artist who rarely does her makeup and is always covered in paint?

"Besides, a relationship is the last thing I need right now. I'm still trying to get settled here in Sparrow Falls. I don't have enough time to work and run the foundation, let alone date someone. Maybe in a few years, once the foundation is a little more stable and I can get my parents off my back, but right now, that's the last thing I want. I need to bank as much funding and support as I can in case I don't get my trust fund."

"Don't you have to be married by thirty to inherit your trust fund? I know you're banking on that for your foundation and to get out from under your parent's grip. It seems like finding a man should also be on your list as a priority," Wren points out, which makes me deflate in my seat even more.

"That honestly seems impossible. I can't even find someone to date. How am I going to get them to marry me?"

"Um, you do remember what one of my favorite tropes is, right?" Meadow is all but bouncing in her seat.

"Sorry, Meadow, but no. Whatever you're reading is your favorite trope." I tease because it's honestly the truth.

"Oh, I suppose you're right. What I was going to say is a fake relationship. What if you and Ezra fake date? You can get your parents off your back for a little bit and make connections for your foundation. If he already has one, I'm sure he's got a plethora of people donating to his, who might be interested in donating to yours, too."

"Okay, but what benefit would he get out of fake dating me? I don't have a whole lot to offer."

"Oh, fuck off with that bullshit," Wren fumes. "You're a damn catch, Daphne. Any guy would be luck to date you, fake or real. Ezra takes a lot of heat from his board for being single. They've been pushing him to settle down for a while now. If he was seriously dating someone, it might put them at ease. Besides, the man already wants you, whether you're willing to see it for yourself or not. I have no doubt in my mind that if you suggest it, he'll jump at the opportunity."

"Maybe, but how would I even approach that conversation. You know how shy and awkward I can be, Wren. Add in the hottest man I've ever seen in my life, and there's no way I will be able to ask him to do this for me."

"Hmm, that is a little tricky. Let me think on it a bit." Wren takes another pull of her beer as we all fall silent.

I'm sure the girls are plotting away how to make this work while I'm silently freaking out. In theory, fake dating Ezra could be a good solution to my problem, but there's no way I would be able to protect my heart from him. He's already been more thoughtful than most men I've had any sort of relationship with before. How the hell would I guard my heart from him.

"Can we table this discussion for now? It's starting to make me really anxious, and I'd rather spend the night having fun with my best friends."

"Of course, babe." Meadow reaches over to squeeze my arm. Wren nods in agreement.

"So, what books did he get you? Anything good?" Meadow asks sweetly.

"Oh yeah. There are so many good ones. He picked some from my favorite authors." I smile at Meadow. Turning towards Wren, I add. "Make sure you remind me to thank Brooks for stocking so many special editions. I can't wait to organize all of them on my shelves."

Wren smiles as we talk about the books and which ones we should post on IG for our next book club. Our food arrives as the laughs and good-natured teasing continue throughout the night.

I still have no idea what to do about Ezra, but my heart feels full as I spend the night with my best friends, enjoying their company.

The three of us drink way more than we should, but we have an absolute blast.

Brooks comes to collect us and escorts us home. Daphne and I are lying on my floor talking and laughing, while she waits for Brooks to get back from dropping Meadow off at home.

"Oh, I have a great idea. Let's text Ezra."

"Um, sorry, Wren, but that sounds like an awful idea. What would I even say?"

"How about 'I think you're hot and want to make this date a consistent thing with set rules, mutually beneficial orgasms, and hell, a signed contract while we're at it, so there's no harm done to either of us.'"

"Do you know how insane that sounds?" I sit up so I can look at Wren. The room is spinning a bit, making it a difficult task. She groans as she rolls to her side and sits up with her back leaning against the couch.

"I'm serious."

"I know you are. I'm okay with everything but the orgasms. That seems a bit much."

"Eh, if you're tying yourself to the man for the foreseeable future, you should get orgasms out of it. Come on, hand me your phone."

I hesitate but end up giving Wren my phone. There's nothing like a little liquid courage and an outgoing best friend to push you out of your comfort zone.

Wren is diligently typing away, making me laugh as she closes one eye to see better. When she's done, she hands me my phone back for me to see what she typed before sending the message.

My eyes go wide. Is she serious? I'm about to ask if she's insane when the door opens, startling me. I bobble my phone and watch it fall to the floor. When I pick it up, the alcohol in my system that was giving me courage a minute ago is about to come back up as anxiety rips through me when I see the message has sent.

"Holy shit," I mutter as I bury my face in my hands.

"What's wrong?"

"I hit send!" The panic is rising making my nausea ten times worse.

"Shit, Daph. That message was a complete joke. That's why I didn't actually send it. I'm sorry. Maybe just text him back and tell him we've been drinking and I stole your phone, which is partially true."

"Don't you think that will look dumb?"

"Eh, better than thinking you're a sex-craved lunatic."

I whimper as I try to write a coherent message to undo the last. Once I hit send, I tuck the phone under my leg.

"I think you've had enough excitement for the night. We're going to head back to my apartment. Why don't you put your phone on silent and get some sleep. I swear I'll help you handle damage control tomorrow, but I don't think it will be too bad. Ezra is cool and has a little sister. He knows how girls can be."

Brooks comes around the couch and reaches his hand out to Wren before pulling her to her feet. Once she's steady, he does the same for me. I hug Wren goodbye and almost cry when Brooks hands me a glass of water and some Tylenol. I'm not used to people taking care of me, so his gesture about does me in after a highly emotional day.

I drink the water and take the meds then lock the door and head to my room. I plug my phone in and leave it face down on my night stand. The messages have been sent and there's nothing else I can do. Dealing with the fallout will be a tomorrow problem.