Once Upon a Contract (Once Upon #2)

Chapter Six

Daphne

" W hat the hell just happened?" I mutter to myself as I lock the door behind Ezra. I wander back over to the couch and flop down, my legs still a little shaky under me.

I don't know how things progressed so quickly and can't even remember what we talked about. I know we agreed to fake date, but it almost seemed like it's not going to be all that fake for Ezra. All I know is that I was struggling to come to terms with discussing sex with Ezra, and then his head was buried between my legs, and I was coming harder than I ever have in my life.

I've given myself orgasms before, but nothing compares to the two Ezra gave me. A part of me wishes I hadn't been such a prude in the past so I had something to compare the mind-blowing orgasms to, but another part of me is insanely satisfied that the first man-given orgasm came from the guy who has plagued my every fantasy for seven long years.

The orgasms were so damn good that I don't even feel hungover anymore. Well, the orgasms, plus the food and the latte.

It shouldn't amaze me how kind Ezra is to me, but it does. Historically, if someone was as kind and thoughtful as Ezra's been, they've usually wanted or needed something from me. With Ezra, it's the complete opposite. He's already proven that he likes to do nice things for me because he cares, not because he needs something from me. He showed that with the books and by showing up here today with breakfast. And his actions have been extremely thoughtful to boot. Heck, the man left rock hard and wouldn't let me take care of him.

I'll admit, I was a little disappointed I didn't get to see his cock. It felt so good grinding down on it. But I'm also a little relieved. I've never seen a man's penis in person, and I'm afraid I'm going to be my typical awkward self when I do. My desire to please him is the only thing that gave me enough confidence to ask if I could take care of him in the first place.

I don't have to work today, but I do need to head to the foundation's headquarters to do some work there. I feel guilty for admitting it, but I'm glad I have a little time to process what happened between Ezra and me before I have to face Wren and Meadow. The two together are relentless when they want to know something. I'm honestly amazed I've been able to keep the secret that I'm a virgin from them for so long.

I try to use the drive over to wrap my head around everything but finally give up when I pull into the parking lot.

The moment I step into the building, a sense of peace rushes through me. I'm so lucky to have found my purpose in not only one way but several. I love tattooing and my painting is a perfect escape, but I live for my foundation.

The morning is filled with paperwork, catching up with the director, and a quick meeting to touch base on how the foundation is running and to voice any concerns or needs.

I was so lucky in hiring Camilla to run the day-to-day portion of the foundation. She's a fierce Latina, who runs a tight ship but also knows how to enjoy the little things in life. We became fast friends even though she's old enough to be my mother. If I think about it, she's kinder and acts more like a mother than my own does most of the time. When something's plaguing me, she's the one I turn to.

"Mija, what has your head in the sky today?" Camilla startles me. I didn't know she was here with me. I was in one of the classrooms looking over the supplies but completely lost in the memory of this morning.

"I—" I don't even know where to begin to tell her what's going on. I don't even really know what the hell I agreed to this morning.

Camilla chuckles lightly, making me snap my head up to look at her.

"So, it is a man."

"Wait, what? How—"

"Mija, it's written all over your face. The furrowed brows and the frown that quickly shift to a sweet, content smile. Only a man—or a woman, if that's your preference—can do that to someone. Since I know you are attracted to men, who is the lucky one that has consumed your thoughts?"

"His name is Ezra."

"Hmm, that's a strong name. And are you dating this Ezra?"

"Um, I think so?"

My confusion makes Camilla smile at me sweetly. She grabs my hand and tugs me over to a table to sit down.

"You are not sure? You like him, sí ?"

"Yes, I like him."

"Okay, then start from the beginning, and I will try to help you figure this out."

"Um, okay. I met Ezra when I was nineteen at a gala my mom wanted me to attend. We were both hiding for our own reasons and bumped into each other. He swapped out his setting so that he would be at our table and made the night a million times better than it would have been. He was so handsome, but he is eight years older than me, and I was an awkward teenager still in college. I saw him at a couple of events over the years, but he always had a stunning woman with him, and I didn't even know if he would remember me.

"Fast forward to a few weeks ago, when Wren needed me to fill in for her. I was shocked when I looked at the schedule and realized it was Ezra. His appointment went well, and I remembered why I was so fascinated by him. At the end of the appointment, my mom kept calling me incessantly."

"Let me guess, she was calling about that fundraiser where she planned on ambushing you with a man who would not value you, yes?"

"Exactly, which is why I still hadn't confirmed my attendance. When I explained it to Ezra, he stated he was to attend the same event and proposed we could be each other's dates. He could buffer me from my mom, and I could save him from the shallow gold diggers who are always at these events. I agreed, but it's everything that's happened since that has me confused."

"Has he been ignoring you? Treating you poorly?"

"No, it's been the opposite. He bought me a ton of books off my wish list the other day. I was so shocked. It was extremely thoughtful and shows he remembered me telling him about my love of books that he went through some effort to find my list and buy books off it. Actually, I don't even know how he figured that out. I forgot to ask—" I wonder how I didn't think of that earlier. I suppose he's a tech genius, and it wouldn't be hard for him to find my Bookstagram, and in turn, my wishlist.

"That was very kind of him. But I still don't know where the confusion comes in."

"Uuugh. The next part is too embarrassing." I cover my eyes and drop my head, making Camilla huff out an exasperated breath.

" Mija , look at me."

I lift my head up and see her smiling affectionately at me. She grabs my hand and holds it in her lap as she absentmindedly swirls patterns on my palm. Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to have had a mother like Camilla.

"You know I will not judge you. You can tell me what it is."

I blow out a breath and gather my courage to tell her everything else.

"I went out with the girls last night. We had a blast and they teased me relentlessly about Ezra. Once we were back to my apartment, Wren was joking about asking Ezra to fake date me. She asked for my phone and typed up a text that was very forward, asking him to fake date and… more. I had no intention of sending it, but being my klutzy self, I dropped the phone and sent the message." My face flushes with embarrassment as I try to avoid making eye contact with Camilla.

"And you would like more with this man? Like a sexual relationship?"

"I mean, he's kind of been the guy I've compared every other man to since I've met him, so I'd love more with him. I just never thought he'd want me."

"I take it he does want you? Did he agree to your fake dating?"

"He did agree. In fact, he showed up at my apartment this morning with breakfast and my favorite drink to combat any hangover I might have before he wanted to talk about the text I accidentally sent him."

"And the conversation is what has you confused?"

"Yes and no. Ezra is intense . Being with him shortwires my brain. Ezra agreed to fake dating, but it almost seemed like it wouldn't be so fake for him. Then he kissed me and… and everything is a little fuzzy after that."

"Would it be so bad if you dated him for real?"

"I-I don't know. I find it hard to believe he is even entertaining taking me to the event, let alone dating me. He is so out of my league. The fake dating arrangement benefits me way more than it would benefit him. I just don't see how it will work. I don't think I would be good in a relationship. I just don't know if they are for me."

"Daphne Barkley, you knock it off right now. Anyone would be lucky to be with you. You are beautiful, smart, driven, and a wonderful person. From everything you've told me, it sounds like this Ezra can see just how special you are."

Tears well in my eyes at Camilla's heartfelt words. My mom has never been cruel, but she has also never been one to compliment me in any way. She is critical and cold, which is probably why I always feel so damn undeserving and wary of people's intentions with me.

"Maybe just try to keep an open mind, sí ? Maybe it doesn't work out, but it could be muy bonito if you give it a chance. You deserve everything beautiful, Daphne. Don't guard your heart out of fear."

I feel tears fill my eyes as I take to heart what Camilla is saying. I just don't see how Ezra and I would ever work together.

"Enough of this mushy stuff. Are you staying long enough that you can teach a class?"

"Hmm, I could probably do that. What classes are here today?"

"We have the full session for the kids who couldn't make it to summer camp, so you can have your pick."

"Do you think Stella would mind if I take the advanced painting class? I could use some time with a brush and canvas."

"You know she won't mind. She'll probably join you. I think she's in her room now if you want to go check."

"Thanks, I will."

Camilla and I stand, and push in our stools. Before I can leave the room, Camilla pulls me into her arms. I have to bend to fit into her embrace comfortably, but I do it without hesitation. The comfort from her embrace floods through me as I sink into the hug more. She might be tiny compared to me, but she gives the best hugs.

"Have fun in your class. Call me soon, so we can set up a time for you to come to dinner. Santiago has been missing you and will be more than happy to make you some of his chili relleno."

"Mmm, he knows the way to my heart."

We both laugh as we make our way out of the classroom, and I fantasize about Camilla's husband's delicious cooking.

"Hey, Daph. How are you?"

"Hi, Stella. I'm hanging in there. Would you mind if I took over teaching the class today?"

"As long as you don't mind me staying around to paint, then not at all."

"You know I love having you here with me. Have you been working on anything in particular with the kids?"

"We've been working on impressionism. So, you picked the perfect day to show up."

I smile. I love the impressionist movement. It's influenced my own painting greatly.

"Perfect. Do you need help setting everything up?"

"That would be great."

Stella and I fall into comfortable silence as we set up easels, paint, brushes, and new canvases. Some of the kids are already in the middle of painting, so I let Stella get their stations ready since she knows who is working on what. As I check out the started paintings, I'm amazed by these kids' talent. A sense of contentment fills me over being able to provide this space for the kids.

It isn't long until the room is full of laughter and loud talking as the kids find their spots. A few of them stop to talk excitedly to me when they see me standing off to the side. I wait until all the stations are filled before heading to the front of the room to get the class rolling.

Soon, I'm lost to art. I have to remind myself to walk around and check on the students, but for the most part, I leave them to their own devises. The hour flies by quicker than I would have liked, but I feel rejuvenated after being here with the kids.

I help Stella clean up the room and store the paintings until the next time the kids are in. It doesn't take long. I head to Camilla's office to see if she's still in, but when I see the door is closed and the lights are off, I decide to head home.

I have just made it to my apartment when my phone starts ringing in my purse. It takes me a minute to dig it out, but I'm instantly nervous when I see Ezra's name.

Hesitantly, I answer it. "Hi, Ezra."

"Hello, love. How was your day?"

"It was pretty great. How was yours?"

"Challenging, but in a good way. What did you do today?"

"I spent the day at the foundation. I had some paperwork and a meeting, then I finished the day off by teaching an advanced painting class."

"That sounds like a great way to end your day. Did the kids enjoy their lesson?"

"I think so. I have to remind myself not to get lost in my own painting and to make my way around to the students. But that's why I like teaching the advanced class. They really don't need a lot of help from me, just a little guidance every now and then."

"I'm sure you help them more than you realize. Are you still interested in pairing up and doing something with our foundations?"

"Yes, I actually ran it by the board in the meeting today, and they loved the idea. The cross-exposure will be great for both of us, but they also feel like it's important to introduce the kids to something they might experience otherwise."

"That's fantastic. We'll have to find a day to set up a meeting with our directors to flesh everything out."

"I'm sure we can do that." The idea of having Ezra and Camilla in the same room makes me nervous, but I know it needs to happen if we are going to pull this event off.

Needing to not be the center of attention, I flip the conversation back to Ezra.

"You said your day was challenging. Were you able to fix the issue they needed your help with?"

"Not quite, but we made progress, so that's all that matters. I have to head in early tomorrow to dive back into it. I kind of wish we didn't start this app, but I know it will be worth it in the end."

"What kind of app is it?"

"It's a gaming app, but it's educational. It's got challenges and all sorts of obstacles to get through. We're hoping it goes over well, with not only the parents but the kids who will benefit from it. It was actually the brainchild of a senior in our foundation. He's heading it, and in turn, we're funding his tuition. We're treating it as an internship, but I will absolutely be asking him to work for us when he's done with school."

"Wow, Ezra. That's so wonderful. I wish I had more opportunities within the art world to do that for my kids. I preach about following your passion, but it's hard to make a living as an artist. That's why I'm really excited about collaborating with you."

"Me too, love. I think it will be really great for our kids."

"Yeah. How was the pool party with your family the other night?"

"It was wonderful. The kids love being in the water, and it's always fun when we're together. You should come next time."

"Oh, I don't want to impose." My anxiety about meeting him flares its ugly head. I don't know that it's smart to meet his family.

"You wouldn't be imposing. My family would love you. Maybe we can have a get-together after the gala."

"Maybe."

Needing a distraction, I head to the kitchen to make dinner. Cooking and I have a love-hate relationship. My parents always had a chef and maids, which left me feeling very unprepared when I started college. Thankfully, several of our house staff are wonderful and had no problem teaching me the skills my parents lacked. We had to do it in secret or else my mother would have been appalled, but I am so grateful to them.

My favorite lessons were cooking with our chef. In a way, she reminds me of Wren. She's tattooed and pierced to the nines and takes no shit from anyone, including my mother. When she first started, I never thought she would last, being so bold and outspoken, but her food was so amazing my mom couldn't let her go. They have an understanding by this point and manage a pretty professional relationship.

Callie knew my mom wouldn't be a fan of cooking lessons, so she was kind enough to come to my apartment at school and teach me. We became fast friends, and I learned so much from her.

I set a cutting board on the counter, along with some veggies and some chicken, and almost forget I'm on the phone with Ezra.

"What are you doing, love?"

I startle at his husky voice coming over the speaker.

"Sorry. I'm making dinner and Kind of got lost in the task."

"No worries. Do you like to cook?"

"I do. I was lucky to befriend our chef, who took pity on me and taught me how to cook."

"That's amazing. Mom has tried to teach me how to cook, but I'm abysmal. Celeste likes to tease me that I bought so much land so that Mom and Dad could build their house there, but also so Mom could keep my fridge stocked. I did have a chef coming in a few days a week, but once Mom's house was done and they were living so close, she asked if she could take over. Obviously, I said yes and have been spoiled by her ever since. She's also the cause of my daily trips to the gym."

"That's wonderful that you're so close to your family. You're very lucky."

"We are lucky and I'm grateful to have them in my life to keep me grounded. Do you have a dress picked out for the gala yet? I would like to match you if you are okay with that."

"I haven't picked one out yet. I have a few dresses I could wear, but I've already worn them all to events and don't want the wrath of my mother if I re-wear one."

"Hmm, would you mind me taking care of your dress? I know you can handle buying it on your own, but I would like to do this for you."

"Um, I guess that would be okay."

"Thank you, Daphne. Do you have any stores in mind, or would you like me to give you a few suggestions?"

"I wouldn't mind some suggestions. I usually just wear whatever my mother tells me, so I'm not quite sure what to look for."'

"Great. I'll send you the names, and you let me know when you're going, so I can let them know I'm taking care of everything."

"Thank you, Ezra."

"It's my pleasure, love. I need to go. I told my parents I'd come to their place for dinner tonight. Talk to you tomorrow?"

"Yes, that sounds good. Talk to you soon."

"Talk soon."

I hang up the phone and go back to cooking. Without having his handsome face to distract me, I relax at the ease that conversing with Ezra brings. I'm usually not a big talker, but he makes it so easy.

With thoughts of Ezra, the gala, and what he expects from our relationship running through my head, I finish up my dinner, head to the couch, and turn on the TV. For the moment, I'm not stressed about what is happening between us, and I'd like to keep it that way.