Once Upon a Contract (Once Upon #2)

Chapter Eleven

Daphne

T he past few weeks have been nothing short of magical with Ezra. Even though our schedules conflict, we've been able to figure out ways to see each other pretty regularly.

He's still in the habit of spoiling me on the days I don't see him, so I'm not surprised when Meadow peeps her head in my cubby to let me know lunch has arrived. I'm starving, but I still have about twenty minutes left on the intricate watercolor floral piece I've been working on for a few sessions with my client. I'm just getting ready to put the protective film on it when Wren walks in.

"Damn, Daph, you killed that piece. It's stunning."

"Right? Every time I come see Daphne, she blows me away with how she takes my idea and creates a masterpiece."

I smile politely as I start covering her tattoo. Compliments have always made me uncomfortable. I love my parents, but my dad was always so wrapped up in his world that we never spent a ton of time together. That left me under the watchful eye of my mother, who is a firm believer that everything could be improved, especially her daughter.

I finish up with my client and clean up my station before heading back to the break room.

"Daph, I don't care what you have to do to make this thing with Ezra permanent, but please do. I've never eaten this well in my life." Meadow dramatically spreads her hands out to showcase all of the food sitting on the table. "It all looks homemade and tastes like it too."

"Damn, this is a pretty impressive spread." Wren grabs a plate and starts dishing out food.

I decide on some pulled pork, mac n cheese, and some capris salad.

"There's dessert in the microwave. It's cinnamon rolls, and they are still warm. They look divine," Meadow raves.

My fork is halfway to my mouth when I pause. I've been dreaming about cinnamon rolls since the gala, so I know exactly who made this food.

"Meadow, who dropped this off?"

"Ezra's parents."

"His parents?" The shock that my suspicions were correct has me lowering my fork to my plate.

"Yes. Well, that's how they introduced themselves, at least. I asked if they'd like me to get you, but his mom didn't want to bother you. She said she was just doing a favor for Ezra since they had to come to Sparrow Falls today anyway." Meadow shrugs, diving back into her food.

"Wow, that's so sweet of them. I need to ask Ezra for their number so I can properly thank them."

"Oh, you should definitely do that. Then ask his mom for all the dirt on him while you're at it." Wren rubs her hands together like the evil genius we all know she is.

"Um, I think I'll pass on that. I just want to let her know how much we all appreciate this meal. Especially since Meadow is the only one who really, and she tends to stick to the healthier side of food."

"Eh, you eat what you know, and I know veggies. Although, I've been having some really random cravings lately." Meadow mutters as she dips her sausage link in her ranch dressing, taking a huge bite and sighing.

Wren and I look at each other with disgust before diving back into our food.

While we eat, we chat and get caught up on what each has going on in our lives. Meadow has been busy with River going back to school and trying to figure out their new schedule. It's only been a week, but River has a ton of extracurricular activities. She's also stupidly smart. Meadow has a meeting with the new guidance counselor about getting River into college-level classes which they're both very excited for.

Wren and Brooks are still in their happy little love bubble as Brooks transitions from being a professor to running the bookstore full-time. I know Wren has loved having him here and knowing that he won't have to leave to teach this fall.

I don't have any clients for the rest of the day, so I tell the girls to leave the food. I make sure I get everything cleaned up and packed away so we can eat the leftovers later, leaving out a cinnamon roll to take up to my apartment for a snack later since they're so good. Sitting back at the table, I pull my phone out to text Ezra.

Daphne: Thank you for having your mom bring us lunch today. If you wouldn't mind, can you please send me her number so I can thank her? She went above and beyond, and the food was delicious.

Ezra: Contact Card : Mom

Ezra: There you go. I'm glad you enjoyed it. What did she bring you?

Daphne: Basically, an entire picnic. We had so many leftovers that we'll be able to eat them all week. The girls were just as happy and full as I was when we were all done eating.

Ezra: Good. That will make her day. I swear one of my mom's love languages is feeding people.

Ezra: What time are you done today?

Daphne: I'm done now. Well, I guess I'm still going to be around for walk-ins, but I don't have any more clients scheduled for the day.

Ezra: Hmm, think you could come over around six tonight? We can have dinner, maybe swim, and then you could stay.

Daphne: As long as Meadow and Wren don't mind that I head out, I don't see why not.

Ezra: Perfect. Let me know either way.

Daphne: Will do.

I send a quick message to Ezra's mom thanking her for the food. I smile when she sends a message letting me know it was her pleasure. Glancing at the time on my phone, I sigh as I close it, trying to not be disappointed that I still have several hours before I can see Ezra again.

Heading towards the front, I find Meadow and Wren in Wren's station, looking over a sketch.

"Hey, what do your schedules look like today?"

"I'm booked for the night," Meadow says.

"I have a few smaller pieces later today but should be done around seven. What about you?" Wren turns in her stool to look at me.

"I don't have anything scheduled. I figured I'd go upstairs and paint for a bit, but if there's a walk-in, I can cover them. Would either of you mind if I called it a day around five?"

"Ooh, do you have plans with your boyfriend?"

My face flushes at Wren's teasing.

"You know he's not my boyfriend. We have a deal."

"Hell yeah, you do. A deal where he rocks your world while also being the best damn boyfriend," Meadow exclaims, hands clasped under her chin as she blinks her big doe eyes at me.

My cheeks heat even further. "He's just really good at fulfilling his end of our arrangement. I actually need to check in with him to see if there's anything else on his schedule he needs me to accompany him to."

"Babe, I love you, but when are you going to stop minimizing what's going on with you two? I get having an arrangement, but nothing between the two of you seems fake to me. The man adores you and has doted on you since the moment he came back into your life." Wren squeezes my arm to give me comfort as my head spins with all the possibilities I don't like to hope for.

"I think that's just Ezra. He's a genuinely good guy, and I can't imagine he ever does anything half-assed. Besides, why would he want me long-term? I don't really bring anything to the table as far as he's concerned. We live in two different worlds."

"Daphne, you know how much I hate it when you talk down on yourself." Meadow is giving me her "mom look", and I can't help but shrink away while desperately waiting to hear what she has to say. "You're an amazing person and one of my all-time favorite people on this planet. Not only are you stunning on the outside, but you have the most beautiful soul, especially considering the woman who raised you. Any man would be lucky to have you as their partner, but especially Ezra.

"You know what being in Ezra's world entails. Even though you don't necessarily enjoy it, I've seen you schmooze and thrive in those settings. That being said, you also live in a reality that the rest of the upper elite will never understand. You don't live off your trust, like all those other brats, but work hard for your living just like me and Wren.

"You've also made a foundation that is so damn important. Without programs like yours, people like me would never get the opportunities you are affording these kids. Ezra gets what you're trying to do because he's doing the same thing with his foundation.

"You two keep each other grounded while also building the other up. It's beautiful how much you two respect each other, based on just the handful of interactions I've been able to see.

"So, please, quit selling yourself short and be open to the idea of more with him. I'm sure it's fucking terrifying as hell, but it could be so, so worth it if you don't hold back and just see where things go."

I have tears in my eyes by the time Meadow is done. It's so strange having someone fight for me the way these two women do, and I need the reminder every now and then. Yes, it's absolutely terrifying to think about having more with Ezra, only for him to not feel the same way. But I know that even if he breaks my heart, I will have the support and love of my best friends to help me get through it.

"I don't know if I'm ready to talk about more with Ezra, but I do hear you and am willing to have an open mind about what we could be. I don't know if he wants a steady relationship or how he sees his future, but I'm also going to try and not hold back. Honestly, he makes it hard to be guarded even when I want to be."

"That's how you know it's a good thing," Wren chimes in, knowing better than anyone after everything she went through with Brooks.

"Okay. I love you both, but I need a reset. Do you mind if I go up and paint for a bit? If there are any walk-ins, just call me and I'll be right down."

"Sounds good." Meadow wraps me in one of her amazing hugs that used to take me off guard but I now treasure as the blessing they are.

Once I'm in the studio Brooks had made for Wren—but also made very clear was for me to use as well—I turn on some music and snag a clear canvas. Before I get too lost in my art, I set an alarm on my phone and my watch so that I'm not late to meet Ezra. The rest of the afternoon is filled with paint, music, and swirling thoughts that I get out through my brush and canvas.

I'm startled when my watch vibrates, and my phone alarm goes off. Setting my brush down, I take a step back to look at the canvas. When I paint, I almost fall into a trance as I bleed all of my feelings out. I'm a little shocked when I take a closer look at what I painted.

The painting is of Ezra and me embracing. We're sitting on the floor, chest to chest, with my legs thrown over his. My hair is messy on top of my head, chin tipped back, and eyes closed as Ezra kisses down my neck. His tattooed arms surround me, one covering my back, the other under the sheet that's wrapped around our waists, gripping my thigh. The colors are moody and the lines undefined, giving the entire piece a very sensual feeling. His dark, tattoo-covered skin makes mine look smooth and creamy against his. Hints of my ink tease the canvas, but it's almost as if Ezra is hiding it for his eyes only the way he's draped around me. There's heat in the painting, but there's also trust, openness, and bone-deep desire.

A startled scream leaves my lips when a hand glides down my arm.

"Shh, it's just me, love."

Am I so lost in my own head that I'm fantasizing Ezra here with me?

Whipping around, I melt into Ezra's embrace as his arms slide around my waist and tug me to his chest. I'm struggling to believe he's here in my painting post-high but realize he's real when he places the most gentle kiss on my lips.

"W-when did you get here?" I stammer as Ezra threads his fingers in my hair and tilts my head back, kissing me like he is doing in my painting.

"I've been here for about half an hour. I got done with work early and couldn't wait to see you. Wren told me you were up here and let me in. She warned me that you get lost in your art. It was sexy as fuck watching you bring us to life." Ezra's hands have made fast work of my overalls and are slowly sliding my shirt up. "Is that how you see us?"

I'm struggling to come up with words. I don't show many people my art, let alone something as intimate as this piece. Ezra seeing how I feel spilled out on canvas is unnerving.

"Answer Daddy. Is this how you see us?"

"Y-yes, Daddy."

"Good girl. Feel what you do to me." Ezra pushes his hard cock into my wet lace-covered panties, making me whimper.

My shirt lands on the floor and Ezra makes quick work of my bra.

"You've been so good lately. I think you deserve a reward. How would you like Daddy to please you?"

At first, it was hard asking for what I wanted with Ezra, but over the past few weeks, his reassurance that he finds it sexy when I tell him what I need has boosted my confidence beyond what I could have ever imagined.

"I need to come, Daddy."

"I figured as much." Ezra's hands slide my underwear down my legs as he bites and kisses my bare skin. "But how would you like me to make you come? Do you want my fingers filling this sweet pussy?" Ezra pumps three fingers into me, making me quiver. "Or would you rather have my mouth make you squirt all over my face?" He leans in as his tongue swirls around my clit, his fingers still fucking me. "Or how about my cock? I love it when you're a good girl and cream all over Daddy's dick, milking every drop from me."

Unable to stand still anymore, I whimper as I fuck myself on his fingers. I yelp when a swift smack lands on my ass, then moan when my pussy floods with even more wetness. I know spankings are supposed to be punishment, but they feel so good coming from Ezra.

"Oh, I see you want to be naughty instead. Maybe I should just stop…"

"Please don't stop, Daddy. I need you. Please make me come with your mouth."

"You're wish is my command." Ezra grins devilishly at me before pulling his hand from my aching center. I start to protest but stop when he rips his shirt off then dives back in. "Can't have you soaking my shirt unless you don't mind Wren and Meadow seeing what a mess you make of me when I get my mouth on you."

My face flushes at his words as I imagine trying to explain to my friends later why Ezra is shirtless. I don't dwell on it long as I'm quickly distracted by Ezra's talented mouth and fingers.

My orgasm slams into me as I squirt all over his face. I don't know how he does it, but every time Ezra goes down on me, he makes me squirt. It's a completely different feeling than a normal orgasm, but just as earth-shattering.

Ezra kisses his way up my body until he's back on his feet. His lips slam on mine as his tongue pushes into my mouth. I can taste myself on him as he ravishes me. I don't realize he's moving until my back hits the cool wall.

"Wrap your legs around me." Ezra lifts me into the air.

I've just locked my legs around his waist when he slams into me. He takes me hard and fast, pulling another orgasm from me.

Still not done, he walks away from the wall, buried deep inside me, before he lays me down on the table. He brings my legs to his chest, my feet by his shoulders, then lifts my ass and slams into me. He's hitting me so deep that it's not long before I feel another orgasm building.

"Oh my… Daddy!" I yell as I shatter around him.

"Good. Fucking. Girl." Ezra says each word on a thrust of his hips before a roar rips from his lips as he spills inside of me. He collapses on top of me to catch his breath.

I run my fingers through his hair as I gently kiss his neck, licking his sweat up while I wait for him to come down.

"Fuck me, Daphne. I don't know how each time just keeps getting better, but I'm never going to complain about how good fucking you is."

I giggle at his blissed-out expression, feeling exactly the same.

"Right back at ya, Daddy."

The nickname makes him twitch inside me. He groans as he slowly pulls out.

"You might be the death of me, love, but what a good way to go."

I smile sweetly at him and lean in for a tender kiss.

Ezra stands, tucking himself back into his jeans, then looks around the room for my clothes. I'm still lying on the table when he walks back over and starts dressing me.

"Do you want to head upstairs and shower before we go to my place? Actually, don't shower. I want you to feel me leaking out of you for the rest of the night."

My jaw drops in disbelief at how dirty this man can be, which makes him laugh.

"Come on. Let's go get your stuff then head over to my place."

"Um, just give me a minute to clean up here. I need to wipe down the table…" I don't want to think about Wren and Brooks using this table after what Ezra just did to me on it. I make quick work of cleaning up the studio before heading upstairs to get stuff to stay at Ezra's tonight.

It's a quick drive to his place and I can't wait to get in the pool.

We're just heading out to go swim when Ezra's phone rings.

He answers it, but before he can even say hello, I crying kid comes blaring over his speaker.

"Um, Celeste. Is everything okay?"

"Talon, where the hell did you put my phone?" We can hear Celeste muffled in the background as Ezra's four-year-old nephew giggles.

"Talon, buddy, can you take the phone to your mom?" Ezra pleads while Talon giggles.

The baby cries, and Celeste grumbles.

"Hey, would you mind if I invite Celeste and the kids over? Probably my parents too?" Ezra is covering the speaker so nobody can hear him. "If you don't want them here, it's no big deal."

As nervous as I am, it sounds like Celeste could use some help.

"Not at all. It will be fun."

"You're the best." Ezra leans in and kisses me before turning his attention back to his phone, which now sounds like not only is there a baby crying but also at least one other kid.

"For fuck's sake, Talon, where is my phone?" Celeste yells, and then there's some rustling. "Gotcha. Oh, shit. Well, hello, big brother. Welcome to the circus that is my life."

"Is everything okay, Cel?"

"Does it sound like it's okay?" she snaps. "Sorry, that wasn't fair. It's been a rough day. Talon's been acting out, but I think it's because Layla is teething and super needy, and Calla is potty training and also demanding my time."

"It sounds like you could use a change of pace. Why don't you bring the rugrats over and come swimming? I'll let Mom and Dad know you're coming. Daphne's already here and we haven't eaten yet, so I'll order something for dinner."

"You're the best brother." Celeste's voice wobbles as the words leave her mouth letting me know I made the right decision to agree to an impromptu pool party with Ezra's family. Sounding more sure, she adds, "Are you really going to let our ragtag group finally meet your girl?"

"Seems like it."

"Yay! Okay, I'll see you in fifteen minutes. Twenty tops." Celeste doesn't even say bye, just hangs up the phone.

"You sure you're up for this, love?"

Taking a minute to really consider if I'm ready to meet his family, I wrap my arms around him as I smile. "Yes. I can't wait."