Once Upon a Contract (Once Upon #2)

Chapter Fifteen

Ezra

E ver since our dinner with Camilla, Santiago, and Matty, things have been pretty fucking great with Daphne. For the most part, I've noticed she's not in her head nearly as much as she used to be. She's also starting to come out of her shell a little more, letting her walls come down.

I was just as surprised as her when she told me about her dad reaching out for lunch, but I'm glad I encouraged her to go. I had the feeling after our dinner that the senator wasn't aware of how strained Daphne's relationship with her mother has become. I know he's a busy man and his job is important, but nothing excuses a person for being an absent father. I'm just glad the lunch went well, and he seems to be trying to make things better between him and his daughter.

All that being said, I've noticed Daphne has been getting more anxious the closer we get to our event. The more we talk about it, the more uncomfortable she gets, and I'm dying to know why. I want to demand her to tell me, but I know that won't go over well.

The only reason I can think of is the uncertainty of our future. I know we're supposed to be coming to an end, but there's no fucking way I'm letting this woman go.

I need to tell Daphne I want her, contract or not, but I'm not sure I could handle it if she didn't agree. I love her with everything I am, and it would kill me if she didn't feel the same way. Honestly, that's why I started calling her "love". I was surprised she let me get away with it without questioning me, but she wasn't as sure of herself or us in the beginning.

Even though I want to bring everything up with Daphne, I know we need to get through our event first. It's Thursday, and we're hosting the event on Sunday, so we only have a few days to get ready.

We had our kids sign up and write a paper on why they wanted to be picked to be in our first program. Both staff got to read the letters, not knowing which student wrote them, and then the winners were chosen. We'd love to have everyone participate, but there just isn't enough space. We're hoping it goes well and we'll be able to do more events like this in the future. If the children are chosen for this event, they will not be eligible for the next event so that every child has a chance to participate.

Camilla and Matty have gone above and beyond the idea Daphne and I originally came up with. The event was supposed to be a one-day thing but has morphed into something far greater than we had planned. It was a genius idea to invite donors to participate and see where their funding is going, while giving the kids real-life experience.

The teachers of the programs met with the businesses on Monday to figure out their needs and desired outcomes from this event. From there, the two foundations worked together to come up with the appropriate group of students to fit each project. We didn't limit the age groups, so they also made sure the younger kids were partnered with older kids to help them.

Last night, the prospective teams met with their businesses to learn what the business needed from them. After their meeting, the kids had a brainstorming session with their mentors to come up with a strategy for our all-day event on Saturday. Daphne and I were able to participate last night, and it was amazing to see how brilliant some of these kids are. We each popped into the groups to help give feedback and be a sounding board for the kids.

After they came up with their game plan, we made them work up a budget and a list of materials they would need to complete their projects. Adding the money aspect for both teams was something new that the kids haven't been exposed to yet. Matty shined as he talked them through how a business would go about funding and acquiring everything they would need to bring their ideas to fruition.

I can't wait to see what the kids come up with and how they work together. We also asked for volunteers from the participating companies, and the turnout we got was amazing. We have people from marketing, finance, sales, and even a few COOs and CEOs who are going to be around to watch the progress.

Matty and Camilla also had the parents sign permission slips to have the kids' pictures and videos taken for marketing, not only for each foundation but also so the businesses can show their involvement in our community. At first, some of the parents were hesitant about their kids being turned into a gimmick, but Matty and Camilla did an amazing job at vetting the participating companies and making sure their values lined up with our own. Both of them reassured the parents and did what it would take to make them comfortable with their children participating in this event. It has the potential to help their futures immensely if everything goes well.

We even picked up some attention from the local media. One of the businesses we partnered with has an employee whose spouse works at the local station. They loved what we're trying to do with the kids and asked if they could cover it. Daphne and I talked it over with Camilla and Matty, and we all agreed that this could be huge for both of our foundations and the kids involved.

If we are able to get new donors because of this event, that means we can help even more kids. We can upgrade and expand our facilities, and also afford to have more salaried employees stay on to work with these kids and build our programs.

I never expected this when we first agreed to this fake dating situation, but I'm so glad I got involved. Not only was I able to confirm that my gut reaction to Daphne has been correct, but I'm also giving kids an opportunity that several of them would not have without our foundations. It means the world to me, and I know Daphne is over the moon about it as well.

The more I think about how big the event has gotten, the more I wonder if Daphne is worried about dealing with all the people and the schmoozing we have to do. Maybe our arrangement ending isn't what is actually bothering her. I know all of my worries could be resolved if I just talked to her, but I don't want to add to her stress before the event.

The only thing I can do is support her and let her know that I'm here for her and believe in her. What she's built is amazing, and I can't wait to see it grow from our collaboration.

Because we worked on the event last night, Daphne needed to reschedule a few clients and is in for a long night. I hate how late she has to work when I know she's going to have busy days ahead, but there's not stopping my girl.

After I wrap things up for work, I decide to head to Sparrow Falls.

I know Daphne will be busy, but I'm sure I'll be able to kill some time until she's done for the night.

I'm just putting a few papers into my messenger bag when Matty pops his head into my office.

"Hey, what are you up to tonight?"

"I'm going to head to Sparrow Falls. Daphne has to work late, but I figured I'd grab some food and take it to her. If she doesn't mind, I might head up to her studio and get more work done. I want to be available for the event this weekend and for Daphne. I think it's starting to get to her."

"Yeah, I noticed she seemed a little strained last night, but Camilla told me to not worry about it. She said Daphne is brilliant and very knowledgeable about her foundation, but she hates being the center of attention. She knows this event is going to be huge, but she's anxious to deal with all of the 'big-wigs' as Camilla put it."

"Yeah, I think Camilla's right. Daphne hasn't really said anything to me, but she's also not the kind of person to say if she's struggling. She never really had anyone she could fall apart in front of growing up."

"Well, damn. I get that. It's hard as hell to trust or lean on someone when you haven't been able to growing up."

"Yeah, I can't even imagine."

"You care if I head to Sparrow Falls with you? If I go home or stay here, I'm just going to stress or overanalyze everything for this weekend."

"You're always welcome, man." I slap him on the shoulder and head out of my office.

"Wanna meet at The Tavern ?"

"Hell yeah. I need to try that place. Every time you and Daph talk about it, I end up fantasizing about it for days and I've never even eaten there."

Matty follows me to the pub. It's packed, but Maverick runs the place like a well-oiled machine. Matty and I have a drink within minutes of sitting down and appetizers not long after that. Maverick is behind the bar but looks pretty busy, so I just nod my head to not interrupt him.

"Holy shit. This place definitely lives up to the hype. We're going to have to make this a weekly dinner spot."

"I'm sure we can arrange that."

"So, how are things with Daphne? Have you told her that you're in love with her yet?"

I about choke on my beer thanks to my friend's bluntness.

"No, I haven't told her yet. I know I need to, but I don't know if she wants more than what we're doing now. She's almost ten years younger than me and still getting established. I'd marry her tomorrow and start having babies, but I think if I told her that, I'd send her running for the hills.

"I think her parents loved each other at some point, but I don't know if they're in love now. They seem more like business partners than a love connection. They're nothing like my mom and dad."

"I don't know a whole lot of people who are like your mom and dad. They're one of a kind. I'll never be able to thank them for how much they've done for me and my sisters over the years."

"They'd do it all over again if you needed them to."

"I know. So, what are you going to do about Daphne?"

"I'm going to tell her I love her, but we need to get through this weekend. I can't add more stress to her shoulders right now, or she really might run from me.

"What about you? I haven't seen you going out much lately. What's going on with that."

"Eh, I haven't really found anyone I want to see more than a date or two. Besides, Sammy has been having a tough time lately. She moved in with me for a bit while she tries to get on her feet. I didn't realize she had moved back in with Dad to get away from her jackass ex until Cleo told me."

"What the fuck? It must've been bad if she went back to live with your dad."

"Yeah, she won't tell me anything, but Cleo said that's because she doesn't want me to end up in jail. She also dropped out of school and was afraid to tell me, but I knew that already because I got a refund for my check. I honestly don't know why she went in the first place. School has never been her thing. She did find a cosmetology program she wants to check out, which I think would be awesome for her. I told her I'd pay for whatever she wanted, as long as she quit hiding shit from me and came to me when she needed something."

"Damn, that's a lot. Why didn't you tell me all of this was happening?"

"You had your own shit going on. I didn't need to burden you with mine."

"For the millionth time, you're not a fucking burden and neither are your sisters."

"Yeah, yeah.

"So, how are you going to tell Daphne you love her?"

"I think I need to convince her I want to date her before I tell her I love her."

"Eh, what's going to convince her more than you declaring your love?"

We fall into a comfortable silence as we eat our food, both lost in our thoughts. My biggest hurdle is not knowing what Daphne wants. Whether I like it or not, I need to ask her how she sees her future playing out. If we don't even want the same things, is it fair for me to pour my hopes and desires onto her?

I don't remember when Daphne came to bed, but she's in my arms when I wake the next morning. She's fucking stunning, but she also looks exhausted. She's been working too hard, and I'm afraid she's not taking care of herself. I'm watching her sleep as I debate how to start the conversation about our future.

My fingers are tracing the tattoo under her breast when Daphne whimpers. My eyes snap to her face to see if I woke her, but she's still fast asleep, albeit restlessly. Her head turns as another whimper slips from her plump lips. Daphne shifts in my arms, her ass brushing my hard-on as she rubs her thighs together. I have an idea of what my girl is dreaming about, and I know exactly how I should wake her.

I gently roll her to her back and settle my shoulders between her thighs. Her sleep shorts are flowy, allowing me to pull them to the side and see her sweet, wet pussy. I use one hand to hold the material out of the way while the other slowly traces her folds.

Daphne shutters but is still asleep when I lean forward and taste her.

I groan when her flavor hits my tongue. My dick is aching, demanding me to speed things up so it can be buried in her hot heat, but I ignore it, planning on savoring this. I don't want to shock her away, so I'm gentle as I lick and suck her hot center. I roll my tongue around her hip and have to reach up to pin her thighs down when they try to snap shut on my head.

I hear a gasp and look up to see Daphne wide-eyed and panting as I kiss her cunt. Now that she's awake, there's nothing holding me back from devouring her like I've been dying to. I thrust my fingers inside her and search for that spot that sends her over the edge. As soon as my fingers brush it, Daphne explodes, squirting all over me.

I'm a fucking mess as I kiss up her stomach. Her hands are covering her face, but the flush of embarrassment peeks through her fingers. I lean up to take off my boxers and use them to clean off my face. Daphne is looking through her fingers and groans. I think it's supposed to be from seeing me clean her off my face, but I know my girl loves pleasing me by making me a mess.

"Are you ready for Daddy's cock? Because I need to fuck my girl."

"Yes, p-please, Daddy."

I'm teasing her clit with the head of my dick as Daphne pushes up and to get some relief. Normally, I'd love to draw this out, but the need to claim her right now is too much. I thrust in to the hilt and set an unrelenting pace. Daphne is making sounds that I think are supposed to be words, but she's still shattered from her first orgasm and it all sounds like nothing.

"Who does this pussy belong to?"

"You."

I pull out and slap her cunt making her cry out. "Who do you belong to?"

"D-dad-dy."

"Fuck. Yes." I punctuate each word with another thrust. "You." Thrust. "Are." Thrust." Mine," I growl out as I reach down to wrap her legs around my waist. With my hands free, I grab one nipple and twist.

Her pussy flutters around my cock, and I know she's close. Still slamming home in her hot center, I reach down and pinch her clit. I tug it and her nipple at the same time, making Daphne detonate.

Her orgasm milks my own from my body as I roar her name.

"Fucking hell. This pussy is going to be the death of me."

"My pussy? What about your dick? You're going to split me in two one of these days."

"Was I too rough?"

"No, it was perfect."

"Good. Come on. Let's get cleaned up and get some breakfast."

It's almost impossible to not fuck her in the shower, but we have more important things to discuss. I start on breakfast while she dries her hair and gets dressed, and I have a decent spread for her by the time she comes out.

I pull the chair out for her to sit, then make my way around the table to sit across from her. I need to be able to make eye contact with her during this conversation. Daphne doesn't lie, but she also won't always say how she really feels if she's worried about hurting someone else. Thankfully, I've gotten pretty good at reading her, so I'm hoping that will help with this conversation.

"So, once this event is the success I know it can be, what's next?"

"What do you mean?" she questions hesitantly.

"What's the next big thing you want to accomplish? Where do you see yourself in the future?" I want to ask where she sees us, but I need to ease her into this.

"Well, thanks to you, I've gotten quite a few new sponsors. I no longer have to bank on my trust fund and finding a husband, so I'm not sure what I'll do. I'd like to expand the program and continue doing joint events if you're good with that."

"Absolutely. Do you want to get married some day?"

Daphne's eyes go round as panic floods her face. I knew this wasn't going to be an easy conversation, but I hate working my girl up like this.

"Honestly, I never thought about marriage much. There's never really been anyone who I even dated, let only pictured marrying until…" She catches herself before she says too much.

I wish she wouldn't have stopped though. It means I'm going to have to push her a bit.

"Until what, love?"

She fidgets, clearly uncomfortable.

I know I'm going to have to be the brave one and bare myself if I want her to take that leap with me. "I want to. Get married, that is. I've always known I want to, but it's seemed so out of reach. That was until you came along."

"Me?" She gasps.

"Yes, Daphne. I hate that you don't see how brilliant you are and how anyone would be lucky to keep you."

"Where is this coming from?"

"It's coming from being so fucking in love with you and not being able to tell you that it's literally driving me insane."

"You can't love me." She's starting to panic. Daphne slides her chair back, knocking it over when she leaps from it.

I'm on my feet in an instant to get to her. She's pacing and flinches when I touch her arm, but relief floods me when she lets me pull her into my own.

"Why don't you think I could love you?" I ask gently as I tilt her chin to look into her eyes.

"B-because nobody has ever loved me. I-I just figured I was unlovable—"

"Daphne, I'm sorry. I'm sorry your parents failed to show you how much they love you and how you deserve to be loved."

Daphne has tears streaming down her face and it's fucking breaking my heart, but she needs to know she is the easiest person to love.

"They might not have been a shining example, but you are surrounded by people who love you, me included. Look at the family you built with the girls, and the bond you have with my own family. Hell, I think my mom might kick me out and take you in if I were to hurt you."

That pulls a watery laugh from her lips as she buries her face in my chest.

"I-I love you too," she mumbles, and it's as if everything in my world is right in this moment.

"But please be patient with me. Don't let me pull away when my insecurities rear their ugly head."

"I won't. I'm never fucking letting you go."

"Good."

We stay in an embrace for as long as Daphne needs me to hold her up. Our breakfast is cold when we finally break apart, but I don't mind since I know I've got my girl. Our future might not be set in stone yet, but at least I know we do have one together.