A deal's a deal
1046 Words
Emma sat on the counter of Bloom & Co., arms crossed, glaring at Ryan Mitchell like he’d personally sabotaged Elliot’s love life just to spite her.
Ryan, meanwhile, looked completely at ease, leaning against the counter with a satisfied smirk. “So, are you ready to admit I was right?”
Emma huffed. “You weren’t right, you were just less wrong than I was.”
Claire snorted. “Denial looks good on you, Em.”
Emma shot her a glare before turning back to Ryan. “Fine. You won. So, what’s your grand plan for my day of servitude? Am I hand-delivering flower arrangements to all your scary business associates? Washing your car? What?”
Ryan’s smirk deepened. “None of the above.”
Emma frowned. “Then what?”
Ryan straightened. “Be ready at six.”
Emma blinked. “Six… in the morning?”
Ryan chuckled. “No. Six tonight.”
Emma narrowed her eyes. “For what, exactly?”
Ryan shrugged. “You’ll see.”
Claire gasped dramatically. “Oh my God, is this a date?”
Ryan and Emma both answered at the same time—
"No."
Claire pouted. “Boring.”
Emma crossed her arms. “So, what, I’m just supposed to show up somewhere without knowing what I’m doing?”
Ryan nodded. “Pretty much.”
Emma groaned. “This feels dangerously close to kidnapping.”
Ryan gave her a look. “You’re the one who agreed to the bet.”
Emma sighed. “Fine. But if this ends with me in a high-stakes poker game or some underground fight club, I’m billing you for damages.”
Ryan smirked. “Noted.”
And just like that, he walked out, leaving Emma feeling very uneasy.
---
The Mystery Event
At exactly 6:00 PM, Emma stood outside a sleek downtown building, staring at the address Ryan had sent her.
“This is definitely a trap,” she muttered to herself.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the glass doors and stepped inside. The lobby was all polished marble and soft lighting, with a sign directing guests to an event space on the top floor.
What kind of weird business thing had Ryan dragged her into?
She stepped into the elevator, watching the numbers climb. When the doors slid open, she was met with the hum of conversation, soft jazz playing in the background, and—
Oh.
This wasn’t a business thing.
It was a charity gala.
Emma blinked as she took in the elegant venue—floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, glittering chandeliers, people in formalwear sipping champagne.
And standing near the entrance, looking like he belonged in a place like this, was Ryan.
Emma’s eyes widened. Oh, no.
She looked down at her outfit—dark jeans, ankle boots, and a simple green blouse. Not exactly gala attire.
Ryan spotted her and smirked. “You’re late.”
Emma groaned. “You should’ve warned me about the dress code.”
Ryan glanced at her outfit, then shrugged. “You look fine.”
Emma gave him a deadpan stare. “Tell that to literally everyone else in this room.”
Ryan just held out a glass of champagne. “Here. Drink this.”
Emma eyed him suspiciously. “Are you trying to soften the blow before you tell me why I’m actually here?”
Ryan chuckled. “Relax. You’re here as my plus-one.”
Emma nearly choked on air. “Your what?”
Ryan sipped his drink, completely unfazed. “My plus-one. I needed a date for tonight.”
Emma stared at him. “So let me get this straight. I lost a bet, and your idea of a punishment is bringing me to a fancy event?”
Ryan shrugged. “Figured it would be amusing.”
Emma groaned. “Unbelievable.”
Ryan smirked. “Come on, Emma. You like romance, right? Think of this as your Cinderella moment.”
Emma narrowed her eyes. “Oh, you are enjoying this way too much.”
Ryan just offered his arm. “Shall we?”
Emma exhaled dramatically before looping her arm through his.
If he thought she was going to let him win twice today, he had another thing coming.
---
Unexpected Fun
Surprisingly… the night wasn’t awful.
Ryan introduced her to people—important people, rich people, people who probably never had to Google how to make rent money stretch an extra week.
But despite the intimidating setting, Emma found herself enjoying the conversations. Some guests even asked her about her flower shop, genuinely interested in her work.
And Ryan?
Ryan was… different here.
Still sharp, still composed, but… softer, somehow.
She noticed the way he interacted with the charity board members—genuinely listening, offering support. She saw the way he charmed guests with an ease that made her annoyingly aware of how good-looking he was.
Halfway through the night, Ryan led her onto the dance floor.
Emma stared at him. “Oh, no.”
Ryan arched a brow. “You do know how to dance, don’t you?”
Emma scoffed. “Of course I do. I just—”
Before she could finish, Ryan took her hand, guiding her into a slow waltz.
And okay. Maybe he was good at this.
Emma looked up at him, trying to ignore the way her heart did a weird little flutter. “So, tell me the truth. Why really bring me here?”
Ryan smirked. “Would you believe I just enjoy your company?”
Emma snorted. “Not for a second.”
Ryan chuckled. “Fine. Maybe I thought you’d enjoy proving me wrong.”
Emma frowned. “What do you mean?”
Ryan’s expression turned thoughtful. “You believe in romance. In second chances. And yet, here you are, looking genuinely happy at an event filled with the kind of people you claim to dislike.”
Emma narrowed her eyes. “What’s your point?”
Ryan’s lips quirked. “Just that maybe you don’t have everyone figured out as well as you think.”
Emma stared at him.
For once, she didn’t have a witty comeback.
Which was very concerning.
Because for the first time since meeting Ryan Mitchell… she wasn’t sure she wanted to win the next round.
---
- Writer
