Her Frog Prince (Once Upon A Romance, Book 13)

By Laurie LeClair

NEW from the bestselling romantic comedy Once Upon A Romance series by Laurie LeClair! If you love fairy tales, you’ll love this funny, heartwarming modern day twist on the classics.
***

He’s a prince. She grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. They’re polar opposites. So what could possibly go wrong when the best man asks the maid of honor in their best friends’ wedding party to agree to a fake romance to ward off meddling matchmakers?

Feisty, go-getter Isabelle (Belle) Morales yearns for her dream career. She’s bound and determined to make something of herself and provide her single, hard-working mother the good life she deserves. However, nothing is falling into place, except Belle’s assistant job at King’s Department Store and now that’s in jeopardy...

Wealthy, dashing bachelor Prince Stephan is desperate to prolong his required marriage and full-time royal duties in order to create a school for improvised children to honor his beloved late mother. He needs a ruse to buy time.

When the prince and the career girl join forces and live a lie to get what they both want, Stephan and Belle forget to factor in their growing attraction and how it ignites a fire neither one of them can put out.

Can make believe transform Stephan from Belle’s frog prince into the man of her dreams and someone who’s willing to play for keeps?

Start reading this romantic comedy, modern day twist on the classic fairy tale The Frog Prince filled with heart and humor now...

Books by Laurie LeClair:
Once Upon A Romance Series (Romantic Comedy)
If The Shoe Fits – Book 1
Waking Sleeping Beauty – Book 2
Taming McGruff – Book 3
The Reluctant Beauty – Book 4
Awakened By A Kiss – Book 5
Tangled At First Sight – Book 6
Finding Mr. Just Right – Book 7
Making A Splash – Book 8
Hoodwinked By A Wolfe – Book 9
Baking From The Hart – Book 10
Melting Her Heart - Book 11
Princess In Hiding - Book 12
Her Prince Frog - Book 13
***
A Very Charming Wedding Series (Once Upon A Romance spin-off; Romantic Comedy)
The Bachelor And The Bride – Book 1
The Boss And The Bride – Book 2
The Bodyguard And The Bride – Book 3
***
Wanted: Fairy Godmother (Romantic Comedy)
***
The Sweet Spot Series (Romantic Comedy)
The Dating Dilemma – Book 1
***

The McCall Brothers Series (Contemporary Western)
The Cowboy’s Rebellious Bride - Book 1
The Cowboy’s Renegade Bride - Book 2
The Cowboy’s Runaway Bride - Book 3
The Cowboy’s Christmas Bride - Book 4
***
Tempted By A Texan Series (Contemporary Western)
The Callahans – Prequel
Travis – Book 1
Cassie – Book 2
***
The Heart Series (Contemporary Romance)
Secrets Of The Heart – Book 1
Crimes Of The Heart – Book 2
Lies Of The Heart – Book 3
***
The Bounty Hunter Series (Romantic Suspense)
Murphy’s Law – Book 1
Riley’s Rules – Book 2
***
The Long Journey Home (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)
***
Runaway Wife (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)
***
Sweet Summertime (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)
***
An Angel Mountain Novel (Holiday Romance; Contemporary Romance)
The Heart Remembers
The Gift Of Hope

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laurie LeClair
• Release date: May 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463798522

Laurie LeClair

Bestselling author Laurie LeClair writes about love, laughter, and happily ever after in her contemporary western romances, romantic comedies, sweet romances, contemporary romances, and contemporary women’s fiction books. Laurie’s habit of daydreaming has gotten her into a few scrapes and launched her to take up her dream of writing. Finally, she can put all those stories in her head to rest as she brings them to life on the page.Laurie considers herself a New Texan (New England born and raised and now living in Texas). She lives in Central Texas with her husband, Jim, who thankfully appreciates her sense of fun and love of travel. (Not so much the endless picture taking while hanging out the passenger window!) She loves to hear from readers!You can connect with me online:www.laurieleclair.comhttps://twitter.com/LeClairbookshttps://facebook.com/laurieleclair.75Books by Laurie LeClair:Once Upon A Romance Series (Romantic Comedy; Fairy tale retelling)If The Shoe Fits – Book 1Waking Sleeping Beauty – Book 2Taming McGruff – Book 3The Reluctant Beauty – Book 4Awakened By A Kiss – Book 5Tangled At First Sight – Book 6Finding Mr. Just Right – Book 7Making A Splash – Book 8Hoodwinked By A Wolfe – Book 9Baking From The Hart – Book 10Melting Her Heart - Book 11Princess In Hiding - Book 12Her Frog Prince - Book 13Forget Me Not - Book 14Three Wishes - Book 15Her Brave Heart - Book 16His Tiny Dancer - Book 17***A Very Charming Wedding Series (Once Upon A Romance spin-off; Romantic Comedy)The Bachelor And The Bride – Book 1The Boss And The Bride – Book 2The Bodyguard And The Bride – Book 3***Once Upon A Royal Wedding Series boxed set (Once Upon A Romance spin-off; Romantic Comedy)His Beloved Princess - Book 1Her Forever Prince - Book 2***The Cormac Family: Billionaire Sweet Romance (clean and wholesome, sweet romance)CEO Billionaire - Book 1Boss Billionaire - Book 2Best Friend Billionaire - Book 3Bride Billionaire - Book 4Bachelor Billionaire - Book 5***The McCall Brothers Series (Contemporary Romance; Western Romance)The Cowboy’s Rebellious Bride - Book 1The Cowboy’s Renegade Bride - Book 2The Cowboy’s Runaway Bride - Book 3The Cowboy’s Christmas Bride - Book 4***Cupid’s Corner Series (romantic comedy, clean and wholesome, sweet romance)Dear Cupid - Book 1Picture Perfect Bride - Book 2Falling For Her - Book 3***Wanted: Fairy Godmother (Romantic Comedy)***The Sweet Spot Series (Romantic Comedy)The Dating Dilemma – Book 1***Tempted By A Texan Series (Contemporary Romance; Western Romance)The Callahans – PrequelTravis – Book 1Cassie – Book 2***The Heart Series (Contemporary Romance)Secrets Of The Heart – Book 1Crimes Of The Heart – Book 2Lies Of The Heart – Book 3***The Bounty Hunter Series (Romantic Suspense)Murphy’s Law – Book 1Riley’s Rules – Book 2***The Long Journey Home (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)***Runaway Wife (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)***Sweet Summertime (Contemporary Romance; Women's Fiction)***An Angel Mountain Novel (Holiday Romance; Contemporary Romance)The Heart RemembersThe Gift Of HopeIf you enjoy my books, please leave a review.

Book preview

HER FROG PRINCE

by

Laurie LeClair

Copyright 2018 by Laurie LeClair

All rights reserved. This work is not transferrable. Any reproduction of this work is prohibited without the permission of the author due to the infringement on the copyright. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the creation of the author or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or people, living or dead, is coincidental.

Dedication

As always, to my sweet husband, Jim LeClair. Thank you for helping me make my dreams come true.

Chapter 1

"I never signed up for this!"

Isabelle Morales jammed her hands on her hips and eyed the elaborate wedding preparations in the grand hotel ballroom—now bathed in hot pink and sparkly everything.

It’s as if a fairy sneezed pixie dust and it flew everywhere, not sparing an inch of real estate. She groaned. Over-the-top wouldn’t even begin to do it justice.

She grimaced at the tall, eerie image beside her, taking it in. Big. Elaborate. Even the blue eyes seemed as if they censured her now. Seriously? Who orders a life-like replica of the bride as their wedding cake?

Money doesn’t equal taste, honey. Rico bumped her shoulder with his and then she turned to him.

Now, he was elegant and fashion combined in his white tux jacket, black bow tie, and perfectly draped black silk scarf. He could have walked out of an ad.

Have I taught you nothing as my intern?

Belle grinned. She smacked a palm on her forehead. How could I have forgotten? Her life as a maid’s daughter should have clued her into the tastes of the rich and self-centered.

Her boss nudged her arm. If you ask me, they did a far better job on the cake than the bridezilla. Have you seen that look she gives?! He shivered. Oh, please! He traced a fingertip on the side of his mouth. The wrinkles bracketing the lips!

Frosting filters!

Good one! They high-fived. The loud smack echoed in the nearly empty room.

Can you just imagine what they’ll use as their top layer to freeze and take out for every anniversary for a slice? Her head!

OMG! That thing staring back at him every time he opens the freezer door.

They giggled like two school-aged kids. Belle covered her mouth to hold back her laughter.

Stop! You’re killing me. Rico gathered himself, pressing his fingertips to the corners of his eyes. Now, come on and help place the garish centerpieces. He dashed away, leaving her to stare in bewilderment as he entered the flurry of activity of waiters and helpers. They’ll be here in less than an hour!

Did you have to remind me? Belle sighed and swatted away a tendril of her dark hair that had come loose from her upsweep. Another thing I didn’t sign up for—wedding hostess.

She glanced down at the rich green silk gown with the halter top, molded to fit her every curve, and with a slit to her knees. And Rico said it brought out the green in her eyes even more. Perks of the job weren’t bad when they included borrowing a King’s original. And the shoes ain’t too shabby, either. The matching green heels had the perfect amount of sparkle—subtle, not the pow-in-your-face kind.

So, it’s not me. Not the girl who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks in Jersey, moved around from one ginormous mansion to the next in Manhattan, New York, and then to the Hamptons every summer, toddling behind her mom, who cleaned for the rich and famous.

Belle wasn’t one of them.

She would never fit in completely with them or their lifestyle.

Wasn’t it obvious how out of place she felt?

Being Rico’s intern normally thrilled her. He had the energy of five people, which suited her just fine. And, as a King family friend and innovative thinker, he had his hands in most everything, from the Charming Wedding Boutique, to the Charming Beauty Bar—where he even kept up his hairdressing and makeup skills on his favorites—and to his valued input on new ideas.

But the many tasks at King’s Department Store brought her in contact with the design team in their huge workroom, where her heart beat so fast and her breath caught in the back of her throat. To see the top King’s fashion designers at work sparked all kinds of fantasies and hero worship.

If only Belle could get from here to there—working shoulder to shoulder with the best at King’s—she would be able to live her dream as a fashion designer and make oodles of money to take care of her mom so she could quit bowing down to her employers.

Mamma, I promise once I make it big, you’ll never have to clean anything ever again. I’ll treat you like the royalty you cater to.

Well, at least the Andersons treated her mom so much better as their house manager. And they’d paid for Belle’s college tuition. Pretty dang nice. So how could she throw that all away on a hope to get into fashion school here in Dallas?

Yoo-hoo, Belle! Rico snapped his fingers. I realize you’re mesmerized with the bride cake, but, sweetie, she’s just as fake as the real one.

Belle chuckled and then moved to grab the two-foot-tall glass centerpiece with garish pink glittered flowers spilling over the top. Oh, Rico, what would I do if I didn’t have you to bring me back to earth?

Stick with me and I’ll show you even more of the ropes.

If only it were that simple.

Not that again. Lookee, if Uncle Rico says you’ll do great at your school interview Monday morning, then that’s just the way it will turn out.

From your lips…

A buzz of excitement interrupted them as the first guests barged through the double doors.

Showtime! Rico swiftly moved to greet the equally shocking in-laws dressed in their bold-colored, sequined gowns and partners in matching tuxes. They looked and sounded like a family of sparkling parrots.

She followed close on Rico’s heels.

OMG!

You can say that again. And he would, Belle knew, repeatedly. Her smile spread. At least she had him to commiserate with throughout the long reception.

For a split second—a blip, really—when she thought of the upcoming interview with the dean of the fashion school, butterflies fluttered wildly in her belly.

How could she pull it off when she had no experience? None whatsoever.

Just a dream…

***

It was late Saturday night or maybe even early Sunday morning by now. Belle had raced from the surprisingly successful—meaning no temper tantrums from bridezilla—reception, and changed into her good ol’ reliable jeans and her comfy loose blue tee that slipped off one shoulder to finish up her interview outfit.

Tucked away in a barely used corner, alone in King’s design workroom, Belle leaned over the flat table and cut the fabric with the oversized shears. Her gray sheath dress hung on the nearby mannequin, too plain for her tastes, but perfect for her appointment. At least she’d snagged some super cute accessories to bump up the too-normal garment.

And the long jacket she worked on would jazz it up…

The super thin and wispy pink fabric shifted, the blade taking out a wayward bite. No, not there!

Belle froze. Her eyes burned and her head throbbed.

Very carefully, she backed away, taking the scissors and gently placing them on the table, far, far away from the delicate material.

She glanced over at the makeshift board she’d put together and propped up on the floor—her sketch and swatches of fabric tacked nearby. Blinking, the lines blurred before her. She barely focused.

Exhaustion nipped at her.

With a sudden weight dragging on her every limb, Belle plopped down on the high stool and dropped her head into her hands. I can’t mess this up.

Sleep tugged at her.

Ever since she’d gotten the call—or better yet, the summons to appear—she’d been working late every night this week to complete the one-of-a-kind outfit. After all, a design student wannabe did not show up to the school interview in someone else’s clothes. How ridiculous would that look!

Her arms grew weak and she sank her head down on top of them on the table. One, okay, five minute nap…

The sudden ringing of her cell phone had Belle jerking awake. She jumped up from the stool, stumbled a step, stopped, gathered her bearings, and then went to her red tote bag—the one especially made for her by King’s amazing Rachael Elizabeth Darling, a.k.a. RED, who created the most fabulous designs. The designer Belle most wanted to emulate.

Belle fished out her phone and swiped it to answer without checking the caller ID.

What? Who? She swallowed away the croak. I mean, hello. How long have I been asleep?

The deep male laughter on the other end sent a shower of tingles up and down her spine.

Prince Stephan?! She was wide awake now. Every part of her.

Ah, Bella, so good to know you still think of me. His rich, smooth voice oozed over her like honey.

She gripped the sharp edge of the table as her knees wobbled. No one else makes fun of me like you do. She cringed. Never mind. Is everything all right?

You missed the engagement party. Muted voices and clinking glasses floated from the background. A strain of the fading violin music did, too.

He was still there?

Making her way back to her stool, she eased on it, hoping to center herself again. He’s just the best man to her maid of honor at their friends’ upcoming nuptials. That’s all. How was it? Did Sophia look smashing in the deep-purple gown we shipped to her? And Sebastian in his tux? Come on, spill all the details. Bubbles of excitement grew.

The princess looked lovely. I’ll send you a picture of the happily engaged couple after we hang up. A moment of silence rang in the air. How are you, Bella?

Heat swirled low in her belly. How could he do that to her? She hardly knew him at all. It’s Belle. Or Isabelle, remember? She attempted to break the intimacy that trembled along the line. Only he did that to her. Made her all jittery inside.

How could I forget?

That didn’t help one bit. I’m fine. Busy. The same.

So abrupt? What happened to the little matchmaker who called me day after day to arrange for me to get my best friend to make up with her best friend?

It worked, didn’t it?

Yes, we make quite a team, Bella.

She sucked in a sharp breath, recalling how he held her in his arms when they danced that one dance together at the King’s charity ball weeks ago.

I’ve missed you.

Squeezing her eyes shut, she tried to ward off the ache deep inside. But her mind conjured him up instead. Handsome, tall, broad shoulders, dark hair, amazing blue eyes and utterly devastating, he outdid his prince title. His charm and ready wit sealed the deal. Belle had a crush on him. Not good!

Ha! You’ve been jetting around the world and now you’re in the Hamptons, right? You didn’t have time to even think of me. Did he?

Did you miss me, Bella? Even a little?

Something in his voice—a touch of yearning, maybe—sent her mind reeling. How could I? I barely know you. But I did. Very much.

I can change that.

Belle stilled. Why would you want to? He wasn’t supposed to do this. She’d roped him into being her date for the charity event just for pretend in order for them to get their best friends back together.

You…amuse me.

That stung. Oh, I’m a plaything to you. She needed to stop this before it got out of hand.

Hardly.

Why did he sound so offended?

Look, Prince, I appreciate the thought. Not really, if he thinks of me as an amusement. But, I’m up to my neck here—

Now? It’s after one in the morning your time. Are you alone? His voice hardened.

Just me and the mannequins, designing away… It seemed pathetic.

He released a breath and it whooshed down the line and through her veins, causing her to shiver.

How could he do that nearly two thousand miles away?

Your interview Monday.

A sliver of surprise rushed through her. How? She shook her head. Maybe she was still asleep and dreaming this conversation.

Sophia mentioned it tonight. I wanted to call and wish you good luck.

Two thoughts tumbled in her head. One, he was sweet to think of her enough to phone her. That wasn’t a good thing, either. And two, she prayed her mother didn’t know. That would be disastrous if she found out. No one overheard, did they?

In a room full of partygoers? Not likely.

Any of the help around? Her voice squeaked at the end.

Ah, you’re worried if your mother heard.

You are too dang smart for your britches, Prince. Warmth dotted the tops of her cheeks. Well, was she around?

She’s a lovely lady. What are you keeping from her?

Belle yanked the phone away from her ear and stuck her tongue out at it—or more like him—and then put it to her ear again. You haven’t answered me.

"And you haven’t answered me." There was a slight growl in his tone.

Heat swept through her and settled low in her middle. I…told a fib…

A lie?

"White lie."

She wasn’t nearby, so no need to worry. What was this lie, anyway?

It’s none of your beeswax, Prince Stephan. She used his formal name to put more distance between them. He didn’t know her world and couldn’t even comprehend her reasons for doing what she was doing. Why bother filling him in?

I’m not familiar with that one. However, I get the gist of it. Are you ashamed of what you’re doing or your mother?

An invisible fist punched her in the gut and knocked the wind out of her. Don’t be absurd! But her cheeks grew even hotter where she was sure flames were consuming her.

Isabelle, which one is it?

Now, he’d used her formal name.

How could someone she’d barely spent any time with know her so well? And would he keep her secret?

Chapter 2

Prince Stephan of the House of Wyndham sighed heavily as he hung up, quickly sent Bella two pictures he’d taken for her, and then slid his cell phone in the top inside pocket of his black tux.

Bella.

Even after several more pointed questions, she didn’t reveal the elusive answer.

Just hearing her sweet voice and sharp retorts tonight stirred things in him he’d denied for weeks now. That kept him on his toes, reminding him she wasn’t a pushover or someone easily toyed with. She intrigued him—no, more like fascinated him.

Enough for him to ditch the other partygoers and his two hulking, former military bodyguards yards away, walk to the edge of the terrace, and then call her during the very suave affair…

She didn’t mince words or put on airs. Bella pushed his buttons and brought him from boredom to engaged in seconds. Alive. Firing on all cylinders.

The only other time he felt remotely like that was when he was focused on his business—driven, laser-sharp, and single-minded.

No lady had ever done that to him before.

Nor had a woman diverted his attention from what was important. But Bella did…

He recalled her small waist and petite body as he held her in his arms when they’d danced at the charity ball. Her glossy dark hair smelled of coconuts and he’d envisioned them on a tropical island together—her in a skimpy red bikini.

Bella’s snapping green eyes had caused a