Once Upon a Dare: Once Upon a Sweet Romance, #2

By Carina Rose

A sweet stand-alone romance.

 

Two dares.
One double date.
What could go wrong?

Pete Carson couldn't believe he'd let the beautiful Grace Girardi dare him into using a matchmaking site to find a date for Valentine's Day—as if the perfectly eligible bachelor needed any help in that department. But the shocked look on Grace's face when he dared her to do the same made everything worth it.

Except neither expected a friendship to develop, and Pete soon discovers Grace's previously unseen sweeter side. One that goes beyond her delicious cake pops and hot cocoa bombs. One that he wishes he'd noticed before accepting her dare.

Now they're both consumed with burning questions: Will their Valentine's dates ruin everything, or will their mutual dares prove they belong together?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carina Rose
• Release date: May 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201863258

Book preview

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Epilogue

Books by Carina Rose

Author’s Note:

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Stay Connected to Carina!

Chapter 1

Pete circled the table, surveying the tower of wood blocks, looking for the best move. He reached his hand forward only for his teammate, Grace, to gasp. Everything about the woman annoyed him. Well, everything besides her stunning looks and innate need to win. They had been at this game for close to an hour, which had to be some sort of record.

Do you mind? he asked with a shake of his head. I know what I’m doing.

Fine, but don’t say I didn’t tell you so.

I won’t. Trust me.

When Drew, his college buddy, had invited him over for a beer, he did not know Lacey’s best friends, Grace and Janine, would be there as well. He’d met her friends after Drew and Lacey had become engaged and Drew had relocated to New York. Now they were neighbors, so he ran into this group a lot.

Janine, although pretty, didn’t capture his attention. Instead, Grace was the one who seemed to make Pete lose sleep. Besides her addicting scent of vanilla and lavender, she instinctively knew how to push all his buttons. She challenged him at every turn, and Pete was happy to return the favor. It became a game that neither cared to concede.

Now he found himself teamed up with the brunette beauty and their other buddy, Ethan, in a strategical game of giant Jenga. For the past forty-five minutes he had put up with Grace giving him her two cents on which block to move. He was creeping his hand forward to tap a block when she sucked wind.

Grace, please, he admonished. I’ve got this. Lacey, Janine, and Drew found it all to be comical, but their laughter just earned them a glare from both Grace and Pete.

Ethan chuckled along with the others, finding it a bit too humorous. Got something to add? Pete snapped.

Ethan put up his hands. Nope, I’m all good. I forget how uptight you city folk can be. I’ll miss you when I leave tomorrow.

Everyone’s focus went to Ethan, who just laughed. Before the man had moved to the Caribbean, he had lived and gone to school in Chicago. But ever since he’d traded in his Bears hoodie for a golf shirt, his blood had thinned.

Whatever. Can I do this now? Pete questioned and then gingerly tapped the block on one side, walked around to the other, and slid it out before placing it on the top row in the center. The tower wavered, then settled. There, happy?

Not really, Grace scoffed. You left Drew with an easy pick, which will mess with my turn.

Pete understood the need to win. He owned a multibillion-dollar company—losing wasn’t part of his vernacular. Despite how much Grace annoyed him, he could appreciate her need to claim victory as well.

Did the tower fall? he asked her, only to get a quick shake of her head. Then relax.

Drew chuckled. You two kill me. He got up and easily found a block to move, then placed it next to Pete’s. Again, the tower shimmied but remained erect. He, Lacey, and Janine shared a high-five celebrating Drew’s perfect move.

Pete was going to suggest a block to try, but God forbid it was the wrong one—he’d never hear the end of it.

Ethan, however, didn’t care. The one four rows from the top left looks like a good one, he whispered.

Grace sighed and made her way toward the complex structure. Other than the one Ethan mentioned, there were few moves she could make. The bottom had more holes than swiss cheese and the top, although solid, was off balance. He watched her tall, perfectly proportioned frame dip and bend until she found the block of her choice.

She tapped it once, testing its fortitude. Pete watched the way her brows would pull together, then release, as she decided which move to make. Grace huffed when Drew reminded her the clock was ticking. They’d decided twenty minutes ago that each player would have only thirty seconds to select their block. Grace shook her hands at her sides and gave the slim piece of wood a tap, only to send the tower crashing to the hardwood floor.

Janine, Lacey, and Drew all slapped hands. Great game, guys, Lacey beamed.

Ethan shrugged, then said, We’ll get ’em next time, and went into the kitchen for a beer.

Yeah, good game, Grace grumbled, giving Pete the stink eye.

Taking his empty bottle, Pete walked into the kitchen to get a bit of a break. Drew followed, leaving the girls to the chick flick they’d been wanting to watch all night.

Ethan took on his usual role as bartender and popped the cap off beer bottles for Pete and Drew.

To women. May they never kill us in our sleep, Ethan said, raising his bottle.

Drew and Pete laughed and tapped their bottlenecks together. I don’t think Drew will have anything to worry about, Ethan added. You, on the other hand… He looked at Pete. I’m not so sure about.

Funny. Trust me. Grace Girardi and I are not a couple.

Who mentioned Grace? Drew asked, taking a swig of his beer.

She is stunning, Ethan said. When she came to my bar at the resort last year, I prayed she wasn’t a guest, since there’s a no-fraternization rule. That woman is gorgeous. He grabbed a cake pop off a plate on the counter and slid it into his mouth before pulling out an empty stick. And she can bake.

Pete couldn’t disagree with Ethan. Yes, Grace Girardi was stunning, and he had tasted her delicious cake pops and cupcakes on several occasions, but she also grated on his nerves. He wasn’t sure why that was, but it didn’t matter, because they’d never be more than friends. Ever.

Shh! Here it is! Lacey exclaimed, getting everyone’s attention. She pointed at the television. My team just created this ad. Honey, come look!

The guys made their way into the living room. Pete and Ethan stood behind the sofa, and Drew sat on the arm next to Lacey.

Couples on various types of dates filled the screen. Some were having dinner, others were dancing, and some were cuddled up on a sofa. The images dissolved into a heart with a door in the center.

An announcer’s voice said, Are you tired of being single? Are you tired of being the third wheel with your friends? Wouldn’t it be nice to meet someone based solely on their personality? If you said yes, then you’re in luck! For the next sixty days, you can enter the Mingle Room for free! A website’s URL flashed across the screen. What are you waiting for? Let’s mingle!

I’ve heard of them. Grace sighed. I find it so romantic… She let her thought trail off, and Pete snorted and shook his head. What? she asked. You don’t think it would work?

Agreeing to date someone without seeing them? No, not really. I prefer the in-person approach. And as far as the ad… He turned to Lacey. Great job.

"Yes, Lacey, it’s wonderful. As usual, Pete, you’re missing the point, Grace chided. Pete narrowed his eyes. As gorgeous as she was, it did nothing to dissipate her capability of irritating him. You know what? It probably wouldn’t work for you. Maybe you’re too shallow," she instigated.

Drew and Ethan chuckled, then failed when trying to cover it with coughs.

"Trust me. I’m more than capable of connecting with someone on a deeper level." Pete winked, and Grace’s face turned pink. Maybe his double entendre would get her to stop goading him.

Except it didn’t. A sly smirk appeared. Prove it.

What?

I dare you to do it.

Do what?

Her hand swung toward the TV. Join the Mingle Room. The guys went silent, and Lacey and Janine stared wide eyed in complete disbelief at their friend.

You’re daring me? Like what, a bet?

With her arms crossed and her chin tipped up just enough to get his attention, she nodded. "Dare, bet, challenge, whatever makes you happy. I dare you to join the Mingle Room, follow their guidelines, hence no pictures of your handsome face, and find a date… for Valentine’s Day. That gives you almost two months."

Did she just call me handsome? Interesting. What are the stakes? Why was he even asking that?

Grace’s lips disappeared between her teeth as she concentrated. Then, much to his dismay, her plump lips morphed into a crooked grin. If you lose, you must stand on a busy street corner wearing a sandwich board with, ‘I couldn’t get a date for Valentine’s Day. Grace wins.’ Or something to that effect. Maybe ‘I’m too shallow.’

Pete couldn’t believe she’d issued a dare… something he would never turn down. But to meet someone and then ask them to go out on the most romantic day of the year? It all sounded absurd. Grace arched a brow, and before he knew it, he said, You’re on.

She extended her hand. Shake on it?

He crossed his arms. Not quite yet.

Grace huffed, leaving her hand to hang in the air.

Pete added, I issue you the same dare. You also need to find a date for Valentine’s Day.

Her eyes narrowed.

Is there a problem?

"Nope. As you said, ‘You’re on.’"

Chapter 2

What had she been thinking? Even Lacey couldn’t believe Pete had accepted Grace’s dare and then issued his own. The last couple of nights the girls had chatted about the best description for her profile. Before she’d known it, she was GiGi214, an independent woman looking for a razor-worthy man between twenty-six and forty, successfully employed, within a fifty-mile radius of Manhattan, and single.

Grace knew that last trait should be a no-brainer, but she’d heard of websites that married people used to find hookups. That was something she wanted no part of. Even if she’d been half-asleep when she created her account, she knew a random hookup wasn’t in her plan. All she needed was a date for Valentine’s Day.

She sat in her work cubicle, and rather than join coworkers heading out to lunch to celebrate hump day, Grace reached into her bag and pulled out an energy bar and her e-tablet. Before she opened her email, she covertly looked around, making sure she was alone. Once satisfied, and after another bite of her so-called lunch, she clicked the little envelope.

Re: Welcome!

Dear GiGi214,

Welcome to Mingle Room! Your profile is complete, and you’re now ready to mingle. Our dedicated team will suggest potential matches for you, but you’re free to search the site as well.

Once someone decides they’d like to mingle with you, they will click your profile’s avatar and introduce themselves. From there you can decide whether you’d like to do the same. If you like what you read, click the green key and a Mingle chat room will open.

If you prefer not to mingle with that person, click the red door icon. If you select the red door, the user can no longer see your account. You can click this even after you’ve opened a room. Please remember, once you do that, it cannot be reversed.

Users are allowed to have one open chat window. Once you find the person you’d like to chat with, click the yellow hand, and we will pause your profile from being viewed by others.

Avatars will be available for your use, but uploading actual photos is prohibited and violates our terms of service. Mingle Room prides itself on users basing their connections on personality and compatibility.

If you have any questions, please check the FAQs on our site or contact support.

We have added a few users whom we thought you may want to mingle with to your profile page. Have fun, and we hope you mingle your way to happiness.

Sincerely,

Your Mingle Room Team

Taking a deep breath, Grace opened up the website and clicked on their recommended connections. She scanned their suggestions and began clicking accordingly. BillyBoy, thirty-eight, wants to get married and have six kids. Six? No way. Grace clicked the red door icon and moved on.

VictorVictorious, graduated magna cum laude, looking for someone who could stimulate him intellectually. Grace laughed right before she clicked the red door icon.

CallMeVenom… she didn’t need any further details before she clicked the red image.

Mark123, works in Manhattan, loves going to dinner and shows, thirty-five years old. Never been married and doesn’t want to be. Looking for companionship. Grace thought about clicking the green door, and she knew it only had to be for Valentine’s Day, but seeing that he didn’t want to get married listed in black and white bothered her. Once again… she clicked the red door.

She was just about to close the page when she looked at a couple more. The first sounded great. NYCook4You. Brooklyn-born foodie who enjoys spending time with friends and family. Seeks woman who likes fine dining and picnics in the park.

A man who could cook? Sold! Men who could cook were romantic, right? she asked herself. If that wasn’t, then picnics in the park were. A message window opened, inviting him to connect. Grace felt better since she’d found at least one man to chat with. But she couldn’t help wondering if Pete had found anyone.

By the time Grace got home, stars dotted the dark sky, and the temperature had dropped below freezing. She knew at any minute white flakes would begin to fall. Thankful to be in her toasty apartment, she locked her door; shucked off her coat, scarf, and hat; and toed off her boots.

Janine, are you home? she called out for her roommate, but when no reply came, she peeked into her bedroom, only to find it empty. I brought you home a slice from Angelo’s, she continued, thinking Janine might be in the bathroom. Grace headed into the kitchen, where she found a note on the counter.

G,

Hi! I had to go to Virginia for work. It was a last-minute thing. I’ll probably be there for the rest of the week and possibly weekend. I’ll call you tomorrow.

Love you,

J

Sighing, Grace put the pizza in the fridge and padded into her bedroom, where she exchanged her work clothes for fleece leggings, a sweatshirt, and her favorite pair of fuzzy socks, which looked like candy canes. Feeling a bit cozier, and more like herself, she grabbed her laptop and plopped down onto her comfy mattress.

All day she had been tempted to check her Mingle Room app, but she decided not to. Now that the link was at her fingertips, her pinkie hovered over the enter button. Slamming her eyes closed, she pressed down. Several pings had her opening her right eye and then her left. Grace scanned the names, looking for a reply from NYCook4You, but it wasn’t there.

Shaking her head, she gave herself a little pep talk. You can do this, Grace.

Grace groaned and clicked the red door icon for all the messages. Defeated, she asked the air, Who am I kidding? Ready to give up, and right before she went to close her laptop, another notification came in: NYCook4You has accepted your message and is ready to mingle. Click the green door to open your chatroom.

Her hands flew to her head, smoothing it and tucking any errant strands behind her ears. She knew it wasn’t a video call, but for some reason she felt the need to look good. Grace said a silent prayer and clicked the arrow icon.

NYCook4You: Thanks for the message. If it helps, I’ve never done anything like this either. But why not get to know each other? It’s why we’re here, right? Unless you already found someone.

Grace let out a breath and stared at her flashing cursor.

GiGi214: Hi, it’s nice to meet you. And no, this is my first day on this site. I’d love to chat.

NYCook4You: It’s mine too.

GiGi214: Good, then we’re in the same boat. So, you’re a foodie. What’s your favorite thing to cook?

NYCook4You: I’m not sure I can pick just one. What’s your favorite thing