Suddenly Royal
Page 75

We were looking at a painting when I saw the package on the desk. There was a note tucked into the twine that held the brown paper in place.
I wanted you to have something here that would make you feel as if your mother was with you.
Happy Housewarming.
-A
I shook my head as I unwrapped the copy of Pride and Prejudice we had argued over. I opened the book and gently flipped through the pages as Chadwick looked over my shoulder.
“Oh, is that Pride and Prejudice?”
“Second Edition.” I closed the book and ran my fingers over the spine.
“I’m guessing this was from Alex?” Chadwick stood back and narrowed his eyes.
“What makes you assume that?” I looked around the room, trying to pick a place to put the book.
“One, you haven’t had a ton of guests today. Two, that silly smile.” Chadwick wiggled his eyebrows over his glass.
“Shut it, Chad. Yes, it was Alex.” I sighed. “I guess this is why Ned didn’t join us for lunch. He must have snuck up here while we were eating.”
“You like him.”
“Ned?” I laughed.
“You like Alex.” It wasn’t a question. I looked at Chadwick, wondering what I should tell him. Maybe it was the wine, but I felt like I could trust him with just about anything.
“Yes.” I groaned. “A lot. So much more than I should. I’m starting to not even care that he’s a prince.”
“His title is why you’re playing hard to get?”
“I’m not playing hard to get. What the hell would I do with a boyfriend who’s in line for the throne?”
“What the hell would he do with an American duchess?”
“Harsh, but true.” I fell down into the old leather chair behind the desk. “And you summed up the whole problem in one sentence.”
“I don’t get it. You like him. He likes you. Why fight it?” Chad leaned against the desk. “You’re making this more difficult than it should be.”
“Maybe. I don’t know.” I leaned my head back and stared at the ceiling. “Hey, there’s a pattern up there.”
“You’re drunk.” He looked up at the ceiling. “Ew, someone put wallpaper under the molding. That needs to go.”
“Heh. Tipsy, not drunk.” But I was on my way to being drunk. This is why I didn’t drink in public. He was also right about the wallpaper.
“Samantha?”
“Yeah?” I leaned my head to the side so I could see him.
“What would your best friend tell you to do about Alex?” He lifted his glass to his mouth.
“Jess would tell me to hit that.” He sputtered into his cup and I laughed. “Actually, she has told me to hit that. Several times now.”
“She sounds like a smart woman.”
“You’d love Jess.” I turned my attention back to the ceiling. “Her boyfriend e-mailed me pictures of engagement rings. He’s going to pop the question soon. I was sad at first that I wouldn’t be there to celebrate with her, but then I realized it had worked out for the best. They’re going to need their own space.”
“I’m sure she’ll still want you to celebrate with them. Maybe you guys can go dress shopping this summer when she comes to visit.”
“Oh, God. You take her dress shopping. I’ll send my card—just don’t make me go with you.”
He laughed at me. “I’ll set her up right.”
“Good.” I bit my lip before turning to look at him. “Why did you argue with your boyfriend?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Oh, come on! I spilled, you spill. That’s how this works.” I sat up straight and tried to give him the puppy-dog look. He laughed at me so hard he tipped his wine glass and had to use his jacket to wipe the liquid off the desk.
“Okay, okay.” He sighed. “Daniel technically isn’t supposed to be g*y.”
“Daniel?” I leaned forward. “Adorable Daniel, the Duke of Minsington?”
“That’s the one.” He sighed into his cup. “Want another glass of wine?”
“Why not? I sense a good story coming.” I stood up and we made our way back to the kitchen. Stanley and Margie had left, but the bottle of wine was still sitting on the island. I poured us both another glass and headed for the family room. Stanley had stoked a fire, so we sat down and watched the flames.
“Okay. Daniel and I have been seeing each for years now. It works, because I was living at the palace and he usually makes a trip to the city at least twice a month.” He sighed. “The thing is, it can’t last the way it’s going. He won’t officially come out. He’s worried that his family will cut him off.”
“Can they do that? I thought Lilaria legalized g*y marriage.” I set my glass down on the table.
“Yes, g*y marriage was legalized, but that doesn’t mean his family is a fan.” Chadwick stared into the fire. “Danny could stand up to his family. They can’t take away his title or disown him, but they could make his life hell.”
“And that’s enough to keep him away?”
“No. He keeps trying to figure out a risk-free way. He’s all about playing it safe and covering all his bases.” He took another swallow of his wine. “I’m just tired of waiting.”
“Chadwick, you didn’t have to come here.” I frowned. “You could have stayed and figured something out.”