Suddenly Royal
Page 76

“We didn’t fight because I moved out here with you. I wanted to come. His estate is only an hour from here. We fought because I’m tired of being careful. I don’t want to have to keep my distance or only stay in. I want to live life with him and we can’t do that in a bedroom. Well, there’s only so much we can do in a bedroom.”
“Oh.” I looked at the wine in my glass. “Even without the wine, I wouldn’t have any sage advice.”
“Ah. Well, maybe I do.” He pursed his lips when he turned to look at me. “You have someone who wants to be with you. Do you know how much he had to rearrange to be able to come out here with you?”
I shook my head no.
“A lot. A ton. He called in favors to get people to cover some of his appearances. That man is willing to go out of his way for you. Stop being dense.”
I blinked at him in surprise. “Sorry.”
“Don’t tell me. Tell him. Everyone has baggage, Samantha. His just happens to be very public. He needs someone who will be with him that he can trust. He needs someone who isn’t going to use him or let him forget that he’s human.” Chadwick reached over and poked my shoulder. “He needs you.”
“You just poked me.” I looked at his finger.
“I did. I poked a duchess.” He snorted. “That’s a first.”
“You really think he needs me?”
“I think you need each other.”
“Oh, geez.” I sighed. “What if he breaks my heart? It’ll be all over the tabloids. The American duchess that was dumped by the prince.”
“Maybe you’d be the one doing the dumping,” Chadwick pointed out.
“And what if there is no dumping?” I said the words quietly.
“You mean, what if you guys decide to tie the knot and make adorable little babies?”
“I hadn’t thought about babies, but what if we fall in love? Where does that leave him and his title? I just can’t imagine starting something with him, knowing there’s an expiration date.”
“Oh, honey. I think it’s too late to be worried about falling in love.” He chuckled. “And why would it affect his title? You’re a royal. There’s no reason he couldn’t marry you. Heck, The Prince of Wales in England married a commoner. The world is changing.”
“But me? I’m not from Lilaria. Not really.” I frowned. Chadwick thought it was too late for me to worry about falling in love? It wasn’t love. It was fascination. I liked him, yes. I respected him. I certainly lusted after him. But it wasn’t love. Yet.
“Royals have married royals from other countries throughout history. The key is to make the person feel loved. Let them know you would put them first.” He said something in Lilarian that made me sit up straight.
“What does that mean?” It was the exact phrase Alex had used on the plane after helping me with my dress.
“All things are possible with love.” He smiled at me. “It’s a very common expression here.”
“All things…” I let the words sink in and tried to apply them to me and Alex.
“Think about it.” He stood up and stretched. “I’m going to bed.”
“Thanks, Chadwick.” I smiled at him.
“For what?”
“For letting me be me.” I stood up and hugged him. “For poking me, for talking this out with me.”
“Ah, you’re a sap when you drink.” He laughed. “Go get some sleep.”
“All right, but I’m not drunk.”
“Good night.”
I took our glasses to the kitchen and rinsed them out before heading upstairs. Chadwick must have had someone unpack my bags because my clothes were in the closet and dressers. On a whim I grabbed one of the satin nightgowns and slid it on. The wine had me hot and the cool material felt good against my skin. I brushed my teeth and climbed into bed but couldn’t get comfortable. My mind kept going over the phrase Alex had used. Could it be true? Could love get someone through anything? I ran my fingers over the necklace around my neck.
After a while I decided to get a glass of water. In less than thirty seconds out of my bedroom door, I had stubbed my toe and ran into a small table. I held onto the stair rail and took the steps slowly. How ironic would be if they brought me back here and I fell down the stairs my first night? A small lamp in the corner of the kitchen gave me enough light to find the glasses. I poured myself some water and leaned against the counter.
I was contemplating making a snack since I had never gotten around to making my sandwich when someone knocked on the front door. My body froze in place except for my heart—it sped up. I set my glass down and made my way through the living room. Maybe Chadwick had gotten lost on his way to his house. I wasn’t crazy though and grabbed a large bust from a nearby table. Edging to the door, I tried to peek out of the small window at the top, but I couldn’t see anything.
“Who is it?” I called.
“Alex.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
A Royal Sleepover?
—Lilarian Tale
If I had thought my heart was beating fast earlier, it didn’t compare to what happened when I heard his voice. I twisted the lock and peeked out the door.
“What are you doing here?” I brushed some of my hair out of my eyes. He was standing there in jeans, a dark T-shirt, and a simple jacket.
“I have to leave tomorrow afternoon.” He tucked his hands into his pockets. “May I come in? It’s cold.”