Recklessly Royal (7 page)

“She’s a duchess?” David turned and looked at me.

“Her grandfather is a duke, but her official title is Lady Meredith.” I bit my bottom lip. “She must’ve been really young when she had Marty.”

“I didn’t see anyone with her. Is Marty’s father not in the picture?”

I frowned. Was he fishing for her relationship status? “No. I don’t think he has ever played a large role in their family. She has been single for as long as I’ve known her.”

“That’s rough.” He frowned. “So, the boy, will he inherit the title as well?”

“Yes. Since he is the firstborn and only grandchild.”

“Your family tree is pretty confusing.” One side of his mouth pulled up at the corner and I felt relieved. He seemed more interested in our family than in Meredith’s dating life.

“Oh, you have no idea. This is just the tip of the iceberg.” I took a step closer to him and hoped that he had already forgotten the chicken dance. “Meredith is part of the royal tree, but so far removed that she isn’t truly related any longer. Much like Sam.”

“I think I remember hearing the name Thysmer before.” David stuck his hands in his pockets. “It was in a lot of articles about Sam.”

“They were the other family that had their title reinstated.” I smiled. “We don’t see Meredith often. She attends university in England. In fact, this was the first time I’ve actually met her or her son.”

“He looked like a handful.” He laughed.

“I think you’re right,” I said.

“But he did get you dancing.” His eyes ran over my dress and then back to my face. “I would think you’d have an endless line of people wanting to dance with you.”

“Look at you. You’re getting better at the compliments.” My mouth twitched and I hoped I wasn’t grinning like an idiot.

“Well, then I saw you doing the funky chicken and it all made sense.” His lips quivered as he fought a laugh.

“Hey! I’ll have you know, I do a great funky chicken.” I poked him in the chest and his hand shot up to grasp mine. His thumb ran over the back of my hand and I took a deep breath.

“Why don’t you show me what other types of dances you know.”

Had he just hinted at more than dancing? Did I care? Hell no.

“Lead the way,” I said.

Wrapping my hand through his arm, he led me back into the ballroom and onto the dance floor. With one hand on my waist he guided me through the other dancers in a slow waltz.

As we glided around the floor I was shocked to see Max dancing with Meredith. His eyes were locked on her mouth and she was talking softly, her lips curved into a gentle smile. I had never seen Max pay so much attention to a woman. He’d had lovers in the past, but it had always been obvious that they were a momentary distraction. What really intrigued me was how different the two were. Meredith with her flair for acting and Max with his deep desire to stay as far out of the public eye as possible.

Shaking my head I looked back at David and smiled. “I wouldn’t have thought you would be a dancer.”

“Now, that’s not true.” His eyes twinkled. “I seem to remember you telling me to shake it the other night.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “I knew I’d never live that down.”

“Are you kidding me? I should write home and tell my best friend.” He laughed but my back stiffened. “I’m joking, Cathy.”

I didn’t respond, trying to fight down the dread of what would happen if he really did write home about my drunken episode. His fingers tightened on my waist and he pulled me a little closer.

“Cathy, I’m serious. It was a joke.” He leaned down so his lips were close to my ear. “I know how hard it is to keep your life out of the news. I’ve seen how difficult it has been on Sam.”

“I’m not normally like that.” I met his eyes briefly before looking away.

“Yeah, I get that.” His hand touched my chin to get my attention. “Which is a shame. I liked the grumpy Cathy who poured coffee all over me and the happy, forward woman who told me to take my clothes off.”

“Shh!” My eyes almost bugged out of my head.

A chuckle rumbled out of his chest. “No one is paying the slightest bit of attention to us.”

“That’s not true.” I shook my head. “There is always someone watching. Always.”

“Every person in this room is watching Alex spin Sam around the dance floor like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.”

“They do look amazing.” I craned my neck so I could see my brother. Sam had removed her train, making her dress much more manageable.

“I have to admit, seeing Samantha these last couple of days has really been a surprise. She fits in here so well—like she’s always been a duchess.” David’s eyes took on a faraway look. “It wasn’t that long ago that we were eating two-day-old cold pizza while going over projects. Or stomping through a field, searching for a bird. She never cared about her nails or makeup.” He paused for a minute, thinking. “But now, she’s so . . . polished. It was always there, but it’s like you guys took her and shined her up.”

“She still stomps through fields, chews her nails, and will just as quickly punch someone in the nose than deal with their crap. You’re seeing wedding Samantha.” I chuckled. “And you missed the very scary primping part of the process.”

“I’m imagining a bucket of water where you guys are scrubbing her with giant brushes while she cusses at you.”

“That’s not too far from the truth.” I laughed, remembering the eyebrow threading.

“Much better.”

“Excuse me?” I looked up at him confused.

“You relaxed.” With the hand on the small of my back he rubbed gently with his thumb. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No, it’s not your fault.” I shook my head. “You’re right though. I shouldn’t have to separate Cathy and Princess Catherine.”

“Then don’t.” He shrugged like it was the easiest thing in the world.

I sighed but didn’t respond. It was almost impossible to explain how I had to manage being two different people. I didn’t even want to think about it.

The music stopped and David guided us from the dance floor. His hand stayed on my back, his touch sending goose bumps over my skin.

“Would you like something to drink?” He leaned close so that his warm breath washed over my cheek.

“A water would be nice.”

“No more alcohol?” His smirk was understandable.

“I think I’ve had my share for the year.” I smiled. “Maybe the next five years.”

“Well, there goes my plan for getting you drunk.” He winked at me.

“You do remember what happened to the potted plant, right?” I shuddered.

“That’s a good point.” Picking up a glass of water he turned and handed it to me.

“So how long are you going to be staying in Lilaria?” I sipped from my cup.

“I’m not sure.” He spun the wine in his glass with a look of disappointment.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.” I touched his arm gently.

“I’m not upset about that—I’d just much rather have a beer than a glass of wine.” He looked at the glass with sad eyes.

“Well, that I think I can fix.” I looked around the room. Things were calming down, Sam was still dancing with Alex while teasing Daniel for stepping on her dress. “Come on.” Grabbing his hand I pulled him along behind me.

“Where are you taking me?” He set his wineglass down on a table as we walked.

“Does it matter?” I looked back at him and raised an eyebrow.

“No.” He shifted his fingers so they laced with mine.

“Okay, then.” I winked at him and pulled him with me.

We went through the servers’ entrance and through the kitchen. David didn’t say a word, just followed as I wove through the counters. Taking a small hallway, I led him into a smaller, much quieter kitchen that served the family wing. Opening one of the refrigerators I tossed him a bottle of beer before digging through the freezer for my favorite ice cream. He sat down at the island while I found a spoon for my frozen treat.

“How many kitchens are there?” He took a sip of his beer.

“Three,” I said. “The large one for formal functions, the employee kitchen, and this is the family kitchen.”

“And you have a cook who takes care of your stuff in here?”

“Two master chefs that rotate and their assistant staff.” I frowned. “To be fair, we often host dignitaries or visiting royals in the family wing. So it’s more often than not, there are additions to our family meals.”

“So, your family wing isn’t really so much about family.” He wiped some of the condensation from his bottle with his thumb. “And more about making certain people feel special.”

“It’s our home.” I sat up straighter, annoyed. “We’re not the only family that has guest rooms or visitors.”

“True.” He shrugged. “Just seems so foreign to me. It would be annoying to have to get dressed just to go get a snack. Or what if you forget something in your office?”

“Well, I’m not normally hanging out in my room naked, so it’s not a big deal.” I laughed. It really didn’t seem like a big deal to me. I hadn’t known anything else.

“That’s a shame.” Heat followed his gaze over my body and I bit my lip. I was starting to feel nervous about my plan to seduce him—what did I know about seducing a man? Then again, maybe it was going to be easier than I thought.

I smiled up at him from under my eyelashes. “Does that mean you hang out in your room naked?”

“It’s been known to happen.” He laughed. “Especially if I can’t find a clean towel after a shower.”

The thought of him standing there while water rolled down his body made me suck in a breath. Yep. That was a sight I wouldn’t mind. Not in the least.

“You’re teasing me.”

“Nope. I hate to do laundry. You have to gather it all up, then wash it, then dry it, then fold it. And to add insult to injury, once you’ve done all of that you still have to put it up in the closet.” He spun the liquid in his bottle slowly. “I’d rather do the dishes than the laundry.”

“I started doing my own laundry in college.” I laughed. “I didn’t know I needed to read the labels. Needless to say I lost a lot of things because I didn’t realize they had to be dry-cleaned.”

“It must have been a weird transition.”

“I love it. For so long I didn’t get to do the regular stuff. I was expected to ask people to do things for me like I was helpless. I hated it. I hate asking for help.” I scraped the bottom of the ice cream bowl with my spoon. “Now I get to be independent and make time for things that everyone else does.”

“On top of being a full-time student and a full-time princess?” He cocked his head to the side. “When do you sleep?”

“How did you know I was a full-time student?” I raised one eyebrow.

“I might have asked Sam a few questions.” He ducked his head and smiled.

“And why would you do that, Dr. Rhodes?” I couldn’t help the grin that pulled at my mouth. I stood up and set my bowl and spoon in the sink.

“I couldn’t stop wondering what it would be like to kiss you.” This time when he looked at me, there was heat in his gaze.

“Maybe you should find out.” I turned around and leaned against the counter. I hoped I looked sexy and inviting, but I probably looked excited and nervous.

He stood up slowly and walked around the kitchen island to stand in front of me. His suit jacket hung open and I could see the muscles under his shirt shift with each step, but it was his eyes that drew me in. Placing a hand on either side of me on the counter he leaned close. I felt as if he was searching my soul, looking for something in particular. As if he had found his answer, he dipped his head and his lips captured mine.

It was slow and careful, as if he was waiting for some sign. When his tongue brushed across my bottom lip I sighed and ran my hands over his chest. I hadn’t been kissed in so long I had almost forgotten what it was like—that connection between two people who wanted the same thing: each other.

One of his hands moved from the counter to grasp my hip, pulling me tightly against his body. I melted into him, delighting in the way we fit together. Twining my arms around his neck I let my mouth dance with his, tasting and exploring. His hand on my hip moved to cup my ass, gently massaging as he pulled me even tighter against him. I could feel the growing bulge in his pants and it excited me to know that I was the cause.

I pulled my arms away and slid them under his jacket, pulling his button-up shirt out of his pants and running my hand along his back. His mouth left mine to trail kisses along my neck and I sighed with pleasure. When his hand moved to cup my breast, I groaned and pushed against him, wanting more. As his kisses moved lower and lower I let my head fall back and was lost in the sensation. His lips skimmed the top of my dress, his warm breath collecting in my cleavage as he inhaled raggedly.

Looking up into my eyes, he touched my cheek. “I’m sorry. I got carried away.”

“I’m not sorry.” There was no way I was going to let him get away now. I laced my fingers in his hair and pulled his head back to mine. I craved his kiss like a dying woman in the desert.

His hands weren’t as gentle this time, touching and exploring my body as I did his. I had made up my mind and I knew what I wanted. I wanted David. With shaky hands I reached for his belt but he stopped me.

“Is there somewhere else we can go?”

Sucking in air I realized that we were still in the kitchen. While it was unlikely anyone would be coming up here anytime soon, it wasn’t a risk I was willing to take.

“Yes.” Taking his hand I started to pull him along, but he stopped me with a kiss. His tongue hungrily explored my mouth. We stumbled through the kitchen like that, locked in each other’s arms as we looked for the door. My back pressed against the cool wood and I moaned when he used one leg to push mine apart and planted himself against my hot center.

His lips left mine and he nipped at my earlobe while I tried to peek out into the hallway. Once I knew the coast was clear I opened the door and pulled him with me to my room. When we were inside I closed the door and tried to calm my racing heart. Xavier, my dog, lifted his head from where he was lying and then went right back to sleep. I had never brought a man into my rooms before. At least not a man that I intended on seducing. Apparently my dog didn’t care half as much as I did.