The Cinderella Princess

by Melissa McClone

  “I’d like that very much.” Luc would, given what was at stake.

  “Then it’s a date.”

  His second. And no mention of the foundation needed. He should be thrilled and want to celebrate. But all he could think about was how much better he liked Emily’s kiss than Brigitte’s.

  Chapter Six

  ‡

  Emily sat in the villa’s library at a large mahogany desk. Ornate gilded bookshelves filled with hardcovers, many first editions, lined the walls. The smells of the pages and bindings were stronger than the two antique chairs in front of the fireplace and a smaller writing table on the far wall.

  She clicked yes in the second date column of her database. Finding a princess who wanted to go out with him again was what Luc needed, except…

  She touched her lips. No more throbbing or tingles, only the memory of Luc’s kiss from a couple hours ago. But a longing for more kept growing. Anticipation of spending more time with him prickled like pins and needles. She didn’t believe in true love’s kiss, but she wanted to kiss him again.

  Partner. Partner. Partner.

  The word became a mantra to help her forget Luc’s toe-curling kiss—well, practice one—and focus on finding him a bride.

  “The tea went well.”

  She looked up from her laptop to see Luc standing on the other side of the desk with a smile on his face. He wore a blue suit, blue shirt, and checked blue tie. His hands were behind his back.

  “Brad told me.” She hit save, then closed her laptop. “Congratulations.”

  He brought his arms forward. He held a pink rose in one hand and a chocolate bar in the other. “Thanks for your help.”

  A weight pressed down on her chest making breathing difficult. She wasn’t used to receiving gifts. Not from a man, rather a client, let alone a prince.

  Emily accepted his offerings with shaky hands. “You didn’t have to do this. I’m just—”

  “Doing your job,” Luc finished for her. “I wanted to show my gratitude. My…appreciation.”

  She smiled, feeling tingly all over. “Can’t get much better than flowers and Swiss chocolate. Thanks.”

  “Since Nick won’t allow me to leave the grounds, I had to get creative. The rose is from the flower garden, and I raided the chef’s pantry. With permission, of course.”

  Emily sniffed the rose. Sweet. “Very thoughtful of you.”

  And so unexpected. He didn’t seem like the same man from yesterday morning who’d been hungover and trying to get a reaction from her by tossing back the sheet. Had she misjudged him or was he trying to play her?

  Either way, she couldn’t lose her head over his gifts or crush like a teenager because of a hot kiss. Nothing could stand in the way of her getting the job done.

  “I have Princess Brigitte’s cell number.” Emily handed him a Post-It note. “Send her a text in the next day or two. Just don’t go overboard.”

  “Do I look like a stalker?”

  He looked like a dream come true. She swallowed around the tiara-sized lump in her throat. “No, but desperate times…”

  “With you here, I’m no longer feeling as desperate. I have a second date.”

  “A dinner date tonight also.”

  His forehead creased. “Two dates in one day?”

  “Making up for lost time. We don’t have nearly enough film to make a show.” She glanced at another note on the desk. “Princess Dimitra of Crystopolas and Eros Isle will be arriving at eight.”

  “Never met her.”

  “She knows who you are.” Emily had spoken to the princess herself. “Let’s make the evening unforgettable.”

  “Sounds good, but first I want to show you my other favorite spot here at the villa. The romantic possibilities are endless there. Might give us some ideas.”

  His suggestive grin lit a spark deep inside her. If this kept up, she was going to need to carry a fire extinguisher.

  Partner. Partner. Partner.

  The mantra didn’t help her much. Especially gazing into Luc’s killer baby blues. She looked away. Stood.

  “I’d love to see the spot. Maybe we can use it for your date tonight.”

  “Or for another princess if you have more dates lined up for me.”

  “Not yet, but I’m working on it.”

  She was giving royal social secretaries and assistants the hard sell. Some didn’t buy her the-prince-has-a-hidden-side-no-one-knows-about spiel, but a few had. That was all he needed. The sooner Luc found his bride, the better for Dream Big Alvernia and all involved.

  Especially her, who was learning first hand just how irresistible Prince Luc was. And how dangerous too.

  *

  Bees buzzed around the potted flowers on the terrace, but Luc wasn’t worried about being stung. He was more concerned about Emily realizing tonight’s sunset was at seven-thirty, half an hour before Princess Dimitra’s arrival. But he wanted alone time with Emily without the film crew, his bodyguard, and her assistant lingering nearby. The secluded area surrounded by trees and shrubbery where a small lawn led to the beach seemed perfect.

  “So where’s your spot?” she asked.

  Emily’s hair smelled like flowers. Shampoo or perfume? He couldn’t tell the difference.

  “Luc?”

  “Sorry.” He sounded distracted, which he was. “It’s by the lake.”

  “I haven’t been down there yet.”

  “The stairs going down to the lake are steep.” He reached for her hand. “I don’t want you to fall.”

  She eyed their hands warily. “Sounds more like a line.”

  Birds chirped. The breeze lifted the ends of her hair.

  “It’s not.” He didn’t let go. Her skin was soft and smooth and warm against his. “I thought women liked gentlemen.”

  She seemed to relax. “Are manners something you’re taught?”

  “Etiquette lessons began as soon as I could speak.” The path narrowed. He walked a step ahead of her. “Even now, Mrs. Renault’s directions swirl through my head each time I’m in a social situation where I could make a faux pas as she liked to call them. Her gravelly old voice annoyed me when I was a kid. Still does.”

  Emily laughed. “Growing up in a palace must be so different to being raised in a beach town.”

  He led her down the steps. “Where was that?”

  “Coronado, California.”

  He’d stayed at the Hotel del Coronado during a visit to the San Diego area when he was nineteen. He’d been surprised to learn the US didn’t have topless beaches like France’s Cote d’Azur. “A nice town.”

  “Great place to grow up. That’s where I met Addie and Nick. We were all in school together.”

  “Is your family still there?”

  Emily’s smiled disappeared. “No. I live in San Diego now. My mom moved away. My dad…he did, too.”

  “Do you see them much?”

  “No, but that’s okay. I’m busy with work.”

  Luc wondered if she was trying to convince him or herself. “I don’t see my family that often.”

  Her gaze narrowed. “Don’t you live at the palace?”

  “Officially, yes.” He lowered his voice as if letting her in on a secret. He was. “Unofficially, I have my own place.”

  Water cascaded down a three-tiered fountain to their left.

  Emily slowed her pace. “Every time I take a walk, I find something new about this place.”

  Below them on the lake, boaters and water skiers enjoyed the spring sunshine. He enjoyed the slow pace of life here. He could take his time and get to know Emily better.

  Luc squeezed her hand. “That’s how I feel whenever I spend time with you.”

  Her gaze met his. She dragged her teeth across her lower lip.

  “Not much to learn.” She picked up her pace as if eager to get to their destination…or running away. “Work is my life.”

  “Work is important to you, but it’s not everything. You’re a good friend according to
Nick and Addie. A daughter too.”

  She shrugged, but the last thing she looked was indifferent. “Friend, yes, but daughter, not so much. My family’s the definition of dysfunctional.”

  “I thought that title belonged to my family,” he half-joked.

  “Guess there are lots of us who feel that way.”

  Luc nodded. “My mother wanted another daughter. My father didn’t want more children. I was a disappointment to both my parents as soon as I arrived.”

  “That must have sucked.”

  Emily’s way with words brought a smile to his face. He nodded. “I was so much younger than my siblings; we were never really brothers and sisters. They were too busy to deal with me, so I was more like an only child.”

  He wanted to say more, but honor and duty kept him quiet.

  “I was an only child.” Emily stared at the lake. “My mom married my dad a week after she graduated college. Turns out he was a serial cheater, but she was afraid to divorce him. She didn’t think she could get a job and feared losing the house in Coronado. So instead, she lost herself in alcohol to cope with her horrible marriage.”

  No wonder Emily had no sympathy for his hangover yesterday. Her wanting chocolate, not champagne, made more sense now.

  He squeezed her hand again. “Are your parents divorced now?”

  She nodded. “When I was ten, my father left us for a younger woman who was pregnant.”

  “Us?”

  “After he moved out, he didn’t want visitation rights. I reminded my dad of my mother, so I wasn’t welcome in his new family. On my eleventh birthday, he sent me Miss Mousie. That was the last time I heard from him. Probably silly to hold onto a stuffed animal all these years.”

  “Not silly. The cat is your part of him even if he’s no longer in your life.” Luc’s heart ached for Emily. His father wouldn’t win any parenting awards, but the king had provided a place to live, an allowance, and an education when Luc was growing up. Everything changed once he became an adult. But to be a kid…

  He wanted to hug her, but rubbed his thumb against her hand instead. “A father should never abandon his child. I’m sorry yours did. That must have been difficult on you.”

  “Harder on my mom.” Emily’s tone was more resigned than hurt. “She wasted so much time holding on to a bad marriage because she didn’t know how we’d survive without my dad paying the bills. That taught me to take care of myself so I’ll never find myself in the same situation.”

  No wonder Emily worked so hard. His respect for her grew. “You’re a strong woman.”

  “Thanks, but I must also be jet lagged.” Emily shook her head. “I can’t believe I’m telling you all this. It’s not something I talk about to anyone.”

  “I’m glad you told me.”

  “I don’t want pity.”

  “You’ll get none from me.” He wanted to kiss the sadness in her eyes away, but he didn’t want to take advantage of her vulnerability. Telling him about her parents had to have taken a leap of trust. His turn. “Do you know why I’m doing this show?”

  “Your father.”

  “Yes.” On the lake below, a water skier fell. That was how Luc felt, out of control, about to crash and burn if he hit the wake wrong. But he wanted Emily to know he understood. “The king, my father, gave me an ultimatum. If I don’t present a fiancée at the palace in two weeks, I will be stripped of my title and my allowance. I will be disowned.”

  Her face paled. “He can do that?”

  “The king can do whatever he pleases. Not even my mother has been able to change his mind.” Luc took a deep breath. Telling someone else took a weight off his shoulders. “The worst part of being disowned is not being able to run the foundation the way I have been. My title gives me access to people and places for my fundraising events. Donations help, but my allowance funds the foundation. Without that…”

  “Oh, Luc.” Emily stroked his shoulder with her free hand. “I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this.”

  Her compassion touched his heart. “It is what it is. I’m resigned to any marriage so long as my father approves. That’s the only way to keep the foundation running.”

  “Then it’s good you have me.” The words flew from her mouth faster than the profiteroles had disappeared from the buffet lunch earlier. Her usual confidence bubbled over making him smile. “I’ll do everything within my power to find you a bride before I have to leave. I’ll download every peerage list, cross-reference them, and see if there’s any nobility we haven’t contacted. If I could use the foundation—”

  “Still off limits.”

  She lowered her hand from his arm and bit her lip.

  He could imagine what she was thinking. “You think I’m more stupid.”

  “Stubborn, too.”

  “Anything else?”

  “Yes, but we have an over-the-top romantic date to plan. And not much time.”

  “You’re amazing.”

  “I’m exactly what you need right now.” Emily smiled like a ray of sunshine breaking through overcast skies. “No worries, okay? By the time we’re finished, Princess Dimitra won’t know what hit her.”

  That was how Luc felt about Emily. She’d blasted into his life like a high speed Italo train, and he had the feeling he’d never be the same.

  *

  That evening on the villa’s pool terrace, Emily fixed a crooked flower on the table’s centerpiece. Torches and candles flickered and reflected in the water. Miniature white lights glowed. Soft music played from outside speakers. Additional flowerpots had been moved from around the villa and set around the edges of the swimming pool to make the setting for Luc’s dinner with Princess Dimitra more romantic. Underwater lighting added to the inviting atmosphere. Perhaps Luc and his date would want to swim after they ate.

  “Everything looks wonderful.” Luc looked like a groom in his tuxedo. “You outdid yourself.”

  His compliment pleased Emily. “The staff helped. Addie strung the miniature white lights.”

  “A whimsical touch.”

  “If you like that sort of thing.”

  “You don’t?”

  The lights made Emily think of a fairy tale or amusement park. “I’m practical.”

  That meant even though she was embarrassed for opening up the way she had about her parents, she was also relieved knowing what was at stake for Luc. Failure had never been an option, but she felt more urgency knowing about the king’s ultimatum.

  “Yet you plan romantic dates,” Luc said.

  “I’m here to help.”

  She spoke the words as much for his benefit as hers. He was a client, nothing else. So what if the secluded spot he’d taken her to this afternoon was the perfect setting for another kiss? His kisses weren’t meant for her.

  “Is your microphone on?” she asked.

  “Not yet.” He motioned to the pack he wore at his waist. “Nick taught me how to turn it off and on.”

  “Turn it on.” The words came out like a captain’s order. She softened her voice. “The princess will be here any minute.”

  “Nervous?”

  “No.” Emily straightened another flower. “I want tonight to go well for you.”

  “Look at this table, the flowers, the lights, the pool, and me.” A charming smile spread to his eyes. “What could go wrong?”

  “Nothing. You make James Bond look like he shops at a thrift store and cuts his own hair.”

  Luc gave a mock bow. “I aim to please.”

  If only he could please her… Emily swallowed a sigh.

  The villa’s butler, a man in his fifties named Aldo, stood at the doorway to the drawing room. He cleared his throat. “Her Royal Highness Princess Dimitra of Crystopolas and Eros Isle.”

  “I’m going to slip into the darkness.” Emily headed into the pool cabana where the crew had set up their equipment. The location gave her a perfect view of the terrace. She couldn’t wait to see Luc on a date. She’d been speaking with Princess Br
igitte’s secretary and missed watching the tea.

  “Hey,” she whispered to Dylan. “Ready?”

  “All set.” His left headphone was off his ear. “I’ve got twenty bucks riding on this princess kissing him longer than the first one did.”

  Emily’s stomach did a somersault. “Brigitte kissed Luc?”

  “Right on the lips. She looked like she wanted another one, but she had to leave.”

  Emily knew how the princess must have felt wanting more. Except Brigitte’s kiss hadn’t been for practice. Hers had meant something. The thought left Emily feeling uneasy. A stupid reaction when her goal was to find Luc a wife.

  “Here comes the princess.” Dylan kept his voice low. “Whoa, baby. Look at that rack. Talk about hot. Luc will have to tell us if she’s a natural blonde.”

  “Do your job. And let Luc do his.”

  Dylan shook his head. “If the prince doesn’t propose to this one, there’s something wrong with him. The woman is sexy as hell. Look at that ass.”

  Emily wanted to see what the fuss was about.

  Talk about gorgeous. The princess had more curves than Lombard Street in San Francisco. While Brigitte looked like a quintessential princess from the pages of a magazine, Dimitra could have been mistaken for an escort or stripper.

  She crossed the tiled terrace in four-inch heels and a scandalously short skirt. If Emily’s eyes weren’t deceiving her, the princess wore red lace panties. Sexy blonde curls bounced. The princess’s ample breasts appeared ready to break out of her corset top at any second.

  “Come on wardrobe malfunction,” Dylan muttered.

  Luc’s mouth dropped open. He stared at Dimitra like she was a mountain spring and he was dehydrated and needed water. No matter that he stood in front of a swimming pool. That wouldn’t quench his thirst.

  Not that Emily blamed him. The princess was dressed for a night of seduction and sex, not a romantic dinner date with a potential spouse.

  Luc met her halfway, as if he didn’t want to wait two more minutes to let her come to him.

  Emily wanted to throw up. A reaction she’d never experienced with a client. Still she wanted to know what’s going on. “Give me a set of earphones.”