by Leanne Banks
“I was thinking we would review the day and make plans for tomorrow,” he said.
“Not me,” she said. “I have plans.”
“What plans?”
She shrugged. “Just plans. I’ll see you tomorrow. Ciao.”
“Ciao,” he called after her. “What’s with ciao?”
“It’s just a friendly greeting. There’s no need to get worked up over it,” she said.
He frowned at her for a long moment. “Are you meeting a man tonight?”
She lifted her hands. “What if I am? You don’t care about my personal life, do you?”
His frown deepened. “Not unless it interferes with your work.”
“It won’t. I shouldn’t be staying past 6:00 p.m. anyway. Right?”
Max hesitated then nodded. “Yeah,” he said reluctantly. “Right.”
“Have a good night,” she said and stepped outside the door before he could reply. Sheesh, Max could turn into the grilling kind. That wouldn’t be fun. She tried to shake off his inquisition then took a deep breath. And another. Striding toward her car, she got inside and drove toward her future. A new man, even if this wasn’t the one she wanted.
Arriving home, she freshened up by brushing her teeth and adding some lip gloss, mascara and perfume. The scent of the perfume overwhelmed her, so she rubbed off as much of the fragrance as she could. Seconds later, she heard a knock at her door.
Rushing to the door, she flung it open...to Max.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
He narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean what am I doing here?”
“Well, you were at work when I left,” she said.
“I left after you did,” he said.
She barely resisted the urge to shift from one foot to the other. “I guess you did,” she said as a young good-looking Italian man strode up from behind Max.
“Miss Sophie Taylor,” he asked.
“That’s me,” she said. “You must be David Rinaldo.”
“Yes, Signorina. Very pleased to meet you,” he said, stretching to meet her gaze over Max’s shoulder.
Max met her gaze. “So this is why you left early?” he asked.
“I left on time,” she corrected.
“For Mr. Rinaldo.”
She took a deep breath. “Yes, for a drink with David.” She stepped outside her door. “Have a nice evening,” she mumbled over her shoulder to Max. “Nice to meet you, David. Shall we leave?”
“Of course,” David said, taking her hand. “Good night, Signore.”
David led her down the stairs to the street. Sophie felt an amazing sense of relief. She was relieved to get away from Max. Relieved to escape her apartment. Exhilaration rushed through her. She was free for the moment.
David looked at her. “You look happy. Where would you like to go?”
“Anywhere,” she said, feeling so happy she could hardly stand it.
David, with the seductive eyes, smiled. “I can do better than anywhere.”
He took her to a quiet Italian bar and ordered wine for her and him after she told him she preferred white. A saxophonist played in the corner.
“Does this anywhere please you?” David asked.
Sophie nodded. “Yes, oh, yes. I love the music,” she said, sipping her glass of pinot grigio while swaying to the beat.
“Excellent,” he said. “I told Princess Bridget that I would like to meet you. I hope you don’t feel I was too bold.”
Surprise flashed through her. “I had no idea. I thought she assigned you to me.”
He shook his head. “Assigned? I saw you the day you had tea with the princesses and asked to meet you.”
“When did you possibly see me? I was with the princesses the entire time,” she said.
“The door was open. I observed part of your interaction and wanted to know you better,” he said.
Self-consciousness immediately rushed through her. “I can’t imagine that I would have said anything to impress you during that tea.”
“Your authenticity impressed me,” he said.
“Hmm, my authenticity has gotten me in trouble more than once,” she said.
David lifted his glass of red wine. “It won’t with me.”
She and David had a pleasant conversation getting to know one another better. She learned he’d achieved advanced degrees. She disclosed she’d been nearly all over the world for the sake of her job. She felt comfortable with him. Comfortable enough to agree to attend the dinner fundraiser. Not comfortable enough to allow him to kiss her good-night.
Sophie rushed into her apartment, her heart slamming against her chest. Was David her way out? Was David the man who could make her detach herself from Max? She took a deep breath. She could only hope.
Maybe a little flirtation with David was all she needed to get her on the right track. She couldn’t help wondering if this was how the other half lived.
* * *
The next day, Max was in a bad mood. Sophie arrived on time to work, but she seemed distracted, even when they tossed the Nerf ball back and forth. He went out to check on the workers then returned to the office to find Sophie’s desk filled with a huge arrangement of flowers. Max immediately frowned.
“Who sent those?” he asked, hoping the flowers had been sent from someone at the palace.
Sophie walked in after him. “David Rinaldo. They were a surprise.”
“Pretty, aren’t they?” Terri Caldwell said.
He shrugged. “A little overblown.”
Terri laughed. “I don’t think you can overdo when it comes to flowers,” she said and gave the carnations a sniff. “Plus, they smell so beautifully. Just what did you do to inspire that man to send you these?”
Sophie’s cheeks turned pink. “Nothing. All I did was drink a glass of wine with him.”
“I’m just teasing you,” Terri said. “He must have been impressed with you.”
Max scowled. “Any man can send extravagant flowers. You better watch out if he’s moving that fast.”
“Why?” Sophie asked.
“Because he might want something from you that you might not want to give,” he said.
“I think I’m old enough to handle what to do about that,” she said.
“There’s a difference between being old enough and having experience. When it comes to dealing with men on a romantic level, you’re not experienced. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
Sophie looked at him as if he’d sprouted an extra head. “Who said anything about getting hurt? I’ve only been out with him once.” She glanced down at the flowers. “Besides, maybe it’s time for me to get some experience.”
Max’s gut twisted into a dozen knots. Time for her to get some experience. It took all of his willpower not to take those flowers Sophie had received and trash them.
He obviously felt protective and territorial about Sophie, but why? She was just his amazing assistant, right? He looked at the flowers again. No, not just trash them, burn them. Anger burned up inside of him, which meant he was more emotionally involved than he should be. He needed to do something about his feelings. But it wasn’t as if he could order her not to go out with this guy. For Pete’s sake, where had these thoughts come from? He needed to get himself under control.
Sophie gave the flowers another sniff then sank down into her desk chair. Max had never seen Sophie exhibit the slightest interest in another man and now she was acting all girly about David Rinaldo. Max had always counted on Sophie being sensible, emotionally detached to other men and focused on being his assistant.
He’d counted on her staying focused on being the best assistant he’d ever had. The notion had brought him comfort. Now he wasn’t feeling so sure. The trailer felt as if it were closing in on
him. He needed to go outside. “I’ve got to double-check the grade on the road. I’ll be back later,” he said and left, letting the door slam behind him.
* * *
Sophie stared at her laptop screen, scanning her eyes over the line she’d pretended to read for the fifth time. She heard Terri snicker and bit her lip to keep from responding.
“Looks like Max is allergic to flowers,” Terri said, wandering to Sophie’s desk. “Especially if some other man is giving them to you.”
“Don’t start,” Sophie said. “He’s just probably feeling extra protective because of the scooter accident.”
“That sounded more like jealousy than just overprotectiveness to me. You might finally be getting the man’s attention. Good for you.”
“I’m not going out with David to get Max’s attention. He’s a nice, interesting guy. I had fun with him. It was a nice change,” she retorted.
“Well, I’m glad you’re having fun. You are way overdue.” Terri gave a snicker. “And it’s so much fun watching Max squirm.”
Sophie was surprised by Max’s reaction, but she couldn’t believe that he was truly jealous. Max had been given every opportunity in the world to make a move on her, and the one time he had, he’d apologized and said it was a mistake. No. Terri was wrong on this one.
Sophie was going to try to enjoy David’s attention. It was a refreshing change.
* * *
One day later, Sophie received a call from Bridget. “Meet me for lunch and shopping tomorrow. We can discuss delicious David and your upcoming appearance at the historical awareness dinner.”
Sophie felt an itchy discomfort. “Appearance?” Sophie echoed. “I’m not supposed to give a speech, am I?”
“Oh, no, of course not. You’ll just be introduced as one of the honored guests and sit at the head table. But it’s a great opportunity for a new dress and shoes.”
Sophie had been planning on wearing the little black dress she wore for any and every occasion that sounded formal-ish. “I’d love to meet you for lunch sometime, but I’m swamped with work right now. Since I had the accident, I’ve been doing a lot of catch-up.”
“Well, surely Max could spare you for one afternoon. We need to move on this, in case you need alterations,” she said in a firm voice. “And of course, the day of the event, the palace stylist will do your hair and makeup.”
“Whoa,” Sophie said. “I don’t really wear that much makeup.”
“Of course you don’t, but the cameras can wash you out,” Bridget said. “Shall I have Stefan speak to Max on your behalf?”
“Oh, no, absolutely not,” Sophie said, cringing at the thought. “Why would I need to be concerned about cameras?”
Bridget giggled. “Because you’re a guest of honor, silly. Plus, everyone will know you’re involved in the road improvement project and trust me, the whole country is thrilled about that.”
“If this crowd is going to be interested in the road recovery project, then why didn’t you ask Max?” Sophie asked.
“Oh, I’ve asked him to make a half dozen appearances and he refuses every time. You’re much more sociable. Now, you’re sure I shouldn’t ask Stefan—”
“No, no. I just—” She broke off, frustrated, waving at Terri as the woman entered the work trailer. “I’m just more of a low-key, low-maintenance kind of person. I don’t really think I’ll need to shop for a new dress for the dinner.”
“Shopping?” Terri said. “You should definitely get a new dress. When is the last time you got one?”
“Excuse me,” she said to Bridget and covered the phone. “This is Princess Bridget inviting me to shop tomorrow. There’s no way Max will go for it. We’re so busy—”
“I’ll cover for you,” Terri said.
Sophie blinked. “What?”
“I’ll cover for you. I was supposed to take tomorrow off to do some touring with the hubby, but since he’s decided to stay until next week, I can put it off another day. Go shopping.”
“But—”
“Go!” Terri said.
Sophie sighed and uncovered the phone. “Your highness, it looks like I can join you tomorrow after all.”
“Splendid,” Bridget said. “We’ll have a wonderful time.”
Sophie hung up the phone and met Terri’s gaze. “I’m not sure what I’ve gotten myself into.”
Chapter Six
The next day, Sophie left the office as soon as Terri arrived.
“Enjoy it. You don’t get out enough. Splurge a little,” Terri said.
“We’ll see,” Sophie said as she headed for her tiny rental car. She wasn’t that worried about the expense because she rarely had time for shopping, and she had a nice chunk of savings and investments. The advantage to working all the time was that she had little opportunity to spend the money she made.
Sophie drove to her apartment to change into a pair of black slacks and a white blouse before meeting Princess Bridget. Just as she decided to walk to the café, her cell phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Miss Taylor, this is Sean Stapleton. I’ll pick you up for your appointment with Her Highness in ten minutes,” a man said.
“That’s really not necessary. I can walk it in the same amount of time,” she said.
He cleared his throat. “Princess Bridget forbids you to walk to the restaurant,” he said.
“Forbids?” she said.
“I found the wording a bit strong myself, but she doesn’t want another accident—”
Sophie rolled her eyes. Ever since her encounter with the scooter, everyone seemed to be paranoid about her crossing the street. “Okay, thank you. I’ll be downstairs. During the moments she waited for the driver, Sophie experienced second and third thoughts about accepting the princess’s invitation to attend the historical awareness dinner.
Dressing up and going out hadn’t been part of her practice. If there was any time left at the end of the day, she usually either read a book or caught up on a favorite television show. Her social life was nearly nonexistent. If the company hosted a holiday or end-of-project party, the attire was jeans and the beverage served was ice cold beer.
She suspected her bruised ego from being rejected by Max had influenced her decision. Although she’d enjoyed David enough, the whole thing was starting to make her feel a little edgy.
Seconds later, the driver appeared and assisted her into the car. As she’d pointed out to him, the ride was so short she barely spent any time in the car. At the café, she was led to a corner table with a view of the colorful street. A few moments later, Princess Bridget arrived, wearing a bright pink dress with a matching hat and heels. She nodded and smiled at several of the café’s customers on her way to the table.
Sophie stood to greet her and considered attempting a curtsey.
As if Bridget could read her mind, she shook her head. “Absolutely no curtsey.” She gave Sophie a warm embrace then sat down. “This is going to be such a treat for me. I’ve been stuck on the ranch, and I use the term loosely. We have cattle, chickens and horses, but I told my dear husband that I’m drawing the line at goats and sheep. Besides, he expects me to learn to feed and tend the animals. I think feeding and tending the twins is quite enough,” she chuckled. “Has he lost his mind? But at least I can tell he’s very happy. The only thing that would make him happier is if Chantaine had a baseball or football team. That’s for another day. In the meantime, you and I can have a lovely lunch and shop. What looks good to you?” she asked as she glanced at the menu.
After a delicious meal of sea scallops and a glass of wine, Sophie was full to the brim. “This was wonderful. I’m usually eating a sandwich I packed for lunch. Thank you for inviting me.”
“My pleasure. Of course, the best is yet to come.”
“Oh
, I don’t think I have room for dessert,” Sophie said, patting her stomach.
“Not dessert, silly. The shopping,” Bridget said.
Sophie felt a rush of nerves. “I think you may be more of a risk-taker when it comes to fashion. I tend to go the conservative, classic route.”
“Well, here’s your opportunity to break out of your shell,” Bridget said.
Sophie liked her shell. It felt safe in there. “Seriously, I went shopping at Christmas, but didn’t buy anything for myself.”
“That’s fine. That’s why you’re going with me. I’ll make sure you don’t buy anything too boring or practical.” When Sophie opened her mouth to protest, Bridget lifted her hand and shook her head. “Answer one question. What was the last article of clothing you purchased?”
Sophie racked her brain then winced as she remembered. “Besides the blue dress I bought for tea, a pair of pants with zippers that would allow you to turn them into shorts.”
Bridget blinked and shook her head. “I rest my case.”
After that, Sophie felt as if she’d been caught in a whirlwind. Somehow in the search for a dress, she purchased a pair of skinny jeans, two stylish tops and a pair of sandals with heels. Sophie kept gravitating toward the black dresses, while Bridget led her to bright colors. She wasn’t sure how it happened, but she found herself staring in the mirror at the image of a woman wearing a knockout red dress and nude heels.
“Now tell me, is that perfect, or what?” Bridget asked, clearly proud of herself.
“I don’t know what to say. I never would have chosen this.” Sophie still couldn’t believe she was looking at her own reflection.
“Fabulous. Now let’s see if we can find one more dress—”
“Oh, no. I think I’m done. Really.”
Bridget pouted. “But what will you wear for your next big event? You can’t wear the same outfit twice in a row.”
“Let’s just deal with one event at a time,” Sophie said. “And thank you. I already told you I’m not much of a shopper, but you sure know how to make it fun.”
