by Leanne Banks
Sam watched her as she applied mascara. “I’m glad I’m not a girl,” he said. “I don’t want to put that stuff on my eyes.”
“Eyelashes,” she corrected. “Women have to be tough. Never forget that.”
He nodded solemnly. “Who is going to take care of Adelaide tonight?”
Her heart immediately softened. Sam was a little afraid and he was putting it onto Adelaide. Sara turned away from the mirror.
“Princess Bridget has arranged for a wonderful caretaker tonight. Her name is Binnie. You may need to help Adelaide adjust to her,” she said, Lifting him from where he stood on the commode to the floor. “Do you think you can do that?”
Sam nodded slowly. “Yes, I will.”
Her heart caught at the sad expression on his face. “You can call your father at any time. You’ll probably like Binnie. She probably won’t make you listen to the piano,” she teased.
“I kinda like the piano,” he said.
“Thank you.” She reached down to kiss him on the cheek. He froze for a half second, but didn’t pull away.
A tiny step forward, Sara thought, catching her breath.
Sara heard a knock at the door. “I bet that’s Binnie. We should greet her.”
“I’ll go.” Sam barreled down the hallway.
It was time to go. Sara felt a flutter of nerves then rolled her eyes at herself. After one last glance in the mirror, she grabbed her shawl and strode down the hall.
She stepped into the den and Gavin turned to look at her. He blinked. “Wow.”
Sara couldn’t remember feeling more complimented. She tried to hide her pleasure, but she suspected she wasn’t successful. She smiled. “Thank you.”
Gavin, wearing a dark suit, white shirt and red tie, looked pretty amazing himself. His eyes glittered with something sexy and forbidden. Something she shouldn’t be thinking about. Something too seductive.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
Not really, she thought. “Yes,” she said, and she accepted his arm.
Gavin escorted her to the car. During the drive, she felt aware of his presence. She’d known he was tall and had a muscular body, but she’d tried to ignore that fact. Now, as he drove toward the palace, she couldn’t.
Gavin pulled to a stop at an intersection and adjusted his tie. “I’m not sure this is my scene. A palace?”
“Think of it as an historical hotel that probably needs major refurbishment,” she said, remembering the state of the so-called palace in which she had lived.
“Major refurbishment?” he echoed. “That bad? How do you know this?”
Sara bit her lip. “It’s just an educated guess. I’ve visited several palaces that needed quite a bit of work. Think about it. Palaces are like museums. They require a lot of upkeep.”
“Hmm,” he said. “I guess you’re right. Still don’t understand how you know so much about this.”
“It was one of my courses at University. Historical preservation,” she said, fudging the origin of her knowledge.
Silence followed. “You look beautiful tonight,” he said.
Her heart tripped a beat. “Thank you. I made an effort. Not like every day.”
“You’re beautiful every day,” he said. “But you knocked me off balance tonight.”
Sara bit her lip again. “Amazing what a little mascara, lipstick and some heels can do.”
“It’s more than that,” he said. “I think you may make a habit of hiding your beauty.”
“You flatter me,” she said.
“No,” he said. “Not really.”
She had no answer for that. She glanced out her window at the stars. “Beautiful night, isn’t it?” she said. “The stars are so bright.”
“Yeah,” he said and slid a sideways glance at her. “Beautiful in a lot of ways.”
Sara leaned back against her seat and decided to be quiet. An uncomfortable silence was better than stoking the heat and want that Gavin was subtly exhibiting and that she was feeling in response.
Several moments later, they arrived at the palace and were waved past the guard. Gavin parked, then assisted her from the passenger seat. “Ready?” he asked.
“Yes, thank you,” she said, accepting his arm. She tried to remember the last time an attractive man had escorted her to a formal event, but no man came to mind. Was her memory failing her? Or had Gavin grabbed hold of her attention?
She inhaled a breath to clear her mind, but instead she caught a whiff of his subtle cologne mixed with his masculine scent. The scent made her feel a little dizzy, but she couldn’t resist the urge to inhale again.
He led her into the palace where aides directed them down the hallway to a ballroom. “They’ve done a good job maintaining the palace. It’s an expensive process,” she mused.
“How do you know that?” Gavin asked.
Sara’s stomach clenched and she struggled to cover for her comment. “I mentioned it earlier. I took a class in historical preservation,” she said. “It must cost a lot of money to make necessary repairs and renovations, don’t you think? And this palace has been around for centuries.”
“Good point,” he said. “Hate to think of the plumbing upgrades,” he said.
She smiled. “Exactly.”
He squeezed her elbow as they entered the ballroom. “Lovely,” she said, looking at the chandeliers and Christmas decorations.
“Gaudy,” he said.
She looked at him and laughed. “Versailles is gaudy,” she said. “This is elegant.”
“If you say so,” he said. “But I’m from Texas and North Dakota.”
“Enjoy your night of grandeur,” she said.
“I will,” he said, meeting her gaze with a sensual darkening from his eyes.
Her heart tripped over itself. She was far too susceptible to him. Sara looked away. “Oh, look, there’s Princess Bridget. And Princess Ericka.”
“You seem to be familiar with them,” he said.
“They’ve been generous to me,” she said. “Remember, Princess Bridget’s nanny was my teacher while I was an apprentice.”
“She did a good job,” he said.
She smiled up at him. “Thank you.”
They took their seats at an assigned table and were served exquisite food. Between courses, Sara excused herself and visited Princess Ericka’s table. She bent her knees in a quick curtsey. “Your Highness,” she said.
Princess Ericka waved the formality aside. “No need. I would have to return it,” she said. “How can I help you?”
“Thank you,” Sara said. “I can’t stop thinking about my brother, Alex. Have you heard anything?”
“I haven’t,” Ericka said with a sad expression.
“It’s been a year,” Sara said. “I don’t know how much longer I can bear this. I know you understand. Can you imagine if Stefan or your youngest brother were missing for over a year?”
Ericka gave a slight wince. “I hear you. I will press Stefan.”
“I’m willing to hire a private investigation service. I must know if he’s alive and well,” she said.
“Give me a few days,” Ericka said. “I promise to get in touch with you.”
“Thank you,” Sara said. “I’m having nightmares when I sleep.”
Ericka frowned in sympathy. “I’ll do my best.”
Sara nodded and returned to her seat beside Gavin.
“Anything you want to tell me?” he asked.
She shrugged. “I’m fine.
“That’s a lie. Maybe you’ll trust me someday,” he said.
Filled with conflict, she turned toward him. “This isn’t about you. It’s all about me. Please forgive me.”
“I want to help you,” he said.
She smiled. “I will ask you when I can. In the meantime, I’ve been instructed to wait a while longer.”
“May I ask what this concerns?” he asked.
She paused and waffled for a moment. “My brother. He’s missing. That’s all I can say.
Please keep it confidential.”
“I will.” He took her hand in his. “You can trust me. But I can see that I’ll have to earn that trust.”
Her heart clenched in her chest. “Thank you.” That was all she could say. She feared she’d already revealed too much. She could barely eat another bite. Her stomach shut down at the sight of the chocolate mousse dessert.
Everyone toasted the royal family then walked from the ballroom and out of the palace. “It was beautiful, wasn’t it?” she asked Gavin.
“It was nice. The food was good,” Gavin said.
Sara couldn’t help laughing. “All about the food for you?”
He shrugged. “What’s more important? The fillet was great.”
“Glad you enjoyed it,” she said as he led her to the car and assisted her into the passenger seat.
Gavin slid into the driver’s seat beside her. “Can’t figure you out. One minute you’re soup and sandwiches. The next, you’re all about atmosphere and chandeliers.”
She shot him a sly smile. “I’m versatile.”
He smiled back at her. “So you say.”
He put the car in gear and they drove away from the palace. They drove a few miles farther and Gavin pulled into a parking lot for a public beach. He glanced at her. “Okay? We can pretend we’re on a date and walk on the beach. We won’t be able to do that tomorrow night.”
She paused, thinking this was a big no-no, but pushed her reluctance aside. “Let’s go,” she said and grabbed his hand.
A moment later, he helped her from the car. Sara ditched her shoes and relished the sensation of sand between her toes.
“You’re still wearing your shoes,” she said.
“Somebody has to,” he said and led her toward the ocean.
“What if you get your shoes wet?”
“They won’t melt,” Gavin said. “I can buy more. I have more in my closet.”
She stumbled after him. “You’re looser than I thought.”
He glanced at her. “You thought I was a stick in the mud?”
She shrugged. “Well...” she said.
He pulled her against him and lowered his mouth to hers. She sank into him. He felt so good, so strong. He slid his tongue over her lips and she felt her knees weaken.
“You taste so good,” he murmured into her mouth.
She clutched his shoulders. “Gavin,” she whispered.
He slid his hands down over her shoulders to the sides of her breasts and lower.
Sara clung to him. His strength and sensuality emanated through her. She slid her fingers through his hair. The sound of the ocean waves flowed over her as he held her. She couldn’t remember such an amazing experience.
Gavin pulled her even closer against him. “I want you,” he muttered against her mouth. The sound vibrated throughout her body.
She wanted him, too. But should she have him? His desire echoed throughout her body. She clung to him and kissed him. A kiss that went on and on. She couldn’t remember wanting anything, anyone this much.
“This is crazy,” she whispered.
“Or crazy right,” he said.
Maybe, she thought. Maybe not. “Why does this feel so right?” she asked. “Why do you feel so right?”
“I don’t know,” he said. “I would never have guessed that at a time like this something could be so right.”
What is so right? she wondered. She took a deep breath and tried to clear her mind, but she still felt muddy. “How—” She shook her head.
“Not sure,” he said, sliding his hand through a strand of her hair. “But we’ll figure it out.”
Sara wasn’t sure how anything between them could work out. At the same time, she didn’t want to move away from his warmth and passion.
She took a deep breath and still felt dizzy. “What now?”
“Gelato,” he said.
She smiled. “They may not be open.”
“Gotta try,” he said, and he kissed her again, making her think about everything except gelato.
He led her toward the car. “C’mon. Let’s get you some hazelnut.”
Gavin drove at the speed of wind. Surprisingly enough, the gelato shop was still open. He ordered raspberry. She ordered hazelnut.
Since the temperature was warm, they sat outside the shop while they devoured the creamy confection. “Will you give me a bite?” he asked her.
She met his gaze. “Must I?
He laughed. “I guess not,” he said.
She lifted a spoonful to him. “Here,” she said.
He took a bite and nodded. “Good, but I like mine better.”
“Are you going to give me a taste?” she asked.
He shot her a devilish grin. “Of course I will,” he said as he offered her a taste.
Sara savored the flavor on her tongue. “Okay, I have to admit that’s pretty good.”
“Better than hazelnut?”
“Close,” she said. “Very close.”
“I can make it better than hazelnut,” he told her, leaning toward her and brushing her lips with his.
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” she said. “I need to resist you, but you’re making it very difficult.” Sara closed her eyes and tried to rein in her feelings, but she hadn’t felt this light and giddy in forever. This was all temporary and crazy, she told herself. She had no business getting involved with Gavin.
Taking a deep breath, she pulled back and glanced at her watch. “We should be getting back. The sitter will be expecting us. If the children didn’t go down easily, they may be expecting us, too.”
The light faded from his eyes. He gave a slow nod. “You made me forget for a few moments.”
Her heart squeezed tight. “It’s all a juggling act, don’t you think?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said. “Perfect description.”
During the drive home, they talked very little. The silence felt deafening as they walked into the house. Binnie stood up from the sofa with a wide smile. “I hope you had a good evening. Your babies have been asleep for a while now.”
“Maybe we should hire you every night,” Gavin joked.
Binnie shrugged her shoulders. “They were perfect. I read a few extra books to Sam, but then he was out flat. Proves he had good exercise earlier in the day,” she said, nodding in approval toward Sara.
“Thank you for everything,” Sara said.
“Anytime,” Binnie said. “I fill in when Princess Bridget needs me, but I often have openings. Your children are lovely.”
“Thank you,” Gavin said. “We’re very grateful and we’ll call you again.” He stepped forward and pressed cash into Binnie’s hand.
She shot him a confused look. “This is not necessary. I’ve been paid by the palace.”
“Not enough,” he said. “Please accept my gratitude.”
Binnie dipped her head. “You do too much, but thank you,” she said, and then she headed out the door.
It was just the two of them in the den again and Sara was taunted by her awareness of Gavin. Meeting her gaze, he shrugged out of his jacket, loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top of his shirt. “Would you like a glass of wine?”
Sara knew that if she stayed, she would be wanting more than a glass of wine. Her lips burned as she remembered his kisses. For a moment, she wanted to ignore all the warnings and cautions running through her mind. Even though she knew that an intimate relationship with Gavin would eventually produce disastrous results, she felt impatient with the deprivation she’d suffered the past few years. Not to mention having to deny her identity, deny her relationship with her sister and deny herself since she’d arrived in Chantaine.
Oh, heaven help her. She was starting to sound like Tabitha.
Biting her lip, she stepped away from the cliff and shook her head. “I think it would be best if I stick with my water and go to bed.”
He nodded as if he’d expected her answer. “Good night, then. I had a good time.”
“So did I,” s
he said, wanting to be honest about something.
“Who knows,” he said. “Maybe we can do it again sometime.”
Sara heard the sexy tone in his voice and knew she should put the kibosh on that possibility, but something inside didn’t let her.
Chapter Seven
Sam didn’t attend preschool the next day, so Sara took both children for a long walk despite the cloudy weather. She wanted to beat the impending rain. Sam appeared even more quiet and withdrawn than ever.
Sitting down on the floor with him as he rolled his cars over the edge of the carpet, she pushed one of the cars next to his. “Which do you like better?” she asked. “The blue one or the red one?”
He just shrugged.
Sara pressed her lips together in concern. “What are you thinking about right this minute?”
He shrugged again, then sighed. “I wish Mama was here.”
Sara’s heart nearly broke in two. She knew she shouldn’t expect Sam’s healing to take place so quickly, but she had hoped the dazzle of the holidays might distract him from his pain. She reached toward him, then paused. He might not want a hug from her at the moment. “I know you love and miss her. You have a wonderful, loving heart. How could you not miss her? But your mother is always with you. She will live on in your memories and her love for you forever.”
Sam looked at her solemnly with wide brown eyes. “I just wish I could see her,” he said.
Sara softly touched his arm to comfort him and he allowed it. She racked her brain for another way to comfort him. She remembered the huge Christmas tree in the palace foyer from her childhood days. Loaded with exquisite China and crystal antique ornaments, the tree had also featured antique sterling silver frames of gloomy-looking ancestors from centuries gone by.
Sam’s mother wasn’t gloomy-looking. She’d worn her hair in a short perky style and although the woman had looked a little weary around the eyes, she’d smiled for the camera. Sara had seen a photograph of the woman on Sam’s dresser.
“How about we put a photo of your mother on the Christmas tree?” she said.
“How?” he asked, his eyes widening in curiosity.
“We can make a copy of the photo in your bedroom and put it in a small frame and hang it on the tree. She can be your Christmas angel,” she added impulsively.
