“Okay, that’s enough. Margaret.”
She didn’t mention my title or crown so either she had tact or didn’t know who I was.
I grinned at the woman, I had a feeling we’d be getting along. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, Margaret. I’m here to work so please let me know how I may be of help.”
She gestured into the shelter. “Follow me, hun.”
“Wait,” Serena called out. “About the conversation in the car, can we, um, finish it?”
“Later.” I shot her a smile and followed Margaret through a door that read ‘Puptown’. We could keep talking when we had a bit more privacy. I’d let her stew on it for a few hours then let her know I liked her more than a little too.
* * *
Four hours of washing dogs, cleaning up their poo, taking them for walks and I was done. I knew I smelled awful. Worse than awful. I’d never felt this filthy in my life, even after military training in the middle of the desert for five days.
I was covered in fur, dirt, and unidentifiable smudges. I didn't want to be in a closed space with Serena, but she didn’t seem too concerned when she finally saw me. She simply laughed.
“Ruff day?”
“Ha. Punny. That German Shepard, Koda? He had it out for me.”
She began laughing harder. “He’s a boss. He doesn’t like being on a leash.”
I cleared my throat. “I’m aware…now. Margaret didn’t feel the need to tell me that either. Not until he’d tripped me and dragged me across the yard.”
Serena covered her mouth to suppress cute giggles and nodded. “Thanks for your help today. It was nice having someone else around.”
“You mean so you and your evil friend could pass the less favorable jobs onto me?”
“Yes.” She said it so matter of factly it actually took me a second to realize what she meant.
“What a way to treat a first-timer.” I shook my head and laughed.
She shrugged and led me back out to her car. “Do you want to get lunch?”
“I do.” I motioned down at my filthy clothes and cringed. “But I really want to get out of these clothes first.”
Her eyebrow rose as she turned the ignition on and backed the car.
I cleared my throat. “I just mean I would like to clean up before going anywhere public.”
“Of course. We can’t have the crown prince of Lochland strolling through the streets of L.A. like that.” She gestured to me and cringed as she drove out of the parking lot. “We’ll stop at home first.”
I didn’t want to admit how much I liked her saying that. Of course, it was her home, but she didn’t say that. Her choice of words made me feel included. It was a bit insane that after only a few days with her, I was getting excited over little things. I’d lost my head with her. I should be spending time working and planning and making arrangements for the coming week. I should be excited about what was on my plate. The decisions I have to make, the people I’d have to respond to, and the fifty different directions I’d get pulled the minute I returned to Lochland.
I wanted to ignore all of that. I wanted to not be so responsible for once.
That wasn’t an option. It never was for me. I didn’t get to be first priority. It was moments like this that I wished Lewis could pretend to be me for more than just to get away from a crowd or press.
There were times I wished I could step back and let someone else take over. Aiden. He should be back soon and would be able to take some of the load.
My eyes drifted across the console. Would I have time for a relationship? Would I have the chance to really see where things could go with us? Time was running out.
“Serena?”
She glanced at me. “Yeah?”
“What’s next for you?”
She seemed surprised. “I’m working on securing grants for another school in Peru.”
“When?”
She blew out a breath. “If things go as planned, construction can start this November.”
Five months. That was plenty of time for us to get to know each other.
“So, no immediate plans?”
“What are you getting at?”
I just shrugged.
There was the shelter and her family here. But nothing that seemed like a red flag. Nothing that would keep her from saying yes. Was I mad for even thinking it? Perhaps, but it was worth the risk.
“I think I have an idea for lunch. Is that okay?”
She gave me a stink-eye like she knew I was avoiding her question but finally gave in. “Sure.”
9
Serena
“You’re being an idiot.”
I tried ignoring Vanessa as I brushed out my wet hair. She was lounging on my bed flipping through a magazine, offering her unwanted opinion.
I pointed the brush at her. “You’ve said that already.”
“It’s because it’s true and you’re not listening. Cian likes you. I know for a fact he does.”
“He didn’t say it back though.”
She huffed out a sigh. “How did the rest of the time at the shelter go?”
“Fine.”
“Just ‘fine’?” She sounded impatient now.
I ignored her and turned on the blow dryer. I flipped my hair over and blocked her out. This wasn’t just some guy we were talking about. This was different than running into someone at a coffee shop and being attracted to them.
When I stood upright she was leaning against the counter, two feet from me.
“Ah!” I struggled to hold onto the blow dryer and jumped back when it hit the ground. “Don’t scare me like that.”
She picked it up and handed it back to me. “I’m trying to get you to admit your feelings.”
“Vanessa, stop hounding me.”
She crossed her arms. “I’m not. Just say it. You like him a lot. More than you’re leading on.”
“I don’t.” I lied and picked up a brush to comb out my tangles.
“You’re falling in love.”
I nearly threw a comb at her. “I am not.” I bit out each word.
“Yes, you are. You’re blushing.” She pointed at my face and I glanced in the mirror to see my cheeks were indeed condemning me.
“I don’t have time to argue with you.”
I had a lunch date with him I needed to hurry and get ready for and Vanessa was being a distraction. I needed the time to get my thoughts together. I’d basically admitted to Cian that I liked him. Like Like. Cause I was in middle school again.
He didn't say anything back. She knew that and now she was torturing me. I never should have opened my mouth around her. She’s like a moth to a flame when she senses gossip.
“Ugh. Fine. I’ll just watch you fail and end up depressed from afar.” She turned and went back to my bed, flopping down dramatically and flipping magazine pages with a bit too much aggression.
I glared at her. Mostly because she wasn’t wrong. Instead of responding with how he felt about me, he’d left me hanging so I obsessed all day wondering what it meant, how he felt, if I’d made a mistake, if he was thinking about me too. The list went on and on.
I shouldn’t have found him attractive while he was cleaning up the kennels. Sweeping and mopping weren’t exactly turn-ons, but once I saw how down-to-earth he was and what he was capable of, my brain wouldn’t stop thinking about him. Noticing him. Forcing me to consider how handsome, surprising, and normal he was.
I finished my hair and hurried out of my room before Vanessa could go on another rant. Even though I planned on a casual lunch–something quick and out of the way–I took the opportunity to dress up a bit. Maybe it was shallow of me to focus on my appearance but after spending the day in a t-shirt I wanted to at least appear like I had a life outside of the shelter.
“By the way, you look hot,” Vanessa called out after me.
I paused just outside my door, and tossed a glance back at my sister and smiled. “Thanks.”
I smoothed the pleats of my do
ve-grey dress before hurrying down the stairs. Cian was waiting for me, back to his normal self in a fitted button-up and Chico pants. He got up from the living room couch when I approached.
His eyes lit up. “You clean up beautifully.”
I smiled and mentally told the butterflies in my stomach to get a job while I picked my purse up off the table near the door. “Thank you. You look nice as well.”
He grinned and followed me out of the house. The black SUV was parked out front with Justin waiting for us.
“What’s this?” I turned from the SUV to Cian. I expected I’d drive us somewhere close.
“Our ride.” He smiled while my head spun, trying to figure out what was going on.
Justin stood next to the rear door and opened it as we approached. “Good afternoon, sir.” He nodded at me. “Good to see you again, Miss.”
“Thank you.” I slid inside and scooted to the far side so Cian could sit next to me.
Justin walked around the car and got in behind the wheel. We left the driveway and turned leading toward the freeway.
I glanced at Cian, feeling the electricity between us. If either of us scooted an inch we’d be touching. “Where are we going?”
Cian smiled. “There was a place that came highly recommended but I couldn't get us reservations on such short notice.”
“Okay?”
“So, I made alternative arrangements.” He glanced at Justin who was smiling.
“You do realize that didn’t answer my question, right?”
He chuckled lightly, a sound I was quickly becoming addicted to. “I know, but I don’t want to give anything away.”
I wanted to push for more, but gave in and let him have his secret. As thrown off as I was over Justin showing up, I was grateful for his presence. We couldn't have any serious conversations while there was someone two feet away.
I watched as we turned through a maze of streets, trying to guess our destination, but after a while, I became convinced that Justin was making unnecessary turns just to confuse me. I wouldn’t put it past Cian to request that just to drive me crazy. After making me wait all afternoon to talk it wouldn’t surprise me he’d be dragging this moment out.
A suspicious smile hovered on his lips. I couldn’t help staring, wondering what it would feel like to be kissed by those lips…
“Almost there,” Justin announced, interrupting my daydream.
Finally, we made a turn I knew wouldn’t lead to any other routes. I bit back a smile as we climbed up the hill, passing the lane of traffic in some sort of VIP lane. Minutes later the driver parked in front of one of my favorite places in the city. The usually bustling Griffith Park was nearly empty.
I turned to look at him. “How did you get that VIP treatment?”
He smiled and pulled on my hand as we got out of the car. “I have quite a few resources, Serena.”
I let out a chuckle. “I get that, but this is a public place.”
He winked. “For the next hour, it’s private.”
I bit my lip to keep from smiling too wide. “I’ve never been here without a million other people.”
“Neither have I.” His tone was teasing and I couldn’t help but laugh at his lame joke.
“Can we go into the Observatory?”
He nodded. “We have the entire place to ourselves. When they open it back up, we’ll have lunch on a private section of the roof.”
I couldn't fight it any longer. I beamed up at him. “This is amazing. So much better than anything I could have planned.”
I turned back and took in the observatory that was ours to explore. No tourists were around to block the view of the grand, white observatory or prevent us from capturing the perfect photo. I couldn’t believe it.
It was warm as the sun shone down on us, but a cool breeze made it comfortable to walk through the garden leading up to the entrance. We studied each statue of scientists on the path to the main building.
“Well, let’s go.” He reached for my hand and led me through the lawn to the entrance of the building. The casual move didn’t register in my mind for several steps. It had been so natural…it felt natural. I liked how my hand fit in his. I’d expected to feel inadequate next to him. Overshadowed or even unworthy. I didn’t. Next to him, I felt myself straighten and the smile that took up residence on my face couldn’t be wiped away.
I’d been to the observatory several times before, but this was my first chance to take it all in on my own time. I scanned the walls up to the ceiling and smiled at the detailed mural that took up the entire surface. Without anyone bustling around or bumping into my shoulders I was able to count the twelve zodiac signs.
I pulled Cian to a stop. “What are you?”
Cian turned to me, confused. “What do you mean?”
I pointed up. “What’s your sign?”
His eyebrows pulled together. “I’m not sure. I think I knew at one time, but I don’t remember.”
“When’s your birthday?”
“January fourth.”
I pulled out my phone and checked to see what sign he was. “Capricorn.” I smiled as I read a quick overview. Responsible, disciplined, controlled, Know-it-all. “Yes, indeed you are.”
He stepped closer trying to see the screen. “What does it say?”
I twisted away from him to keep the phone away. His hand brushed mine, and the rush of it made me freeze. His fingers wrapped over mine and he pulled the phone toward him. I peered up. “It says you have all the makings of a great prince.”
His eyes narrowed. “That might not be a compliment.”
I shrugged and slid my phone back in my purse. “It might not be.”
“When’s your birthday?” His gaze met mine and I forgot for a moment.
“February twelfth.”
“So, you are a…?” I loved how he played this game with me as if either of us really knew what our signs meant.
“Aquarius.”
He nodded and hummed like he was considering the consequences.
“You can look it up later and see if you agree,” I said.
“I will.”
He captured my hand and led me to the wing on the left. His warmth was a comfort I didn't know I needed. With each second I felt more confident around him. We gazed through telescopes leaning down next to each other, shoulder to shoulder. I reveled in how great he smelled, clean like soap and a hint of lemongrass. I wanted to bottle it up so I could have it for when he was gone. I could picture myself in my room with the door closed smelling a bottle and sighing, longing for what could have been.
He was leaving tomorrow and this would be over. Would he forget me the moment he stepped foot back in Lochland? Would getting back to his normal life push me to the back of his mind? Could he get on with his life while I stayed here, remembering? Part of me wanted to run, to protect myself, but I fought against the urge and soaked in every moment we had.
We wandered through the other exhibits on the main floor exhibits, always touching one another or moving into each other’s space. I felt like I was up in the clouds, my feet not touching the ground.
Vanessa’s words ran through my head. As much as I’d fought her, maybe she was right. Cian was definitely acting as if he liked me. Like he was interested in me. I tested him by leaning against him as we traveled through the hallways. He slid his arm around my waist, pulling me even closer. His lips dipped, nearing mine and my heart raced as he turned. This was it.
“Do you want to go downstairs?” He whispered into my ear and I forgot how to breathe. Really? He was going to tease me like that?
I forced a smile as we took the stairs to the basement and turned to see the planet models. “Have you been to this place before?”
He shook his head as I led him to Neptune. “Step here.”
I pointed at the ground to a specific tile and laughed when Cian followed my directions and saw the scale.
“Twelve pounds?” He laughed. “I’d only weigh twelve pounds on Neptun
e?”
“Just wait. Not all of the planets are that forgiving.”
He chuckled and walked to Uranus. “This is crazy!”
He was like a child with his unbridled excitement. One after another he weighed himself as I stood back and soaked in the sound of his laughter. It was deep and unrestrained. I had to remember it.
“You have five minutes, Mr. Stewart.” A man called from the top of the stairs.
Cian nodded. “Thank you. We’ll be up in a moment.”
“Mr. Stewart? I thought the royals didn’t have last names.”
He shrugged. “We’re the House of Stewart, so when a last name is required, we use that. Unless of course, I’m using an alias.”
I shook my head.
“What?” His smile dimmed.
“Your life is insane.”
He took my hand and I realized I was getting used to his touch. Craving it rather than being nervous.
“Are you just now realizing that?” He led me up the stairs and outside to the roof access.
“Kind of. Around the house and around me you’re just Cian. My brother’s friend. My friend.”
He paused mid-step and turned to me. “I’m your friend?”
His tone wasn’t as teasing as I’d expected. “Yes.”
I watched his face for any reaction trying to get a hint of what he was thinking. He seemed to be considering it.
“I don’t have many friends, Serena, but I’d very much like to count you as one.”
I smiled and nodded. “Me too.”
We made it to the roof and I gasped at the view of the Hollywood sign on the hills across from us. It appeared much smaller from where we were than I was used to, but the lowering sun reflected on the white letters. We had a section blocked off from public view and a table set for two. Cian pulled out my chair and waited for me to sit before helping me scoot in.
I stared down at the plate of pear salad and nearly drooled. “This smells amazing.”
He smiled at me from across the table. “I hope it is. I only had a few minutes to plan it.”
I forgot that he hijacked my lunch plans and sprung this on me. How had he done it? “You must have an incredible team.”
His Royal Regret: Royals of Lochland Book 2 Page 7
