by Wendi Zwaduk
“Will do.” She grinned again. “Bye.” She headed into the lecture hall.
Something thudded in his ears. He smothered a grin behind his hand and walked out of the building. He hadn’t heard the thumping in a long time. Zara did something to him—she made his heart beat again.
So much for his plan to stay away from women for the duration of his college career. She was irresistible.
Chapter Three
Zara paid attention through the class and jotted the necessary notes she’d need for later, but her thoughts didn’t stray far from Luke. Excitement filled her mind. She’d not only met someone, but he was cute and around her age. She’d never considered herself awestruck, but he did that to her.
She focused on the notes and tried to forget him for a moment. The sheer volume of reproductions and information overwhelmed her. She kept up because she loved the topic, but she understood why some students struggled. Every time she thought she could catch a breath and a grasp on the topic, the professor surged ahead.
She gathered her things at the end of class and headed out of the lecture hall. The memory of her to-do list came to mind. She wanted to meet the handsome man. Was he the same one from downstairs in her building? He sure looked like the guy.
When she left the hall, she spotted the advertisement for models. He’d said it was his number and name on the request. She ripped the whole ad down and tucked it in her bag. He’d said he wanted models. The page echoed his comments. If she screwed up her courage, she’d call him and offer to pose.
Would she be good enough? If she were in Lysianna, she’d be forced to pose, but in some proper gown or ridiculous costume. He’d asked her to model, but what about when he saw her without clothes? He might decide she was too curvy or not pretty enough. Sure, they’d had chemistry, but it might end when she dropped her clothes.
Her stomach lurched. She left the art building, needing air. Her insecurities would be the death of her. Everyone loved Charlie. He was tall, blond, handsome and outgoing. He made friends with everyone and no matter how much he did or didn’t work out, he looked ripped.
Then there was her. She liked her books, liked food, liked loud music and keeping to herself. She hated the ball gowns and kissing ass. She’d never be a good ambassador and would rather lose herself in research than try to charm people. She could still hear her stepmother chastising her for not being rail-thin or tall like her brother. Some people just weren’t going to be statuesque or have Charlie’s self-confidence.
She sank onto a bench beneath a shade tree and massaged her temples. Once Luke found out she had so many issues with her self-esteem, he’d probably bolt. If those didn’t scare him off, her being a virgin might. Then again, she hadn’t exactly been honest about being a royal, either. God, she was a hot mess.
Maybe she’d forget about him and he’d forget about her.
One could only hope.
She left the bench and made her way to the parking lot. The lot butted up to the soccer field, and a gaggle of men stood along one side of the field while others, shirtless, battled each other and kicked the ball across the grass.
She leaned against the fence and stared at the guys. So many sweaty bodies. She wondered what it would be like to touch them. Probably sexy. Would they be interested in her?
One of the guys glanced over his shoulder and must’ve seen her. He swatted another guy, then wandered over to her.
“Hi.” He hooked his fingers in the chain-link. “I haven’t seen you around here before. Are you new?”
“I am.” She held tight to her books. “It’s my first week on campus.”
“I see.” His eyes sparkled and a bead of perspiration slid down his temple. “Are you interested in coming to a party? We’re having a team party tonight.”
“Oh.” She liked parties. “Do I need to wear a gown? Are we going to drink punch and dance to music? Or are we going to play board games?”
“Gown? Board games?” He tipped his head. “No, but you can wear whatever you want. I don’t know about the punch or games.” He licked his lips. “Just come. We’ll find something for you and it’ll be fun.”
“We?”
“Yeah. The team. You should come.” He winked. “I’m Tom and the team bunks in the Strasburg House. Can’t miss it. We’re at the end of Greek Row. Eight?”
“I’ll see what I can do.” She smiled. A party. How fun. “I’ll tell my sister.”
“Yeah, bring her along. If she looks like you, we can find a position to put her in.” Tom waved, then joined the team again.
A position to put me in? Interesting. Guys sure say strange things. She walked away and one of her security team joined her after she crossed the street.
“Hi.” She grinned. “I’m not in any danger.”
“Actually, ma’am, he’s not inviting you to that party because he wants to sip punch or dance. His motivations are more…sexual,” the guard said. “I can’t allow you to visit their house.”
“They want to get horizontal with me?” She should’ve known. They weren’t interested in her mind at all.
“Yes, ma’am.” The guard escorted her across the grassy space to the edge of campus and her apartment building. “It’s a whole new world here, Princess. It’s not as innocent.”
“I guess not,” she said. “Thanks.” She ducked into the building and her stomach soured. The guys might not be chivalrous like in Lysianna, but at least she’d seen handsome half-naked men.
* * * *
Tuesday afternoon, she ventured out to the balcony. Corinne had gone to the store and Zara needed the time alone. Her brain buzzed from all the information she’d learned in the past week. Being a student in person was turning out to be harder than she’d thought, but exhilarating, too.
She spied her mystery man on his balcony. Today, he sat shirtless on the lawn chair. Perspiration glistened on his back and she noticed his tan—no lines. She scooted to the edge of the balcony to get a better look. Her libido, what she’d thought to be dormant, reared to life.
Her mouth watered. If she could pick a guy for her wildest fantasies, it’d be him. He propped the drawing board on the railing and wiped his hand on his shorts. Was he trying to turn her on? It sure seemed like it. She pressed her knees together and heat engulfed her. Watching him seemed so decadent and wrong, but how could she ignore him?
The closer she looked at him, the more she thought he resembled Luke. Did he actually live in her building? Could he be her dream guy? The possibility could be real. But if she called his name and he wasn’t Luke, she’d look ridiculous.
Corinne wasn’t around and she wouldn’t hear Zara make a fool of herself. Maybe she could utter his name and duck in case it wasn’t him.
“Sure looks like Luke,” she murmured. “Luke?” She slapped her hand over her mouth once she realized she’d said his name louder than she intended.
Oh God.
The man paused, then stood up. He glanced around a moment, then up in her direction. He shaded his eyes with his hand. “Hi.”
“Hi.” She waved. How could she ignore him, now that she’d garnered his attention? “Sorry if I scared you.”
He frowned, then inched over to the left side of his balcony. “Zara?”
“Luke?” Her heart hammered. “My knight?”
He grinned. “It is you.”
“And it’s you.” She leaned on the railing. “Funny to see you here.” She’d been drooling over Luke. Could be a good thing or it could be bad. “How are you?”
“Good.” He dusted his hands off. “You?”
“I wanted to sit out here and read.”
“It’s a good day for it.” Luke folded his arms. “What are you reading?”
“A Chapter on Baroque art that concerns the early part of the movement.” She’d forgotten all about the book. Why read when she could talk to him? “Want to get coffee?” She wasn’t a coffee drinker, but she’d manage. Besides, she’d just asked him out…sort of. “You don’t ha
ve to.” She balled her hands. God, she sucked at flirting.
“I could go for a cup.” An odd smile formed on his lips. “There’s a common area up on the roof. I’ll bring the coffee if you want to meet.”
“I’d like that.” This was happening. She’d managed to snag a date. A coffee one, but still.
“Give me fifteen minutes?”
“Sure.” She almost said he could come as he was—shirtless. “I’ll be there.”
He nodded, then ducked into his apartment.
She hurried inside and bit back a whoop. She’d be meeting with someone—not Elmore—and could keep flirting. At least she could practice her flirting techniques. She stopped by the mirror and checked her hair. Wisps of hair had come loose from her ponytail and her makeup had smudged. She should fix both, but chose to only touch up her face. She wanted to be accepted as a person, not a royal.
She changed her blouse, then debated changing again. There was looking nice and trying too hard. The best attempt to be her true self-involved not having quite so much polish.
She grabbed her keys and left the apartment. She made sure she locked the door behind her and had the key in hand before making her way up to the roof. She hadn’t known about the common area. As she twisted the handle for the roof, she hoped she was going to an actual place and not about to get locked out.
Then again, getting locked out with Luke might not be so bad.
She opened the door to the roof. The orange brick walls stood high enough to provide safety and still a decent view of the campus. Faded patio chairs had been arranged on a thick carpet of equally faded fake turf grass. A couple of umbrella tables had been set up, too. With a little work, the space could be more inviting. Still, the quiet settled around her and she relaxed. “Neat,” she murmured. “A little oasis.”
The door opened behind her and she tensed, then glanced over her shoulder. Luke ventured onto the roof. He held a carafe and two mugs.
“Hi,” she managed. “Let me help.” She took the cups from him. “Thanks.”
“Thank you.” Luke nodded to one of the tables. “We’ll go there.”
“Sure.” She followed him across the roof. “It’s nice up here. Why don’t they mention it when you sign the lease?”
“It’s not widely discussed.” He put the carafe down before he moved two chairs over. “My lady.”
She stared at him. He couldn’t know about her royal blood. It wasn’t possible. She’d kept her secret close.
“I thought we were running with the knight thing.” A sheepish grin curled his lips. “Don’t knights say ‘my lady’ to pretty girls?”
She caught herself. She’d called him her knight in shining armor. Duh. “They do.” Wait. He thought she was pretty? Or was he putting her on? “I guess you do.”
“See?” His grin regained strength. “This is what I get for trying to be smooth.” He gestured to the chair. “Sit. I’ll pour.”
“Thanks.” She sat across from him. “Have you lived in this building long?”
“A year.” He poured the coffee. “I got in at the last minute last year at the end of the academic calendar. It’s a nice place to live and I can’t see moving a bunch of times when I have another year to go on my degree.”
“Makes sense.” She toyed with the cup. If she played with the mug enough, maybe he wouldn’t notice her not drinking the coffee.
“Why’d you pick this building? You could live anywhere,” he said. “I have to confess, it’s a safe building. There’s the doorman, although he’s old as dirt and doesn’t always pay attention. Then there’s the keycards—unless you accidentally demagnetize them, they’re good. People tend to keep to themselves, too.”
She wanted to blend in. “That’s why I picked it—safety.”
“Do you have a roommate?”
“Me?” Not exactly. More like a handler. “My sister, Corinne.”
“Ah. I thought I saw her on the balcony. What’s her major?”
She never should’ve made up the story about Corinne or lied about her identity, but damn it. She couldn’t risk being found out yet. “Finance.” It wasn’t a total lie. Corinne made sure the groceries were purchased and eventually would handle the transactions to pay the rent.
“Smart. I’m terrible with numbers,” Luke said.
“So am I.” She had to steer the conversation from Corinne. “I’m getting better with them.” Now that she was on her own, sort of, she’d have to take care of herself.
“She’s cute.”
“Huh? Corinne?” She pretended to sip the coffee. Corinne was cute, yes, but if Luke was interested in Corinne, then why was he wasting her time? To get to Corinne?
“Yeah.” He propped his feet on a nearby chair. “She likes to stand on the balcony with her coffee. I see her in the morning when I’m painting.”
She stared at his legs. He had long ones and she liked tall men. His shirt pulled tight against his chest, showing off his muscles. He wore running shoes with low socks. She’d never considered the sporty look sexy, but on him, it worked.
“She’s cute. I’ll bet you’re both getting the door knocked down by all the guys coming to call.” He held on to his mug.
“Not exactly.” Corinne might be meeting people, but she wasn’t sure. “They aren’t coming out of the woods to talk to me.” She’d smiled at a couple of guys and waved to another, but none seemed interested. None, except Luke and she wasn’t even sure about him.
“Why not?”
Shit. She didn’t want to talk about her issues. “Corinne isn’t dating. Do you like her? I can tell her you do.”
Luke frowned. “Don’t you like coffee?”
She sipped it and tried to hide her revulsion. “It’s good.”
“Liar.” He put his cup down. “You aren’t a coffee drinker. If you were, you’d have jumped right into that cup and given me a report about it. You’ve barely touched the drink and you keep changing the subject. Are you okay?”
“I’m good.” She shouldn’t lie. “I’m not a coffee girl, sorry. It seemed like a good way to get to spend time with you. I’m not that great at flirting and talking to guys, so lesson learned. I’ll be honest with you and everyone else next time.”
“It’s okay.” He reached across the table and squeezed her fingers. “Coffee isn’t my thing, either, but it keeps me awake when I need to pull an all-nighter to paint.”
Her skin tingled at his touch. She wanted this moment to last forever. No one had made her feel this important and like she glowed from within. “Do you go all night often?” At least she’d found her voice, but she’d asked a silly question. Judging by the way he tipped his head and pressed his lips together to hide a smile, she’d asked the wrong question.
“I can go all night, if that’s what you’re asking.” He chuckled. “But you mean painting. I do with that, too, when I need to.”
Oh God. She’d made a sexual advance… She closed her eyes. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t right. I mean…do you paint all night? Do you—I need to stop talking.” She opened her eyes. “I’m so not good at flirting.”
“You’re doing fine.” He laughed again. “There’s no wrong way to flirt with me.” He rubbed her hand. “Don’t sweat it.”
“Yeah.” Except she’d embarrassed herself. “Where were we? The paintings?” She cleared her throat. “Do you paint all night?” The words sounded okay, but her cheeks burned and she wanted to hide her face.
“When one of my paintings isn’t working and I have a deadline close, then I do.” He kept hold of her fingers. “You’ve probably had some, haven’t you?”
“Some what?” She froze. “Deadlines? Or some?” She wanted some with him.
“All-nighters.” He offered her the lopsided smile again. “We’ll get you up to speed on flirting. You keep stepping into innuendo and don’t realize it.” He moved the cup aside and crossed his ankles. “Are you okay, though? The first couple weeks on campus can be rough and you seem a bit lost.”
/> No, just turned on and my lack of experience keeps showing. “I’m okay.”
“Zara?” The door opened and Corinne burst onto the roof. “Oh my God. There you are. I thought I lost you or someone took you.” She rushed across the patio space. “I can’t… Oh.”
Luke let go of Zara’s fingers and stood. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Corinne shifted her gaze between Zara and Luke. “You’re handsome.”
He’d said he thought Corinne was cute. Zara abandoned her coffee cup. “Corinne, this is Luke. Luke, Corinne.” An odd sensation washed over her. Jealousy? A bit. Corinne was far prettier than her, taller with light blonde hair and blue eyes. Corinne possessed a welcoming smile, too. She’d be a better fit for the handsome man. “I should go while you talk.” She pushed her chair in, then escaped into the corridor leading away from the roof. He’d probably asked her up to the roof to con her into introducing him to Corinne. She should’ve known. Guys weren’t into her—they wanted the princess.
Zara didn’t stop until she’d gone down a flight of stairs. She had three more to go before she reached her floor, but she had to catch her breath. Her lack of confidence would be the death of her. The guy she liked seemed to want someone else. Story of my life. Her parents liked Charlie better. Andrew had said he loved her until he found out she wouldn’t become queen. Sawyer hadn’t given her a chance once he learned she wouldn’t put out. Both men had been pushed at her by her parents. Then there was Elmore. He only wanted a title. Why would Luke be any different?
Because she’d thought she could’ve been given a fresh start in a new place. No one knew her here and she could be taken on her own merits.
She sank onto the top step and tears slid down her cheeks. She wasn’t angry with Luke—not really. Not even when he seemed to choose Corinne over her. No, the series of failures finally pushed her too far. She couldn’t take her frustrations any longer.
Footsteps sounded behind her, but she didn’t bother to look up. She hated when people saw her cry. Her stepmother would’ve scolded her—royals only show emotion in public when it’s joy. Never tears. Sure, if she could stop crumbling, she’d stop crying.
