“Her brother died, you cad,” Laura said. “She’s been mourning.”
“Easy there, Laura, I’m just asking.” Clive cut a dark glance at Corina. “Wasn’t that some time ago? I remember hearing it on the news.”
“Five and a half years.” She shrank back from the actor’s close encounter and created her own space.
“I’m terribly, terribly sorry, Corina. I’d love to talk about it.”
“Oh my word.” Martina rolled her eyes. “Clive, you’re such a lousy flirt. And stop drinking like a fish. What are you, twenty?”
“Martina, don’t be jealous.” Clive chucked Corina under her chin. “True beauty moves me. I can’t help it.”
“Then move out of the way, chap.” Stephen clapped his hand on Clive’s shoulder, removing him from the inside of the circle. “Give the woman air to breathe.”
“Your Highness, if I didn’t know better, I’d accuse you of being jealous.”
“Not at all, but you’re drunk and rude.” Stephen mimed tipping back a drink, implying Clive was sauced.
“Begging your pardon, I am not drunk. Well, maybe a wee bit.” He held up his thumb and forefinger, giving Corina a sly smile. “I told you, true beauty moves me.”
“Yeah, and it moved you all over the set with the extras,” Laura said.
“What’s this?” Clive pressed his hands to his chest, feigning hurt. “My friends ganging up on me, ruining my chances with this amazing woman?”
Corina raised her hands. “Clive, your reputation is safe with me. Now, where do you want to meet? I’m free all day.”
“Two o’clock. The Strand Cafe. I’ve been dying for one of their sandwiches.”
“Perfect. I’ll see you then.” The Strand was on the other side of Maritime Park, not far from the Manor. Just a quick taxi ride.
The theatre staff was making rounds, whispering to the cast in a low tone, gathering them to the other side of the lobby, and Corina found herself alone with Stephen.
First thing out of his mouth. “Be careful with Clive.”
“I’m well aware of Clive’s ways. The question is why do you care?”
Stephen set his untouched champagne on a passing tray. “Just because we’re going our own ways doesn’t mean I want you to end up with a bloke like Clive.”
“I suppose it’s none of your business, but thank you.”
“We are friends, aren’t we?”
“So you say.” She passed her champagne flute to one of the servers. “We meant too much to one another to be otherwise.”
A photographer passed by, snapping their picture before either could protest.
“Your Highness?” A man in a tuxedo cut through the crowd, bowing when he stopped in front of Stephen. “Welcome to the Royal Theatre. Your box is ready.” He motioned for Stephen to go through, closing in behind him without the slightest glance at Corina.
Before she could maneuver in behind the prince, the protection wall cut her off again.
Corina exhaled.Okay, just follow the usher inside.Stephen’s dark head rose well above the others, so she could follow him to his box.
But at that moment, the theatre lights flickered and the entire throng waiting in the lobby shoved toward the doors, filling the wide, carpeted stairs. She lost sight of Stephen and had no idea which set of stairs, behind which doors, led to the royal box.
Hanging back, Corina waited for the other guests, movie watchers, and her fellow media members to fill the theatre. Then she stood just inside the main doors, searching the balcony and the second tier and grand boxes for sight of her royal man.
“Miss, you must have a pass to get in.” One of the ushers gently tugged on her arm. “The film is about to start. I need you to remove yourself.”
“I’m here with theBeaumont Postto cover this premier.” She opened her clutch. “I have the invitation right—” No, no, no, she’d left it in her room. The tiara business got her all flustered.
