“Some broiled chicken, ma’am?” Shaw said. “No bones.”
“That’d be fine.” She gave John a shy smile. “Sorry, puppy mama syndrome.” She spun around, taking in the room. “I’ve never been in a palace before. Very regal.”
“If I didn’t know, I’d think you frequented palaces often. You seemed so comfortable with Dad and Daffy.”
“They were kind, talking to me first.”
“I think you won them over. Hey, Gemma, can I ask why you and Scottie aren’t staying at Perrigwynn? Why the Delafield?”
Gemma made her way to the window. “I think Scottie wanted the space, a chance to work things out without being watched.” She stirred the air as she moved, releasing the fragrance of the Tennessee grass after a summer rain. “I’ve always been curious about the Heart of God. Can you see the lights from here?”
“A few of them.” He met Gemma at the large-paned glass and placed his arm about her—only to help her with the right vantage point—and directed her attention to the far, far corner of the city.
“I think I see it. There?”
“Yes, it’s twilight but the lights are more vivid at night.” His breath brushed her hair. “Isn’t it odd how the most beautiful thing in the city is best seen at night?”
“Or how light is so powerful against the darkness.”
When she lifted her face to his, he didn’t think, just lowered his head for a kiss and the world faded away. He was lost in her, in the taste of her warm lips, in the memory of the summer where he’d lived without a care. If only for a few weeks.
When he raised up, her eyes sparkled, almost rendering the shadows powerless. But she pressed her hand against his chest and backed away.
“John, that night…in the barn. It was a moment but let’s not start something we can’t finish. You’re not ready. I’m not available. Besides.” She tapped her watch face. “We should go. Support Scottie.”
“You’re absolutely right. I was caught up in—” A fairy tale. Some part of him was still that ten-year-old kid who wanted the magic ofA Swan’s Feather.
* * *
Gemma
She’d changed the feeling between them when she backed away. Naturally. But it came with a bit of regret, and she was trapped between the possible and impossible.
John retrieved a key fob as he spoke to Gunner via a smart device. “We’re on our way down.” Now he stood by the door, waiting. “We should go.”
“I’ve upset you,” she said.
“No man likes to be put off after he’s kissed a woman, but you’re right. We shouldn’t get caught up in a fairy tale.”
“Fairy tale? We’re talking fairy tales now?”
He laughed to himself, jostling the key fob in his hand. “Mum used to read Gus and me an old family tale calledTheSwan’s Feather. In fact my cousin Rachel has published the story as a children’s book. It’s about a prince who can’t find his true love, then one day a feather appears in his life and leads him to his one and only.”
“I don’t have a swan’s feather, John.”
“I’m not looking for one, Gemma. Holland didn’t come to me by way of a mystical, magical feather either.” He opened the door. “Traffic should be light on a Sunday evening.”
In the corridor, passing maids and footmen came to attention. Gemma saw, felt the reality of John’s title and true stature. He was an honest-to-goodness Royal Highness. A prince. The entire world knew of him, watched him. He held a position of influence, a scepter he must wield with dignity and wisdom.
The ability to influence people for good had been one of her deepest desires when she’d struck out for Hollywood. For fame.
Until she ran headlong into a reality check. Even if she’d achieved her goal, she learned she’d have been one voice among the many. Her stage would’ve been nothing more than a clanging gong and crashing cymbal.
Now she had hope with Imani. Helping her launch into life filled her with hope. Being away from her the last twenty-four hours renewed her commitment and passion to give that girl every advantage. Life would steal no more from her.
Which was one more reason, among the many, why a serious relationship with a prince was out of the question. First and foremost, he wasn’t asking.
“What are you thinking, Gemstone?” John used her nickname with warmth and affection.
