“I know. And I really love him.
“Good. Happy ending and all that.” She nods, then says, “Oh, can I offer either of you a bottle of water for the road?”
37
If Cinderella Were a Super Buff, Crazy Hot Man…
Will
“So,is this as awful as you thought it would be?” Arabella asks as we hold each other. We’re on the dance floor while the orchestra is playing Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller.
Oh, are you surprised I know that song? Well, don’t be. I have pretty refined tastes for an adrenaline junkie. Just look at the woman I fell for…
“I can’t remember a better night,” I say, grinning down at her while we sway to the music.
“Even though you had to borrow a tux from my brother?”
“Even with that,” I say, although this tux is a bit tight, to be honest. “The truth is, after spending so many nights without you, I honestly don’t care where I am as long as you’re there.”
“Aww, you liar,” she says.
I dip her, and she squeals with delight. When I lift her back up, I say, “I’m serious. My life has no meaning without you.”
“You aresogetting lucky tonight.”
Pulling her close to me, I whisper into her ear, “I knew getting off that plane was a smart move.”
She turns her face so our mouths line up and brushes her lips against mine. That turns into a kiss that is not exactly suitable for a gala.
I feel a tap on the shoulder and hear an “Ahem!”
I pull back quickly, only to see Arthur and Tessa dancing next to us. He’s got a stern expression on his face, but his eyes are filled with amusement. “There are over five hundred bedrooms in this palace. Find one.”
Arabella and I laugh while my face heats up with embarrassment.
She reaches out and pinches Arthur’s cheek. “You better get used to it because Will is here to stay. Or, come and go as his career allows. Or we’ll both be coming and going together. We haven’t figured it all out yet, but one thing’s sure, we’re figuring it out together.”
“Good for you,” Tessa says, smiling at us.
“Yes, he is good for me,” Arabella answers, grinning up at me.
“I’m just glad you finally realized it,” I say, earning a mock-irritated look from Arabella.
“So am I,” Arthur adds. “There are probably only a handful of men on this planet that might qualify to be good enough for my sister, but I’m glad she found you instead.”
We all laugh, and Tessa slaps him on the arm. “What he meant to say is he’s thrilled to welcome you to the family.”
A wave of relief comes over me at her words. I want to pull her in for a massive hug, but instead, I say, “How did your photo go with those lesser British monarchs?”
She and Arthur exchange irritated looks, then she says, “The official photo released has the boys in front on tall stools and the two of us behind them so the only bits of me that are visible are my face, my shoulders, and one arm.”
“Are you serious? After all that?” Arabella asks.
Tessa nods. “We drove straight to Krispy Kreme when we landed.”
The four of us laugh, and I have to say, it feels amazing to share a moment like this.
Tessa points at me. “You’re so lucky. You won’t have to put up with that shit.” She turns to Arabella and they both say, “Men,” at the same time.
