“It does feel surreal, doesn’t it?”
“Do you ever miss everyday life?” he asks. “When was the last time you went out in public and no one recognized you?”
“A while,” I answer. “But I usually don’t leave the palace unless it’s a scheduled event.”
“Really?” he asks. “So you’re just sort of . . . trapped in here?”
“Trapped is not the right terminology,” I respond as Timmy runs his fingers along the rich fabric of my curtains. “There is a lot of space here, lots of grounds to walk about, and it won’t always be like this. We’re just slightly restricted right now with the wedding and all of that.”
“So when the wedding is over, you’ll be able to go . . . grocery shopping, something like that?”
“Probably not.” I laugh. “Not that I want to do that anyway. Does anyone really like grocery shopping?”
“I sure as hell don’t. I get them delivered now because I can’t be bothered.”
“What do you have delivered? Fish sticks, tartar sauce, and clementines?”
He walks over to me, boops me on the nose, and says, “Precisely.”
I sit up and take his hand in mine. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you too. Spraying down people in white T-shirts doesn’t hit right anymore without you.”
“I miss seeing all of those wet nipples, men and women.”
“They miss you.” He looks around my room. “But look at this, this is so much more, and not just because of the extraordinary circumstances where you’re freaking rich, but because you’re actually doing something that matters. You’re making an impact on this world, in history. It’s so crazy to me, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.”
“You and me both,” I say.
“Do you ever miss it?” he asks. “The normal life?”
“Yes,” I answer. “Granted, this is all still very new to me, but I do miss being able to do whatever I want to do for the day. I miss being able to lounge on my couch and binge trashy shows. I miss the beach, the warm sun, and people watching. I miss being able to just let loose and not worry about who might see me and what I might have said to them that could be taken the wrong way. I’m very fortunate, in so many ways, but a slice of normalcy has been taken away, and I’m still trying to deal with that.”
“Understandable,” he says. “It’s a huge change for you, but it seems like you’re handling it very well. And you have a fine-as-hell man walking by your side.” Timmy squeezes my hand. “If I had ovaries, they would have cried while I shook his hand.”
I chuckle. “I’m sure he would love to know that.”
“Don’t tell him. I need to remain as composed as possible in his eyes.”
“Why?” I ask.
“Because if he ever decides to leave you, I want to be there for him, open arms.”
From the mention of Keller leaving me, I immediately feel my face fall flat, and Timmy notices.
“What did I say?” he asks. “I know that look. That’s your worried look. What’s going on?”
This is what I needed, someone who knows me down to my core. I love Lara. Not only has she been an amazing bodyguard, but she’s become one of my best friends here. But we’re still getting to know each other. I don’t think she’d pick up on my change of mood as quickly as Timmy or have the courage to immediately ask me.
“Things are still strained with Keller. He got some bad news that has put more of a strain on our relationship. I’m truly concerned whether he’s going to be walking down that aisle with me.”
“What kind of news?” he asks softly.
“Basically? That it will be difficult for him to get me pregnant.”
“Oh.” Timmy leans against the back of the settee. “I’m sure he didn’t take that news lightly. From what you’ve told me about Keller, he’s prideful and takes his job very seriously. As the future prince of Torskethorpe, he does have to help you continue the bloodline. I can’t imagine what that information has done to his pride, to the value he offers you.”
I stare at Timmy, completely shocked that he could so easily understand and reverberate Keller’s emotions to me without truly knowing him.
