Their legs touched underneath the blanket they shared but nothing more. He kept himself from scooting closer. The accidental brush of their hands reaching for popcorn was enough. At least that was what he told himself because it had to be. Hadley was too tempting, and he didn’t want to do anything stupid.
Tomorrow, she’d be home, and he’d be…
Nope.
Blaise wouldn’t think about it. The next movie began. “When you were younger, did you ever want to find out you were a wizard?”
“No.” Her blue eyes danced. “But I dreamed about being the long-lost princess from some faraway, exotic country. I devoured thePrincess Diariesbooks, and I can’t wait to share the series with Audra once she’s old enough.”
“I shouldn’t be surprised since you enjoy”—Blaise searched for the term Hadley had used before—“HEAs.”
“Yes, and I also love tiaras,” she teased.
Now that surprised him. He studied her. “I’m trying to picture you in one, but a tiara doesn’t quite fit with the fastidious matchmaker I’ve come to know.”
She shrugged but was smiling. “I don’t have much opportunity to wear mine, but sometimes a girl needs to put on her tiara and dance around. You can forget your troubles and just enjoy yourself.”
He would pay money to see that. “Do you do that?”
“I have once or twice.” She didn’t hesitate answering. Again, that was something he would love to see.
“Do you have a wand?” Hadley asked.
His cheeks heated. “Yes, I have a…collection of them.”
Hadley’s face brightened. “Can I see them?”
“They’re on display at an exhibit.”
Her eyes widened. “Must be some collection.”
“It was one of my first splurges after Blai$e was doing well.” Buying signed, first edition hardcovers of the entire series was another.
“Have you ever waved a wand to see if you could influence the stock market?”
That made him laugh. “No, but there have been times I should have tried that.”
“Couldn’t hurt.”
No, and that might have made him feel better. “Do you have your tiara with you?”
“Alas, I do not. I’ve never considered traveling with mine.” She tilted her head. “Though now that you’ve mentioned it, I might have to add that to my packing list. Given how well I was cared for this week by you and Robyn, a tiara would be appropriate since I’ve been fêted like a princess.”
He wasn’t surprised she had a packing list, but hearing her say she was treated like a princess made his chest thrust out. “Next time, remember the tiara.”
She bit her lip. “The movie’s on.”
Hadley focused on the television, but the light in her eyes had dimmed. And Blaise knew why.
There wouldn’t be a next time for them.
Even if he wished there could be.
* * *
“Door-to-door service.” Hadley sat next to Blaise in the back of the black SUV driven by Lex. Rizzo rode shotgun. “I could have flown commercial. Alone.”
“No,” all three men said in unison.
