We may have entered a new kind of relationship over the last day or so, but she’s responsible for showing the country the real me. I can’t act on the way I feel about her and throw all of that into jeopardy.
I Was Seduced by Playboy Prince Max.
The headline appears in neon lights right before my eyes, and it won’t matter that what I feel for her is stronger than I’ve ever felt in my life before. All anyone would know is that I’ve lived up to my reputation once more. That I’m all about having a good time. That seducing a journalist, here to do a job, is just part of my shallow, good-time-boy character.
She’d almost expect it of me.
“You’re welcome,” I reply briskly, as I step out of the uncomfortably intimate space into the relative sanctity of the hallway.
She follows me, casually leaning her shoulder against the door jamb. “The kids arrive for the program soon, right? The human variety, I mean. Not the goat.”
I press my lips together. “They do.”
“I’ll come out to meet them. Say hi.”
I nod my head as rapidly as one of those bobble head figurines. “All right.”
Before she has the chance to say another word, I say goodbye and rush down the hallwayto my own room.
I wish I’d put her further away from me. The stables would have done the trick nicely.
I close the door and let out a breath, leaning up against it, my heart drumming.
I can allow her to film me and ask her questions, all the while projecting the version of me my parents expect.
I can do this. I’m strong.
All I need to do is keep my head.
Chapter 13
Max
Less than half an hour later, the members of my team arrive, and I greet them at the house entrance as Toffee darts across the driveway toward the gardens once more. Rocco Mansoni and Dante Brownley, a couple of my Ledonian Royal Air Force buddies, greet me with handshakes, smiles, and backslaps.
They’re as passionate about this program as I am. They live locally and leapt at the chance to be involved when I set the program up threeor so years ago.
“Your Royal Highness,” Rocco says with a sarcastic bow, his dark eyes sparkling.
“There’s no need to stand on protocol, my man,” I tell him.
“My mama would kill me if I didn’t show you the appropriate respect,” he replies with a wink.
That’s one of the weird things about being royal. Even your oldest friends are meant to call you by your official title, despite the fact they've seen you in less than royal situations in the past.
“I haven’t seen you since that garden party at the palace. Still a man-child, I hope?” Rocco asks.
A laugh rips out of me. “Actually, I have something to tell you about that.”
“You’ve moved your slip n’ slide game up a notch?” Rocco asks.
“Eyeing the Olympics, I bet,” Dante agrees.
I arch a brow. “Is there an Olympic slip n’ slide event?”
“There should be,” Dante replies. “You’d win, hands down.”
Rocco nods. “You’ve got that right.”
