The note Louis tucked under the chessboard this morning is currently in my pocket.
I took it because I needed to think about my answer before I responded. I’ve already read his neat and confident handwriting four times since I found it.
Have dinner with me.
Notwould you like to have dinner with me,orplease join me,or any of the polite phrases a prince is supposed to use. He’s direct, demanding, and I hate that I enjoy his possessiveness so much.
I unfold the paper and stare at his words again while I brew a pot of coffee. The cottage is quiet, except for the birds outside my window and the maker hissing. I’m already an hour behind my schedule because he knocked me sideways with this direct order.
I should say no, give some smart-aleck response, hoping he’ll deflect and we’ll go back to teetering that barely visible line. When we’re together, it’s too intense, and while I love that dance, I know where it leads.
My phone buzzes, snapping me out of my daze.
Kendall
How’s palace life? Have you seduced the prince yet?
Addison
Not purposely. It’s very complicated.
Kendall
I want details.
I hesitate, thumbs hovering over the screen. Kendall knows everything about my life—every bad date, every proposal I’ve turned down, every moment of weakness. But what’s going on between Louis and me feels different. It seems like something I should keep close to my heart until I figure out what it is.
Addison
We’ve played chess. That’s all.
Kendall
Chess? So, you’re both nerds?
Addison
I think he has me beat. Anyway, gotta get to work. Love you!
Kendall
Love you! We need to talk about wedding planning details soon! Kinda want to marry your brother ASAP.
Addison
Eww, I almost forgot about you and Patterson. :)
Kendall
Ha-ha, shut up. GET TO WORK. WIN THAT CONTEST!
Addison
I plan on it.
I silence my phone and turn it face down on the table.
A pen taunts me, and I grab it, returning to the note.
