“Sorry, bad example.”
His big hands wrap around my back, pulling me into his chest, tucking my head under his chin. “Did you really call the King of Sweden the Prince?”
Laughter vibrates through him. “In my defense, he looked really young. I mean, what seventy-year-old man doesn’t have grey hair?”
“That’s your basis for insulting the king of another country?”
“I know this might surprise you, but I’m not perfect.”
A smile plays on my lips. “Hate to burst your bubble, but the mere fact that I’m here confirms that statement.”
“Ouch.” He pinches my side. “Gloves are coming off now.”
Standing here in James’s arms is settling. His presence soothes me in a way that once set my teeth on edge. “So, is this what our life will be like? Each of us having our own charities and events? Coming home to this big apartment together by ourselves?”
“You know we’ll be moving into Clarence House soon after we’re married, right?”
A sigh escapes my lips. “One more thing to adjust to.”
James drops his forehead to mine. “I’ve seen you these last few weeks. After a few minor mishaps, you’ve adapted well. You have people eating out of the palm of your hand. Besides, I think it sounds pretty nice.”
“What, eating out of my hand?”
“No, you loon. Coming home to you every night.”
If I saw butterflies flying out of me right now, I wouldn’t be surprised. James continues to shock me. When we were first told that we were to be wed, I thought it would be a loveless marriage. One where we could learn to live with one another in a shared space and fulfil marital obligations and move on.
But no. James has sunk his way deep inside me. Into my heart. Into my soul. It turns out I was wrong. I don’t just want to fulfil my obligation when it comes to James. I want to give him everything. I want him to know every part of me. Every wrongdoing, every lie I’ve ever told, everything. I’ve never wanted that with anyone else.
But with James? I want it all.
James
“He was running nakedacross the commons!” Oliver is shrieking with delight while telling Marnie an old story from university.
“What I wouldn’t have given to see that.” She’s dabbing tears from her eyes as these two regale each other with stories about the both of us.
“They are too chummy,” Zara whispers over her wine glass.
“Need I remind you, this was your doing.” I throw an arm over her shoulder, bringing her closer to me.
“It’s not my fault you’re somewhat of a novelty and my friends want to meet you.”
“Best friend,” Marnie chimes in from across the table. “And yes, I have to make sure you’re right for my best girl.”
“And do I pass muster?” I take a sip of my scotch, leaning across the table. I don’t back down from her intense gaze.
“That depends.”
“On?” Would she stop beating around the bush and get to the point?
“On how you’ll treat Zara. Do you plan on going back to your womanizing ways?”
I peer over at Zara, and a smile stretches across her lips. “Did you know about this?”
“Oh no. But knowing Marnie, it doesn’t surprise me.” She tips her wine glass in her direction, before leaning into me. “But if I were you, I’d answer her questions. You don’t want to get on her bad side.”
I swing my gaze from Zara to Marnie, and she presses again. “Well? You going to answer, pretty boy?”
