Tears leak out of my eyes at James’s beautiful words. His eyes find mine as he hops off the stage, giving George a high five. This incredible, wonderful, kind-hearted man. Why did I ever think I needed time from him?
James is pulled in different directions as people talk and ask him questions about the charity. The band starts to play as people head onto the dance floor.
“Lady Zara, may I have this dance?” Lord Paxton, the older man from the museum charity, is at my side. Pasting on my best smile, I accept his proffered arm.
“It would be a pleasure.”
He guides me out onto the dance floor as couples spin and float around us.
“And how are you doing this fine evening, Lord Paxton?” My voice is sugary sweet. This man’s ego loves to be inflated. “Did your lovely wife join you this evening?”
“She did. I believe she is off talking to some of the young footballers.” Sounds about right.
“It was quite nice for James to have the support of the local London teams.” James’s eyes track mine, finding me across the dance floor. He excuses himself as he makes his way towards me.
“And your support. I thought you’d hide away after the scandal, but stiff upper lip and all. I’m pleased to see you two weathering the storm together.”
“That’s very kind of you to say.” And I mean it. Instead of him leering at me like he did at the museum and like others have tonight, his show of support means more than I can say. An ally in a group of people who will become my peers.
“And you should know that James has my support with Sporting Kids. However I can help. I hope for nothing but the best for you both.”
“Thank you. We truly appreciate your support. And now if you don’t mind, I think there’s someone who would like to cut in.” He turns to see James waiting patiently with his hands tucked into his pockets.
“Ahh. We shall not keep the prince waiting any longer. Your Highness.” He dips into a bow as he kisses my hand.
“It was a pleasure, Lord Paxton.” James steps in, his hand on me a comfort I’ve missed these last few weeks.
“I see you’ve taken quite easily to the schmoozing portion of the evening.”
I give his hand a squeeze, tucking my chin on his shoulder. I love how evenly matched we are. “It’s easy to sell schmooze when you believe in something wholeheartedly. You are going to do amazing things with Sporting Kids.”
“Tell me the truth. You hate the name?” His laugh is hot on my cheek. It reverberates through my body.
“Is there still time to change it?”
“Guess I shouldn’t make big life decisions when I’m bloody well pissed then, eh?”
My heart hurts at the thought. “And why were you drinking so much?”
James's warm hand slides up my back between my bare shoulders. Heat radiates from his touch. I’ve missed his touch. The way his face lights up when he sees me.
“Christ, I’ve missed you, Zara. Letting you walk out of my house was the worst mistake I’ve ever made.”
“James, I—”
“Your Highness, we have a donor that would like to speak with you.” Charles appears out of thin air at our side. James lets out a deep breath.
“To be continued?” he asks, his face lined with sadness.
“I’ll meet you at your place later.” Kissing my knuckles, he walks away.
This time, when he walks away, I don’t worry it’s going to be the last time. We didn’t have the most normal start to our relationship. Most people meet and decide to date before wanting to get married. I was so against this whole arranged marriage, but now I can’t imagine my life without James. And all I want is a future with him.
Chapter Twenty-Five
James
It’s late, after one in the morning. The kickoff event for Sporting Kids went better than I ever could have imagined. We raised more money than I thought possible, and the icing on the cake? Zara was there. I had no idea what it meant, but it was more than I could have hoped for.
