“Thanks.”
“Him you hear,” Hannah scoffed.
“Yep.”
I’d just slipped my feet into my shoes when there was a knock on the door. I’d just calmed down, and now my heart was racing.
“I’ll get it, take a second to breathe.” Hannah kissed my forehead and moved to let our visitor in.
I wasn’t in view of the door, but I heard Julian’s voice asking if I was ready. I closed my eyes, counted to ten, and made my way to him. The moment I saw him, I tripped on air—only saved by Mark’s quick reflexes.
“Sorry.” I winced.
“Are you all right?” Julian stepped forward. He was gorgeous in his probably Armani or Valentino suit.
“Yeah, just…” I gestured to him. “You look amazing.”
He smiled sweetly. “Thank you, and may I say, you look breathtaking.”
Well, damn.“You may absolutely say that.” I chuckled, my confidence beginning to lift.
He crooked an elbow. “Shall we?”
I walked closer and slipped my arm through his. “I’m terrified, you should know. I may be a journalist used to talking to people, but the most famous person besides you I’ve ever spoken to was a doctor who wrote a book once.”
His eyes shimmered, the silver almost shining through. “I think you’re going to be wonderful tonight. Please just be yourself, because that is who I invited.”
Over his shoulder I saw Hannah nodding excitedly and Mark grinning.
“Okay, I’ll do my best.”
This dinner was being heldin a restaurant called the Victoria, and from what Julian had told me it was closed to the public this evening for the event.
When we arrived, my eyes widened at the showcase of media that were lingering outside the building.
“Uh, do I stay in the car?”
Julian furrowed his brow. “Whatever for?”
I gestured to the flashing cameras. “Paparazzi…is that what they are?”
“They are, but why would that mean you stay in the vehicle?”
I cleared my throat. “To not be seen with me…I mean, what do you say if they ask who I am? What do I say?”
“I imagine you tell them you’re Wynn Carter, and I will tell them you’re my date.”
My jaw dropped. “Just like that?”
He nodded. “Now, the longer we sit in the car, the more suspicious it is. Just smile, and pretend they aren’t there. That’s what I do.”
I snorted and followed him out of the car. Flashes of light burst seconds apart from each other, reporters calling out the prince’s name, questions flung. “Who is with you, Your Highness? Why did you change your itinerary; are you dating?”
Julian ignored them all and moved swiftly inside the restaurant. “This place is named after my mother,” he said once the shouts had silenced.How could he pretend that didn’t happen?
“Oh, that’s lovely.” I hooked a thumb over my shoulder. “Those questions, they won’t forget they asked them.”
“I’m aware.” He smirked, and together we walked deeper into the restaurant.
