They may have convinced some of the outside world they were actually dating. But Ceci doubted they’d convinced anyone in the paddock.
Nico leaned over and whispered in Ceci’s ear, “I bet I can guess how you managed it.”
Before anyone else could utter a word, Beatrice and Sofia stepped forward.
“All hail, noble Sir Clark,” cried Sofia.
“Most definitely,” exclaimed Beatrice. “You have vanquished the evildoer.”
“Indeed, and brought peace and prosperity back to the people.”
“To be sure.”
Clarke
Clarke hesitated. He was tempted to laugh, but bit his lip. The girls seemed so serious.
Isabella cupped her hand and told him in a low whisper about their obsession with knights.
He caught Ceci’s watchful stare out of the corner of his eye and could guess what she was thinking:Sir Stick Up His Ass won’t play along. He doesn’t have it in him.
Clarke placed his hand over his heart and bowed deeply. “Fair ladies, the honor is mine. May fortune ever smile upon thee, and may I prove myself worthy of thy kindness.”
The two girls beamed.
After he stood up, he then bowed to Nico and finally Ceci. “Had I known I would meet such fair ladies this day, I would have taken greater care in polishing my armor, my words, and my wit.”
Nico and Rocco laughed.
He winked at Sofia and Beatrice, who giggled.
The girls ran up to Ceci. “Aunt Ceci, can we have gelato?” asked Sofia.
“After pizza?” added Beatrice.
She turned to Clarke. “Oh, that’s right. Sofia and Beatrice are coming over. I’m going to watch them. So, I guess this changes our plans. We can scrap tonight if you want. I’ll understand.”
She sounded disappointed. Was she? Or was this a ploy to get out of tonight’s date?
Sofia tapped his arm. “You should come too!”
Beatrice tapped the other. “Most definitely.”
He watched Ceci.
She thinks I’ll cancel.
He stepped back and bowed deeply to Sofia and then again to Beatrice. “How could a knight refuse such a gracious invitation? And now, fair maidens, the sun sets, and so too must I depart. Until we meet anon, fare thee well.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Ceci and Clarke
Ceci
Ceci sat on the phone with Pixel, watching Sofia and Beatrice play with Boudica in the living room of her hotel suite. At any moment, she expected Sir Stick to show up.
Pixel giggled. “So, it turns out Sir Clarke has no trouble channeling the knightly vibe.”
