Page 22 of A Royal Menace

I’m sure he’ll give me hell about being so defensive the next time we talk. He always could tell when I was lying––whether it was to him or to myself. And while I wasn’t lying about my intentions to keep things platonic with Callie, I was definitely stretching the truth about my lack of interest.

I’m interested, all right.

But it doesn’t matter. Nothing can happen. Linc was right about that much. Callie and I are not only coworkers, but we work as a direct team, teaching the same grade. Hooking up would be a disaster.

I just can’t let myself forget that.

Ever.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Callie

Emmett:It’s a gorgeous morning. You should go outside and feel the sunshine on your skin.

Me:Maybe I will.

Emmett:Do it. It would be nice to think we’re both staring up at the same sky.

Me:This is so cheesy.

Emmett:I know. Do it, anyway.

My smile is wide as I set my phone down to pull on my shoes. My anonymous friend Emmett has a bit of a romantic streak, and I don’t hate it. I know it should feel weird, talking to him like this, but it doesn’t. It feels…good, actually.

And now I want to go outside and soak in the sun just so I can text him and tell him I did it.

Standing, I grab my phone and check the time. Crap. I need to get downstairs, or I’ll miss breakfast. Silencing the device, I drop it into my bag with my room key and head out. As I walk down the corridor toward the elevator, my thoughts turn toward last night.Again.

As hard as it is to admit, even to myself, Royal saved me. That douchebag teacher was handsome and charming, and in my inebriated state, I was definitely leaning toward agreeing to his suggestion we go somewhere a little more private. I would’ve slept with him, and if I’d found out he was married after the deed was done?

I would’ve hated myself.

I sigh as the elevator doors open. Stepping inside, I stab the button for the lobby, then sigh again. I’m going to have to thank Royal for helping me out of that situation. He didn’t have to do anything. He could’ve minded his own business and let me make a colossal mistake that would’ve eaten at me for weeks, if not months. It certainly would’ve tainted the good memories I always take home with me after this convention. It might’ve even made me rethink attending again, on the off-chance I’d run into the asshole who made me the “other woman” without my knowledge.

When the elevator stops and the doors slide open, I suck in a startled breath when I see Royal standing there, obviously waiting for me. He shoots me a tentative smile as I step off the elevator, then turns and falls into step beside me as I head toward the ballroom where breakfast is being served.

“Feeling better?” he asks, his voice low and casual.

“Much,” I admit, then clear my throat. “Thank you for the aspirin. And for stepping in last night, too. You saved me from making a huge mistake.”

I glance over at him, just catching his surprised expression before he smooths it out beneath an unreadable mask. One corner of his mouth turns up, crinkling the skin around his left eye in that endearing way I definitely don’t hate.

“Anytime,” he says, and all I can do is nod.

Speaking is impossible because I’m still reeling over the effect his little smirk had on me just now. It’s not like I’ve never seen it before. He smirks at me pretty much every day at school, and it’s especially prevalent when I complain about the noise level of his classroom. I should be immune. Or at the very least, I should automatically associate the expression with negativity.

But right now, seeing it in a whole new context? Where it wasn’t formed just to irritate me?

I can barely breathe. And I feel my nipples tightening beneath my clothes.

What in the actual f––

“The buffet is this way,” Royal says.

I realize we’ve entered the ballroom, and I’m standing motionless just inside the doorway.

“Oh. Yeah,” I mumble, pivoting left and striding toward the line.

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