Page 124 of Prince of the Palisades

“You’re bossy. Terrible at football,” I start counting off. “You break the laws. Decent kisser for a beginner—”

“My prince,” Ajani stage-whispers, “Thisisn’thelping.”

But it is. Reiss’s shoulders are shaking. His cheeks are tinting that memorable shade of pink he gets when he’s amused.

“I’m scared,” I continue, “of not being enough for you.”

White teeth catch the corner of his lip, pulling. It’s like he’s fighting a reply.

“I’m tired of the rules. Of being who they want. Ilikeme.” My chest warms. But not like it has for years and years. In another way. A freer way.

“I’m angry. Bad at apologizing,” I list off. “Arrogant—”

“Don’t forget adorable,” Reiss whispers.

My lips inch higher. “I like Death by Chocolate ice cream. Funnel cake. Those delicious cinnamon rolls.” I dare to step closer. He doesn’t retreat. “I like standing up for what I believe in, even if that makes me the world’s worst prince.”

“You really are awful at it.”

“I like that you’re so far from perfect, it’s funny.”

“Is this still an apology?” he asks flatly.

“I like that you listen. Call me out. You have dreams,” I continue, undiscouraged. “You go after what you want. You don’t quit. You don’t letmequit.”

Cautiously, I lean in. Rest my forehead against his. I stare into his dark eyes, synchronizing my breath to his.

“But, Reiss, I’m not afraid to say,” I whisper, voice almost giving out, “Iloveyou.”

His breath hitches.

I say it again: “I love you.”

A beat. His gaze doesn’t leave mine, but I can see it behind his eyes. He’s thinking. Considering every moment we shared. Everything I just said on this tarmac with strangers around, in front of an idling jet.

I count the seconds—three, five, ten—and I don’t know what I expected. Nothing in my life changes. The ending’s always the same.

It takes all my strength to pull back, but just as I do—

“I love you too,” Reiss says.

And then, when I’m speechless, too stunned to absorb his words, he whispers, “I love you,Jadon.”

My head tilts. Reiss closes the gap once more, and then his lips slide across mine. Smooth, soft, slow. Like a wave. Like the sea returning to shore.

We only quit when Ajani clears her throat over the engine’s noise. “We’re delaying takeoff, Your Highness.”

I ease back. “Shall we?”

When we’re in the air, our hands tangled, I say, “I hope your parents don’t hate me. For keeping you away so long.”

“They don’t.” He smiles conspiratorially. “You haven’t seen the news, have you?”

When could I? I’ve spent the day being surprised by an ex, watching the prime minister’s career crumble, being given love and life advice from my mom. Oh, and telling a boy I love him for the first time.

“Been alittlebusy,” I say.

He googles my name. As expected, I’m trending. But it’s not as bad as I anticipate.

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