Page 32 of Royally Matched

“I can’t wait to dance with you at the royal ball.”

“I know, I’ve been looking forward to it myself. Margo and I have worked so hard on everything. I hope you think we did a good job.”

“If you helped, it will amaze everyone,” he said with admiration. “Everything you do is phenomenal.”

They arrived at the club, climbed out of the carriage, and made their way inside for the reception.

* * *

The reception passed by like a blur. Before Lily knew what was happening, the toasts, the meal, and the cake cutting had already taken place.

“They really look happy,” Lily stated as the bride and groom took to the dance floor for their first dance.

“They do,” Max agreed. “And by the way, you and Margo did a terrific job with everything. Everyone will talk about this wedding for years to come.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Lily stated with pleasure. “I was really nervous.”

“There’s only one problem.”

“What’s that? What did I miss?”

“Nothing,” he said, shaking his head. “The problem is you’re going to have ahard time topping this wedding with our own by year’s end.”

Lily let out a laugh, causing several heads to turn towards them. Quickly, she placed her gloved hand over her face to muffle the sound. “Stop it. You’re going to get me into trouble,” she whispered against his ear.

“Oh, you should probably get used to that,” he whispered back, his breath tickling the skin of her cheek.

“Not surprising,” she said in a hushed tone, “but somehow I think I will love the type of trouble you get me into.”

Taking her hand, he pulled her towards the exit. “Let’s sneak out for a few minutes. No one will miss us while all eyes are on the bride and groom.”

Once outside and in a dark hallway, Max pushedLily against the wall. He leaned towards her, then pressed his lips against hers, searing her mouth with a red-hot kiss.

Though she liked kissing Max, she knew the dance wouldn’t last forever. Gently, she placed her hands on his chest and said, “We should get back.”

Max nodded, stepping back with a regretful look. “Not that I want to, but you’re probably right.” Glancing down the hall he added, “I need to go to the restroom first. Are you all right heading back in on your own?”

“Of course. I’ll see you in a few minutes,” Lily said, placing a peck on his cheek before heading back into the ballroom.

She was about halfway back to the dance floor when Joseph stopped her.

“Can we speak privately for a moment?” he asked, the look of admiration shining from his eyes.

“I don’t think that would be wise. Anything you would like to say to me, you can do it in the open.”

The admiration disappeared and was replaced with one of anger. “I’m guessing your refusal to be alone with me has to do with your new relationship with the Crown Prince.”

“Not that I owe you any explanation, but yes, the prince and I are involved.”

“What does that mean? How serious is it?”

Lily folded her arms across her chest and narrowed her eyes. “I really don’t feel comfortable talking about this with you.”

“I thought you were different than the other women who throw themselves at royalty around here, but I watched you leave with the prince a few minutes ago. Now, you’ve come back alone with your hair out of place and a missing earring,” he said gesturing towards her.

“What I do, and who I do it with, is no concern of yours. The way you’re acting confirms I made the right decision by keeping you strictly as a friend, but you can rest assured, that’s over now too.”

Turning on her heel, Lily rushed back the way she came. She rubbed her ear lobes and realized she must have dropped one of her earrings in the hallway when she was with Max. They were on loan from ajeweler and worth a small ransom. She had to find it before someone else did.

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