Page 25 of The Problem with Princes
“Too good to be true? You mean like when I spilled my coffee on you or acted like a complete jerk when you were trying to save my life? Yeah, that was all me.”
I grin at him. Who would have guessed hours ago that this would be how the evening would turn out? “There is no boyfriend back home.”
He releases a sigh, like he was afraid there might be. Who is this guy? It’s like he’s a completely different person from Modern Ares. Could it just be that he’s at the palace? On his home turf, so to speak? Or maybe it was just as he said. He’d had a bad day.
But suddenly that thought scares me. I was crazy attracted to him when I thought he was a jerk face. But what will happen now that I actually like him?
ChapterNine
“What doyou mean you’re leaving tonight?” I stare at Texie, barely able to see her features in the darkened car.
“The Murray trial date was moved up. I have to fly home tonight.” She bites at her pinkie nail. “I’m really sorry, Gee.”
“When did you find out?” I ask.
“My office called while I was on the treadmill in the gym this morning.” I heard her nail click against her teeth.
“And you’re just telling me now?” I can’t hide the irritation I feel.
“Hey, you didn’t tell me about your heroic rescue attempt. So back off the righteous indignation.” Now she sounds irritated.
I hate it when she calls me out on my crap.
“Can’t someone else take over the case?” I’m pouting and I know it. But I don’t want to leave before we’ve even had a chance to experience this country.
She shakes her head. “No. Mr. Peterson’s wife died.” Her voice quiets and I suddenly feel selfish for throwing a tantrum. “Besides, this could be a big case for me. I have to leave tonight. I’m really sorry.” She says again. I know she is. I can hear it in her voice.
I close my eyes briefly. This night has been such a roller coaster ride for my emotions. Suddenly, I’m exhausted. “Have you called the airline? How much time do we have to get packed?”
Texie lets out a laugh-grunt. “You aren’t coming with me, Gee.”
“Whatever. Why would I stay here without you? We are supposed to do this together, remember?” I sit back against the seat.
She shakes her head. “There’s nothing to talk about. You love it here. I’m not going to be the reason you miss out. You haven’t even seen the Hilltop Monastery yet and you’ve been talking about it for months.” She turns as much as her seatbelt will allow and looks at me. “Don’t give me that look, Gee.”
“You can’t even see my look. It’s too dark,” I grumble.
“But I know you’re giving it just the same.” I hear her sigh. “You’re staying here and finishing out the trip.” She squeezes my arm. “And now that I know you won’t be alone, I feel much better about leaving early.”
She is such a traitor. She thinks she is doing me a favor, but she isn’t. And now what am I supposed to do? I can call Tyrone once we get to the hotel and cancel on him. I’m not sure this is why he put his number in my phone, but what choice do I have? I’m sure I can still get my ticket changed.
He may actually appreciate me canceling. Maybe he only made the offer to show us around as a way of apologizing. Which he already did. Numerous times. The more I think about it, the more I’m sure I’m doing him a favor to let him off the hook.
My stomach sinks and soars at the same time. He had seemed sincere, hadn’t he?
I sit quietly, thinking through my options.
“You’re staying, Gee.” Texie’s voice is quiet, but firm. “And don’t be you while your here, okay?”
“What is that supposed to mean?” I scowl at her even though I know she likely can’t see me.
“You know how you are. You overthink everything and get all in your head. Just let things happen. Don’t think too much about it. He’s a prince. Have fun.”
I fold my arms over my chest. “I don’t overthink things,” I grumble, even though I know she is right. But it’s not like I can help it. I’m a planner. I don’t just fly by the seat of my pants like she does. “And I have plenty of fun.” I add for good measure.
“Just promise me you won’t get all cerebral about this. Please?”
I look out my window at the glittering lights of the city. The moon reflects off the Mediterranean on my other side. A soft sigh escapes my lips. “I can’t promise anything. I haven’t even decided if I’m staying.”
