Page 81 of The Problem with Princes
Kissby Princesings out like a siren’s song,and I snatch it up. “Why didn’t you tell me that your government was trying to reach me?”
“And hello to you too,” Ty says with a grin.
I smile and relax into the couch, his voice calming more than any music. “Sorry. Hello. How are you?”
“Better now. How are you?”
“I’m rather stunned, is how I am.” I stare at him.
“Oh? And why is that?” He asks all innocently. Like he doesn’t know.
I grab the newspaper off the coffee table and hold it up in front of my face. “I just read an article that mentioned something about a new earldom being created and bestowed upon a woman.”
He nods. “It’s quite the talk around Atraxia.” His head tilts to the side. “I’ve been told she is a rather stunning red head.”
My face heats and I smile stupidly. “Why didn’t you tell me? We talk nearly every night?”
“My father wanted me to stay out of it. Especially after all the pictures started popping up all over the internet.” He sits back in his chair. “When all their calls went unanswered, he asked me to broach the subject with you tonight. But it appears I’m too late.”
“A day late and a dollar short, Mister.”
He nods. “So it would seem.”
I drop my elbow to my knee and my chin into my palm. “I’m not even sure what to think or do.”
“I think you should accept it.”
I stare at him. “I don’t think you are an unbiased bystander.”
He watches me. “I am definitely biased.” He grins. “I can already picture you in a tiara.”
“When is the ceremony?”
“It hasn’t been set. They won’t do it until you accept.” He rubs a hand over his chin. “I hope it’s soon. I’m about to fly to DC just so I can touch you. It’s nice seeing your face, but it is also its own special kind of torture not to be able to kiss your lips.”
I totally understand what he means.
“So how is the job hunting?” He asks the question every night. I think he thinks that as soon as I am hired, I will immediately quit and move to Atraxia. He’s going to be disappointed. I don’t know how all this will work out, but as my mom and Texie say, I’m just having faith.
I try to look happy. “Actually, I was offered a job today.”
His whole face lights up. “Sweet Cheese, I knew you would get one soon. I’m so proud of you.” There is a hopeful look on his face, that almost kills me because I know I’m not going to say what he wants me to and disappoint him on so many levels.
I just can’t admit what my new job is. But I know he is going to ask for details, so I try and head him off. “Okay, I deleted all the messages that they left, so can you ask them to call me back? I promise I’ll answer this time.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, I’ll pass the word along.”
I yawn. “Thanks.”
“You’re yawning already?” He gives me side eyes.
“Sorry, I haven’t been sleeping well. And I have an early morning tomorrow. Just thinking about it is making me more tired.” I hate disconnecting from him after such a short call, but I also can’t let him ask about my job.
“Okay, sleeping beauty, I’ll let you go.” He blows his kiss and I kiss my fingers and put them to the screen. It’s become our nightly ritual.
“Goodnight, Ty.”
He waves. “Night, Grace. I love you.” And then the screen goes dark.
