Page 57 of Risky Match
“Both of us? I’m sure he only invited Princess Brianna,” Blake asks.
“No, sir. The invitation was for both of you. Please follow me,” the staff member says.
Blake shrugs and, looking at me, says, “Lead the way,”
It’s a short walk to the members’ area where Prince Adrian is standing.
Blake bows his head to show respect for his country’s prince.
Adrian reaches out to shake Blake’s hand, signaling a more relaxed greeting. Turning to me, he kisses my cheek. We’re both royals and have known each other for so long, we’re like family. And given that our royal ancestors are all related if you go back a few generations, we actually are family.
“Congratulations. You played wonderfully today.” Adrian says.
“It was an incredible day for us,” I say.
“It’s an honor that you were here to watch us,” Blake adds.
“It was entirely my pleasure. My brother had other commitments after your match today, so he sends his apologies for not congratulating you personally.”
“Please thank him for us,” I say.
“We’re proud to support our highest-rated British player and our childhood friend from Catalinius. At least one of us will be at your matches. We hope you’ll keep winning so there will be several more matches to watch.”
“We’ll do our best,” Blake says.
“I’m sure you will. I’m sure you two have other places to be now, so I won’t keep you,” Adrian says as he lightly sandwiches my hand between his two hands, passing a folded paper into my palm.
I discreetly slip the note into the hidden pocket in my tennis skirt that’s designed to hold a ball. It will be safe there until I can read it in private.
“Thank you. We look forward to seeing you in the Royal Box,” I say.
Prince Adrian departs. As we walk toward our locker rooms for much needed showers, I ask, “Have you met the prince before?”
“No. I’ve met his parents and brother, but not him. On the rare times that I’m introduced to royalty, it’s awkward. I never know what to say.”
“You don’t seem that way with me,” I tease.
“That’s different. We met through tennis, so we have that in common. I’ve only known them as the royals we bow to. Meeting them is rather daunting.”
“The UK’s royal family are big tennis fans, so I’m sure they are just as awed by you.”
“I doubt that. But we have something else to discuss now.”
“What?”
“How are we going to celebrate your first win at Wimbledon?”
Really? He wants to celebrate? That’s incredibly exciting and decidedly unexpected coming from Mr. Serious.
“What a wonderful idea! But don’t you have a singles match tomorrow?”
“I do, but there’s time for a small celebration.”
He’s so sweet and thoughtful. I can’t believe he’s making celebrating with me a priority. “Count me in. What do you suggest we do?”
“Leave it to me. I’ll surprise you.”
“I like this version of you. Not that I’m complaining, but what happened to Grumpy Blake?”
