Page 41 of All the Gossip from Paris
But every time he thought about New York, he kept coming back to the same conclusion. That night had been so right between them.
Why are we both fighting it?
“I tell you what Chloe, now would be the perfect time to go find my father and ask him for a favor. Camille’s wedding gown is absolutely divine, and Papa looks like he is finally beginning to relax. Another glass or two of champagne and he will be as close to pliable as he gets,” said Sophie.
“And we need to talk to François about making plans for Rachel’s wedding gown,” said Matthew, finally releasing his fiancée from his embrace. If the future bride-to-be was the slightest bit embarrassed about having been pawed in public, she didn’t show it. The woman who was destined to become Rachel Royal was positively beaming.
Linking arms with Liam, Sophie gave the American Royals a friendly wave goodbye. “While you four are off seeing my father, I’m going to take our special guest and introduce him to some more members of the family.”
“I can’t believe your cousin is married to Chloe Fisher,” said Liam, as they walked away.
The ballroom was huge, but so was the number of wedding guests. Liam was glad that he and Sophie were walking arm in arm. It would be so easy to lose her in this glittering crowd.
“You mean Chloe Royal. My sister made her wedding gown last year. Chloe is just the right person for Jordan. He had a troubled past but since they got together, she has quietened his soul. I love seeing how happy she has made my cousin.”
Sophie’s gaze drifted over the room, and then she sighed. “All these bliss filled couples and their weddings. It makes me want to believe in love again.”
As Sophie led him through the crowd, Liam pondered her words. It hadn’t occurred to him that she might not believe in love. He thought he was the only one who felt that way. The only one who love had left beaten and bloodied in the aftermath of deep betrayal.
At least she wants to believe in love again.
He wasn’t sure if he would ever be strong enough to trust his heart to someone a second time. To open his life to such vulnerability. But if someone like Sophie who’d had her heart broken could want to believe in a happily ever after, then why couldn’t he?
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
It was obvious Sophie was having a blast. The smile on her face as she paraded him through the wedding reception, nodding at various people made Liam’s day. He caught the occasional “Whose that with Sophie?” as they passed the clusters of Royal guests.
She’d clearly been tasked with making sure he felt welcome and at ease tonight. It might be her job, but she was making it fun. Liam was loving every minute with her.
To think I was the idiot who’d hoped to avoid her as much as possible on this trip.
They wound their way across the floor. When they got to the nearest of the lavishly set up food stations which were located at various spots around the ballroom, they stopped.
While he started checking out the cornucopia of platters and dishes, Sophie let go of Liam’s arm. After reaching for a plate, she passed it to him. “Eat. These Royal events always start out polite and diplomatic. But as soon as the male German and Spanish cousins get a few drinks under their belts, that’s when the fun and games usually begin. The last thing you want is to be left hungry if Mama orders the catering team to clear away the food.”
Liam glanced back at the room. He couldn’t imagine these people lowering themselves to any real shenanigans. Then again, he didn’t know them all that well.
Everyone was dressed to the nines. Camille was in her cream silk haute couture wedding dress. The men wore expertly tailored tuxedos. The rest of the Royal women were dressed in stunning designer gowns. The dazzling array of diamonds and precious jewels which glittered under the bright chandeliers would put Tiffany’s New York City store to shame.
It’s a good thing I left my trusty old Casio watch in my hotel room.
Liam picked up a smoked salmon tartlet and popped it into his mouth. He chewed it as slowly as he could, savoring its incredible flavor.
After swallowing his mouthful, Liam remarked. “I think my mouth might have just had an orgasm.”
He winced at hearing his own tactless words, but relaxed when Sophie nodded her agreement. He’d found a foodie soul mate.
There’d been a time when he’d loved great food, when every stylish platter didn’t make his chest ache. Before heartbreak made everything taste like bitter ashes in his mouth.
Not that long ago he’d been convinced he’d never find his way back to the joy he used to know. Yet here he was feeling that same spark again.
And it’s all because of her.
Sophie picked up a small round hors d’oeuvre and handed it to him. “Here—try this arancini ball. One of my Italian cousins brought some of the chefs over from the Royal Resorts hotel in Rome to cook for the wedding,” said Sophie.
Liam had eaten plenty of arancini balls over the years at various events. The second he took a bite, all previous memories of this dish were swept away. The food at this wedding was next level and then some.
“I don’t know if I will ever be able to look at another arancini ball the same way after this one. I feel like my entire life has been a lie,” he said.
