Page 19 of A Royal Promise
“If we weren’t in a big group of people right now…” he mumbled.
“Then what?” Her eyes narrowed as she challenged him.
I would kiss you senseless.Well, he would if she were his real fiancée. Their flirty banter and the playful looks she gave him made him a puddle of mush. Bri didn’t even seem to know the effect she had on him.
“I’ll tell you when you’re older.” He tried to play off his words as casual and cool, despite the fiery, intense feelings swirling inside.
“You’re only two months and five days older than me. Plus, we’re the same age right now.” She pinched his side, right where he was the most ticklish, and he bit back a laugh. That was not a sound he wanted to make around someone he was continually trying to impress, let alone in a crowded ballroom.
Thankfully, he was kept from responding when Rosalie and Colin approached. Rosalie pulled them into a group hug the second she reached them.
“It’s good to see you both again.”
When she let go, Drew reached out and shook Colin’s hand. “I trust you’ve been well since your vow renewal ceremony?” he asked.
“We have.”
“Now we know why people call it the honeymoon phase.” Rosalie gazed up at her husband with lovestruck eyes, and Colin’s serious expression morphed into something softer as he looked at his bride. When he smiled at her, Rosalie’s cheeks turned the color of her auburn hair.
“As much as I’d love to leave you two lovebirds to your bubble, we’d love to talk to you away from the crowd, Rosalie. That is, if you don’t mind, Colin?” Bri asked.
Colin nodded. “There are some people here I should speak with. Have fun with your friends, sunshine.” He kissed his wife’s cheek and headed to the other side of the ballroom.
Drew escorted Bri and Rosalie out the doors and down the hall into a side room.
“The anticipation is killing me. What do you want to talk—”
Rosalie’s words cut off as Bri held up her left hand, showing off the dazzling ring Drew had given her.
“We wanted to tell you before we announced it tonight, even though I know Drew already told you about the whole situation.”
“I’m so happy for you.” Rosalie pulled Bri into another hug. “I always knew you two would end up together. I’m glad you figured it out too.” Rosalie smirked at Drew. “See? You had nothing to worry about.”
He paled as Bri turned to him with raised brows.
“Worry about what?”
When Bri faced Rosalie again, he gestured across his neck with a cutting motion, his lips pulled into a thin line. He couldn’t very well have her tell Bri he’d been worried about proposing to her—not when she still thought the whole situation was fake. Drew needed time for her to see him in a different light before he professed his love.
Rosalie’s eyes widened a little when she caught on. “He doesn’t have to worry about the situation with Clarissa now that he has you.”
“Right,” Bri said, looking between them. “That’s another reason we wanted to talk to you…it’s fake.”
“What’s fake?” Rosalie’s brows furrowed.
Bri gestured to the ring on her finger and then to him. “All this between us. We’re faking an engagement so his parents won’t make him marry Clarissa,” Bri explained.
“You’re the only person who knows the truth, aside from us,” he said. “After today’s announcement, the rest of the world—including our families—will think we’re engaged for real.”
Bri ran her fingers through her hair. “We need someone to confide in, someone we can talk to.”
Rosalie mimed locking her lips and throwing away the key. “Your secret is safe with me.”
“We appreciate it.” Bri motioned to the door. “We should probably get back to the ball, but we will catch up soon.”
“That would be lovely.” Rosalie wrapped her arm around Bri’s waist, and together they walked back with Drew trailing behind. The instant they stepped into the ballroom, Rosalie pointed at Colin in a corner, surrounded by guests. “It looks like my husband might need my assistance. He’s not one for crowds. Good luck with the announcement.”
Bri wrapped her arm through Drew’s and leaned her head on his shoulder. “It feels like a weight is lifted off now that someone else knows the truth.”
