Page 21 of A Royal Promise
Before Bri knew what was happening, Drew lifted her off the ground, spinning her in a circle before gently setting her back on her feet. Those in attendance clapped at the embellishment to the traditional waltz.
They continued moving, flawlessly in time to the music. Together, they were the perfect fit, like peanut butter and jelly or macaroni and cheese. They had always brought out the best in each other. He was supportive and made her want to be a better person, while she was spontaneous and helped Drew get out of his routine and comfortable bubble.
On the dance floor, they moved seamlessly. Drew spun her out, and her pink gown swished around her before he pulled her into him, her back pressed against him. His chest was harderthan she remembered. Come to think of it…his arm had felt more muscular earlier.
Has he started working out more?
She shook away thoughts of his brawniness.Best friends don’t think about each other’s muscles.
As the song came to an end, Drew dipped her, low and deep. When he pulled her back to her feet, she noticed he was breathing heavily and looking at her with an expression she couldn’t quite read. Before she could ask him what was wrong, everyone around them applauded.
She dropped into a curtsy as Drew bowed to her, and then people gathered around them on the dance floor. Some were preparing to dance to the next song, but most of the crowd was approaching them to offer congratulations.
Bri put on a bright, practiced smile as she and Drew greeted the well-wishers, expressing their thanks. When they finally left the dance floor, she approached the refreshments table, grabbing two glasses of sweet tea.
She took a sip from one glass and offered the other to her best friend. He sent her a grateful smile before downing the drink.
When they finished their tea, Drew escorted Bri around the perimeter of the room. They played the role of hosts, greeting royal families in attendance from the other countries on the continent of Fenimore.
Bri was about to ask him if he thought everyone was buying their engagement act when they were stopped by a fuming Clarissa. She wore a tight black dress that left little to the imagination. Clarissa was glaring at her with a look so cold and ruthless that Bri was slightly worried for her safety. She had a whole new level of understanding regarding the quote about a scorned woman now.
“Since when do you likeher?” Clarissa spouted the word with her lips turned down in disgust and followed it up with a sideways glance, taking in Bri from top to bottom.
Drew’s arm tightened around her waist. “I’ve loved Bri for as long as I’ve known her.”
Clarissa scoffed, like the idea of someone liking Bri was the most ridiculous thing in existence. She turned her murderous expression to Bri. “You’re telling me you two are suddenly more than friends?”
Bri glanced over at Drew and found him watching her quizzically. This was it. This was their first test to prove if they’d be able to maintain this act. She turned her gaze back to Clarissa, trying to make her expression as love-stricken as possible. “What can I say? He told me he was in love with me, and I realized how blind I’d been.”
Clarissa’s lips curled up until she looked like a snarling dog. “I’m not buying this. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the two of you.” Her mouth morphed into a sultry smirk. “Especially you.” She blew a kiss to Drew and shot one more glare at Bri before sashaying away.
Drew let out a low whistle. “I would’ve gotten engaged sooner if I’d known it would come with such warm felicitations.”
“You’re telling me.” Bri let out a humorless laugh.
Drew wore his signature grin again. “Want to go raid the watermelon supply in the kitchen?”
A playful smirk pulled at her lips. “I thought you’d never ask.”
As they hid in the kitchen pantry, sharing a giant bowl of watermelon, Bri finally felt her shoulders relax. Away from the crowd, they were just Bri and Drew—two best friends hanging out—and that was exactly what she wanted them to be.
The following morning, Bri gulped as her eyes perused the lawn covered with paparazzi and press members. “There are a lot of people out there.”
Drew came up behind her, looking over her shoulder. “It’s about right for a royal announcement.”
“I know, but they’re all here forus.”
He huffed out a laugh. “That’s typically how these things work.”
“But I meanonlyfor us. They’re not here to hear from our parents or about the state of the country. They’re here to document our engagement.”
He stepped to the side and placed both hands on her shoulders. “If you’re too overwhelmed, we don’t have to do this.”
She gazed up at him. Bri had always admired how warm-hearted and loving he was. It was one of the many reasons she wanted to go along with this whole charade for him. “No, I’m sure. I want to do this.”
Drew gave her shoulder a light squeeze. “Are you with me, Bri?”
She nodded. “I’m with you.”
