Page 42 of A Royal Promise
Chapter Fifteen
Drew
Drew escorted Bri to one of the formal sitting rooms inside the palace, where he had a pitcher of peach tea and an assortment of snacks waiting.
He wished their engagement photoshoot hadn’t had to end. It had given him the perfect excuse to wrap his arms around Bri and act like the real couple he wanted them to be. It had also been a bummer that the photographer hadn’t asked them to kiss for any photos. He wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to stop kissing her if they started again.
Their first kiss had been like a teaser of what could be, like taking a bite of the most refreshing ice cream on a hot summer day but not being able to eat the whole thing. Drew wanted to kiss her like he meant it, with all the emotion he’d been storing up inside for years. But he didn’t just want a kiss. He wanted it all with her. He wanted a real engagement that led to a long, loving marriage and a whole palace full of babies.
For now, he would have to continue being patient and play the long game.
The instant they walked into the room, Bri hurried to the table and piled her plate high with watermelon Caprese skewers, deviled eggs, pesto pizza, and shaved asparagus with parmesan vinaigrette. “I might never leave—not with how much you’re spoiling me.”
You have a place with me forever.
He followed her, taking small servings of the vegetable and fruit dishes and large amounts of everything more filling. There was nothing wrong with fruits and veggies, but Drew would be hungry again in an hour if he didn’t eat something more substantial.
“Is that so?” he asked, trying to keep a smile off his face as they sat together at a small table.
She gestured to the plate in front of her. “Yeah. There’s always an abundance of watermelon for me at home, but you really go all out to make sure I always have access to my favorite foods.”
“Happy wife, happy life,” he said, taking a giant bite of pizza without really thinking about the implications.
“Oh, I’m your wife now, huh?” she teased.
His face blanched. “I didn’t mean myactualwife.”
“What kind of wife did you mean, then?” Her lips pressed together into an amused expression.
“The almost kind. The fake kind.” The words fell out of his mouth rapidly. He sighed. “It’s only a saying. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful husband someday who will ensure you’re well fed. Otherwise, he would always be stuck dealing with your hangry, sassy side.”
Bri held a hand to her chest, her mouth agape. “I’m neverhangry.”
“Not around me, because I always feed you.”
She shook her head. “You’re one to talk, Mr. I-Eat-Everything-In-Sight.”
“Precisely. I never get hangry because I never allow myself to reach that level of starvation.”
Bri rolled her eyes, but a smile still tugged at her lips. “You’re insufferable.”
“You’re just mad I’m right.” His eyes twinkled with mirth. He popped a deviled egg into his mouth. “I need to talk to you about some of our upcoming obligations.”
She ate one of her Caprese skewers, nodding for him to continue.
“Your family will be here in a few hours for our monthly family game night. Next month, game night will be back in Westridge at your family’s palace. Next week, we will represent the palace at a charity run. Originally, we were just going to make an appearance, but I persuaded them to let us run it.”
Her eyes widened in excitement. “That’s amazing! Thank you for doing that.”
“Of course.” Drew nodded. “My parents are insisting on a birthday celebration for me at the end of May, but I have a little surprise for you before then.” He looked at her with his eyebrows raised.
“Oh, spill it already.”
“I secured tickets for us to attend the French Open.”
She stared at him, her mouth hanging open in shock. Then she jumped out of her chair, clasping her hands together, and squealed. Bri ran over to his side of the table, and he scooted his chair back on instinct. She flung her arms around his neck and squeezed tightly.
“You’re the absolute best.” With her head tucked against him, her breath tickled his neck, making goosebumps cover his body. “I can’t believe you remembered how much I love watching tennis.”
