Page 55 of A Royal Promise
“Yeah, for official visits,” she chortled. “When was the last time you went somewhere for fun? When was the last time you went somewherefor you?”
He took a sip of his tea and then pressed his lips together, thinking about it. He couldn’t come up with anything aside from official state visits, so he said, “We went to Edgemont last year to visit Rosalie.”
She shook her head, eating another few fries. “That doesn’t count, and you know it.”
“We’re flying to the French Open soon.”
“Which is a gift for me, not you.”
“Okay, you got me. I’m a boring, workaholic prince.” He finished off his burger and dug into the fries. “When are you planning to go to Banff?”
“I’m not sure.” Her smile faded. “It doesn’t feel right to leave when I’m engaged to you.” She used her fingers as air quotes when she said the wordengaged. “Since we don’t know how long we’re going to have to keep up the act, it seems I’m stuck here for the foreseeable future.”
Stuck here. He didn’t want her to feel trapped. With her independent nature and adventurous spirit, she needed the space to spread her wings and fly.
“You know you’re not a prisoner here, right? You’re allowed to go home or take trips if you want to.”
She threw a French fry at him. “I know I’m notliterallystuck here. But I would feel bad leaving you—you need me right now. You know the second Clarissa caught wind I was out of the country, she would be here in a heartbeat.”
He caught the fry and tossed it back at her, laughing. “You’re not wrong.”
They finished eating dinner, saving the snacks for later. When they sat on the beanbag and leaned back, Drew made sure he sat as close to the middle as possible, causing Bri to roll into his side. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
“Is this all right?” he whispered.
She shivered against him, and he watched her eyelashes flutter repeatedly. “Yeah.” Bri laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arm around his middle.
He did his best to maintain his composure and keep his breathing steady. His heart was pounding so hard he was sure she would be able to feel it, hear it. He’d planned on a brief shoulder or pinky graze, but now they were in his favorite place—right in the spot where they’d shared their first kiss—cuddling under the stars.
She hadn’t shied away from his touch like he’d expected she would. Bri hadembracedit. And Drew had no idea what it meant for them. All he knew was he was going to soak in every last minute of this night.
Chapter Twenty
Bri
Nine Years Ago
Bri’s mouth fell open in awe as she walked into one of the rooms in Drew’s home she’d never seen before—the observatory.
“This is my favorite place in the entire world.” Drew’s eyes looked upward as he spoke.
Bri looked up with him, gazing out the large glass dome ceiling that allowed you to feel like you were outside stargazing rather than in a luxurious palace.
“It’s beautiful,” she agreed. “I’m surprised you’ve never brought me here before.”
They’d been friends for close to seven years now. She found it a bit odd he’d waited until they were teenagers to bring her here if it was his favorite space.
“I don’t bring anyone here.” Drew shrugged. “It’s my haven. The place I come to think and relax. Just me and the stars in the sky to keep me company.”
“Well, I’m honored you brought me here.” She slung her arm around his shoulder. Bri was about an inch taller than him, nowthat she’d hit her growth spurt, and she loved reminding him of it.
He ducked out from under her arm and shot her a wry look. “I’m going to be towering over you soon.”
“We’ll see.” She smirked even though she knew he was right. Once he hit puberty, he probably would tower over her.
“Wanna stargaze until you have to leave?” He motioned to the two recliners in the room.
“Of course.” She let him sit down first, knowing he probably had a favorite chair. Bri sat next to him and reclined back, looking up at the starry night sky.
