Page 67 of A Royal Promise
“He cooked for you? That’s so romantic,” Rosalie squealed.
She ate another bite of her bagel sandwich. “I didn’t even know he could cook, but he was moving around my kitchen like a professional chef.”
“Ooh, it’s hot when a man knows what he’s doing in the kitchen.”
Bri fanned her face. She couldn’t deny how it had added to her attraction toward Drew. “You’re telling me. I tried cooking for him after…and it didnotgo well.” She laughed breathlessly. “He also planned a date night for me in the observatory.”
“A night under the stars? That’s so dreamy, and you told me how much he loves everything to do with space. That makes it even more meaningful.”
“The observatory is his safe haven, so I’m always honored when he shares it with me.” Bri ate more of her breakfast, mulling over what had occurred since then. “Drew surprised me with tickets to watch the men’s singles final at the French Open. He didn’t even know anything about tennis. I had to explain everything to him. And Rhett Hayes was there, and Drew was jealous when I wanted to say hi.”
“Okay, you seriously landed the sweetest man ever. I love the fact that he’s planned all these unique experiences for you. That’s the kind of treatment you’ve always deserved. And I’m green with envy over here that you got to meet Rhett Hayes, so Ican only imagine how Drew felt. What’s confusing to you about it all?”
“How is itnotconfusing me is the real question. He’s acting like we’re in a relationship, even when there’s no one else around. He brushed his pinky finger against mine and made me feel butterflies. He ordered my burger just the way I liked it without me saying a word. He watches my favorite movies and talks with me about tropes and grand gestures. He ran to my house to protect me when I thought I heard something outside and spent the evening making me laugh. Drew sees me down to my core.”
“I still don’t understand how any of that is confusing.”
Bri sighed, pushing her sandwich aside. “We’re best friends, and I don’t want to mess it up by telling him I might have deeper feelings for him.” She hit her forehead with her palm. “Did I mention I might’ve already messed it up? Because we kissed again. Actually, I kissed him.”
“Kissing is fun. You should do more of it.”
“Rose!”
“Sorry,” she said, but she didn’t sound remorseful at all. “Why did you kiss him?”
“To show Clarissa we’re together. She’s trying so hard to prove we’re not a couple, and I couldn’t sit back and listen to her any longer, so I kind of threw myself at Drew.”
“How was the kiss?”
Bri wanted to be annoyed at her friend’s question. She wanted to lie and say it was awful…but she couldn’t. “It was amazing. I think I surprised him, but the second he embraced the kiss…” She blew out a puff of air. “The man kissed me as if I was his only source of oxygen—like he would die if he pulled away.” A blush covered her face as she thought back on it.
“Yes, girl,” Rosalie squealed. “That’s the kind of kiss you deserve. It doesn’t sound like you’re messing anything up to me. You’re both simply having fun and enjoying being a couple.”
But it’s fake, and it’s all going to end.
“Did I mention there’s also a picture of me in his bedroom? And before you freak out, I was only in there to borrow some clothes after we participated in a charity run.”
“I don’t think a picture of you and Drew is that out of place. I mean, you’ve been best friends for over a decade.”
“Drew wasn’t in the picture.”
The line was silent before Rosalie let out a long, “Ohhh. He had a photo of only you in his bedroom?”
“In a frame right next to one of both of us and another of him with his parents. I’d never even seen the picture of me before. It was one I think he took when we were on a hike. I didn’t know he took it. Then I saw him stash it away in a desk drawer like he didn’t want me to see it.”
“This situation is getting juicier by the minute. I’m living vicariously through you right now. The only tea I get anymore is the fake variety at a tea party with Addie.” Rosalie sounded like she was bouncing in anticipation. “I don’t understand why he would try to hide it.”
“Try to hide what?”
“I mean, it’s completely obvious. I’ve known it all along,” Rosalie continued on her train of thought without providing any further explanation.
“You knewwhat?”
“That you and Drew were meant for each other. It wasn’t a matter ofifyou would get together, butwhen.”
Bri stuttered, “Wh-what do you mean?”
“I’ve been friends with you two forever, but I always knew I was going to be the third wheel to your duo. Not only because you’re besties but because I knew you and Drew would be morethan friends one day. I mean, he’s been in love with you forever. I’m glad you’re finally realizing you feel the same way.”
