Page 68 of A Royal Promise
In love?
She attempted to play it cool and casual. “You really think it’s obvious?”
“Of course. He makes sure you always have your favorite snacks and sweet tea. He drops anything—even work, which we both know he’s focused on—to spend time with you. He’s never dated anyone because he’s too hung up on you. And don’t get me started on the way he looks at you. That man is a walking heart-eyes emoji.”
Bri didn’t answer. She was too busy wrapping her brain around the idea of Drew being in love with her. Even if he did love her, she still didn’t know if she could fall for him romantically. Yes, she’d recognized how attractive he was lately, and she’d been feelingthings, but she’d never been able to pinpoint exactly what it was.
Rosalie continued talking. “And the way you’ve been talking about him since this whole fake engagement thing started is completely different from anything you’ve said about him before. You’re falling in love, Bri. And I know that’s scary, but it’s also one of the best feelings in the world.”
She couldn’t answer. It wasn’t possible. She hadn’t been falling in love with Drew all this time…had she?
“Oh, no. I freaked you out, didn’t I? Don’t listen to me. I’m just stating my observations over the years. I could be mistaken.”
Bri shook her head, trying to rid it of all thoughts of Drew. “It’s fine. I just need a distraction. Tell me how you and Colin are doing.”
“Everything’s great here. I couldn’t have picked a better partner for myself. Colin and I are vastly different but in a good way. We challenge each other, forcing me to grow in ways I wouldn’t have been able to with someone more similar to me.We’re planning our first vacation soon. I want to take Addie somewhere fun where she can just be a kid.”
“I’m so happy for you.” Bri smiled. “I’m glad you’re finally receiving all the love you always share with everyone around you. If anyone deserves all the happiness in the world, it’s you. I hope you have a wonderful vacation. I’m sure Addie will love anywhere you take her.”
As they finished their call, Bri downed the rest of her juice in a few large gulps. She stood and stretched before taking the familiar walk through the palace’s halls until she was outside.
Being outdoors was exactly what she needed to decompress and get her mind in the right place again.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Drew
Seven Years Ago
Drew kicked a stray pebble off the wooded path where he was walking with Bri.
“We should play a game,” she suggested.
“Wanna play truth or dare? I’m always down for a childhood classic.”
Bri snorted. “Remember when you dared me to stick Phillip’s hand in warm water while he was sleeping? I can’t believe we convinced him he peed his bed.”
“Good times. Do you want to go first?”
“Sure. Truth or dare?” she asked.
“Let’s start it off with a dare.”
She looked at the wooded landscape around them. “I dare you to climb that tree.” Bri pointed to one nearby, just off the path.
“I could do that in my sleep,” he said easily, trying to impress her. He jogged over and tested out his weight on a lower branch, making sure it was stable enough to hold him before he started to climb. With little effort, he ascended the tree until he wasabout six feet off the ground. Drew looked back at her with a pleased grin.
She clapped for him as he made his way back to solid ground. He wiped his hands on his basketball shorts as he approached her.
“All right, your turn.”
“Dare, of course.”
He should’ve known that’s what she’d pick. Bri was the most adventurous person he knew.
Drew didn’t want today’s game to be all about adventure, though. He’d had a purpose for today’s game…to learn if his best friend returned the more-than-friendly feelings he had for her. If she gave him the smallest hint of evidence that she might have a crush on him too, maybe it would give him the courage to take the final step and ask her out on a proper date.
“I dare you to make up a rap about me, discussing my best features.”
