Page 19 of Royal Hottie
I square my shoulders. “No, of course not.”
“He is hot.”
“Undeniably.”
“He’s also a manwhore.” She shrugs. “I love him, but he is. I recommend you keep him at arm’s length.”
“What about Lana? He was with her for years. Maybe deep down he’s hoping to meet the right woman.”
She grabs me by the shoulders and turns me toward her. “Ruby, listen to me, donotthink you can fix him or magically be the one to make him commit. I know he can be charming, but don’t open yourself up to what will only hurt you. I say this because I love you.”
“I know.” I swallow my disappointment. He grew on me, I guess. “It’s not going to be an issue. We’re both leaving next week. He’s going on a charitable tour for a really long time. Could be a year or more with his work for the UN, and I’m going back home to patch together enough work to move out of my parents’ house. Not just because I want to launch my business. My mom is five months pregnant and they need my room.”
Her hand flies to her mouth. “Oh my God! How old is she?”
“Forty-three. It’s her miracle baby. We’re all so excited.”
“Congratulations! I know how much you’ve always wanted a sibling.”
I nod. I can’t manage words with the lump in my throat. There’s so much I want to do with my little sister, so much I want to teach her and show her.
She taps a scarlet fingernail with rhinestones against her red-painted lips. “I bet when my guests see what you did with this suite, they’ll want to hire you. They’re all very successful in their fields and own their own homes. Plus, they’re local for you, from the Tampa area. Sixteen women with plenty of cash to burn. I’ll introduce you as the interior designer as soon as they arrive.”
A surge of excitement has me grabbing her in a hug. “That would be amazing!”
She laughs. “I am pretty amazing.”
I let her go, smiling so big my cheeks hurt. If these well-to-do women like my work, not only would I have a fabulous start, but I’d finally get the word-of-mouth I need for my career to take off. It would mean so much at this point in my life to prove I can be a success.
I hug her again. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“There’s the happy Ruby I remember, and you’re quite welcome. Honestly, your work speaks for itself.” She gestures around the room.
I look around with a critical eye, but even picky me is pleased with the results. Sixteen potential new clients, wow. Wait a minute. “Sixteen guests? Anna, where will they sleep? There’s only beds for half that.”
She winces. “I know, it was originally eight, but when word leaked out about the royal bachelor auction, more of my clients begged me for an invite. I couldn’t turn them down.”
I still. “Say what? Royal bachelor auction?”
“Phillip didn’t tell you?”
“No.”
“He’s the headliner. Plus his younger single brothers. You should bid on Adrian. He’s the only one I’d trust not to seduce you. He’s too much of a gentleman.”
I crinkle my nose. “First, I’m broke, and second,eww. I’m not going to bid on a man like some kind of weird trophy.” It hits me then. That must be why Phillip told me he wouldn’t go on a date with me for any price when I first arrived at the palace. He must’ve thought I was one of Anna’s clients eager for the royal bachelor auction. Now why didn’t he just explain that? I totally would’ve understood. Poor guy must’ve felt like hehadto do this embarrassing auction for Anna. No wonder he seemed so agitated the first time we met.
Anna goes on. “It’s not like a man trophy. See, it’s a fundraiser for the next phase of my plan, the day spa. I want them to feel invested in it so they’ll return and spread the word about how amazing it is. The women can bid on winning a date with a prince, just a date, I was clear on that. Anyway, it’s Phillip and his single brothers in the auction, but Phillip is the big draw. He’s famous as the royal hottie. My clients are beside themselves over who’s going to win a date with him.”
I press my lips together, ignoring the burn of jealousy in my chest. Phillip is not mine.
“Would you mind being the designated bid starter?” she asks. “Adrian is first up. Fifty euros is the opening bid.”
Everyone wants Phillip. He’s a world-famous playboy prince. I have to remember that, no matter how down-to-earth and friendly he seemed this past week. He belongs to the world of glamorous wealthy women. And that is not me. Besides, I know better than to cross the line for a fling with no future. The last thing I want is to leave here nursing a broken heart. Been there, got the hideous T-shirt.
Will he hook up with one of Anna’s wealthy clients? My gut churns.
“Ruby?”
