Page 50 of Royal Hottie
He nods. “It’s one of the best benefits, beyond the basic need for water. Normally the villagers depend on the girls to walk every day to fetch water from far-off sources and carry it back in large heavy jugs. It takes several trips of backbreaking hard labor to get the needed water, which means they have no time for school. One of the other crucial benefits is the dramatic drop in waterborne diseases.”
“And the educational technology part, was that your idea?”
He takes my hand. “It was a natural fit once I realized how water and education connected.”
“And who funds that?”
“Me, at first, but I’ve managed to connect a few foundation grants with Global Sun Water’s efforts.”
“I’m sorry I said you had a big head before.”
He smiles at me. “Maybe I do.”
“What you have is a big heart.” I put my hand over his heart. “You’re amazing.”
“Oh, well, now I really am going to get a big head.”
“Don’t joke. I’m being serious. This work you’re doing is incredible, and your part in it is so impressive. I’m in awe.”
He shakes his head. “Don’t be. I’m mostly just a facilitator. But you see now why I feel so strongly about this work. It’s become like a calling for me.”
“Yes, I can see that.”
“Good.”
“Do you stay in a tent, or with one of the villagers as a guest in their home?”
He flashes a bright smile that lights up his face. “Is that what you thought? And you were still willing to spend five weeks with me, roughing it? Wow. And no. We stay in the closest city in a hotel. We’re a visitor to their world. I don’t want to impose on their resources. They’ll feel obligated to offer food, which could mean some would go hungry.”
I’m secretly glad we’re going to be in a hotel and feel terribly guilty at the same time, knowing how far removed it is from their survivalist existence.
“Plus I need the security of a hotel with the guards,” he says. “There are some who would put a ransom on me.”
“Then I’m glad about the hotel.”
He gives me a knowing look. “Changes your perspective, doesn’t it? Makes you appreciate things more.”
“Oh, yeah.”
“I’m glad you’re here, Ruby.”
“Me too.”
He lifts my hand and kisses the knuckles, his eyes intent on mine. I’m enthralled, feeling closer to him than ever before. Being so far from everything I know and having the welcome familiarity of Phillip by my side creates a deep intimacy. I don’t know how I’m going to say goodbye to him. I’m not sure I can.
Chapter Twelve
Ruby
Four weeks on the road with Phillip has been a whirlwind of people and places. It’s been eye-opening in more ways than one—seeing poverty up close at a level I previously didn’t know existed, the resilience and surprising joy of the people we’ve met, the contrast in the disparity of wealth between the leaders of a country and their people. In each country, we’ve visited with heads of state, diplomats, and government leaders and been welcomed with fancy formal dinners and elaborate teas. We’ve also been welcomed in far-flung villages, slums, and rural farmland. Phillip surprised me with the ease he handles the different environments. What it’s shown me is the kind of man he is deep down, a warm charismatic man who loves people, all people, no matter their station in life.
He remains affectionate, attentive, and considerate of me, making sure I’m comfortable wherever we land. No matter where we are during the day, at night we return to the best hotel in town. I’m not complaining. We’ve had many sexy nights together. I’ve even gotten used to sleeping with him. He’s a spooner. I want to tell him I love him, but I can’t seem to get the words out. He hasn’t said it either. I can feel it, though. The love between us grows stronger every day.
In six days, we return to Villroy and I fly home the next day from there. That’s the end for us, unless we attempt a long-distance relationship. I fear a year or more of distance would make us more miserable than a clean break. I’m not sure what to do. We have to have The Talk soon.
Now we’re on our way back to the hotel in New Delhi, India, accompanied by Henry and Rafe, our constant security shadows. I still feel awkward talking freely to Phillip with two burly men sitting nearby, one in the backseat of the Mercedes with us, the other in the front seat. It’s easier to forget about them when they’re out of sight.
Phillip holds up his phone to me, showing me a picture of the two of us at last night’s charity dinner on Global Sun Water’s behalf. It was a black-tie event, and my elegant silk gown was provided by Phillip. He had me measured before we left Villroy, and the appropriate clothes for our itinerary were forwarded to our hotel at the first opportunity. He’s a little like the fairy godfather to my Cinderella, not that I’d tell him that. Ha-ha. I don’t think he’d like the comparison to a sparkly fairy.
