Page 18 of Royal Charmer
I tuck my glasses into my purse and set my stuff on the dry sand before returning to the sea. I’m nearsighted, so the whole scene takes on a muted glow. It’s a private beach, and we’re the only ones here. I look up, stargazing, feeling the dreamy state I used to feel before my world caved in on me. I spend a lot of time in my head, and it’s normally peaceful there. After a few moments, I venture deeper into the water, enjoying the splash of waves around my ankles. I turn to see a blurry Lucas shedding his blazer, then his shoes and socks, setting them in a neat pile on the sand before rolling up the cuffs of his pants.
He joins me a moment later and winces when the water hits his feet. “It’s cold! What’re you doing in it up to your ankles?”
“It’s refreshing!”
He turns. “I’m going back on the sand.”
I scoop up some water and splash him in the back with it. He yelps, and I laugh. He turns, scoops up a huge handful of water, and splashes me in the face. I sputter, tasting salt in my mouth, shove the hair out of my face, and splash him like crazy, using both my hands and feet, kicking up water. He retaliates, and it’s an all-out splash war. I can’t stop laughing.
He leaps away. “Okay! Truce! I’m soaked!”
I look down at myself, my dress nearly translucent as it clings to me. “So am I!”
He stares at my dress, lingering on my breasts, as all men do, before jerking his gaze back to my eyes. His voice is hoarse. “You’re a bad influence.”
“Why, thank you. That’s a first for me.”
“Come on. Out of the water.” He gestures for me to join him, backing up a step, but I’m not sure if I trust him not to splash me if I get closer. I suspect he’s sneaky that way.
I hold out my palm, holding him off as I skirt around him and back to the sand. A light breeze chills me, and I shiver.
Lucas picks up his blazer, shakes it out, and then places it over my shoulders. The gesture surprises me, though he did offer it earlier. It’s just that we’re both soaked, and I imagine he’s just as cold as I am.
“Thank you,” I say softly, overwhelmed by the beautifully romantic gesture. Scratch that. Beautifullycaring like a wonderful friendgesture.
He gazes into my eyes, serious now, his voice gruff. “You look different without your glasses.”
“Thanks?” I’m not sure if different means good or weird. I always thought my glasses were cute.
He turns away. “We should go back.” He scoops up his things and hands me my purse.
I slip my glasses on and follow him back toward the palace, relaxed and happy. I never thought I’d even get close to happy on this trip. I’d planned to soldier through, do my work, and make the best of it. I have the sudden urge to hug him for making my experience here so much more bearable. I can’t, though. We don’t know each other well enough for that, and I know it’s improper to touch a royal without them initiating it, even if it’s meant affectionately.
He turns to me. “Sure you don’t want to get angry and destroy stuff?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know if it’s the sea, the island, or…” I don’t want to say “you” because it sounds like I’m interested in him, which I’m not. I’mappreciativeof him.
“Or what?” he asks.
I smile, truly grateful for his company today. “Or your friendliness, but I feel very relaxed. Like I was able to let go of some of that angst I was hanging onto. Believe me, I did my share of tears and anger back home, a pretty twenty-four-seven thing, but now, I don’t know, something in me shifted.” I halt, suddenly serious because I’m feeling close to him. “If you could just swear never to lie to me, to be one hundred percent honest at all times, then we can officially be friends.”
He cocks his head. “I have to take an oath to be your friend? The blazer isn’t enough? I’m chilled to the bone, you know.” He crosses his arms and fakes a shiver.
I laugh a little. “I know I sound crazy, but I have been throughhell.And I need some assurance. Can I trust you? Are you a man of honor?” My fictional heroes are men of honor, but I’ve met very few in real life.
He gets serious, his gaze intent on mine. “I swear on my life, Alice. I am a man of honor.”
I let out a breath. “Thank you. And I promise to always be honest with you in return. I’m so glad you’re my friend. I really need one right now.”
He makes a formal bow. “Just another of my princely services.”
I attempt a curtsy in my soaked dress. “Much obliged, Your Highness.”
Our eyes lock as I straighten, the air shimmering between us with a charge of awareness. My breath stalls, my knees suddenly wobbly. It’s elemental—man and woman meeting on a primal level. A hot shiver courses through me. I write about these moments. I have never in my life experienced one.
He shakes his head, blinking a few times before saying, “You’re cold. Let’s go back inside.”
Chapter Six
