Page 7 of The Prince's Game
“This is yours?”
“Mershano Vineyards.”
Well, I’ll be damned. “Nice.”
“You really didn’t know?”
Why did both Mershano men assume I was acting? I couldn’t lie my way out of a speeding ticket, let alone a social faux pas. “Nope, but I do now. And it’s pretty good.”
Both eyebrows went up. “Pretty good?”
“Yeah, it’s a little dry for my taste, but it’s still good. I like the citrus notes.”
His brown eyes took measure of me, pausing on my breasts before leaning to the side to look over the rest. My legs were crossed, which left the slit exposing my foot and calf. “Is it customary for the cousin to check out contestants for theprince?” I wasn’t one to mince words.
He chuckled. “Here I was expecting a shy, dark-haired beauty, but you’re a little minx, aren’t you?”
“I’ve been called worse.” My last boyfriend called me a ballbuster who would die an old hag. He didn’t take kindly to me turning down his proposal to move to Seattle. My career was in Chicago. The relationship was over the second he told me my job wasn’t a big deal.
“You sure you don’t want a minute with Evan? He’s going to love you.”
“I’m good.” Remembering the show minions, I rephrased. “I mean, he’s good. I don’t want to interrupt.” He was inside again lounging on the couch with his arms spread out along the back. There was a woman on each side, and two more sitting on the sofa back behind him. I had to give him credit; he did a great job flirting with the women without getting too close. I wasn’t sure what he did outside, but I suspected if he’d kissed anyone, the other women would have been in an uproar about it.
The clinking of glasses quieted the room as the hosts stood to address the crowd. It was Joseph who spoke. “Ladies, as you all know, there are only twenty room keys to be given out tonight. That means a third of you will be going home. What we haven’t told you is Evan’s family gets to pick the first three.” Will’s foot nudged mine beneath the table, and he waggled his eyebrows at me.That can’t be a good sign.
“Now, I know we’ve only been socializing for an hour, but Evan’s family watched the footage from your initial meeting with our beloved prince, so they’re prepared to make their choices. The three women they select will be escorted to their suites by our prince, and then he’ll return for a final hour of socializing before the other seventeen keys are distributed. Evan, I understand you want to say a few things before we proceed?”
“Yes.” He joined Joseph at the front of the room and ran his hand through his hair, messing up the elegant style. His chuckle was warm and elicited several smiles. “I meant to make a welcome speech when I walked in, but I was swept away by all the beautiful women.”
Joseph laughed. “That’s easy to do in your situation. You’re a lucky man, Mister Mershano.”
“I am.” Evan’s grin was infectious as he addressed the room. “I want to thank all of you for being here. I can’t begin to describe how unique of an experience this is for me. Dating multiple women, the cameras, my family picking women for me . . .” He paused to search for his parents in the crowd and gave them pointed looks while the girls laughed. His tone implied it was a joke, but the tension in his shoulders suggested otherwise.Interesting.
“Well, it’s a lot,” he continued. “But I know it’s a lot for all of you as well, and I just wanted to say thank you for putting your faith in me and for being here. I hope we can have fun, make some memories, and go to some cool places. What do you think? Sound like a good time?” Excited yells and applause broke out in response, making him smile. “Yeah, I thought so. Then let’s get started.” He raised his wine glass to the room and took a healthy sip.
I wondered if anyone else noticed he didn’t talk about marriage or love at all. Wasn’t that what he wanted from this experience? To find a wife?
“Excellent.” Joseph didn’t have a glass to drink from, so he settled on a clap instead. “Let’s get started. Will, Ellen, and Jonah, please join me with your choices.”
Will leaned over while the crew member was distracted. “Ready, darlin’?” With a wink that resembled a punch to my stomach, he stood.
Please tell me I didn’t just screw this up.The evening was perfect. I ignored the prince, kept to myself, and socialized with one person.His cousin.A family member with the ability to choose whom he wanted to stay on the show. And he wasn’t leaving.
He pulled a key out of his pocket and showed it to me. “How do you feel about the fourth floor?”
Fuck. “Are you serious?”
His charming smile held a sinful glint. “Don’t get shy on me now, little minx.”
I finished my glass of wine and set it down with a clink. The refusal clause Abby signed on my behalf flashed through my thoughts.Damn it.I had to accept, or I would be in breach of contract. Abigail Summers was a dead woman when I got my hands on her. Blowing out a breath, I stood up. One extra night wouldn’t hurt. I’d find a way to sabotage myself tomorrow and be on the first plane out. I could do this. “Okay.”
I accepted the key and followed his lead. Envious glares and pouts tracked our steps toward the front of the room.Yeah, this isn’t uncomfortable at all. Evan’s parents stopped to present their choices to Evan first. Ellen, a blonde-haired woman with hazel eyes and stern features, picked Amber.Shocking. Jonah was an older version of his tall and handsome son, with salt and pepper hair and sinful eyes. His choice was a brunette in a purple dress, named Georgiana. Evan gave both women hugs before fixing his gaze on me.
Will whispered something in his cousin’s ear, eliciting a grin from the prince. “You know I have good taste, E,” he added as he pulled away.
“We’ll see.” His gaze was curious as he studied me. “Your interview skills must be improving, Miss Summers. You impressed Will.”
Ouch. Was he implying my interview skills hadn’t impressed him? “Yes, I applied those strengths we discussed.”Seriously?Thatwas my best comeback? I blamed the situation. I wasn’t used to performing for a crowd.
