Page 14 of My Highland Fling
The guard muttered under his breath, and she’d bet that his words weren’t complimentary.“Don’t leave your room until the car arrives to take us to the airport.Hopefully, no one noticed you.At least you were smart enough to dress in normal clothes.”
Gabrielle bit back a retort.The guards thought of her as stupid, fat, and troublesome, taking their cue from Gabrielle’s parents.She turned to Tilly, who she respected since the woman did her best and never belittled her.The woman’s long silver hair fluffed around her head, and her pale blue eyes held concern.The loose hair told the story since Tilly always restrained her long locks in a tidy chignon—Gabrielle’s disappearance had troubled her chaperone.
“I’m sorry I worried you, but you were asleep, and I hated to wake you.Would you like a nice cup of strong English breakfast tea?I thought of you when I purchased these.They’re cinnamon.Your favorite.”
The door slammed, and Gabrielle let out her breath.It seemed her plan would work, and a giddy sense of happiness filled her.She had Ramsay’s business card.He’d given her one when they’d discussed his career and the restaurant where he was an assistant chef.She’d tucked it safely in her bra, and there it’d stay until she arrived at the palace.
Last night had been fantastic and way beyond the experience she’d imagined.She’d fallen asleep, which she hadn’t meant to do, but she’d woken rejuvenated.Gabrielle set about making a pot of tea while Tilly fussed over her clothes.
“Where did you obtain those jeans and shirt?”
“I bought them,” Gabrielle said, telling half the truth.“I could hardly go outside in my normal clothes.”The clothes her mother had chosen for her to disguise her excess weight.Ramsay hadn’t minded her curves.In fact, he’d spent considerable time kissing and caressing said voluptuous flesh.She’d keep these clothes as a memento of the time she’d discovered an ordinary man who’d liked her for herself instead of the crown associated with her princess persona.
“Let’s have our tea, then I’ll shower and prepare for the homeward flight.I didn’t have a shower earlier because I didn’t want to wake you.You work hard and need your sleep.”
Tilly’s face softened.“You’re a good girl, Gabrielle.You have a kind heart.Few girls would even think about bringing me a cinnamon bun.”
Gabrielle grinned, unable to keep her feel-good mood inside her.“I might’ve had an ulterior motive since I adore cinnamon buns as much as you.”
Tilly’s blue eyes twinkled as she flapped her hands.“Oh, away with you, child.”
Tilly always brought her own tea, so Gabrielle measured two spoons from Tilly’s caddy and topped the teapot with boiling water.By the time the tea brewed, Tilly was more alert.She’d wrapped herself in one of the luxurious hotel robes and tamed her hair.
Tilly settled in an easy chair and stared out at the grassy park and copse of trees.“I can’t believe you sneaked out.How did you get past the guard?”She held up a hand.“No, wait.Don’t tell me.If I don’t know I can answer questions honestly.You’re a wicked child for putting me in the position where I have to fib to your parents.”
“I haven’t lied.I went for a walk and purchased the buns from a bakery.”Gabrielle hadn’t volunteered more information and didn’t intend to either.Ramsay was her guilty secret and one she’d hold close.No, not a guilty secret.A wonderful and exciting one.
Gabrielle shivered on recalling Ramsay’s roving fingers, his roving mouth.“Let me pour your tea.Would you like to go shopping before we leave for the airport?We have time.We could stock up on that wonderful buttery shortbread you enjoy so much.”
“Huh!”Tilly said.“I’m wise to you.You’re the one who adores shortbread.”
“True.”She grinned.“I’d love to purchase some to take home because I’ve yet to perfect my shortbread recipe.”A stab of regret speared her heart.It was lucky Ramsay hadn’t recognized her.He might’ve, but he hadn’t behaved crazed or stuttered.His behavior had remained natural.Perhaps it was because he was a New Zealander, but she’d enjoyed the everyday conversations.He hadn’t studied her like a lab rat or behaved as if she should use her clout to help better his life.
She’d had a friend like that and one perspective boyfriend her parents had paid off without her knowledge.She’d been mortified on learning this and angry because she’d missed spotting a man intent on using her.
Ramsay—he’d been different.His genuine affection and the attention he’d paid her had Gabrielle fizzing with happiness.So happy.Leaving him had been hard but for the best.
Chapter 8
Ditched
Ramsaystoppedatthelobby desk to check out and pay the mini-bar bill since he’d downed two miniature whiskies before coming down.
“It’s you,” the woman said, her face full of nosy interest.“You’re the mystery man.”
Ramsay scowled, not even attempting his usual charm.He and chirpiness were not friends, especially after waking to find his mate had done a runner.He was pretty sure Saber hadn’t written this into the mating manual.
After a sigh, he tried to muster a smile because this woman didn’t deserve his bad mood.Ramsay thrust the form he’d completed at her and tapped his fingers on the counter.“How much do I owe?”
She blinked and continued to stare.“I can see the appeal.You’re okay to look at and fill out those jeans in a sexy attention grab.”
He straightened from his lean.“What the hell are you babbling about?”
“Princess Gabrielle.She left this morning and must’ve stayed with you because you’re the only guest who arrived last night.That’s what I told the gentleman who asked about Princess Gabrielle.”
Princess?His Gabrielle was a fuckin’ princess?
Hell, had he misjudged the situation?Had she merely desired a night of entertainment with a commoner?
