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I scan over the names. I recognize six of the ten. Besides James and Christian, there’s another politician, a wealthy entrepreneur, a pro football player, and a billionaire who owns…I don’t remember exactly, but I know who he is.
“They’re the cream of the crop,” Torin says with a smile.
“I appreciate that,” I say.
Torin grins. “Jonah crossed three of them off immediately. Even before we discussed that it would be better to start with the men you already know.”
I look over at Jonah, noticing, then trying to ignore how my heart rate speeds up. “Why?”
“Embezzlement, asshole, asshole,” Jonah says shortly.
I narrow my eyes when hestilldoesn’t look at me. “But James and Christian are fine?”
“No,” Jonah says.
“He did a full background check on them both,” Torin jumps in. “Before they came to Cara, of course, but then he did an even deeper dive.”
“But they’re not okay?” I ask.
“He wanted to cross James off,” Torin says. “But not for a good reason. He’s fine. He’s safe. Nothing illegal or nefarious to be found.”
I’m still watching Jonah. “Then why?”
“He’s boring,” Jonah says simply.
I stare at him. I’m not sure what to say.
Torin just chuckles. “And really rich. Jonah doesn’t like anyone with money.”
I smile at that. “He likes you,” I point out.
“That’s debatable many days,” Torin says. He gives his best friend a grin.
Jonah doesn’t argue.
“And when he likes me, it’s despite my money. And in part because I don’t particularly relish having my money.”
Ah. That makes sense. Jonah was assigned to be Torin’s bodyguard—and obviously became his friend—during the time Torin was away from the palace and all of the glitz and glamour that came with being a prince. While he’d lived in the U.S., Torin and his siblings had lived as “regular people.” No one had known about their royal heritage until Torin returned to Cara.
I look down at the list of influential, wealthy men Torin has put in my lap. Literally.
I’m…intrigued.
And I have no intention of actually marrying any of them, but maybe going out with a man who actuallywants mewould be nice before settling down for a lifetime with one who doesn’t.
“So how would this work? I call James and Christian up and ask them out?” I ask Torin.
He smiles. “They’re bothwaitingfor that call. I can let them know you’re happy to meet them. Or you could call, or email. They’ll be very happy to hear from you.”
Yes, see, that’s nice. It’s nice to think that these men find me interesting enough to want to have dinner with me. It’s nice to think about two accomplished, handsome, intelligent men, who could no doubt date anyone they wanted to,wantingto spend time with me. Especially considering I’m currently sitting in a room with two accomplished, handsome, intelligent men who really, really,reallydon’t.
“I’ll call Astrid and see when she can meet me and then I’ll let them know,” I say.
“Astrid?” Torin asks. “Why?”
“Because I don’t want to go to D.C. and do this alone.”
“You won’t. Definitely not,” Torin says. “Jonah will go with you.”