Page 24 of A Royal Mistake

Verdammt. There was no right answer here. It didn’t matter if he was attracted to Pippa or if they had sizzling chemistry. Hell, it didn’t matter that he thought she had the biggest heart of anyone he’d ever met. There was no future. Any appearance of courtship was just that—an appearance. Neither of them was looking to settle down, but more importantly, the princess lived in the spotlight, and he would not sacrifice his privacy for a royal fling.

“Let people think what they want. You and I both know the truth.” He scrubbed a hand over this face. Christ, did he know the truth. “As for me, I’m single because I’d make a Scheisse partner. I give everything I’ve got to VDRI and I’m on the road nine months out of the year. It’s not really conducive to long-term relationships.”

“I can see that.” She nodded slowly. “You want to give everything you’ve got when you commit to someone or something. It’s an admirable quality.”

He chuckled. “I don’t know about the admirable part, but I definitely like to give one hundred percent. Otherwise, why bother?”

“No, I get it,” Pippa said, pinning him with a brilliant smile. “But you realize that if you found a woman who loved the same things you do, the travel wouldn’t be a problem?”

“This from the woman who’s trying to rid herself of a dozen suitors,” he said, leaning toward her and resting his forearms on the edge of the table. “Perhaps it would be best to focus on your own romantic prospects, Your Highness.” He scanned the garden. “From the looks of it, you’ve got your hands full.”

A beat of silence stretched between them, and he silently cursed himself for being so forward.

“Not for long.” Pippa’s smile widened, and there was a mischievous glint in her eyes as she met his gaze. “How would you feel about helping me thin the herd?”

7

Pippa waitedwith bated breath for Henry’s answer. It shouldn’t matter. She was already committed to the plan, but it didn’t change the fact that she wanted him at her side.

Just for the afternoon.

To make things more interesting.

“That depends on what you have in mind.” Henry’s gaze slid to Sarah. “And how much trouble it’ll get me in.”

Pippa smirked. “Worried about the big, bad protection officer?”

“Hell, yes, I’m worried.” He pitched his voice low, whispering conspiratorially. “I’ve seen the size of her taser and I’d prefer not to be on the business end of it.”

“Don’t worry, Henry.” She patted his shoulder, doing her best to not notice the hard muscles that rippled beneath her fingertips. “I’ll protect you.”

He chuckled and a slow, sexy smile curved his lips. “When you put it like that, how could I possibly refuse?”

“Brilliant.” She gestured to the overzealous pool of suitors. The men stood shoulder to shoulder, eying up the latest addition to their party with suspicion. Clearly, they’d seen the headlines, but that was a problem for another day. “I’m speed dating and I could use some help deciding which two bachelors to send home.”

Because, given the choice, she’d send them all packing.

“Speed dating?” Henry shot her an incredulous look, and a thrill raced up her spine. “That’s so—”

“Shocking? Bold? Unexpected?”

“All of the above.”

“I read somewhere that most participants know within thirty seconds of meeting whether they’ll be compatible.” She shrugged. “It seemed as effective a method as any.”

Henry shook his head, that irresistible smile unfurling once again. “You, Pippa Stanley, are full of surprises.”

A slow heat built in her stomach, but she didn’t have time to consider it as her next date approached the table. Judging by the firm set of his jaw, the Belgian prince was out of patience.

Fine by her. She was more than ready to bring the tea party from hell to an end.

Preferablybeforeshe melted.

“Your Highness.” Prince Leopold bowed, paying Henry no mind, and when he straightened, determination shone in his eyes. “I believe it is my turn.”

“Of course.” She gestured for him to take the seat opposite her, watching as he lowered himself stiff-backed and straight-faced into the chair.Well, this should be delightful. Pippa cleared her throat and forced a bright smile. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve asked my friend Henry von der Recke to join us.” She paused, looking between the men. “Perhaps you’ve met?”

“I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure,” the prince said, jaw tight. “It would seem we run in different social circles.”