Page 43 of A Royal Mistake
Henry approached slowly, offering her the rose. It really was a thing of beauty. The blossom was large and ruby-red, with velvety petals and shiny green leaves.
“It’s lovely,” she said, accepting the flower and lifting it to her nose. She inhaled deeply, savoring the sweet scent she associated with summer at the palace. “Thank you.”
“Walk with me.”
He offered his elbow, and she looped her arm through his, following his lead as he took them deeper into the garden, toward the fountain.
“There’s something I wanted to ask you.” He glanced over and smiled at her, revealing the dimples she so desperately wanted to kiss.
“Oh?” Was he finally going to kiss her? She’d been waiting weeks for this moment and she wanted it to be perfect.
“I’m holding a fundraiser for von der Recke International on the twenty-eighth. In Liechtenstein,” he added, almost as an afterthought.
Her heart plummeted to the neatly trimmed grass. He was leaving. In eleven days. That wasn’t at all what she’d been expecting. It was silly, but… she thought they’d have more time. She hadn’t even finished her business plan yet. Nor had she gotten her kiss.
“I see.”
It wasn’t too late. She could stretch up on her toes and kiss him. She was a modern woman. It wasn’t like she had to wait for him to make the first move.
“I want you to come with me.” He turned abruptly, meeting her eye. “If you can get away for a few days. I know you’re busy with the courtship and all, but it would be a great opportunity for you to network and connect with potential donors.”
Pippa started. He was inviting her to Liechtenstein?
For business—not pleasure—which means no kissing.
Poppycock.
She should have expected as much. Of course he’d brought her out here to discuss business. Their arrangement was just that—an arrangement.
Still, it would be good experience. And who knew? Maybe she’d even secure her first donation for Stanley International.
No man had ever invited her on an overnight trip before. Her parents would hate it. They’d probably send a whole contingent of bodyguards. And the tabloids would have a field day at the prospect of her abandoning her suitors and running off with Henry.
Two birds, one stone.
“Aren’t you worried I’ll poach all your donors?” she asked, batting her lashes at him.
He chuckled, the low rumble humming across her skin like an electrical current.
“Trust me. These people have more than enough money to go around.” He winked at her. “The real trick is parting them from it.”
She nodded. “Then count me in. I’ll make it work.”Somehow. Details for another day. “Thank you again for all of your help. Truly, I couldn’t do this without you.”
“You’re giving me too much credit.” He huffed out a breath. “Besides, at the rate negotiations are progressing with your brother, I’m going to need your help persuading him to partner with VDRI.”
“Somehow I doubt that’s true.” She rolled the rose stem between her fingers. “But don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten my promise. I’ll make sure Liam is team VDRI when the time comes.”
“Any chance you’re going to let me in on this secret plan of yours?
She quirked a brow. “Not unless you’d like to tell me your family’s deepest, darkest secrets in return?”
“Yeah?” He stared at her for what felt like an eternity before a sexy smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “What if I told you Herr von der Recke is an alias and that I’m actually a prince?”
“I’d have you banned from the palace for life.” She squeezed his arm, hoping he could hear the truth in her words. “The last thing I want—or need—is another royal bachelor in my life.”
Truth. She had a type and apparently it was smoldering philanthropists.
Henry nodded, and was it her imagination or were the tips of his ears turning red? Was he actually blushing? The prospect made her smile. After all, how many times had he put her in the same position? It was nice to have the upper hand for once.