Page 80 of A Royal Mistake
Knock! Knock!
She drew a fortifying breath and opened the door.
Showtime.
Henry let out a low whistle when he saw her, eyelids growing heavy as he gave her an appreciative once over. “You look incredible.”
“Thank you.” She smoothed a hand over the front of her dress, careful not to snag the beading. It was a beautiful gown, the sleek gold material tailored to her body, which was to say it left just enough room to breathe. Why the royal seamstress thought she didn’t need to eat—or even sit occasionally—was beyond her. “You clean up quite nicely yourself.”
It was a total understatement. Henry looked sexy as hell in a tailored black tuxedo, his perpetual five o’clock shadow pushing him just over the line between debonair and devilishly handsome.
Henry studied her face. “Nervous?”
“Is it that obvious?”
He grinned and pulled a silver alligator clip from her hair.
How the hell had she missed that?
“I guess my nerves are showing.” She spun around so he could give her a quick once-over, ensuring she hadn’t missed any other styling clips. “In my defense, I’d have to be an idiot not to be a little nervous, right? The last time I tried to solicit donations for Stanley International, it was a complete disaster.”
“It wasn’t acompletedisaster.” His lips quivered at the lie and he slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her close so they stood chest to chest, all their best parts lined up. “But I’d be happy to distract you, if you think it will help.”
She laughed and dropped a quick kiss on his lips. “We don’t have time for…distractions. Besides, if this dress comes off, I’m not sure I could get it back on.”
“I see no problem.”
Pippa rolled her eyes even as heat pooled low in her belly. Lately, desire seemed to be her default mode with Henry. What would it be like if they actually had sex? Would they ever get any work done, or would they hole up in her room like bunnies?
Wow. That concept has taken on a whole new meaning post-Henry.
“Shall we?” he asked, offering his arm.
The fundraiser was being held at the hotel, on the outside patio which overlooked the Rhine and had an incredible view of Vaduz Castle, the home of Liechtenstein’s royal family. She’d never been to Liechtenstein before, but the capital city, Vaduz, had charmed her with its quiet beauty. She wished they could stay longer to explore Henry’s home country, but she had a wing of suitors awaiting her return in Valeria. If she didn’t return as planned, there was a real possibility her parents would send a security team to drag her back.
Just a few more weeks and this will all be over.
When they reached the patio, cocktail hour was in full swing. Donors dressed in elegant gowns and sharp tuxedos mixed and mingled as they sucked down champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Though the sun still shone above, lanterns lined the patio’s edge, extending down the path into the lush gardens.
She eyed the trail longingly.
“Cocktails, followed by dinner,” Henry reminded her, lowering his lips to her ear and covering her hand with his. “I’ll be at your side as much as I can, but I have some host duties.”
His words dislodged the nerves that had taken up residence in her chest. She was not some shrinking violet who needed a man to hold her hand at parties. She was a strong, independent woman, and she was going to get at least one donation tonight.
Pippa squared her shoulders, smiling serenely as she scanned the guests. “Don’t worry about me. I’ve been to a million of these things. I’ll manage brilliantly.”
Something like pride flickered across his face. “Of course. But if you’ll indulge me, I’d like to make a few introductions before you cast me off?”
She laughed quietly. “If you insist.”
After all, the patio was packed with wealthy patrons who could help make her dream a reality. She wasn’t about to decline an introduction. She’d already reviewed the guest list, making mental notes of those she thought would be moved by her cause based on their current charitable endeavors. If Henry could introduce her to a few of those folks, so much the better.
That was the role of a mentor, was it not?
Who are you kidding? Henry is so much more than a mentor.
It was true. Somewhere along the way, she’d started falling for him. They might walk different paths, but her bloody heart hadn’t gotten the message. He wasn’t like anyone she’d ever known, and he sure as hell wasn’t anything like the host of suitors back at the palace. Which, ironically, might be part of the problem. Because while each of them accepted that royal life meant living in the spotlight with press and paps constantly nipping at their heels, Henry had made it clear he wanted no part of that life.