Page 127 of American Royalty

The weight of everything lay heavy on his shoulders. So many people depending on him. He wished he could go back in time to when he was the only one affected by the decisions he made.

But had that ever been the case?

Louisa pushed through the double doors that led out to the seats. “You should go watch the match.”

He wasn’t particularly excited about the event before him. It would be like torture. He’d wanted to spend time with Dani in public. Now he was getting his chance, albeit not as he’d intended. He should be able to keep everything professional and aboveboard. And if he was there, maybe she wouldn’t always feel a need to talk and laugh with Cooper.

“I had them save two seats for you up in the Royal Box.”

“Two seats?”

Louisa cleared her throat and gestured ahead. “The queen invited Lady Imogen to join you today.”

Jameson’s head turned and he saw Imogen waiting for him at the entrance to their section. She smiled and wriggled her fingers in a wave.

This keeps getting better and better.

He knew what his grandmother was doing and he hated the pressure it put on him and the hopes it gave Imogen. He wanted to be friendly and polite because they’d known each other a long time and their families were close, but if her being here bothered Dani as much as seeing Dani with Liam did him, he’d have to rethink how he handled the situation.

“They just told me you arranged for us to sit together. How sweet! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Imogen said, kissing his cheek.

Why indeed?

He shot a look at Louisa, who’d already turned and headed back to the clubhouse. “I just now learned it was a done deal.”

Imogen smiled and squeezed his arm. “It doesn’t matter. I’m happy to be included and to get more time to spend with you.”

Bloody hell. Damn Louisa. And damn the queen for putting him in this predicament.

“After you,” he said, gesturing for her to precede him. “Have you met our VIPs?”

Though there was only one VIP he was interested in. Her andherVIPs—Very important Parts—that he’d spent the previous evening lusting over through a screen.

Calm down, Jameson. This isn’t the time or the place.

Following Imogen, he climbed the steps and entered the privatebox. He saw Dani and Cooper immediately, sitting in the third row. His eyes were always drawn to her. If he was in a room with her, he sought her out. And if she wasn’t present he found himself looking around, hoping for a surprise...

She was stunning in a red-and-pink-toned floral dress, her hair a mass of curls that tumbled down the crown of her head.

“Your Royal Highness! Are you joining us?” Bobby Worth asked.

At the singer’s question, everyone in the box turned to them, including Dani. Pleasure glowed in her expression before Cooper reclaimed her attention.

Bollocks.

“I’ve heard these are the best seats in the stadium and you guys are the wittiest crowd.”

He shook hands and spoke with the members of the box as the page led Imogen to their seats. When he finally joined her, she was settled next to Dani.

“The last time I was in this box, I was farther back,” Imogen said, beaming.

Jameson’s smile was tight, but he leaned over and finally allowed himself the opportunity to drink in the sight of Dani. It had been days since he’d been this close to her in person.

“Duchess. Cooper. I hope you’re enjoying yourselves?”

“We are, Your Royal Highness,” Cooper said, slinging an arm around Dani’s shoulders.

Jameson watched the motion and thanked his royal British upbringing for allowing him to keep his emotions safely hidden. He met Cooper’s gaze and saw through the glossiness of his image to the man beneath. The singer knew what he was doing.