Page 133 of American Royalty

He decided not to tell her the singer had indeed tried to get backstage earlier. After the stunt at Bloom Urban, Jameson had discussed the possibility with Louisa, so they’d ensured security and workers at each backstage entrance had the pop star’s picture and ordered that she wasn’t to be allowed access. Dani didn’t need to worry about “Stalker Samantha.” Her only concern should be putting on the best show she could.

He squeezed her hands once before releasing her. “You’ll do great.”

She shrugged. “I’m not worried about my performance.”

“You’re not?”

“No. I’m a little nervous because this is a slightly different audience, but I love performing live. It’s a high unlike anything else. The energy you get back from a crowd is indescribable.”

“Well, I’m looking forward to it.”

“You’ve already seen some of it, when we were practicing in the barn.”

Mentioning the barn brought back memories of the time they’d spent together at Primrose Park. And emphasized that she would be leaving soon.

“How long are you staying after the ball?”

“A day. Two at the most.”

He swallowed past the sudden obstruction in his throat and nodded. “So, this is it?”

She tugged on the collar of his shirt. “I’ll see you at the ball tomorrow.”

“I know. But it won’t be the same.”

A month ago, this had seemed easy. They’d been wildly attracted to one another and the sex had been off the charts. What was the harm in them getting to know each other and having some fun? A summer fling. And yet what he was feeling now couldn’t be described as easy or carefree or fun. It was deep, and soul stirring, and complicated as hell. And giving it up, letting her go, was turning out to be harder than he’d ever expected.

“Dani—”

“Jay, I—”

They laughed. He motioned for her to continue. “You go.”

“What if—”

A knock on the door and then someone called, “Time to go, Duchess!”

Bloody hell.

“‘What if’ what?” he asked.

“What if...” She closed her eyes and he waited, barely breathing, not knowing what his response would be, only hoping she’d say it.

But then her lips tightened and she shook her head. “Nothing. It was stupid.”

Disappointment lanced through him.

She leaned forward and softly kissed him. “Later, Your Royal Highness.”

“Bye, Duchess.”

And then she walked away, disappearing behind the curtain.

He took several moments to get himself together and calm the chaos of emotions boiling inside before making his way back to the stage. The general buzz of the concertgoers morphed into cheers and hollers as he strode over to the microphone.

“The one, the only. Duchess.”

The lights flashed and the crowd erupted. A thumping beat blared from the speakers, and the tall video screen at the back of the stage flickered to life. Five women, dressed in white, danced against a black background in time to the music. On the screen, Duchess emerged, her red figure striking against the neutral backdrop.