Page 44 of Royal Trouble
Everly’s cheeks turned a deep shade of scarlet, and she fumbled for a reply. “I—”
“Relax, Everly. I’m just teasing,” Liam said, gently touching her arm. “It’s lovely to see you. I’m glad you were able to join us today.”
“Of course.” She nodded vigorously, her curls bouncing. “I’m honored to have been invited. I think it’s wonderful what you’re doing,” she added quietly, her attention shifting to Xander. “Truly.”
A spark of pride flickered in his chest.
“Well, I suppose that’s my cue.” Liam looked between them, a knowing smile curving his lips. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if I can’t find my fiancée and convince her to break at least a dozen tenets of royal protocol.”
“That sounds promising,” Everly said, still blushing as she watched Liam’s retreat.
“Thank you for coming.” Though he wanted to hear her thoughts on the Blue and Gold Foundation, he held his tongue lest she think he was fishing for compliments. “You look stunning.”
It was true. She wore a modest blue sundress that matched her eyes perfectly, and her hair hung in loose curls over her shoulders, just the way he liked it. He couldn’t help noticing that once again she’d forgone tights, leaving her shapely legs bare.
Fucking hell. This was not the time to be noticing her legs. Or her lack of undergarments. The last thing he needed was an erection while he was performing his royal duties.
The populars would go berserk, and he could kiss his hard-won progress goodbye.
“Thank you.” She cleared her throat and glanced around nervously, as if concerned she might be overheard. No chance of that. The staff was already moving to usher the other guests to the east garden for a picnic lunch and lawn games. “I have to admit, this afternoon wasn’t at all what I expected.”
She met his gaze and held it, the chemistry between them flaring to life.
“Perhaps that’s because I’m not at all who you think I am.”
How could she when he was still figuring it out himself?
“I don’t know,” she said, forcing a shaky laugh. “I think I’m starting to get a pretty clear picture of Prince Alexander Stanley.”
“If you’re so certain, then you won’t mind sticking around the rest of the afternoon,” he said, throwing down the gauntlet. If he’d learned anything about Everly in the short time he’d gotten to know her, it was that she couldn’t resist a challenge. “Unless of course you’re afraid I’ll prove you wrong?”
Chapter Eleven
Against her better judgment—because no way was she going to back down from Xander’s challenge—Everly followed the prince to the east garden, where the staff was serving a picnic lunch complete with finger sandwiches, tiny cakes, and freshly squeezed lemonade. It was a beautiful day for a picnic, and really, how much trouble could they get into anyway? As long as she wasn’t alone with him, it would be fine.
Probably.
She followed Xander’s lead as he introduced her to the other guests. He greeted each of them warmly, as if he’d known them for ages. It wasn’t at all what she’d expected. Sure, she’d expected him to be kind and compassionate, but she hadn’t anticipated such familiarity. It was a side of him she’d never seen before, and it didn’t quite fit with what she knew of him. It was a well-known fact the royal spare wasn’t big on public appearances and his involvement with royal charities had been limited primarily to events like the polo match, where he could take a more hands-on approach.
Newsflash, Evie. It doesn’t get more hands on than this.
For fuck’s sake. Now he was in her head? So not good.
She gave herself a mental shake, as if that would dislodge his smooth voice from her brain.
Once she’d been introduced to the other guests, they drifted toward the buffet, and she piled her plate high with tiny sandwiches and delectable-looking desserts. Xander quirked a brow at the mountain of cakes.
“A gentlemen never comments on a lady’s plate,” she said, lifting her chin and adding another chocolate cake to her plate for good measure.
“And since when do you consider me a gentleman?” he asked, his voice low and husky.
“Good point.” Everly turned on her heel and headed for the table where Elisabeth Smith, a petite Black woman with a no-nonsense pixie cut and kind eyes, was trying to convince her young son to eat something other than cake. It was a valiant effort, but judging from the rebellious glint in Nelson’s eyes, it was a losing battle. “Mind if I join you?”
“Not in the least.” Elisabeth looked up and gave a frazzled smile as her son shoved a petit four in his mouth. “Don’t mind us, we’re just starting with dessert.”
“As one does.” She laughed and held up her own plate. “Looks like I’ve come to the right place.”
Xander pulled out the chair next to her and slid his plate onto the table, eyeing the messy toddler with fondness. “I see he’s got his father’s sweet tooth.”