In that moment, her awareness of their bodies touching—of the smoothness of his palm brushing over hers—was all she could think about. Did he mean something by the touch? Did he need the connection of their laced fingers? Did he crave it like she did?
She felt like a girl once more with the biggest crush on the most popular guy in school. Only Leo was so much more than that—he was an intriguing puzzle of contradictions. And she wanted nothing more than to figure him out.
Leo released her hand to go and speak to the three-man crew filling the balloon. Two men, one on each side, held up the opening of the balloon, while the third man worked the controls. A blast of flames would shoot forth filling the balloon with hot air. It was marvelous to watch as the colorful material rippled and expanded. Up and up it went.
And then Leo was once more by her side, taking her hand in his. “Come on.”
She walked with him. “Leo, are we allowed to get this close?”
“We are.”
And the next thing she knew, she was being helped inside the basket. Her heart raced. This was the experience of a lifetime. She was never going to forget this—or the very special man sharing this experience with her.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
THIS WAS DEFINITELY one of his better ideas.
Leo stood at the edge of the basket as Bianca filmed the lush landscape with her phone. The truth was that he hadn’t noticed the passing scenery as he was entranced with the beautiful woman next to him.
Was it wrong that he was supposed to be looking for an appropriate wife and yet all he wanted to do was kiss Bianca? There was something about her—something that drew him to her. She filled his thoughts when he was supposed to be working, when he was supposed to be getting to know some young woman—he was always comparing them, and when he was alone at night, his thoughts were all about her.
He shoved aside his problems. Right now, all that mattered was making Bianca happy.
His gaze moved to her. The big smile on her face was brighter than the morning sun. And there was a gravitational pull to her that drew him close.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked.
She lowered her phone. “I can’t believe you did this.” Her eyes glittered with happiness. “It’s amazing. I love it. Thank you.”
Oblivious to the pilot firing the flame to keep them aloft, Leo leaned toward Bianca and pressed his lips to hers. It was a quick kiss, but it had a big effect on the pounding of his heart.
If only they didn’t have an audience, he would pull her into his arms and kiss her deeply and thoroughly. Her sweet, sweet kisses were addictive.
She pulled back and gazed up at him with her big round eyes. “What was that for?”
He shrugged, not sure what she was thinking. “Just seemed like the right thing to do in the moment.”
A hint of smile pulled at her berry-red lips as she turned her head to the magnificent view. He gazed at the distant horizon, but all he could see in his mind’s eye was Bianca.
All too soon the balloon lowered toward a large field not far from the palace grounds. The first touch-down was gentle. It was the second touch-down that jolted the basket and had Bianca reaching out to him to help steady her. He held on to the basket with one hand and placed an arm around her waist with the other arm. She melted into his side, her curves aligning with him as though they’d been made for each other. Her arm wrapped around him too as her other hand white-knuckled the edge of the basket.
When the basket came to a final rest, the relief was written all over Bianca’s face. The chase vehicle hadn’t caught up to them. Leo helped Bianca from the basket.
In the distance, they heard a vehicle approaching.
“That must be our ride,” Leo said.
“You think of everything.”
“I try.” He sent her a smile, hoping she’d send one back. And she did.
There was no way he wanted this morning to end. And then a thought came to him. As soon as they got back to the palace, they could share a leisurely brunch. He liked that idea. Anything that kept Bianca close by appealed to him.
When he turned back, he noticed the vehicle rushing toward them wasn’t a palace vehicle. And there were more vehicles behind it. When someone leaned out the passenger window and started yelling, Leo knew they were in trouble. Without his security team, they were in serious danger.
“Come with me.” Leo took her hand in his and headed for the wooded area.
“Leo, what are you doing?”
“That’s the paparazzi.” At least that’s who he hoped it was and not some anti-government group. “We have to go.”
For several moments they ran, moving through the thick underbrush. He knew where he was going. He just hoped the paparazzi didn’t know these woods.
“Leo?” Bianca called out in a breathy voice. “Leo, please stop.”
He came to a complete halt and turned to her. “Are you okay?”
“I... I just need to catch my breath.” She huffed and puffed. “I didn’t know we were going for a morning run.”
“I’m sorry.” He felt terrible that their wonderful excursion was ruined. “I never meant for this to happen. Sometimes I forget that I’m a target for headlines.”
“Do you think they got a photo of us?”
“I’m not sure. If they did, it was from a distance. Don’t worry about it.”
“And do you think they’re following us?”
He didn’t want to think that was true. But he knew that the paparazzi would go to great lengths to get a good photo or a juicy story.
“It’s not far from here. Can you keep going?”
She nodded. “But could we slow down a little? The ground is uneven and there are roots sticking up.”
He glanced around as he strained to hear any sign that they’d been followed. “I think we’re good.”
“Maybe you should call someone. Your security will be worried.”
He pulled out his phone, but there was no reception out here in the middle of nowhere. “I can’t call now, but I will as soon as we get back.”
“Then we better get moving before the queen sends out every guard on the palace grounds.”
They set off once more at a much more reasonable pace. He told himself he kept ahold of Bianca’s hand to help her along the way.
Twenty or so minutes had passed when Leo came to a stop. He released Bianca’s hand. She didn’t say anything. He could tell she was tired and definitely not happy. The entire day had been ruined. And it was his fault for not doing a better job of planning ahead.
He knew there was an entrance around here somewhere. The problem was that it hadn’t been used in so many years there was a significant amount of overgrowth.
He pulled on the vines and at last he found the bars over the entrance. “Here it is.”
Bianca moved to his side. “What is it?”
“An entrance to the palace.”
Bianca started to laugh. “You can’t be serious. It looks like a drainage pipe.”
“That’s what it’s supposed to look like.”
“But I’m confused. Why would you want the entrance to the palace to look like a neglected drainage pipe?”
“Because it’s a secret entrance.”
He hunched down as he worked to release the lever that held the iron grate in place. There had been so many years of disuse and rain that it was rusty. Leo made a mental note to have someone come out here discreetly and make sure it was in better working order.
It took several minutes and all his might, but finally the latch gave way. And then he pulled the grate open.
He stepped inside and then turned back for Bianca. “Come on.”
She shook her head. “I... I don’t think so.”
“Trust me. This a lot shorter than climbing the hillside to the palace.”
“But there might be snakes or worse in there.” She visibly shuddered.
“What’s worse than a snake?”
Softly she uttered, “A spider.”
He wanted to tease her, but he saw the genuine fear in her eyes. Instead he pressed a hand to his heart. “I swear upon my life that I will protect you from any snake or spider.”
“You think I’m silly.”
He shook his head. “Everyone is afraid of something.”
“That’s not true.” Her gaze searched his. “You aren’t afraid of anything.”
Oh, there was something he feared. But it wasn’t some eight-legged creature or the fangs of a reptile, no, what he feared went much deeper.
He feared having his heart broken again. He feared speaking too loudly—too harshly. The image of his father clutching his chest came to mind. If only he’d done what was asked of him—if he hadn’t made waves—then maybe his father would still be here with them. Not wanting to delve further into the subject, Leo didn’t correct her.
Using the flashlight app on his phone, he guided them through the tunnel until they came to a steel door with a keypad. He punched in the security code. The heavy door swung open with ease.
He stood aside and waved Bianca into the secure tunnel. He followed her, pausing to press the button for the door to swing shut behind them.
“We are safe now. No one can get in here.” He took the lead, using his memory to lead them to the lower level of the palace—the old portion that no one bothered with anymore.
They walked in silence. After a series of turns and a few flights of steps, they’d reached the end. Leo released the catch on the secret movable wall panel. It took some effort, but he finally got it open.
He’d just stepped out into the hallway when he heard: “Leopold. There you are.” He didn’t have to turn to know it was the queen. And she was none too happy with him.
He inhaled a deep breath and then turned. “Mother.”
It wasn’t just the queen facing him. There were a half-dozen royal guards behind her. This was bad. Very bad.
The queen turned to the guards and dismissed them. Once they were gone, she turned back to him. Anger lit up her eyes like little bolts of lightning.
“What is the meaning of this?”
“How did you even know about this passageway?”
She arched a penciled brow. “Leopold, there isn’t much around this palace that I don’t know about. I’ve known about the secret passageways since your father took me through them when we were first married. Did you really think I didn’t know about your adventures when you were a kid? I’d have thought you would have grown out of such things.”
“I didn’t have a choice today. The chase team was delayed and instead the paparazzi tracked us down. Do you really think it was a good idea to hang out and let them come up with whatever scandalous drivel sells their papers?”
“I suppose not. But did you stop to think about this before putting yourself in such a precarious position?” She didn’t wait for him to answer. “Taking off on a hot air balloon ride of all things when there is work waiting for you. Not to mention—”
Bianca stepped out of the shadows of the secret passageway and stood next to him. The queen’s gaze settled on Bianca as her frown grew deeper.
Leo cleared his throat. “I wanted to give Bianca a view of the land. And what better way than from above.”
The queen crossed her arms, as though preparing for war.
Leo rushed on. “It was a beautiful morning. But I’m sure Bianca has to get back to work.”
Bianca was spurred into motion. “I do. There’s a gown fitting shortly. I should go and make sure everything is on track.”
When Bianca went to move, the queen spoke up. “Not so fast. I would appreciate it if going forward you would curtail yourself to your work. That is what my son is paying you a fortune for, is it not?”
Leo considered telling his mother that technically he wasn’t paying Bianca much, but then he decided that information might work against them. His mother might use it as an excuse to send Bianca packing.
“I assure you, ma’am, that everything for the wedding is on track,” Bianca said before Leo could figure out the best way to placate his mother. “I have a checklist to keep us on a timely schedule.”
“I hope that list doesn’t include any fashions like that.” The queen gestured to Bianca’s white skinny capris and colorful top.
It wasn’t the first time his mother pointed out that Bianca’s fashion sense didn’t align with hers. The truth was Leo enjoyed Bianca’s colorful outfits. This palace certainly could stand to be brightened.
“I like Bianca’s sense of style,” Leo said, taking the heat off Bianca. “I’m hoping she’ll add color to the wedding.”
“Leopold—”
“Mother, not everything should be a shade of gray. Sometimes there needs to be bright oranges, pinks and purples. In fact, purple would suit you.”
The queen remained quiet for a moment, not used to Leo getting in her face and disagreeing with her. The quietness didn’t last for long. “Then maybe she should pay more attention to her color choices instead of taking up your time. You have other matters of great importance—”
“Bianca,” he said, cutting off his mother because he knew where this conversation was headed, “would you mind leaving my mother and me alone so we can talk?”
“No problem.” Bianca nodded to the queen and then quietly escaped.
Lucky her. Leo wished he could follow her.
He turned his attention back to his mother. “I know you’re frustrated with me but that’s no reason to take it out on Bianca. She’s doing a really good job with the wedding and Giselle is happy. Isn’t that the important part?”
“You’re falling for her.”
“Bianca?” He shook his head. “No. I’m not.”
It was just a passing attraction, nothing serious. When this wedding was over, she’d return to Italy. And he would get on with his royal duties. First, he would get married. And then he would ascend to the throne. It was all planned.
His mother’s gaze searched his. “Do you really believe that?”
“Bianca is nice. And I enjoy her company, but that’s all it is.”
His mother sighed. “Then you are a fool. And I didn’t raise a fool.”
Without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving him alone with her words. Was she right? Did his feelings for Bianca go deeper than he allowed himself to believe?
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
LAST NIGHT HAD been the most boring date of his life.
And his lunch date wasn’t faring much better.
Neither woman would do as his princess.
Leo set aside his now-empty coffee cup. When he glanced up, he found his luncheon companion staring at him. Immediately she smiled at him, like that was going to change things.
There was no spark between them. There wasn’t even a fizzle. There was nothing. No chemistry. No anything.
Bridgette was the daughter of an earl of a small country in the Mediterranean. And though many had gone on about her beauty, all Leo could think was that she didn’t hold a candle to Bianca’s glittering eyes and her sparkling smile.
And then there was the fact that conversation between him and Bianca flowed easily. He didn’t have to work to keep the conversation going like he did tonight. How was he supposed to marry someone when they had nothing to talk about?
Bridgette lit up with a smile. “This has been the most enjoyable evening.”
She surely couldn’t mean it. After all, they hadn’t found one subject to talk about that they had in common.
“It was a nice meal. And I enjoyed your company.” Was it wrong that in his mind he pretended he was speaking to Bianca?
“I’ve heard so much ab
out your lovely gardens.”
He followed her over to the glass doors that led out to the expansive patio on the edge of the famed gardens. All the while, he was thinking of how to get out of this. Because he knew as sure as he was standing there that they didn’t have a chance for a future. There was no point in getting Bridgette’s hopes up.
“Leo, there you are.” Giselle rushed into the room. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
“Well, you’ve found me.”
She glanced over at Bridgette. “There’s a problem with the wedding.”
“What sort of problem?”
Giselle shook her head. “I can’t tell you. You have to come see.”
“Now?” He knew his sister could get excited about things, but something felt off here.
“Yes, now. Right now—”
“We’d be happy to help,” Bridgette interjected as though they were already a couple.
“Um, no. Sorry,” Giselle said. “This is delicate and only my brother can handle it.”
It was then that Leo glanced toward the interior doorway to find the butler waiting in the wings. His sister had planned this. And for once, he was grateful for his sister’s schemes.
“Then let’s go,” he said. Before walking off, he turned to Bridgette. “It was lovely meeting you. Thank you so much for making the journey here. Oscar will see you out.”
He turned and walked with his sister toward the door. They were just steps away from the hallway—
“Wait. That’s it?” Bridgette called out from behind him. “I got all dressed up for this? We didn’t even kiss. How are we supposed to get married if you won’t even kiss me?”
Giselle grabbed his arm. “Don’t you dare stop. If you saddle me with her as my sister-in-law, I will never speak to you again.”
Leo smothered a hearty chuckle as they set off down the hallway, but he couldn’t resist smiling. “So is there truly an emergency? Or did you simply feel sorry for me?”
Giselle shrugged once more. “There’s only so much anguish I can watch my brother endure.”
The Prince and the Wedding Planner Page 14