by Zane Morrow
While I’ve been thinking, Blake walked around the car to my side and slowly opens my door. Then he holds out a hand and I take it while I truly consider how it feels when our skin touches. I bite my lip to hide a grin. After I step out, I give him a tender kiss on the lips. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Absolutely, Princess. I’ll pick you up at six.” Then he smiles as I pass my ticket to the valet. Then, when he’s confident I’m taken care of, he hops in his car and drives away.
At six sharp, Blake arrives at the cottage as promised to pick me up and bring me back to the club. A dinner for the immediate families of the bride and groom, along with a good bit of the wedding party had been scheduled. With the tensions between us, the conversation was a bit awkward at first. We weren’t acting like a couple, but even playing nice felt weird now.
An hour into the dinner I whisper, “I can’t stand this fake nice shit. Can I just be normal with you and then you can tell everyone you like my spunk?”
Blake snickers, but nods his head. “So stick to the truth. Good plan. I‘d love nothing more, beautiful.” He lifts my hand to his lips and grazes my knuckles with his lips and send shivers down my spine.
The effect is completely unsettling. “Don’t do that. I’m not one of your cheap dates.” I glare at him.
He chuckles in response. “You think I’d do that with one of my cheap dates?” Blake throws his head back, then he leans in and murmurs in my ear. “For a cheap date, we don’t even leave my penthouse.”
“You’re awful.” Picturing him with other women suddenly makes me seethe. Before I can call him out on his distasteful behavior, Shelby calls my name.
“Grace?”
I can feel her eyes on me. My cheeks flush. “Yes, Ma’am?”
“I hear you’ve had an exciting couple of days.” She smiles genuinely at me.
Under her gaze, I shift uncomfortably. “You could say that.” I glance towards Blake to watch his reaction. He wears a smug look. “Naturally, I told her I couldn’t possibly accept the title, or a consort right now.” I reach for my wine and took a fortifying swig.
Shelby blinks at me then frowns. “Why ever not, dear?”
“Well, I’m too busy trying to save Camp Hope, for starters, but mostly because I can’t think of a single man I’d want to spend the rest of my life with.” This time I take two big swallows. I’d just lied to Blake’s mother. In our time apart, I’d laid on my bed and pictured what life with him would be like. It didn’t make me puke.
Smirking, Shelby murmurs, “Yes well, I’m sure the right man could sweep you off your feet.”
Clearly, she sees right through me. I’m grasping now. I need to say something, anything to throw them off. “I mean, I could probably soften my stance for someone like Trent who cares about Camp Hope as much as I do. He supports my need to save it.” I avert my gaze because I know I’ll crumble if I look into Blake’s eyes.
In an instant, his warm breath is tickling my ear. “We both know he’d never hold your interest for long.”
“Are you jealous?” I ask with mock innocence.
He growls at me. I giggle. I almost forget for a moment this is a show designed to make Ms. Milly think I’m on board with snagging the most eligible bachelor on Harper’s Island.
The waiter comes by with coffee for after our meal. I decline. There’s no reason for me to get any more jittery than I already am.
Seizing an opportunity, he smiles. “Why don’t you take a walk with me?” Blake asks as he lays his hand on the small of my back.
“Sure. It will give me a chance to tell you more about the new program at Camp Hope.” I’m determined to get back on track. Focus, Grace. Save the camp. I stand and give him a saucy grin. As we leave, I see Shelby laughing at us. When I glance back, I wish I hadn’t. His mother is staring at us shrewdly. Now I feel guilty about what we’re doing. Then she smiles. Not at me. Just in our direction, and I face forward quickly. Though I’m not sure what she was thinking, something tells me I wouldn’t like it much.
“Are you alright, Grace?” Blake asks me sincerely.
“Yea.” I sigh and run a hand down my dress. “I think I may be in over my head.”
“How so?” Blake tugs at his chin while staring down at me.
“I realize you weren’t actually paying attention while I was growing up, but I was never like Brooke or the other girls.” I shrug, not sure how to truly explain what I mean in a way he’ll understand.
He stops and crosses his arms over his chest. “I’m listening.”
“Life was different for me. I had a father killed in the war. My mother married into wealth, and I was along for the ride. I had all the same privileges, but I never shared their interests.” Catching my breath, I continue. “I didn’t care about my coming out or making the perfect match when I was older. I certainly didn’t care who was queen bee or worry about making an impression.” Slowly, I turn and lean over the rail of the little bridge we’re standing on. A duck pond is beneath us, and the moonlight shines across it, causing the ripples to take on a silver sheen. “See, I spent every moment I could at Camp Hope. The place helped me, healed me more than you can ever understand.” I shake my head to ward off the sadness. “While they were shopping, getting their nails done and looking through fashion magazines, I was at Camp Hope where I fit in and I could give back.” I gaze at him with sadly. “I’m not equipped to take on the Queen, or you...for that matter.” I find myself avoiding his gaze once more.
Blake leans casually on an elbow, his arm touching mine. I can feel his heat spreading through me. Though I want to welcome the closeness, I fear it more than I care to admit. He’s staring at me, but I refuse to look. Finally, he blows out a breath and speaks. “I know I’ve given you a hard time, but I can actually see why Miss Milly chose you to be queen. You’re just what the Island needs...someone who thinks outside the box.”
“Gee, thanks.” I don’t bother trying to hide the sarcasm. I’m not sure what I expected for a reaction, but this wasn’t it.
Dissatisfied, he continued. “It's a compliment really. We may not always get along, but I admire many of the qualities you possess. Only, I don’t have any desire to be tied to you for the rest of my life.” Blake plays with my hair, running his hands over my curly tresses.
“Well, it’s a good thing we aren’t marrying then, isn’t it?” I note in a bit of a huff. I don’t know why I’m upset right now. I guess because this week has turned my life upside down.
“Don’t pout, Princess.” His hand is under my chin tilting my face to look up at him. I blink a few times as he holds my gaze. I shift from one foot to another. “You’re beautiful and full of fire, and if I had any desire to ever marry, you might be someone I’d consider. You’d make a well-matched partner.”
“That’s a lovely backhanded compliment.” I roll my eyes and pull out of his grasp.
He grins at me. “I’m full of them.” His laughter follows, and my heart skips a beat at the sound.
That’s not a good reaction. I’m not supposed to be attracted to this bastard. “Oh, you’re full of something all right, and not compliments.” My brow raises in challenge. The tension crackles between us. Or maybe it’s just me. Still, his eyes keep looking at my lips. I can almost feel him measuring the distance between us. Part of me wants to run, the other part is mesmerized by the way his tongue darted out to wet his lower lip. Why is that sexy? Then his eyes go to my breasts. “Maybe…” I start. I glance over my shoulder, looking for an excuse to bolt.
“Shhh.” His arm snakes out and secures my waist. So much for running. My eyes widen as his head leans in. A breath away from connecting, he murmurs, “Just once. It won’t hurt. Promise.” His lips meet mine, and the rest of the world melts away. There’s no more dinner party, no more hovering mothers, no more Miss Milly lurking. For once, it’s just Blake and me.
Soon his tongue probes the seam of my lips. They part quickly for him. Seconds later, our tongues are dancing toge
ther in some seductive waltz. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I keep thinking this is a bad idea, but it doesn’t stop me. I kiss him because there is a tiny part of me that wants to know, if only for once, what it feels like to have a man want me. Unfortunately, I didn’t count on the connection I’d feel or the passion fast developing between us. I figured it would be boring or lack any spark, but instead I’m aware of every bit of my body’s betrayal.
“Wow.” I gasp as we finally pull apart. My hand shoots up to touch my lips. There should be flames. How else could I explain all the heat?
“Fire and ice, that’s what we're like.” Blake studies me, his brows knit in confusion. It’s as if he’s struggling to make sense of this as much as I am.
The kiss wasn’t supposed to feel good, but in fact, it was like tasting heaven. I was going to have to behave the rest of the week. A few more of those kisses and my resolve would disappear, my plan to convince him to save Camp Hope would suddenly take a back seat to need and desire.
10
This whole wedding thing has taken over now. I have no time to worry about Consorts, queens or saving the camp. Tonight we’re hosting the bachelor and bachelorette parties. We decided to hold it two nights before the wedding so the wedding party wouldn’t be hungover on the big day.
Blake had arranged for the guys to meet at The Pub. I had booked us a private room at the Jasper Inn to begin our night. This would be an elegant affair, for awhile at least.
Brooke and I plotted together a bit in advance, so I knew she’d be okay with whatever I came up with, despite the fact it would shock the hell out of everyone else tonight.
I’m leaning into my trunk when a body moves up behind me, causing me to jump. When I whip around, I discover Blake grinning at me. “What?” I snap, my nerves frazzled.
“Can I help you, Princess?” He holds out his hands to carry whatever I need.
I exhale and smile. He’s wearing a pair of black dress pants and a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up, exposing some serious muscle tone. His tie is a beautiful hunter green. I close my eyes and chastise myself for drooling over this man.
“Please.” I motion toward some boxes in my trunk. “All of this has to be taken into the Inn. The decorator is waiting.”
Immediately, he begins to stack boxes in the trunk, then loads his arms. “Put that last one on top,” Blake instructs. This man constantly manages to surprise me. I hate that he’s growing on me.
After I manage to plant the last box on top as he requested, I gesture. “Follow me, slave boy.”
“You realize I can’t see you, right?” He chuckles.
“Just follow the sound of my voice.” I giggle.
“I’d rather follow the sway of your hips,” Blake murmurs.
I pretend I didn’t hear him, but my heart is pounding. We enter the Inn where the manager hurries from behind the reception desk to greet me. “Miss Simmons. A pleasure always.” Judging from the way he gushed over me, the man had heard I’d been named as Miss Milly’s successor. “Can I get a bell boy to help you?”
I stiffen before responding. “No, thank you. I think we have it under control.” I dismiss the man as I guide Blake to the Magnolia Ballroom.
“You’re uncomfortable with the whole Princess thing, aren’t you?” His voice sounds slightly strained as he struggles behind me.
“Yes. I’m not from an old family. I’m not a blood relative to anyone important. Hell, other than my mother, I don’t even have any family on the Island. So why me?” I throw my hands up in dismay.
Blake chuckles. “We’ve discussed this. You’re just what Harper’s Island needs.”
With a sigh, I shake my head. “No, I’m what Camp Hope needs.” I stop in my tracks. “The camp could use a benefactor like you, too.”
He peeks around the boxes wearing a frown. “I was waiting for that. You should know, my stance on the camp hasn’t changed.”
I shrug. “Okay.” I blow out a breath. “Luckily, the camp has Trent.” Then I spin on my heels and stride toward the room. A low growl sounds behind me and I know I’ve hit a nerve. “Well, it doesn’t matter whether or not I fit in. There’s no way I can fulfill all the duties of Princess if I’m running Camp Hope.”
“Yes, well if it closes you’d have plenty of time.” He snickers.
“Seriously? You’re the most cold-hearted man I ever met.” I glare at him intently. He just laughs. For a moment, I would love nothing more than to kick him in the shin with my very pointy heels.
“Darling, my passion burns only for one thing.” He smiles as he whispers in my ear. “Money.”
“Ugh!” I stomp away in frustration, but he follows behind me. “Don’t you have your own party to take care of?” I ask unsure why he’s still here bugging me.
“Yes, about that.” Blake tugs at his chin. “What do you think about the two parties hanging out for about an hour tonight?”
I eye him suspiciously. “Sure. What did you have in mind?”
The way he shifts, I can tell Blake already has a plan. “I thought we could all meet at Barney's.”
My jaw drops. Barney’s is a hangout geared more toward my age group than his. After studying his face, I realize he’s dead serious. “Wow, you really do care about someone other than yourself.”
“What’s that mean, your highness?” He crosses his arms over her chest.
I hold my hands up. “Barney’s. It’s obvious an attempt at making your brother happy.”
“Naturally. Why wouldn’t I want my little brother happy? Despite popular belief, I love him.” He rolls his eyes.
I nod and study him further. Reluctantly, I acquiesce. “What time should we meet there?”
“Does ten o’clock work for you?” Blake rubs his palms together while he watches me.
I mentally run through our itinerary. “Yes, it should work fine.” I blow out a breath. “Oh, and thanks for helping me bring our supplies inside. I really appreciate it.”
With a slight nod, Blake turns and walks off. While I prepare for the big night, I try hard not to think about him anymore than I have to.
Eventually, the party starts, open to anyone who wanted to attend. This is the part I dread most. There is no escaping it. Miss Milly stood near me for nearly an hour. Because of it, Brooke and I were given the royal treatment, which was incredibly disconcerting.
“I’m really starting to hate this,” I mutter later when we’re upstairs in the suite I rented us for the night.
“Which part? Being the Princess, being ordered to marry Blake, or the fact you’re starting to like him?” Brooke smirks, reminding me she knows me all too well.
“All of it!” I sigh as I plop down in a chair. “I just want to go back to my cabin in the woods,” I whine. Brooke laughs at me.
“You can do whatever you want as soon as I’m married.” She wears a Cheshire cat smile.
We change into different outfits for the second half of the night. Earlier in the night, we had to keep appearances with the older crowd. For the after party, Brooke wears a black tank with ‘Bride’ across the front, and white bootie shorts barely covered by a black and red tutu. I bought her this tacky veil with a devil horn headband, covered in condoms to wear. My outfit is similar, except my tank has ‘maid of honor’ on the front and the rest of the girls wear ‘bridesmaid’ tanks. Each of us had black booty shorts and black tutus. As I slip on the black boots I bought to wear for the evening, I admire myself in the full-length mirror. Tonight, I look kind of hot. Maybe I’ll get lucky for a change.
Then I see Brooke and gasp. “Girl, you are smoking. Brett’s eyes are going to pop out of his head at Barney’s.”
Brooke giggles. “I’m so excited and nervous. I can’t believe I’m finally marrying him after all these years.”
“I had no clue you were crushing on him.” I shake my head. “Apparently, you can keep secrets.”
She rolls her eyes at me. I grab the key card and tuck it into the bra I’m wearing.
“Let’s go. The girls are waiting in the hall for us.”
As soon as we step into the hall the squealing begins. It’s almost reminiscent of those parties back in college. Our sorority loved a good costume party.
“Let’s get this event started!” I move us all toward the elevator. When the doors open and we walk through the lobby, all eyes are on us. The place has gone strangely quiet, except for the sound of our heels tapping on the floor. I smile as we stride through the lobby into the darkness. Tonight promises to be epic.
11
Once inside Barney’s, we easily locate the guys. Brett immediately moves to claim his future bride. “Holy hell, woman.” He pulls her into his arms for a deep, lingering kiss.
“Yuck,” I need a drink, I tease as I cross the room and stride toward the bar. Soon Blake joins me.
“Hello, Princess. You sure do know how to fight convention.” He holds two shot glasses and passes me one. “For you,” he murmurs without even bothering to hide the heat in his eyes.
“You seem to like it.” My brow raises in challenge. Tonight, I feel confident and powerful, which is far more intoxicating than any liquor the bar carries.
“Maybe I find it amusing.” He offers a lopsided grin. “Let’s toast.”
“And what shall we drink to?” I lean casually on the bar.
In the dark and noise, Blake leans closer to speak into my ear. His breathy words cause tingles inside me. “How about making memories?”
I laugh. “With you?” Then I shake my head. “Better we drink to the happy couple.”
“To us, then.” He smirks and clinks my glass before gulping down his shot.
“We’re not a couple. And I’ll drink to that.” I throw back the amber liquid. It hits the back of my throat and warms me all the way down to my empty stomach, where it lands like a brick. “Damn.”
“I know. Damn, you’re harsh. What would Miss Milly say?” He winks at me.
I tilt my head and tap my lips a few times while I ponder an appropriately sarcastic response. “She’d think I was playing hard to get.” He chuckled and I met his gaze. “Oh, but I’m not playing. I’m impossible to get, especially by you.”