The Prince's Texas Bride

by Victoria Chancellor

  “Then we must make the most of every moment,” he said softly before his lips took hers in a passionate kiss. She wound her arms around his neck, pressing as close as possible as she responded. Like the night before, she lost herself in the heat of his body, the thrust of his tongue against hers, the feel of his arousal. She pressed closer still, restless and yearning, wishing they were someplace else besides the nearly deserted public beach. Wishing they were going back to a secluded room, not to her aunt and uncle’s home and separate beds.

  There was no way she could smuggle Alexi into her room without them finding out. No way she could keep that bed from squeaking or herself from crying out if they made love tonight.

  He placed hot kisses from her jaw to her neck, to the sensitive place just above her collarbone that made her moan. “We have to stop,” she whispered into the night, more to herself than to him.

  “I know.” His words tickled her damp skin, making her shiver. “But I’m not good at impulse control where you’re concerned.”

  “I thought I was pretty disciplined…until I met you.”

  “Ah, then let’s be crazy together, Kerry Lynn Jacks.”

  Just then a group of teens on the sidewalk above whistled and yelled, some of their remarks making her blush.

  Alexi stiffened, then put himself between her and the hecklers. When he was about to respond to them, she placed a finger over his lips.

  “They’re just letting off steam. Don’t bother to yell back.”

  “They were insulting to you.”

  She smiled up at him. He appeared very fierce, very old-world protective, in the low light of the lamps far above. “Thank you for being noble, but let’s just forget about it. After all, we needed an interruption.”

  He breathed deeply, then turned his attention back to her. “Very well. I suppose you’re right. I was becoming a bit too…amorous.”

  Kerry laughed, then took his hand in hers. “If that’s the Belegovian equivalent of ‘hot and bothered,’ then I was, too.”

  Chapter Four

  The next day they awoke early, even before Uncle Bob and Aunt Marcy. Kerry made coffee while Alexi showered. When she went into the hall bathroom after he finished, the space still smelled of him. She remembered the subtle scent of his cologne mixed with soap and the smell of his new shirt from last night, when she’d clung to him on the beach.

  Today they were leaving the safety of her family, the restrictions of “no hanky-panky,” as Uncle Bob said. Today they were going out into the world as two adults who wanted each other.

  Was she strong enough to act on her desires, or would she run back to Ranger Springs, to the safety of her family and new job, and never know what she’d missed in loving a prince?

  Making love to a prince, she corrected herself. She wasn’t in love, but she was definitely in lust. And she liked him. A lot.

  By the time she’d showered and dried her hair, Aunt Marcy was buttering toast while Uncle Bob scrambled eggs. The scent of sausage filled the air in the cozy yellow kitchen.

  “You didn’t have to do that for us. We could have gone out for doughnuts or bagels.”

  “That’s not a good start to the day,” her aunt said. “Besides, we want to send you two off with full bellies.”

  “I’d better not eat too many more of your meals,” Alexi drawled, “or I won’t be able to button my jeans.”

  Everyone laughed, and Kerry settled into a chair to sip her second cup of coffee. “This has been a great visit,” she said to her aunt and uncle. “Thank you so much for everything. This trip was exactly what I needed.”

  Alexi reached over and took her hand. “Me, too.”

  After breakfast, while he had a second cup of coffee, Kerry excused herself. Using the phone in her aunt and uncle’s bedroom, she called her mother at work.

  “Four Square Café. This is Charlene.”

  “Hi, Mom.”

  “Kerry! How are you? Are you having a good time?”

  “I’m having a great time. No problems at all.”

  “How’s the new car?”

  “It’s wonderful. It still smells new.”

  “And Marcy and Bob?”

  “Just fine. They’ve been cooking for us.”

  “Us?”

  “Well, I didn’t exactly come alone.”

  Her mother was silent for a moment. Kerry envisioned her, a worried frown on her face. “Who’s with you?”

  “This is going to sound really weird, so just let me tell you, okay? When I was getting ready to leave the truck stop, a man came in who looked just like Hank. As a matter of fact, I thought he was Hank, so I kind of hugged and kissed him.”

  “If it wasn’t Hank, who was it? The only other person I’ve seen who looks like him is the…prince. Oh, Kerry, tell me you met Prince Alexi of Belegovia! He was on his way to San Antonio, wasn’t he? And he stopped at the truck stop at that exact moment when you were there.”

  “Er, that’s right, Mom.”

  “Oh, Kerry, you kissed a prince!”

  And that’s not the only time, she wanted to say. But you just didn’t say things like that to your mother. “He’s really nice, Mom.”

  “I saw him on television last night. He’s so handsome and cultured.”

  “Well, Mom, that wasn’t exactly the prince.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You have to absolutely promise me that you’ll never say a thing to anyone about this, okay? I mean, this is really important. And you know how fast gossip spreads if you said anything.”

  “Kerry, you’re scaring me! Of course I won’t say anything if you ask me not to, but what could be—”

  “I’m with the prince right now, Mom. In Galveston.”

  “What!”

  “He wanted to get away, and I told him about driving to Galveston, and then he just wanted to come along, so I said yes.”

  “Kerry! You mean he’s there right now? At Marcy and Bob’s house?”

  “That’s right, but they think he’s Hank. We’re getting ready to leave, but we’ve been staying here at the house.”

  “Prince Alexi slept there? Where?”

  “On the sofa bed. Where else? He insisted I take the guest bedroom, since that’s where I always sleep.”

  “What a gentleman,” her mother said dreamily.

  “Yes, he’s a great guy. Like I said, we’re having a wonderful time.”

  “I just can’t believe this.”

  “You know what’s really funny, Mom? Before I knew he was coming with me, I got his autograph for you. I told him how much you’d cherish it.”

  “Oh, thank you, sweetie. That’s so thoughtful.”

  “So, the deal is, Mom, that Hank is impersonating the prince while the prince is on this trip with me. And I’m not sure when or where we’re going to exchange princes, but I’ll be back for my graduation on Saturday. Just don’t say anything to anyone, okay? If the tabloids or the royal family or even the U.S. government found out about this, there could be all kinds of problems.”

  “I understand, but this is so unbelievable. I mean, things like this just don’t happen to people like us.”

  “I admit, it’s kind of weird.”

  “Where are you going, Kerry?”

  “We’re heading out for East Texas. I told Alexi I’d always wanted to stay in a bed-and-breakfast, so he’s giving me that for my graduation present.”

  “That’s nice of…Wait a minute! He’s paying for a room? For each of you, or one room?”

  “Mom! He’s a gentleman.”

  “Still, Kerry, he’s a man. You know that talk we had a few years back?”

  Kerry laughed. “Yes, Mom, I remember, and it was more like ten or eleven years ago. Don’t worry, I’m a big girl now.”

  “That’s why I’m worried!”

  “I’ll call you before Saturday to see where we’re going to meet at the ceremony. And don’t plan anything special for Saturday after the ceremony, since we’re having the
party Sunday afternoon.”

  “Be careful, Kerry.”

  “I will, Mom. Don’t worry. Everyone thinks Alexi is Hank, and we’re having fun just being regular people.”

  “I love you, sweetie.”

  “I love you, too, Mom. See you Saturday.”

  Half an hour later they were packed and ready to hit the road. A growing sense of anticipation filled Kerry as they stowed their bags in the trunk of the Saturn. She felt kind of tingly. Kind of restless.

  “Have you decided which city in East Texas will have the kind of bed-and-breakfast you’re looking for?” Alexi asked as they waved goodbye. Uncle Bob stood behind Aunt Marcy’s wheelchair. Both of them smiled and waved.

  “I thought we’d head northeast and see what we could find. Kind of ‘I’ll know it when I see it.”’

  “Sounds good,” he said, settling back against the seat. “Remember that I’ll be glad to drive if you get tired.”

  “Let’s get through Houston first, then we’ll see.”

  One thing was certain; she had to quit thinking about tonight and keep her mind on the moment. Otherwise she’d pull over, drag her prince into the back seat and see if her new car could accommodate two amorous adults.

  ALEXI ENJOYED the scenery of East Texas, but watching Kerry was an even better treat. She took delight in pointing out landmarks, such as a huge statue of Sam Houston, Texas’s first governor, and a large outlet mall north of the city. Before they traveled too far from civilization, Alexi used his cell phone to call his valet, Milos Anatole, for an update. He smiled as Milos recounted Gwendolyn’s deception. She’d made everyone, including the Texas governor, believe Hank was a prince.

  After consulting her map, they exited the interstate and drove through piney woods. Instead of perfectly flat plains, some hills emerged, lending the landscape a more familiar quality. Much of Belegovia consisted of gently rolling hills covered in evergreen trees. The areas that had been cleared hundreds of years ago grew fertile fields of grain and vegetables, while mountains separated the western portion from Switzerland.

  He’d grown up in England, but he loved the home of his ancestors. The concept of a benevolent monarchy filled him with both awe and pride. His father, one of the many history professors in various universities around England, was now the head of a country. Alexi believed he would have succeeded in business if he and his father hadn’t been called home to fulfill their destinies.

  So when Kerry had at first been impressed that he was a prince, he could understand. For most of his life, he’d been in awe of the British royal family, with whom he’d socialized on rare occasions. The deposed monarchy of Belegovia had some social status, but were hardly important political icons. Very few people imagined that they’d actually get the country back someday.

  If he’d known he was going to be a “real prince” someday, he might have been more impressive to teenage girls when he was still in public school, he thought with a smile.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” Kerry said, breaking into his fond memories.

  “I was just thinking about how strange life can be at times. When I was a teenager, I wasn’t really a prince. Now that I’m a prince, I’m running around like a teenager.”

  “In Texas, a lot of high school and college kids go to Galveston for spring break. I suppose this trip is an abbreviated spring break for you.”

  “That’s a good way to look at it, although I must admit my feelings for you are much more…ambitious than the ones I had when I was eighteen.”

  “Oh, really? I’m not sure how to take that remark.”

  “You should be flattered. I had a pretty good imagination when I was a teenager.”

  She looked at him from the corner of her eyes. “I have a feeling you still do.”

  WHEN KERRY STOPPED to fill up the gas tank at a small town on State Highway 21, she didn’t notice at first that the proprietor was such a rodeo fan. Then she noticed, with growing alarm, the posters of upcoming events on the windows and the advertising of rodeo-related products. By the time she’d started pumping gas, Alexi was already on his way inside to buy some bottled water. She quickly switched on the device that kept the gas flowing and followed him inside. She barely made it in before she heard someone loudly announce, “Hank McCauley, as I live and breathe!”

  Great. Now they had to deal with a loyal fan.

  Alexi appeared startled for a moment, but then turned and gave the man a big smile. “How in the heck are you?”

  “Fine, just fine! Why, I never thought I’d see you inside my little ol’ gas station.”

  “It’s good to be here,” he drawled.

  At least he didn’t say “partner,” Kerry thought.

  “What brings you to my neck of the woods?” the man asked.

  “Just a little road trip,” Alexi answered. He finally noticed Kerry standing near the counter and gave her a big, fake smile. “Isn’t that right, darlin’?”

  “That’s right.” She walked up to him and put her arm around his waist. “We’d better get on the road if we’re going to make it on time.”

  “Sure,” he said, but she knew he was trying to remember if they had an actual deadline.

  “Let me get you to sign your poster,” the man said, whipping out a fine-tip felt marker. “I’d sure be grateful. I always watched you on TNN. When that piebald bronc tossed you at nationals two years ago, my darn heart just about stopped.”

  “That was a nasty one,” Alexi commented.

  Kerry wondered if she’d even told Alexi what event Hank had competed in, but she couldn’t remember. At least he was playing along so far, although she doubted he knew a piebald from a line-back dun. Or saddle bronc riding from bareback.

  Alexi took the marker and asked the man, “What’s your name?”

  “Ben Fix,” he answered, extending his hand. “And I sure am glad to meet you.”

  With a choppy flourish, he wrote a quick message and signed Hank’s name to the man’s poster.

  “Thanks a lot, Mr. McCauley.”

  “Call me Hank,” Alexi announced with a big grin.

  “We’d better be going,” Kerry advised as “Hank” placed the bottles of water on the countertop and reached for his wallet.

  “No, this one is on me. My pleasure.”

  “Thank you very kindly,” Alexi said with another grin. The two men shook hands, and then she and “Hank” headed for the car.

  “That was scary,” she said as she removed the nozzle from the gas tank and replaced the cap.

  “That was rather fun.”

  “You wouldn’t say that if he’d figured out you were an impostor.”

  “Give me some credit. I would have bluffed my way out of it.”

  He was probably right, she thought as they got back into the car. But she didn’t like taking chances with their time together. Every minute seemed more precious as the sun moved from high overhead toward the west. Toward Ranger Springs, and home, and real life.

  WHEN KERRY HAD started out that morning, she wasn’t sure where they’d end up. But when she saw the slate blue and pale lemon bed-and-breakfast with all types of roses growing behind the white picket fence, she knew she’d found the right place. She only hoped they had a room available. Not only was she tired of driving, but she was anxious to explore her relationship with Alexi. To see if she’d had a change of heart since last night, when she’d decided they should pursue their mutual attraction.

  “This place looks very English,” he remarked as she pulled to a stop at the curb. “All those roses make me nostalgic for my mother’s cottage in Sussex.”

  “Really? I love the way it looks, but it’s very different from anything in Ranger Springs. There are some houses in Fredricksburg that are this Victorian style, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many roses.”

  “They are lovely.”

  She unfastened her seat belt and turned to Alexi. “It’s time to be ‘Mack’ again. You’ll have to lose all those ‘lovely’ Briti
sh comments and get real down-home and country.”

  “That’s fine with me, darlin’,” he drawled. “So, what’s our story?”

  “Story?”

  “Sure. We may need to tell the proprietors why we’re traveling around, who we are and so forth. Some innkeepers can be real chatty.” He leaned closer. “They may assume we’re married.”

  “Don’t be ridicu—Married?”

  Alexi shrugged. “We’re young and obviously attracted to each other. It’s a reasonable assumption.”

  “I’m not going to tell them we’re married!”

  “Then we’ll need to be vague about our relationship.”

  “No problem!” She didn’t know what their relationship was, so being vague wouldn’t be a stretch for her.

  “Don’t you think asking for two rooms will be a dead giveaway?”

  Alexi smiled seductively. “Do we want two rooms?”

  Kerry sucked in her breath, her mind spinning. She’d thought she was ready for this decision, but she wasn’t. Saying she wanted them in one room—in one bed—would be a commitment of sorts that was difficult to admit.

  She’d never been promiscuous. She’d been raised to believe that sex meant something; it wasn’t just an aerobic activity or a physical release. Besides, she’d been too busy in the past several years to pursue a serious relationship. Her two previous intimate relationships hadn’t prepared her to deal with the feelings she’d developed for Alexi in such a short time.

  “Kerry?”

  “If I told you I wanted two rooms, I’d be lying. But if I said I was 100 percent certain about sharing a…room, that wouldn’t be true, either.”

  “Then why don’t we see what they have available. Perhaps adjoining rooms? Or a suite with two sleeping areas?”

  “I suppose that would work.”

  “Come on,” he said, opening his car door. “Let’s see what’s inside this charming cottage.”

  Cottage? The house looked more like a mansion to her, but then, she supposed since Alexi lived in a real palace, anything would appear small. She wondered what he’d think of her family home, a small three-bedroom brick-and-frame house that constantly needed repairs her mother could barely afford.