Take Me To The Beach
Page 167
Thank God.
“I’ll raise your pay.”
“I don’t need more money,” he says. “I need the family to work with us instead of against us. It wasn’t just me today. It was Nick and every other man on staff, as well.”
“I understand that.”
“How are they?” he asks. “How are the princesses?”
“Exhausted. Shook up. But they’ll be okay, thanks to you.”
He exhales.
“Please stay, Liam.”
“I’ll stay.” He nods once. “On the condition that the crown doesn’t interfere with my work.”
“Understood. Thank you.”
I shake his hand, surprised to feel it still trembling. Yes, something happened in Liam’s past that led to this reaction. I won’t ask him to explain.
Not today.
“Ma’am, you can’t go in there!”
Callum and I stare at each other in response to the scuffle outside the front door. “What’s going on?” he asks.
“I have no bloody idea.”
We stomp to the front door, right behind Liam, who opens it. I’m surprised to see a woman with a riot of curly, red hair, her arms laden with bags, struggling with the security Liam has posted at the door.
“Release her,” I command. They both immediately let go of her arms. “What’s this about?”
“Hey.” She blows her hair out of her face. “This is like Fort Knox.”
“Maybe better,” Callum says and leans his shoulder against the door, crossing his arms over his chest and sending her a charming smile. “What’s your name, darling?”
“I’m Aspen Calhoun,” she says. “I heard about the emergency y’all had yesterday, and I thought I’d bring some coffee and pastries this morning. Oh, I’m the new owner of Drips & Sips.”
“Come in.” I glance back at Liam, who nods, and I gesture for Aspen to follow me into the house. I lead her to the kitchen where she sets the bags on the counter.
“You’re from the café,” Nina says as she walks into the room. She looks fresh and well-rested this morning, as if the events of yesterday afternoon didn’t happen. But I know she was up half the night with nightmares.
“I am,” Aspen says with a smile, and then she gets a good look at Nina, then me, and Christian sitting in a chair by the window. Her jaw drops. “No wonder you have good security. I just walked into Hollywood.”
“You didn’t know?” Nina asks as she helps Aspen unload her bags.
“No. There was some gossip in Drips yesterday afternoon because the search and rescue guys came in for coffee. They said it was you, and I knew you married a prince, but I honestly didn’t connect the dots. I’ve been so busy with this new business, I barely remember my own name.
“But I’ve been through the search and rescue thing before, and it’s so dang exhausting. I just thought it would be nice to not have to worry about breakfast.”
“Thank you,” Jenna says with a smile. “And, please, tell us more about buying Drips. We were afraid the new owner would change everything.”
I take a huckleberry scone and bite into it, enjoying the conversation.
“I’m not changing anything,” Aspen assures the girls. “I’ve worked there as a barista for about a year now, and I love it. The staff is great, the customers are fun. I might add some food items for lunch, but that’s all.”
“What made you decide to buy it?” Nina asks.
“It’s time I fit in somewhere,” Aspen murmurs and then pastes a smile on her pretty face. I glance up to find Callum watching her thoughtfully as he sips his coffee.
I know that look.
Callum thinks she’s hot.
“It made sense,” Aspen continues. “Anyway, I don’t want to take up any more of your time. I hope you enjoy.”
“Thank you so much,” Nina says with a smile and a wave as Liam walks Aspen to the front door. “I’m so glad someone nice bought it.”
“Me, too,” Jenna agrees, reaching for a second scone.
“What did I miss?” Ellie asks as she walks into the room.
“Food,” Callum says before rushing off to catch up with Aspen.
Ellie raises an eyebrow. “Was there a girl?”
“A pretty one,” Nina affirms. “Aspen Calhoun.”
“Irish,” Ellie says as she reaches for a scone. “Did she have red hair?”
“As a matter of fact, she does,” Jenna says.
“Callum’s always had a thing for redheads,” Ellie says. “Isn’t that right, Sebastian?”
“I wouldn’t know.”
Ellie rolls her eyes. “Yes, you do.”
“I know that I have a thing for this blonde right here.” I kiss the top of Nina’s head. She cranes her neck back so she can smile up at me.
“That’s a good answer.”
Chapter 22
One Year Later
~Nina~
* * *
“Introducing, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Somerset, Prince Sebastian. And Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Somerset, Princess Nina.”
Sebastian and I enter the room to a round of applause. We’re dressed to the nines, as fancy as it gets, for this state dinner. Just a year ago, I would have been completely sick to my stomach with nerves.
But after a full year of being married to Sebastian, I can honestly say that I look forward to getting all dressed up in pretty gowns with gloves up to my elbows and dripping in jewelry. I mean, doesn’t every little girl dream of dates like this one? I have a handsome prince on my arm, and I’m in a room with some of the most powerful men and women in the world.
But the very best part is the reason everyone is assembled here this evening. My charity, Her, is finally up and running. We’re working tirelessly to help women in all of the commonwealth countries to escape abuse.
No woman should ever be harmed, especially from someone they love.
I’ve worked my ass off to get it off the ground, and we’re finally here.
Not only do the king and queen support it, they insisted on this amazing state dinner to celebrate, inviting nobility from all over Europe to attend, and to donate to the cause.
Sebastian and I sit at the table, directly across from each other. I’m sandwiched between the Queen of Denmark and the Prime Minister of France.
Nick stands discreetly behind me in case an assassin storms the castle and decides to threaten my life.
Honestly? It makes me feel better to know he’s there. Since the horrible scene on the lake last fall, I’ve followed the security detail’s instructions to the letter, and there hasn’t been another incident since that one.
I still feel guilty about it.
Sebastian smiles at me from across the table as the Prime Minister of Canada’s wife talks his ear off.
It’s funny, really. He’s a handsome and charming man. Women like to talk with him.
But only I get to go home with him later.
Maybe I’ll take his pants off with my teeth. It seems like an ambitious endeavor, but it would surprise him, and I’m all for that.
Liam is with us on this trip to London. Charles had a family emergency, so Liam’s with Sebastian, and I think my husband prefers it that way. Not that he doesn’t love Charles, but the man is nearing retirement age.
Liam’s eyes dart to my right and narrow. I follow his gaze and smile when I see he’s looking at Ellie. She’s flirting with the young gentleman sitting next to her, and I can see that Liam doesn’t like it one bit.
The evening is uneventful and full of small talk. When Sebastian and I finally make our way to our apartment, I’m nervous and excited all at the same time.
“That was amazing,” he says as he loosens his tie. “I’ve never been more proud of you than I was during your incredible speech. You had some of the world’s most powerful people in tears today.”
“I’m passionate about this cause, and I want it to do well.”
“It’s going to be a smashing success. You’re c
hanging lives, Nina.”
I smile at my husband’s praise. He’s been my biggest supporter.
“It was lovely that your parents insisted on tonight’s event. I think we’ll have some impressive donations roll in from it. Not to mention, your father was charming this evening.”
“He’s partial to you.” He leans in and kisses me in that way he does that always makes my world tilt on its axis.
“I have something I want to talk to you about,” I begin and bite my lip. I haven’t even stepped out of my shoes yet, I’m so nervous.
“Okay.” He frowns. “Are you all right?”
“Oh, yeah. I’m fine.” I swallow hard and pray he won’t be mad. Or weirded out. “We just haven’t talked about this before.”
“Just spit it out.”
“I was thinking of having my IUD removed so we could maybe have a baby.”
I watch as a myriad of emotions make their way across his handsome face. Confusion, disbelief, and then pure joy.
“Yes, I’m absolutely on board with that.”
“Oh, thank goodness. I thought maybe you didn’t want kids.”
“I want children. Of course, I do. I just didn’t want to bring it up because I thought it was something you didn’t want.”
“I never did,” I admit and finally kick the heels off my feet. “Until you. And now I can’t imagine not having children with you. You’ll be a wonderful father.”
His kiss is long and slow. Incredibly romantic.
Is it possible to get pregnant from just a kiss? Because if so, I’m pretty sure I’m having triplets.
“Let’s get started right now,” he says.
“I still have to go to the doctor and have the stupid thing removed,” I remind him with a laugh.
“We can practice, can’t we?” He tugs me toward the bedroom, but there’s a knock at the door. “Bloody interruptions.”
“They want the jewelry back,” I remind him as I open the door. The man in charge of the crown jewels collects the tiara, necklace, and earrings, and then he’s gone. “It always makes me nervous, wearing several million dollars in jewelry on my body.”
“It suits you,” he says simply. Just as he retakes my hand, there’s another knock on the door. “Now, I’m going to kill someone.”
But when he opens the door, it’s Liam. “The plane will be ready at six in the morning, sir.”
“Excellent.”
He shuts the door and turns back to me.
“If anyone else knocks, we’re ignoring it.”
“Where are we going tomorrow?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Tell me.”
He laughs and tosses me onto the bed. “You really need to get better at surprises, darling.”
“Just give me a hint.”
“No. I still wear the pants in this family.”
I cock a brow and lean over to tug his pants free with my teeth. Once I get them down his legs and toss them aside, I smile triumphantly.
“You’re not wearing pants now.”
“Well, that was fun.”
“I have more fun things up my sleeve.”
“Oh, darling, I’m counting on it.”
Epilogue
~Ellie~
Princess Eleanor Rose Elizabeth Wakefield.
Princess.
All anyone ever sees is the princess, not the woman behind the title.
There’s a lot about being a part of the royal family that I love. Of course, I love my actual family, but I also enjoy the comforts and privileges that come with the title. I won’t deny it.
But there’s also quite a lot that’s expected of me that feels stifling.
Saying “not a chance in bloody hell” to the proposal by one Beauregard Hattenham was exactly the opposite of what my parents expected.
He’s handsome.
And he’s an earl, so he has an appropriate bloodline.
He’s got an education from an Ivy League institution.
His family’s wealthy.
On paper, he looks perfect for the youngest daughter of a king.
In person? He’s an arsehole. I’d rather marry Alistair, the most boring and slobbery man on Earth.
None of the men my parents seem hell-bent on parading in front of me are marriage-worthy. Why are Mum and Father suddenly so obsessed over whether or not I find a suitable husband? I’m only twenty-five, for God’s sake. It’s not like I’m an old maid.
So, I left. I didn’t tell anyone except my security team and the pilot of the plane. I didn’t even call ahead to ask if I could barge in on Sebastian and Nina in Montana.
I just decided to show up.
At two in the morning.
No big deal.
The journey in the car from the airport to the house takes less than fifteen minutes. We walk up to the front door, and before I can knock, it opens.
I expect to see my brother.
Instead, it’s Liam, frowning down at me.
I didn’t expect to see him, but here he is in all of his scowling, disapproving, more handsome than sin glory.
“Hello, princess.”
* * *
To learn more about Kristen Proby, and for a list of her books, visit her website here: https://www.kristenprobyauthor.com
Keep
Rachel Van Dyken
Keep
A Seaside Pictures Novel
by Rachel Van Dyken
* * *
Copyright © 2016 RACHEL VAN DYKEN
* * *
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.
KEEP
Copyright © 2016 RACHEL VAN DYKEN
ISBN: 9780997145113
Cover Art by Jena Brignola
Formatting by Jill Sava, Love Affair With Fiction
May you find your mallow <3
Prologue
Zane
My palms slid against the guitar, slick with sweat, I tried to wipe them across my jeans, but it was no use. The noise was deafening. I had to remind myself why I was up there. “Saint! Saint! Saint!” Stomping ensued while I knelt down and made the sign of a cross in the air in front of me. “We want Saint! We want Saint!” With a muffled curse, I stood, then reached into my tight jeans to pull out a smashed marshmallow.
I popped it in my mouth and closed my eyes, allowing myself to be transported back to a simpler time, a time when things were easy, when decisions weren’t all on me. When life was about making mud pies and carrying around miniature marshmallows in a measuring cup.
* * *
“You don’t have to save the world,” she whispered. “You know that, right?”
“Right.” I furrowed my brow. “But why is it wrong to try?”
“Oh, Zane,” My grandma leaned down to eye level. “Just because your parents were taken from you, doesn’t make it your job to make sure everyone and everything is safe from the bad in the world.”
My frown deepened as she walked off, my two little sisters skipping after her. I was the man of the house. It was my responsibility to take care of the girls, especially Grandma, with no other family but her. That was my job. My papa told me so on my last birthday when I turned six; he said I was a man.
And it was time to be that man.
I quickly ran into my room and started making a list of how I could help. I didn’t want Grandma to lose the house, but how could she keep it if she wasn’t working? I never saw her leave for work, and we used those funny coupon things in line at the store, and sometimes, I had to bring stuff back because we couldn’t aff
ord it.
With determination, I sat at my desk and started writing out my list:
1. Make enough money so Grandma isn’t hungry. Because sometimes she gives me her extra meatloaf. I hate meatloaf.
2. Be famous, so I make money.
3. Make sure Grandma keeps her house.
I thought a little harder, shoving the end of the pen into my mouth. What else? With a grin, I wrote out the last number. Tears ran down my face at the memories, but I wrote it anyway.
4. Never, ever run out of marshmallows again.
* * *
I took the stage two stairs at a time, hands still shaking, body still trembling with anxiety, and grabbed the mic stand, sliding it in front of me. I gave a smug grin to the waiting crowd as I strummed out the first two notes. The lights dimmed, as the audience cheered, and then I held one finger to my lips as I motioned for them to be quiet.
The entire stadium went silent.
“I’m Saint…” I chuckled. “Are you ready to be saved?”
Fallon
“Nope!” I held my hands in the air and started walking backwards, maneuvering my way through crowds on the boardwalk. “This is where I draw the line. I’m not a stalker!”
“But you could be.” My friend Maggie nodded her head vigorously. “You just need to fully commit to the idea.”
“Of going to prison?”
“Oh, please.” She rolled her eyes, gaining on me. If I turned and ran from my best friend and then hid in a trash can would that make me lose best friend status or just mean I was smart? I started to turn on my heel, but she grabbed my elbow and tugged me back toward Main Street. “Do you really think he’d send a blind nineteen-year-old to prison?”