At least she appeared her royal role even if she didn’t feel it.
She glanced at each bachelor, following JP’s instructions to the T. She listened to Rob make his speech, then began her own rehearsed spiel.
“As each of you know, I have to make a decision today. I’ve enjoyed the past month, having been given the opportunity to know each of you.” She paused, wishing her heart was into this. “But I can only chose one.”
She looked at each bachelor on the pew. Why was her pulse throbbing so fast? She fought the need to glance at the host, all decked out in his tuxedo and looking snazzier than any man should be allowed.
And lost her battle.
He looked so good in his spiffy clothes. So very good out of his clothes.
She shuddered with an onslaught of memories of what they’d been doing only hours before. With memories of how the moonlight had illuminated his tone flesh from time to time, as he’d loved her.
Another glance revealed that his dark hair was stylishly tousled; much like she’d imagined it had looked when he’d crawled into her bed. Had he been running his fingers through it? Was he as frustrated about this set-up as she was? What would he do if she said she wouldn’t choose one of the bachelors because she wanted him?
When her gaze collided with his, she knew. Knew why her heart wasn’t into anything but the man with the hot whiskey eyes staring back at her.
She could deny it all she wanted, but the truth couldn’t be suppressed. Jill Davidson loved Rob Lancaster. Forever and always. With all her heart and soul and most definitely all of her body.
She swallowed and looked away, accidentally catching Jeff’s gaze. His eyes were warm, friendly, and he genuinely smiled at her. Not an “I’m in love with you smile”, but a nice enough expression that showed he cared about her as a person.
Why? Why couldn’t she have fallen for him?
She felt totally ridiculous. The cameras were rolling. Everyone waited on her to make her great revelation. Time was ticking away. She had to say Jeff’s name. For her sake. For Jessie’s sake. For Rob’s. JP’s. Everyone?
?s.
Just say the words. Say Jeff’s name and be done with it. She told herself. It’s not like you’ll have to go on the trip anyway. He’ll take the money. You want him to take the money.
Still unable to speak, she tilted her head to stare at Rob once more.
His eyes were unreadable from the ten feet separating them, but she doubted she would have been able to read him had he been standing directly in front of her.
Unless it was to see the message for her to forget her feelings for him and do what needed done.
“I choose--”
“Stop.” Every head in the room spun to stare at the willowy blond woman gracefully floating up the aisle toward the throne. “This woman is not who she says she is. She’s an imposter.”
Jill’s mouth fell open.
Uh-oh. Somehow this regal woman about the same age as herself, only much prettier and more feminine, had discovered the truth about her and Jessie.
Fear and relief simultaneously flooded her.
“I--” she began, but the woman interrupted.
“You’re not Princess Isabella Jane Strovanik.”
Not what she was expecting her to say, but nonetheless true. Jill watched pensively as the woman stepped up to stand between her and Rob. She went on the offensive. “Who are you?”
The blond smiled with graceful elegance, but casted a nervous glance toward where the bachelors sat. “I’m Princess Isabella Jane Strovanik. The real Princess.”
Oh heck. Now what was she supposed to do?
Jill searched the crew for direction. JP had stepped closer to the front of the room, but he offered no guidance. She glanced at Rob. His face was blank, but his eyes had turned to tumultuous molten gold. Neither of the producers seemed surprised.
They’d known about this woman? That she would be here today? Why hadn’t they told her? What was going on?