The Prince and the Player

“That sounds lovely,” Ava says softly, and my eyes drink in her beautiful face.

For a moment I can’t find words. I want to say Not as lovely as you, but it’s a cheesy line, and it definitely would not fit into Reggie’s master plan, which for now I’m pretending to follow. Cal’s eyes are on me, and I know he’s waiting.

“Miss Wilder have you met my brother?”

Ava’s eyes hold mine in a way that causes stirring below my belt. They glow like green embers, and I’ll be lucky if I make it through the day without stealing a kiss.

“MacCallum Lockwood Tate, can you believe it?” My brother steps forward, turning on all the charm. I hate when her gaze moves from me to him.

“I like it,” she says with a smile. “I’m Ava.”

“Call me Cal.”

She slips a hand into the crook of his arm, and with a sigh, I turn to Miss Benedict, who I notice is watching them with what seems to be equal disappointment. It’s gone in a blink, however, and she gives me another forced smile.

“You’re too kind to take time out of your busy schedule for us. I can’t imagine what all goes into running a country.”

“We’re only a small nation-state,” I say, allowing her to hold my arm. “I had several meetings yesterday before the ball, and I’ll be in my office this afternoon. It’s not such an inconvenience.” She nods, and I remember Reggie’s last instructions. “I hope you and your friend will join us for dinner tonight at our estate in Occitan.”

“Is it in the country?”

“It’s just outside of town, down by the shore.”

“We’d be honored. It sounds beautiful.”

We’re quiet again. Cal and Ava are ahead of us chatting away like old friends. He waves at one of the buildings, and Ava’s soft laughter floats back. It’s like knives stabbing me in the chest. I tear my eyes away from them.

“I’ll send a car to the Fontaine at seven.”

“Great.”

Her voice sounds less enthused, and I glance over to find her pink lips pressed into a thin line. She’s watching the pair ahead of us, but suddenly, she blinks up at me as if remembering something. “Have you always lived here?”

“I was born

in Monagasco, so yes. It’s my home.”

“Okay…” she nods, her light blonde ponytail bouncing around her shoulders. Her heels click on the red brick pavement. “Do you have any favorite hobbies or anything?”

We’re at the entrance to the large museum, and I hold the door for her. Cal and Ava are already inside chatting with the curator.

“I used to race, but I don’t have much time for it anymore.” Much to my chagrin…

“Race? As in horses?”

“Formula One. We have quite a famous competition here every spring. It’s actually just a few weeks from now.”

“That sounds exciting. Will you be in it?”

“No.” Regret is a constant when it comes to my old pastime. It seems Miss Benedict is a quick study.

“I think you might rather be on the track than here with us.” Blue eyes slant up at me.

“Nonsense. I’m happy spending time with you and your friend.”

“Wow! Would you look at that!” She dashes ahead to the enormous, twenty-seven-foot octopus covering the ceiling in the main entrance of the museum. Its massive tentacles are spread all over the walls and around several of the pillars. I’ve seen it before, but it’s still overwhelming. “It’s incredible!”

I watch a moment as she turns in a circle looking up. Cal walks to her, hands in his pockets.“Pretty impressive, isn’t it? My great uncle wanted this to be as much about art as about the underwater world. We have Jacques Cousteau’s submarine further down in the great hall.”