A Player for A Princess

“It’s a chick magnet.”

“Oh, really?” My eyes narrow.

He laughs lightly. “No.”

“Come now, MacCallum,” I tease. “Don’t be modest. I’m sure the Captain of the Caribiniers bags lots of babes.”

“The number is way down as of late,” he says, playfully serious. “It’s actually been stuck at one for quite some time now.”

“One very happy babe.” I stretch up and kiss his cheek before placing my temple against his square jaw. We’re still dancing, and I curl my fingers in his soft brown hair. “Sir Sexy Cal.”

“What’s that?” He pulls back, grinning.

“The first night we met you were wearing this coat.” I think about the charity ball, him knocking me off balance from the start. “I’d never been attracted to a man in uniform. I’m usually ready to run when I see one.”

“No worries. I’ve become accustomed to running after you.”

That makes me laugh. We’re interrupted by the announcement of the King and Queen of Monagasco. Ava and Rowan arrive in all their pomp and circumstance, and a sad twinge tightens my stomach. Cal doesn’t miss a thing. The music resumes, and I’m back in his arms.

“What’s wrong?” he asks softly.

“She seems so far away from me now,” I say. “Like she’s moved to another world, and I’m left behind.”

He s

lides his thumb over my hand. “Everyone’s excited about the coronation and the wedding. Give it a week or two. It’ll die down, and you’ll be just the same. Look at Ro and me.”

My voice is quiet. “I hope so.”

“Anyway, you’ll be the Duchess of Dumaldi, wife of the heir presumptive… You’ll be as snotty as the rest of those titled biddies.”

“I can’t do all this again,” I say with a sigh. “I’m exhausted… and I miss our villa.”

He holds me close. “I’m taking you home first thing tomorrow.”

Our eyes meet, and relief washes over me. “You make me so happy.”

“I plan to keep on making you happy for a long, long time.”

I lean in against his shoulder, and a naughty idea makes me smile. “I know what will make you happy.” My voice is low and sultry and right at his ear. “I’m not wearing panties.”

“Time to go.” He stops dancing and steps back, gripping my hand to escort me off the floor.

I’m laughing when I notice the crowd has parted. A tall woman in a crown and a flowing white dress is making her way quickly toward us. I look up, and tears heat my eyes. It’s Ava.

“Zee?” She hurries straight to me, pulling me into a hug. “I kept looking around the room, and I couldn’t find you.”

“I’m here, Ava-bug.” I reach up to move a dark wave off her cheek. “Did you need something?”

“I just wanted to say thank you. I wanted to hug you. We’re leaving for our honeymoon tomorrow, and Cal said you were going back to Tortola.” Her green eyes are round, and I recognize that look. “It feels like everything is changing.”

“Only logistically,” I say, squeezing her hand. “You’ll come and visit us, won’t you?”

“Of course!” Her voice is high, and I pull her close for another, longer hug.

“You were born for this,” I say with conviction. “You’re going to be fine. And Rowan makes you happy, right?”

She’s quiet a moment before a little smile touches her lips. “Very happy.”