The Crown Prince's Bride (Royal Duology 2)

Ah yes. Ordinarily, that would be the perfect opening, but she was too tired, too languorous, to broach the topic. And if she were honest with herself, nights like tonight made her question what she really wanted. Moving on would mean giving up a lot.

“It’s my job, Raoul. It’s what you pay me for.”

“Is this really just a job to you?”

She met his gaze, felt her heart catch a little as his dark eyes searched hers. “Of course it’s not,” she murmured, before biting down on her lip.

“What happened last year . . . we never talked about it.”

Forget her heart catching. Now her lungs felt cramped, like she couldn’t possibly get enough air. Still, she forced herself to appear relaxed. She’d had lots of practice, after all. About seven years’ worth.

“I assumed you wanted to forget about it. You were drunk, you know?”

“I was embarrassed. And didn’t want you to hold it against me.”

“Of course I wouldn’t.” She softened her voice. “Raoul. I know you. I know you were . . .” Her throat caught a bit and she stammered. “You were lonely,” she finished.

“I was. I am. But I took advantage of your friendship, and I’m long overdue in apologizing.”

Was his memory flawed? Because he didn’t seem to remember that she’d been there too, as an active and very willing participant. “Then I should apologize as well,” she said firmly. “You weren’t alone.”

The admission didn’t ease the situation, however. Instead it was an acknowledgment that she’d been just as involved in the kiss as he had, that she had wanted it as much as he. And now that realization hummed between them, and heat crept up her cheeks.

“I may have had too much brandy,” she said quietly, leaning forward and putting the half-empty snifter on a little table.

“Well,” Raoul said, clearing his throat, “I had an idea yesterday. After the wedding, we’re going on a business trip. The tourism minister gave me some interesting ideas the other day, and I want to meet with some hoteliers and hospitality experts. I’ll need an assistant to travel with me, of course. And a minimum of security. Plus I intend to keep a light schedule and spend a few more days than necessary, so we can both have a mini vacation out of it. Both of us have been cooped up in this castle for too long.”

She stared at him in surprise. Vacation? Raoul? The last time he’d done that, he and Ceci and the children had gone to Switzerland for some skiing and time in a mountainside chalet. He’d been nose to the grindstone since her death.

“And where would we be going?” she asked, tilting her head as she looked at him. He was utterly earnest. And . . . excited. His eyes lit up and the lines around them melted away.

“The Riviera,” he answered smugly. “There are some investors I want to meet, and resort owners. Our economy needs a boost, and while we’ve got a solid tourism industry here, we’re missing some five-star opportunities. It’s time we situated ourselves as a world-class destination.”

The Riviera. She pursed her lips, trying not to drool over the idea of all that opulence and glamour. “Do you have anywhere in mind? Nice? St. Tropez? Monaco?”

“We can work out the details once the wedding’s over. But what do you say? A week of fine dining, some spa treatments, lying on the beach?”

She laughed. “That doesn’t sound much like work, Raoul. Is this your way of making me take a holiday?”

He put down his glass and his expression sobered. “We both need it,” he said quietly. “Neither of us has had a break since the accident. And it’s not like we wouldn’t be working at all. I really do want to meet with investors and developers to try something different here.” A small smile touched his lips. “Consider sampling the amenities as research.”

“Massages and body wraps?

” Her body nearly sighed, just thinking about it.

“And saunas and delicious food . . . not that there’s any shortage of that here, but something different. I was looking at one resort and they coordinate heli-tours for their guests, or evening yacht excursions.”

It did sound heavenly.

“You’re looking at enticing someone to build a new resort here?”

“Possibly. We’d have to look at environmental impact, of course, and what sort of partnership any developer would want to make with the government. I think it’s worth exploring. So does Señora Munoz.”

Ah, yes. The tourism minister. This had been on Raoul’s mind a while, then. The idea that this was a luxury getaway for two melted away, and just as well. Raoul might think she needed a vacation, but she knew he didn’t mean for them to take one together. He was as practical as she was. Combining a work trip with a little rest and relaxation was simply efficient.

“Well, it sounds like a terrible hardship,” she teased, leaning back in her chair again. “I’d suggest waiting for Diego and Rose to return from their honeymoon first. That way you can enjoy Lucy’s visit, too.”

“They’re all happy, aren’t they?” he asked, and once more she picked up on a wistful note in his voice.