‘Thanks.’
Logan glanced away from where Skylar was teaching Cassidy some sort of game on the outdoor patio. He was quite sure his EA knew how to play it already, but was indulging the high-spirited child.
‘What are you thanking me for?’ he asked, taking in his brother’s relaxed demeanour.
‘Meeting Elly and Skylar on their level and not bringing your prejudices to the door.’
Logan shifted uncomfortably, well aware that if Cassidy hadn’t spoken to him about his ‘juggernaut’ face before Elly had opened the door, the outcome of the day might have been very different. ‘I did bring my prejudices to the door,’ he admitted with a wry grimace. ‘Cassidy made me leave them there.’
Leo laughed. ‘I knew I liked that woman. I’ll be sure to thank her in our wedding speech.’
Logan shook his head. ‘You’re that serious about Elly?’
‘I gave up the crown for her, didn’t I?’
Logan sighed heavily. ‘You did. And I’m man enough to acknowledge when I’m wrong.’
‘So no warning?’ Leo asked bemusedly.
‘No warning,’ Logan grouched. ‘She seems great. And it’s good to see you happy.’
‘And you.’
Logan frowned. ‘What do you mean?’
Leo shrugged. ‘It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you without your phone glued to your ear or pushing another deal through. It’s a nice change.’
Before Logan could fully process his brother’s observations Skylar’s clear voice called out to them. ‘Who wants to play hopscotch?’
Hopscotch?
Leo laughed at his flummoxed expression and Logan elbowed his brother in the ribs.
‘I’d love to,’ he said. ‘And so would Leo.’
Leo elbowed him back and placed his glass of wine on the table. ‘Prepare to have your arse whipped,’ he promised.
An hour later, with Skylar victorious, Logan downed a glass of cold water as Cassidy came up beside him at the kitchen bench. The sun had started to lower in the sky, taking some of the heat out of the air.
‘Skylar’s really tired. It might be a good time to head back,’ she murmured.
Logan nodded in agreement, dragging her delicate scent into his lungs and wanting nothing more than to tug on her ponytail to bring her mouth to his. He hadn’t touched her all day but now he wanted to. Badly. And he didn’t care if that broke his promise or not. Having her as his EA was suddenly far less important than having her in his arms.
After saying their goodbyes Cassidy settled on the moped behind him and put her hands around his waist, and Logan knew he wasn’t ready to return to the palace, or his new life, just yet.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
‘WHERE ARE WE?’
Cassidy glanced around at the small car park high up in the hills overlooking the Mediterranean. The late afternoon sunlight turned the blond streaks in Logan’s hair to gold before he covered the thick layers with a baseball cap he’d grabbed from under the seat of the moped.
‘It’s called Gran Mundo Lookout. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Arrantino. Let me show you why.’
Conscious that they were not the only people on the gravel trail, Cassidy ducked her head and clung to Logan’s hand as he led her along the path.
‘Relax,’ he advised. ‘You’re very expressive and you look like you you’ve just robbed a bank, which will make anyone watching us nervous.’
‘But what if you’re recognised?’ she hissed under her breath.