One Night with Prince Charming (Aristocratic Grooms 2)

Nevertheless, she hungrily absorbed all her glimpses of him, storing them away for a time when she’d no longer see him.

He looked so handsome and attractive tonight that she ached.

Still, by the end of the evening, Pia was weary enough to want the night to end—if only so she wouldn’t have to maintain appearances in front of Hawk and everyone else.

She had just walked out of the loftlike reception room when she heard her name called out behind her.

“Pia.”

She turned around, but she already knew who it was.

Hawk.

He walked toward her, still looking impeccable in a navy suit and silver-gray tie as the evening was drawing to a close.

She looked at the clock. It was nearing midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Too bad this Cinderella couldn’t disappear quite yet. She’d worn a simple light blue strapless dress and matching heels. But she didn’t have a carriage, or even a car. And the wedding was slated to continue until one.

Still, she didn’t think she could speak to Hawk right now.

She had to get away…get some air. Anything.

“I—I was just—”

He quirked a brow. “Leaving?”

Damn him. How dare he look so composed when he was the reason she was upset?

“I was taking a moment to compose myself,” she replied with halfhearted honesty. “I was going to touch up my makeup.”

Where was a ladies’ room when one was needed? It was the only place where she knew Hawk wouldn’t be following her.

“Why?” He surveyed her. “You look perfect.”

Except for the fact that her heart was a wreck.

She sighed. “That’s what women do, Hawk. They freshen up. Powder their nose…touch up their lipstick…”

“Why? Expecting someone to kiss you?”

She stared at him mutely. How could he be so heartless?

“Why disappear now?” he persisted. “It’s almost midnight.”

That was the point. She didn’t want everyone to witness that she had no one to kiss—not even a frog. Okay, she had some excuse in that she was on the job, but still… With Hawk in the room—who knew the truth of her circumstances—that helped little.

“Isn’t it customary for people to don boas and crowns and blow noisemakers? Why fix your hair when it’ll get messed up anyway?” He moved a little, and Pia belatedly noticed that he was holding a small bag. “In fact, I brought some items for you.”

“It was considerate of you to think of me,” she said, wondering why they were having this inane conversation.

She had no plans to blow a horn or kiss anybody.

Hawk gave a little smile. “I thought it was considerate, too.”

Pia thought it was too bad there wasn’t another platter of hors d’oeuvres nearby.

How much would it cost her to precipitate another incident at a wedding?