Enchanting Sebastian (Big Sky Royal 1)

“I open the shop in about thirty minutes,” Willa says, checking the time. “I got some fun new dresses in. You should come and check them out.”

Willa owns Dress It Up, a fantastic clothing boutique in downtown Cunningham Falls. It’s one of the best stores I’ve been in, and I’ve shopped on Rodeo Drive.

“I’ll definitely come in. What about you, Jenna?”

“I’m working, too. I have guests coming into the treehouses today, so I need to meet them. And I have another rental to schedule a cleaning for.”

“I have a class in thirty minutes,” Fallon says. “What about you, Nina? How is the new business going?”

Now butterflies do set up residence in my belly. I’ve been talking about this business for months, and I’m hopeful it’ll be off the ground by the end of October.

It’s coming up fast. We’re already into September.

“It’s going well,” I reply with a nod. If I could get my supposed partners to call me back, it would be even better. But I don’t mention that little snafu. “I’m hoping to launch around Halloween.”

“Perfect. Just in time for the holidays,” Willa says with a smile. “Keep us posted.”

“Oh, I will.”

Except, I won’t. Because I just don’t confide in people like the others do. Not because I don’t care about my friends or trust them. I’ve just learned to keep my mouth shut.

Having a super celebrity as a brother, and being his manager and publicist, will do that to a girl.

Once we each finish our coffee, the other girls leave, presumably off to get to work. I make a pit stop in the restroom, wave to the barista behind the counter, and push through the glass door.

Plowing right into a hard chest.

“Easy there.” Strong arms steady me, and I lean back to look into the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen.

I know exactly whom they belong to.

“You’re like running into a brick wall,” I inform Sebastian Wakefield as I step away. We’ve never formally met, but every woman in the modern world knows who Prince Sebastian is, and I’ve seen him around town before. “A very pretty brick wall.”

“Excuse me,” he says formally. “Are you all right, then?”

With a sexy accent to match his sexy face.

“I’m fine. Sorry about that.”

I turn to walk away, but he calls after me, “Wait, I think I need your name and number.”

I turn and cock an eyebrow. “Why?”

“In case I have any damages later. Trauma.” He grins, and I can see he’s teasing me. Maybe even flirting.

It’s not every day a real-life prince flirts with a girl.

“We wouldn’t want you to have any trauma,” I say and give him my sweetest smile. “That would just be horrible for you. You might need comforting.”

“My thoughts exactly.” His shoulders relax as he retrieves his phone from his pocket.

“Of course, I’d never give my number to a stranger.”

His head pops up at that, and he frowns at me. “I beg your pardon?”

“Oh, I’m sure it’s unusual for you, as a prince, to be told no. But that’s what I’m telling you.” I soften my tone with a wink. “Have a good day.”

“But how will I find you?” It sounds like something out of a chick flick. It might even be a line from one of Christian’s movies.

“It’s a small town,” I toss over my shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll run into me.”

I walk away, immediately forgetting about Prince Sebastian when my phone rings in my hand.

Finally, Safron is returning my call from L.A.

“It’s difficult to do business with you when you don’t return my calls,” I inform her when I pick up.

“It’s been busy here.” There’s no apology in her voice. “And some things came up. To be honest, Nina, I have some bad news.”

I sit in my car and close my eyes, dreading her next words.

“What’s up?”

“Well, Amanda and I have been talking,” she begins, and I know, right here and now, that I’m about to be dumped. Over the phone. “I’ve had some personal things come up recently. I met a guy, and he’s amazing, Nina. I just don’t think I can relocate to Montana right now.”

“And Amanda?”

“Cold feet,” she says simply. “I’m sorry. Really. I wish it were different, but at least we’re letting you know now before the business launches, and you’re saddled with a bunch of clients and stuff.”

“I can’t believe this.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “We already had the attorney draw up the contracts. Paperwork was done. We filed the business name with the state. Basically, we’ve put out a lot of money for nothing to happen. Actually, let me rephrase. I’ve put out a lot of money.”

“I’m sorry,” she says again. Shortly after, she hangs up.

What the hell am I going to do now?

***

I don’t mind eating alone. Actually, I don’t mind doing most things alone. But going to a restaurant, getting a table, and eating by myself is actually something I enjoy.