Affairs of State(20)
“The president’s newly discovered daughter, Ariella, no less.” He felt a bit sheepish using her media handle to describe her to his own brother. “She’s quite something.”
“Don’t even think about it.”
“I’m afraid it’s gone well beyond thinking.” He smiled as memories of their kiss heated his blood.
“Gran will need sedation. And can you imagine Uncle Derek’s reaction?”
“I’ll try not to.” He shook his head. Their mother’s brother took a keen interest in meddling in their affairs and throwing up obstacles at every turn. “If only he’d been born royal he wouldn’t have to try so hard to be more royal than the rest of us.”
“You do realize you can’t marry an American.”
“Why not? In the old days we nearly always married into royal families from other countries.”
“Exactly. Married into royal families. You need a nice Swedish princess, or one from Monaco or Spain.”
He shoved aside an annoying twinge of misgiving. “I’d say that the president’s daughter is American royalty.”
Henry laughed. “For four years, maybe eight, but I don’t think our grandmother will see it that way.”
“I’m sure she’ll love Ariella once she meets her.” Who wouldn’t? And in his experience, people usually got over their prejudices once you gave them half a chance.
“Oh dear, you sound dangerously serious. And I know how bullheaded you are once you get going.”
“I’m not bullheaded, I just do what I think is right.”
Henry laughed. “So you do. I just hope poor Ariella knows what she’s in for.”
* * *
Ariella was attempting to butter toast while checking messages on her phone, when she saw seven messages in a row from Scarlet that must have come in while she was at the gym. She put down the butter knife and punched in Scarlet’s number.
“You’re not going to believe this.” Scarlet was breathless with excitement.
“Try me.” She could barely believe anything that happened to her lately. Every time she thought about that kiss, she was assaulted by a rush of starry-eyed excitement and a burst of salty regret. What had they started?
“We’ve been asked to put in a bid on the Duke of Buckingham’s wedding. In England!”
“That’s great.” Her mind immediately started whirling with plans for a side-trip to Ireland to find her mother.
“Could you sound a bit more excited?”
“I am, really.”
“You know how we’re trying to branch out into Europe. This will be our fifth party over there. I’d say this is some kind of landmark. And now that you’re intimate with royalty, we have an excellent chance of being chosen to plan the event.”
“You’re not going to say anything about me, are you?” Her adrenaline spiked.
“Why? Is there something going on that’s secret?” Scarlet’s voice grew hushed with anticipation.
Could she lie to Scarlet, her close friend and business partner? She sucked in a breath and braced herself. “I kissed him.”
“Ohmygod. You kissed Prince Simon?”
The truth was out. She strode across her apartment, trying to stay calm. “I still can’t believe it happened, but it did. Can I swear you to secrecy?”
“My lips are sealed. So you guys have a…a thing going?”
“I don’t know what we have going, but I’m seeing him for dinner tomorrow.” Already her heart fluttered with anticipation—and fear of where this would lead.
“You’re dating a prince. Wow. It’s a crying shame that I can’t put out a PR release about it. Can you imagine how much we could raise our prices if people knew you were practically a princess?”
“Would you stop! I’m not practically anything, except late for work.”
“You’re totally going to London to pitch this.”
“Fine. Can I eat my toast now and we’ll talk when I come into the office?”
“Oh, okay. Make me wait for details. You’re cruel like that. I’ll see you in a few.”
Ariella put the phone down and tried to distract herself by spreading some more butter. She only liked real butter but it was annoying to wait for it to melt enough to spread. She unscrewed the lid of her favorite organic apricot jam, and the phone rang again. What now? It wasn’t even eight-fifteen in the morning yet.